2021 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Pistons make right choice, movement in top-10
Josh Giddey. 12. player. 29. . G. San Antonio Spurs
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 12. Josh Giddey, San Antonio Spurs
Josh Giddey could go as high as seven, with Golden State’s interest in the 18-year-old being well documented. A Rookie of the Year campaign in the NBL established Giddey as a lottery pick, and he provides a lot of what the Spurs have traditionally valued under Gregg Popovich. He’s not a great shooter, but the Spurs have never been a big 3-point shooting team.
With Giddey, the Spurs would have several playmakers on the perimeter. DeMar DeRozan is a virtual guarantee to walk in free agency, so Giddey’s willingness to attack the teeth of the defense and distribute could help fill a void, even if he’s not half the in-between scorer DeRozan is.
Getting better as a shooter should be Giddey’s primary goal. He sees the floor as well as anyone in the draft, and he will contribute defensively. There’s touch on Giddey’s shot, and he’s not totally lost, so there’s reason for optimism. Once upon a time, Kawhi Leonard cast a very favorable light on San Antonio’s developmental staff. Since then, Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Keldon Johnson, and Lonnie Walker have all reaped the benefits. Giddey could be next in line.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 12