The 2021 NBA Draft will take place on Thursday, July 29 at 8 PM ET. With under a week until the festivities, nothing is set. Several teams have already been involved in trade rumors, from Detroit at No. 1 to the Sixers at 28. With a Bradley Beal trade potentially imminent, and a lot of lottery teams hungry to improve, the days ahead could be even more unpredictable than usual.
That said, we are getting a better understanding for the shape of this year’s class. In this installment of our NBA mock draft, we have a lot of movement in the top-10, as well as some new faces at the back end of the first round. Also, for the first time, we have issued predictions for all 60 picks.
If you wish to read a breakdown of the top 60 prospects, regardless of team fit, you can read our Big Board. On Tuesday, we will release our annual Sixers Draft Guide, with an updated mock draft, prospect rankings, and plenty of Sixers-specific analysis.
Now, with the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select…
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 1. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have refused to tip their hand, but when push comes to shove, there’s no reason to believe Cade Cunningham won’t be the pick. If Detroit really wants Jalen Green or Evan Mobley, then expect a different team — probably Houston — to trade up and grab Cunningham. He is the unrivaled No. 1 on this writer’s board.
Cunningham would immediately assume the mantle of franchise cornerstone in Detroit, where GM Troy Weaver has built a fascinating young core around Jerami Grant. The fit between Cunningham and last year’s No. 7 pick, Killian Hayes, has been a point of debate, but Cunningham’s skill set is varied enough to survive with another point guard. Even if the fit isn’t perfect, in Detroit’s situation, you grab the generational talent. Very few prospects this decade stack up to Cunningham on paper.
At 6-foot-8, Cunningham is a three-level scorer and playmaker with advanced feel. He is not the greatest athlete, which is the only real knock, but he’s too big and skilled not to figure it out. He has craft off the dribble, excellent court vision, and a reliable jump shot. He should also become a versatile defensive weapon next to Grant and Saddiq Bey in the Detroit frontcourt.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 1
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 2. Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
There’s a lot to like about Evan Mobley here, but all the chatter points to Jalen Green being the pick. Regardless of personal philosophy, it’s understandable for Houston to prefer Green, one of the best perimeter scoring prospects the NBA has seen in a while. His athleticism and shot creation upside are tantalizing, and in the current NBA landscape, elite guard creators are the cornerstone of most contenders.
Green improved significantly over the course of his season in the G-League, becoming not only a more polished iso scorer, but finding more ways to contribute off-ball, especially as a cutter. He plays above the rim like a squirrel climbs a tree, with a whiplash-inducing first step and the ability to beat just about anyone off the dribble.
Houston would have two impressive young wing scorers in Green and Kevin Porter Jr., with Christian Wood anchoring the frontcourt and John Wall offering mentorship in the short term. With upside a priority and the NBA’s increasing emphasis on guard play, it’s hard to disagree with Green in this spot, even if Mobley is the better overall prospect.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 3
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 3. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs have a decision to make about Jarrett Allen’s next contract, but that should not — and almost certainly will not — dissuade them from taking Evan Mobley, who is the best possible outcome here. The 7-foot Mobley is one of the most well-rounded center prospects we’ve seen, and he immediately gives Cleveland a defensive anchor that has long been absent.
Mobley is skilled enough to play next to Allen, should Cleveland deem that the best path forward. The Cavs could also let him walk if the price tag exceeds a certain point. Either way, Mobley immediately becomes the best prospect on that roster, forming a dangerous two-pronged attack with Darius Garland. Mobley also gives Cleveland time to further deliberate Collin Sexton’s future, whereas Jalen Green would immediately render Sexton redundant.
Cleveland is in no position to pass on the best prospect, and it just so happens that the best prospect is also a pretty great fit. Mobley does so many things well — he can roll or pop, score facing up, playmake from the elbow, dance around defenders in the post. He would be an immediate asset on both offense and defense, which is rare for rookie big men.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 2
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 4. Jalen Suggs, Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have been linked to Scottie Barnes, but with Kyle Lowry’s impending free agency, Jalen Suggs feels like the clear choice. He’s a natural-born leader who would fit right into the system and culture Nick Nurse has cultivated in Toronto. Also, with the Raptors likely aspiring to a postseason return in 2022, Suggs gives them an immediate impact starter.
It’s not hard to write off last season as a fluke for Toronto. They spent the entire season in Tampa, and were thrown out of rhythm time and time again by injuries and COVID. That roster can still contend. Suggs has the size and versatility to share the backcourt with Fred VanVleet, and the playmaking juice to quickly take charge as the Raptors’ lead ball-handler.
Suggs’ swagger and confidence are hard to overstate. He plays like a guy who knows he can cut it. He led Gonzaga all the way to the national championship game, and before that, one of the best NCAA seasons in recent memory. He can score at every level, he’s normally one step ahead of the defense, and he will leave it all on the floor defensively. He’s the perfect way to kick off the post-Lowry era.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 4
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 5. Scottie Barnes, Orlando Magic
The Magic love length and defense, so it’s not hard to see why Scottie Barnes is the favorite here. While it’s fair to question his fit — he’s a non-shooter, while Jonathan Isaac and Chuma Okeke already provide defensive versatility on the wing — Barnes is a great young player, and he should figure it out regardless of team context.
Barnes spent much of last season running point for Florida State. The 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward can orchestrate the offense, especially when it’s grab-and-go in transition. He’s exceedingly smart and unselfish, with a knack for locating shooters and getting teammates involved. His lack of a jumper stings, but he would give Orlando a lot of fascinating small-ball options.
Defense is where Barnes hangs his hat, and there’s no doubt that a defensive core of Barnes and Isaac — with the likes of Okeke, Mohamed Bamba, Markelle Fultz, Wendell Carter Jr., and Gary Harris also on the roster — would give Orlando a competitive defense fairly quickly. If Barnes is the best prospect in Orlando’s eyes, then he’s a perfectly reasonable pick.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 6
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 6. James Bouknight, Oklahoma City Thunder
The James Bouknight buzz is getting louder and louder, and it would appear he’s a real possibility for OKC at six. That would leave the high upside of Jonathan Kuminga on the board, but it’s not unwise for the Thunder to invest in a high-caliber backcourt partner for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Next to Jalen Green, Bouknight is far and away the best guard scorer in the draft.
The 3-point shot was a concern at UConn, but by all indications, Bouknight has soothed concerns about his shot in workouts. He’s a very natural scorer, with shifty athleticism and a deep bag of tricks. He creates separation with ease, and should the jumper pan out, there’s every reason to believe he can become a reasonable first or second option in the NBA.
The Thunder have plenty of assets invested on the defensive end, with Luguentz Dort and a host of versatile young forwards on the roster already. Bouknight is 6-foot-4, but has a 6-foot-8 wingspan. He would form a long backcourt with Gilgeous-Alexander, and would not sacrifice the positional versatility OKC has worked hard to build up. At some point, the Thunder need someone other than SGA to score, and Bouknight helps greatly in that department.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 7
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 7. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
The Warriors seem pretty eager to trade this pick for another star. Whether or not such a deal materializes, of course, is another matter entirely. This would mark a bit of a fall for Jonathan Kuminga, and even then, he’s not the most natural fit in Golden State. The Warriors want to win a championship, and Kuminga may not contribute consistently for a year or two.
That said, if the pick does get traded, it would likely involve a team getting rid of its star. In that case, drafting a player like Kuminga — with very clear star upside — is a sensible option. In the event Golden State does keep the pick, Kuminga has enough tools-wise to tempt them. He’s a strong 6-foot-8 wing with the ability to hit tough shots and defend multiple positions. The Warriors’ player development program was upgraded this offseason, and Kuminga could quickly become its crowning achievement.
Worst case scenario, the Warriors look to free agency and the trade market for immediate help while Kuminga develops as a bridge to the future. There’s very little chance this pick is a starter, and Kuminga not being a big-minutes rotation player as a rookie probably doesn’t impact Golden State’s title odds. Steve Kerr would prefer to lean on vets anyway.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 5
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 8. Alperen Sengun, Orlando Magic
This is probably the absolute top of Alperen Sengun’s range, but with Nikola Vucevic no longer in Orlando, the Magic could look to reinforce the center position. There’s also a decent chance Orlando dangles this pick on the trade market, either to move down (OKC has the 16th and 18th picks, for example) or to kick the can down the road.
There’s a lot to like about Sengun, who is worthy of a pick this high. He has dominated in Europe, winning Turkish League MVP at 18 years old. He has some throwback qualities, which will deter certain front office execs, but his shooting upside, passing chops, and defensive hustle are reason to believe he can thrive in the modern NBA.
For Orlando, Wendell Carter Jr. is a fine prospect, but Mo Bamba is on the very edge of bust. There aren’t too many holes in Orlando’s young core. Another shot creator would help, but if the Magic aren’t fans of Davion Mitchell or Josh Giddey, then the intrigue of Sengun in the frontcourt could win the day.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 9
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 9. Franz Wagner, Sacramento Kings
The Kings have come up in trade rumors of late, so this is another pick that could get traded. There’s a lot of that going around. If Sacramento stays put, it’s likely with the intention of adding a day-one contributor who can bolster a vein attempt at playoff relevancy. Franz Wagner would fit the bill.
Wagner was one of the better wing defenders in college basketball. At 6-foot-9, he’s hyper-aware, using active hands and a 220-pound frame to muck up the opposing offense. He can play either forward spot, and would give Sacramento some much needed connective tissue next to De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton.
Sacramento’s wing rotation is not particularly deep, with Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield shouldering outsized responsibilities. Wagner is not a go-to scorer, but he won’t need to be. He’s a great role player, with impeccable offensive instincts, real passing chops, and a team-friendly approach to the game.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 11
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 10. Moses Moody, New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are yet another team swirling around the rumor mill, but if the pick stays in New Orleans, then you can expect a player who is ready to contribute from the jump. Moses Moody has been mentioned a lot around the lottery lately, and he’s the kind of rock-solid 3-and-D wing a team like the Pelicans would value.
Moody is a strong 6-foot-6 wing who can defend multiple positions and provide some lineup flexibility. The Pelicans may look for a guard here (Davion Mitchell, Josh Giddey, Keon Johnson), but with Kyle Lowry, Lonzo Ball, and other free agents all on the table, consider me unsurprised if it’s inevitably a wing.
The Pelicans don’t get much “upside” in Moody, but he’s a good bet to play as a rookie. He can hit spot-up 3s, get to his spots in the mid-range, and fill a complementary role on offense. Zion Williamson is the star around which New Orleans’ entire solar system revolves. Moody’s ability to bolster the perimeter defense and space the floor would make him a clear fit with Zion.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 22
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 11. Kai Jones, Charlotte Hornets
This is on the higher end of Kai Jones’ range, and there’s a chance he falls as far as the 20s. That said, if any team should see the light at the end of the tunnel and bet on Jones’ upside, it’s Charlotte. The fit is too perfect, both for Jones’ own personal development, and Charlotte’s long-term trajectory as a budding contender.
Jones will, in all likelihood, be a mess in his first season. He needs to become more aware defensively and learn how to make use of all his tools. That said, Charlotte cannot expect to win a championship in 2022. Jones can play behind the likes of Cody Zeller and P.J. Washington, no problem. When he does hit his stride, however, Jones’ blend of athleticism and burgeoning skill would be a perfect frontcourt complement to LaMelo Ball’s free-wheeling style.
A lanky 7-footer, Jones can run the floor in long strides, and he has the widest catch radius of any lob-catching center in the first round. On defense, he is nimble enough to stick with guards on the perimeter. Jones, Washington, and Gordon Hayward would form a switchable defensive core with the capacity to throw different looks at different teams. Not to mention LaMelo, who is 6-foot-7. The Hornets should jump at the chance to pick Jones, who in my opinion, is a top-five prospect.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 5
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
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 13. Davion Mitchell, Indiana Pacers
The Pacers’ starting five is set, and with Rick Carlisle at the helm, there’s an urgency to return to contention next season. That leads to Davion Mitchell, one of the best guards in college basketball, the standout player of the NCAA tournament, and someone who can contribute from day one.
Mitchell was a bit of a late bloomer in college. He didn’t shoot well until his junior season, and there are still concerns tied to his subpar free-throw percentage. He’s also on the smaller side at 6-foot-2, with only a 6-foot-5 wingspan. Even so, he’s a confident scorer and playmaker, with a quick first step, polished go-to moves, and a fairly high basketball I.Q. The Pacers could play him behind or next to the likes of Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert in the backcourt.
Despite his size, Mitchell is also a tenacious defender who excels at the point of attack. He’s only a situational defender — he’s not perfect in a switch-heavy scheme, for example — but the Pacers are not a switch-heavy scheme, and Mitchell’s effort containing ball-handlers would fit nicely with Indiana’s system. He’s great value late in the lottery.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 10
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 14. Trey Murphy III, Golden State Warriors
The Warriors took Kuminga at seven, settling for a high-upside player who may not contribute as a rookie. With this pick, Golden State grabs a potential rotation piece. Trey Murphy has been steadily rising up draft boards all summer, and for good reason. He’s the quintessential 3-and-D wing, with a clean 3-point stroke and excellent defensive instincts.
At 6-foot-9, Murphy fits Golden State’s long-held tradition of versatile role players situated around Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Murphy will not create his own shot, but there’s no need for that in Golden State. He would simply hit spot-up 3s, play off the gravity of the Warriors’ star backcourt, and do his part for the Warriors’ defense.
Murphy is a very disruptive defender, with quick hands and great free-safety potential. He would learn a lot from Draymond. Even if the Warriors were to trade this pick, it seems more and more likely that Murphy will come off the board in this range, rather than later in the first round, like many evaluators predicated a month ago.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 13
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 15. Corey Kispert, Washington Wizards
The Wizards essentially rostered two credible shooters last season, and the results were about what you would expect: a fruitless run to the eighth seed that cast further doubt upon Bradley Beal’s future with the franchise. So long as Beal is around, the Wizards will try to win. Corey Kispert can help right away, and he’s arguably — if not unequivocally — the top shooter on the board.
Kispert’s 3-point shot alone would make him a valuable part of the Wizards’ young rotation. Outside the star duo, Washington’s roster is full of holes. Kispert would have no trouble finding time with the Wizards’ ramshackle second unit, maybe even the starting five. Rui Hachimura and Deni Avdija are good prospects, but Washington is in dire need of more firepower in the supporting cast. Kispert can provide some.
At 6-foot-6, Kispert is fairly one-dimensional as a prospect. He’s not a great defender, despite a very strong competitive streak, and he’s not particularly nuanced offensively. He will cut to the rim and make himself useful off-ball, but Kispert does not create for himself or for others at a high level. That said, his shooting does make life easier on teammates, and the Wizards need it as much as any team.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 20
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 16. Jalen Johnson, Oklahoma City Thunder
There have been reports of potential “character issues” with Jalen Johnson, who left Duke early and bounced between different high schools before that. Frankly, his decision to leave Duke, and whatever decisions he made before that in high school, are likely justifiable and human. That’s not a good reason to dock a talented player. OKC is smart enough to look past it, given Johnson’s tremendous upside and fit.
Comparisons to Ben Simmons have come naturally for Johnson, a 6-foot-9 forward with elite transition playmaking and one critical halfcourt flaw — his jump shot. Johnson does not space the floor, and he may struggle to score at first, but his size, versatility, and upside are rare gifts. He already generates a ton of open looks for teammates, and should improve as a scorer over time.
The Thunder have a strong backcourt duo in Gilgeous-Alexander and Bouknight. The majority of the remaining roster is presently dedicated to long, multi-dimensional wings and forwards who can oscillate between positions. That is right up Johnson’s alley, especially when you consider the youth in OKC and the Thunder’s potential to simply out-run other teams.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 14
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 17. Jaden Springer, Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies would benefit from another ball-handler in the second unit. Ja Morant is one of the NBA’s most prolific creators, but the shot-creation responsibilities currently bestowed upon Dillon Brooks and De’Anthony Melton are too much. Jaden Springer can give Memphis more variety in the backcourt, and he’s well-equipped to contribute from day one.
Memphis is a very analytically-driven organization, and Springer is a favorite in the analytics circle. He’s a well-rounded contributor on both sides of the ball, and fits the general Memphis philosophy of drafting high-I.Q. players who understand how to play within themselves. Springer is not Morant’s future co-star, but he’s an excellent glue guy with starter upside.
Springer’s perimeter defense would add another edge to the Grizzlies’ rotation, too. He’s a terror at the point of attack, and equally disruptive when stationed off the ball. Memphis has a fairly balanced roster, but Springer’s skill set as a secondary ball-handler and floor-spacer would be quite useful.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 17
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 18. Keon Johnson, Oklahoma City Thunder
This is probably the lower end of Keon Johnson’s draft range. For much of the summer he has been talked about as a potential top-10 pick, with evaluators raving about his athleticism and upside. For OKC, that’s an easy sell. This is one of three top-20 picks for OKC, so making a home-run swing is sensible.
Johnson didn’t play basketball full-time until high school, which indicates a high trajectory and quick learning curve. He has a long way to go skill-wise, but he can already get downhill and play above the rim as well as any guard in this draft. His explosiveness hints at significant potential if he can clean up his handles and smooth over his jump shot. OKC has a long history of drafting high-level athletes who aren’t quite skilled enough to play their positions yet.
While he figures out the offense, Johnson’s primary value will come on the defensive end. He does an effective job weaponizing his athleticism on that side of the ball, with plus instincts and hustle. He can blow up passing lanes, or use his 6-foot-7 wingspan to stifle ball-handlers. As a rookie, he would ultimately serve in a bench role behind Gilgeous-Alexander and Bouknight.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 19
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 19. Chris Duarte, New York Knicks
The Knicks will aim to build on a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference, which means seeking NBA-ready contributors who play both sides of the ball. Shooting was a big hole in New York’s offense last season, and it killed them in the playoffs. Chris Duarte is one of the best shooters on the board, and at 24 years old, he should help right away.
That age is a scary number, and it will repel some teams. That said, Duarte is as safe a bet as any to play positive-impact basketball in the NBA. At 6-foot-6, he’s a knockdown shooter who thrives in an off-ball role. Duarte’s off-movement shooting would loosen the reigns on Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett, who spent much of last season facing a clogged paint.
Duarte also does the little things as a passer, screener, and most importantly, a defender to put him the good graces of Tom Thibodeau, who will no doubt appreciate Duarte’s veteran nature. He doesn’t have the same high ceiling as others on the board, and he’s already on the verge of his prime, but the Knicks are not the team to care.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 23
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 20. Cameron Thomas, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have the deepest team in the NBA. Outside of John Collins and Lou Williams — both of whom are reasonably likely to return — there are no free agents of consequence. That said, Williams’ star is fading, so it may behoove Atlanta to seek out his replacement. Enter Cameron Thomas, one of the draft’s most gifted individual scorers.
Thomas does not have great offensive habits, but in Atlanta, he would have a short leash and a well-defined role, which could benefit his development. He would also have the luxury of learning from Williams (assuming he returns) and Trae Young. Thomas can get his own shot at will, and that tough shot-making gene is indicative of real go-to upside.
Atlanta can essentially burn this pick on any position. The Hawks should prioritize upside, and Thomas embodies that philosophy more than any prospect left on the board. He could, if everything breaks right, give Atlanta a real No. 2 scorer next to Young in the backcourt. It would take time, and he would sit on the fringe of the rotation as a rookie, but this is a good landing spot for Thomas.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 15
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 21. Usman Garuba, New York Knicks
The Knicks are coached by Tom Thibodeau, whose operating principle in life is capital-D Defense. The Knicks are run by Leon Rose, who formerly worked at CAA, the agency that represents Usman Garuba, a defense-first player. This is a match made in heaven, if you’re Knicks management. It feels something like destiny.
While Garuba’s skill set does not fill much of an immediate need, he does have a great deal of potential to contribute on the defensive end, and it’s potential that should pay off quickly. He’s an elite on-ball defender at 6-foot-8, with endless reserves of energy and a singular determination to impose his will on that side of the ball. Thibodeau will love him.
The Knicks’ center situation is a bit murky, and Garuba provides enough positional flexibility to partner with Julius Randle in smaller frontcourt configurations. He will get ignored behind the 3-point line, which isn’t ideal, but Garuba feels too much like a Knicks target not to be a Knicks target.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 26
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 22. Jared Butler, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have a need at point guard. While no one will overtake LeBron James as the lead ball-handler, a lack of secondary creators was the death of LA last season. Health permitting, the Lakers are borderline title favorites. That said, with Dennis Schroder eligible to leave in free agency, LA would be wise to reinforce the backcourt.
Jared Butler was recently cleared to play by the NBA after concerns arose around a heart condition. That joyous news should cement his status as a first-round pick. He was one of the top guards in college basketball, with the kind of perimeter scoring ability that LA craves. He can work on or off the ball, with a versatile 3-point stroke and zippy handles. He’s also a credible defender, despite his small 6-foot-2 frame.
Only 20 years old despite playing three college seasons, Butler has the experience and pedigree LA should be looking for. He is a proven entity, with the potential to add rotation value as a rookie. Unless the Lakers can somehow land Chris Paul, there aren’t a ton of great free agent point guards in their (very low) price range. Butler could prove important.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 28
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 23. Sharife Cooper, Houston Rockets
A steal for the Rockets, who get a potential backcourt of the future in Sharife Cooper and Jalen Green in one fell swoop. Cooper averaged over 20 points and eight assists as a freshman, and is arguably the best pure passer in the draft. He can sling every pass in the book, with great comfort working out of the pick-and-roll.
The Rockets still have John Wall under contract, but he’s a casualty of the rebuild, not a building block. Houston will have plenty of reps to offer Cooper from day one. At 6-foot-4, he’s a crafty ball-handler, with the speed and manipulation skills to penetrate the defense and pick them apart. If he can become a more consistent 3-point shooter — his most glaring weakness — then he could outclass a lot of the names picked before him.
Green is Houston’s go-to scorer and the ringleader of a new generation. Cooper, however, can run the offense and fit all the pieces together. The Rockets could use this pick (with other assets) to trade up for Cade Cunningham, but so long as they stay here, Cooper is a clear fit.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 16
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 24. Isaiah Jackson, Houston Rockets
Having used two picks on the perimeter, Houston uses its third and final first-round pick to acquire help in the frontcourt. Kelly Olynyk can leave in free agency, which would leave a sizable hole in the Rockets’ rotation. Enter Isaiah Jackson, one of the draft’s standout athletes and a potential backup to Christian Wood.
Jackson can run and jump with the best of them. At 6-foot-10, he moves in long, sweeping strides, with great explosiveness at the rim. He’s a lob threat and a shot-blocker, with upside to improve on both ends as his fundamentals develop and he gains a greater feel for the game. At 19 years old, Jackson is raw, but has plenty of room to grow. Houston can spare the patience.
This would mark a pretty successful draft for Houston, addressing needs with Cooper and Jackson, while getting a franchise cornerstone in Green. If the Cunningham speculation somehow comes to fruition, then even better. If the Rockets do trade this pick — to Detroit or elsewhere — then Jackson is still a name to watch. He won’t drop much further than this, and there aren’t many good bigs in the first-round conversation.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 32
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 25. Tre Mann, LA Clippers
Reggie Jackson played his way out of LA’s price range in the playoffs. With Rajon Rondo no longer a reliable rotation piece, and Kawhi Leonard expected to miss extended time (or leave the team entirely), the Clippers should probably seek out another playmaker on the perimeter. Very few players finished the college season stronger than Tre Mann.
Mann is a deep-range shooter who can hit pull-up jumpers well past the NBA line, and he has the I.Q. to weaponize his scoring threat as a passer. He’s not a great athlete, and will need to get by on craft rather than explosiveness, but the Clippers have other shot-makers — namely Paul George — to ease his burden.
The next step for Mann is getting his defense in check. At 6-foot-5, he has the size to defend either guard spot, but he was not the most engaged defender at Florida. That will have the change in the NBA, but the Clippers’ player development crew has a strong track record. Also, Tre Mann and Terance Mann on the same roster! Mann oh Mann!
BIG BOARD RANKING: 19
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 26. Ziaire Williams, Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have made a habit of risk-taking on draft night, with a clear eye toward elite high school prospects who struggled in one way or another at the college level. Ziaire Williams fits the bill as a former top-10 recruit who simply could not establish a rhythm at Stanford. There are significant holes in Williams’ game, but this is another worthy upside swing from Denver.
At 6-foot-9, Williams’ ceiling as a big shot-making wing is difficult to pass up this late in the draft. He’s razor-thin, and there are valid concerns about his durability on defense. That, combined with abysmal efficiency numbers at Stanford, will lead many teams to reject the premise of Williams altogether. If he can’t hit perimeter shots at a consistent rate, he’s probably not an NBA player. That said, the shot looks fine, and his track record dating back to high school should breed confidence.
If Williams does hit jumpers, then he’s a legitimate go-to scorer with the size and playmaking instincts to add another layer to Denver’s dynamic offense. There’s some overlap in skill and position with Michael Porter Jr. — especially if neither can defend — but the Nuggets are betting on one of them figuring it out, and that’s a fair gamble.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 21
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 27. Joshua Primo, Brooklyn Nets
The 18-year-old Joshua Primo is the youngest player on the board, which may seem antithetical to Brooklyn’s immediate championship aspirations. That said, age is only a number. He’s an elite off-ball shooter who plays rock-solid defense, despite a slight 6-foot-4 frame.
Primo competes hard and he embraced a complementary role at Alabama. In fact, one of the big knocks on Primo is that he was seldom more than a third or fourth option in the Crimson Tide offense. He has not had too many opportunities to showcase the full extent of his skill set. Some, however, will view the unknown as upside, not uncertainty.
The Nets have shown they can win at a high level without traditional lineups. Primo is another guard, but he should have no trouble sneaking into the rotation if he plays well enough. He has the competitive spirit to guard bigger wings, and his frame leaves plenty of room for additional muscle. His skill set complements Brooklyn’s star trio well.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 31
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 28. Miles McBride, Philadelphia 76ers
Do not be surprised if the Sixers trade this pick. That said, if it does stay in Philadelphia, then Miles McBride is a great selection. He is probably the most competitive defender in the draft, which is enough to justify a first-round grade. He’s only 6-foot-3, but has a 6-foot-9 wingspan and is a weighted blanket for opposing point guards.
If the Sixers end up trading Ben Simmons, then another elite point-of-attack defender could come in handy. Matisse Thybulle can cover a lot of ground, but last season’s defensive success was predicated on Simmons’ ability to stifle the perimeter while Joel Embiid protects the rim. If Simmons is traded for a more offensive-minded player, the Sixers will need to plug the holes somehow.
McBride is no scrub offensively, either. He’s a capable pull-up shooter out to the 3-point line, and a confident game manager. He’s a legitimate point guard who can share the floor with players like Tyrese Maxey and Seth Curry because of his stout defense. McBride has fan favorite (and coach’s favorite) written all over him.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 25
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 29. JT Thor, Phoenix Suns
The Suns will look to get right back to the NBA Finals next season. Phoenix is a well-rounded team without too many holes, but frontcourt depth was problematic down the stretch. Dario Saric tore his ACL, and Torrey Craig is entering free agency. If the Suns don’t have supreme confidence in Jalen Smith, then a player like JT Thor would make sense.
Thor has tremendous upside linked to his defensive versatility. At 6-foot-9, Thor can contain guards on the perimeter, play free safety in passing lanes, or provide weak-side rim protection. He’s all over the place, with a strong motor and a gaping 7-foot-3 wingspan. He would preserve Phoenix’s current lineup flexibility.
On offense, Thor is a bit further away from providing consistent value. He showed flashes of a 3-point shot at Auburn, and he’s plenty capable of soaring for lobs and finishing plays at the rim. He would benefit from Chris Paul’s careful orchestration of the Suns’ offense, but in all likelihood, he would need some time to develop.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 27
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 30. Ayo Dosunmu, Utah Jazz
The Jazz need players who can defend the perimeter and keep ball-handlers out of the paint. Ayo Dosunmu, on top of elite offensive production at Illinois, can certainly defend the ball. He’s one of the hardest workers in the draft, and that translates to the defensive end, where he never lacks for hustle. Dosunmu is 6-foot-5, with long arms and the versatility to play either guard spot.
Utah will want an instant contributor who can help them win a championship. Mike Conley is expected to re-sign, and the Jazz are not short on playmakers, but Dosunmu has the skill set of a useful glue guy. He’s an aggressive downhill driver and transition threat who facilitates at a reasonably high level. He’s not the best shooter, but Utah has never had trouble spacing the floor.
Dosunmu’s work ethic and desire to improve are well-documented. He is someone teams will have confidence in — if not as a future starter, then at least as a player who can embrace his skill set and carve out a role in the NBA. The Jazz reward that with a first-round pick.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 29
2021 NBA Mock Draft — SECOND ROUND
31. MILWAUKEE BUCKS — Nah’Shon Hyland, G, VCU
32. NEW YORK KNICKS — Day’Ron Sharpe, C, North Carolina
33. ORLANDO MAGIC — Isaiah Todd, F, G-League Ignite
34. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER — Brandon Boston Jr., G, Kentucky
35. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS — Herb Jones, F, Alabama
36. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER — Filip Petrusev, C, Mega Soccerbet
37. DETROIT PISTONS — Joe Wieskamp, F, Iowa
38. CHICAGO BULLS — Austin Reaves, G, Oklahoma
39. SACRAMENTO KINGS — Josh Christopher, G, Arizona State
40. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS — Joel Ayayi, G, Gonzaga
41. SAN ANTONIO SPURS — Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, F, Villanova
42. DETROIT PISTONS — Jason Preston, G, Ohio
43. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS — Rokas Jokubaitis, G, Zalgiris Kaunas
44. BROOKLYN NETS — David Johnson, G, Louisville
45. BOSTON CELTICS — Quentin Grimes, G, Houston
46. TORONTO RAPTORS — Isaiah Livers, F, Michigan
47. TORONTO RAPTORS — Neemias Queta, C, Utah State
48. ATLANTA HAWKS — Kessler Edwards, F, Pepperdine
49. BROOKLYN NETS — Jericho Sims, C, Texas
50. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS — Sandro Mamukelashvili, C, Seton Hall
51. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES — Juhann Begarin, G, Paris Basketball
52. DETROIT PISTONS — Ariel Hukporti, C, Nevėžis Kėdainiai
53. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS — Jose Alvarado, G, Georgia Tech
54. INDIANA PACERS — Justin Champagnie, F, Pittsburgh
55. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER — Greg Brown, F, Texas
56. CHARLOTTE HORNETS — Aaron Henry, F, Michigan State
57. CHARLOTTE HORNETS — Charles Bassey, C, Western Kentucky
58. NEW YORK KNICKS — Luka Garza, C, Iowa
59. BROOKLYN NETS — Vrenz Bleijenbergh, F, Antwerp Giants
60. INDIANA PACERS — Dashien Nix, G, G-League Ignite