17/7/20
2021 NBA Draft - First Round (Part One)
Here comes NBA commissioner Adam Silver to begin proceedings.
"I'd like to welcome everyone to the 2021 NBA draft, including the young men sitting in this room hoping to see their dreams come true today, but also the millions watching this broadcast live around the world. This is an exciting time for these young men in this room, many of whom will begin their NBA journeys today."
He then heads backstage as the clock starts ticking down for the Charlotte Hornets. Will they pick Cade Cunningham at number one as expected? Or will they throw up a curve ball?
Just a quick reminder that one trade was completed prior to the draft which affects the order in the first round. Atlanta traded rookie Jalen Smith and pick 23 to Sacramento in exchange for Bogdan Bogdanovic. Smith was taken with pick 11 last year. It could be a clue that the Kings are looking at a guard at pick 2.
-----Pick 1
Charlotte Hornets
Adam Silver returns to the podium to announce the first selection.
"With the first pick of the 2021 NBA draft, the Charlotte Hornets select.. Cade Cunningham, from Oklahoma State University."
As so many had predicted, the Hornets have decided to go with the college point guard phenom who dazzled crowds in the Sooner State. Cunningham has been one of the most highly-touted prospects of the past decade, perhaps only behind the likes of Anthony Davis and Zion Williamson. His unique size and skill set as a point guard make him an extremely interesting prospect for the modern NBA.
He will link up with 2020 first overall pick James Wiseman in Charlotte. Hornets owner Michael Jordan will be hoping that these two can form a similarly dominant partnership to that of all-star pair Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons in Philadelphia. Those two led the 76ers to an upset victory in the 2019 Finals against the Warriors. Suffice to say the Hornets would love to just get back to the playoffs to start with, before they think about championships.
Amongst Cade's many strengths are his elite court vision and decision making ability. He controls the offense with maturity and has the tools to comfortably score from anywhere on the court. Cade basically has a lot of similar attributes to Simmons, except he is a couple of inches shorter and a much better shooter. Most would argue that isn't a bad trade-off with the way the league is currently dominated by elite shooters.
Former lottery pick Malik Monk will no doubt be thrilled with Cunningham's arrival. Monk averaged 21 points per game two seasons ago and had many thinking that he would take the step to becoming an all-star, but he had a slump last season and regressed to only averaging 15 points per game on a Hornets team that severely lacked quality. He should find things much easier playing alongside someone who attracts a lot of defensive attention.
Cade's arrival will undoubtedly cast the futures of Terry Rozier, Emmanuel Mudiay and Devonte' Graham into doubt now. Rozier has one-year left on the $56 million deal he signed in 2019, whilst Mudiay still has two years left on his contract worth $23 million. Graham though will be a restricted free agent next month and may find himself the odd man out. With Cunningham now likely to be given the starting role as the new face of the franchise, it seems as though Rozier and Mudiay will be fighting to lead the second unit.
2020-21 Stats: 32 Games - 24.1 PPG - 5.1 RPG - 8.6 APG - 0.5 BPG - 3.6 SPG
NBA Comparison: Grant Hill
Fan Opinion: "I'm super excited about this! The only way is up for us now with Cade and Wiseman on our team."
-----WE HAVE A TRADE TO ANNOUNCE!
Sacramento is sending pick 2 to Toronto in exchange for pick 3 and 2022 Raptors First Round Pick (Top 3 protected).
Drama straight away as the Raptors make a bold play to acquire the second overall pick from Sacramento!
It appears as though they are desperate to land USC big man Evan Mobley and felt that he wouldn't have made it past the Kings at pick two. Using a first rounder from next year to move up now is a bit risky given it could easily be another top-10 pick, but Masai Ujiri is apparently confident that Mobley is worth it. Toronto need a long-term replacement for Marc Gasol to play alongside Pascal Siakam and Mobley looks like a great prospect.
This seems like a typical Kings deal. They have passed up the opportunity at the best player available and moved down the draft in order to secure more assets. But perhaps there is method to their madness this time because that Raptors pick could be a top-10 selection in the supposedly equally as strong 2022 draft. So they still get access to Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Suggs or Ziaire Williams, but they also get another top pick in a strong draft next year. That pick could be used to add another talented youngster to their growing team or even in a trade for a more established star.
-----Pick 2
Toronto Raptors
And sure enough Toronto have selected USC center Evan Mobley with the second overall pick. This is who they traded up for, presumably.
Mobley is the most gifted big man in this draft class. He had a very impressive season at USC and many people thought that he would have been a worthy number one pick. It will be interesting to see how Mobley, who was born in California and spent all his playing career there, will adapt to move to the opposite coast and living in a foreign country.
One thing is for sure though, his offensive game is very polished for a player his age. He will fill the modern big man role well, thanks to his shooting range, but he has also shown signs of becoming a solid rim protector on defense. His length, coordination and timing allow him to block and alter shots whenever an opponent dares to challenge him at the rim.
The Raptors are in a transition phase with veterans Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka likely leaving via free agency. Their core consists of 27 and 28-year-olds like Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, Chris Boucher and Norman Powell. But they also have younger guys like OG Anunoby, Nico Mannion and now Mobley.
In addition to drafting Mobley the Raptors will also have pick 15 to add another young player to their team. That pick was acquired when they traded Kyle Lowry to the Knicks.
2020-21 Stats: 32 Games - 22.2 PPG - 12.3 RPG - 3.0 APG - 4.2 BPG - 1.3 SPG
NBA Comparison: LaMarcus Aldridge
Fan Opinion: "Very happy with the decision to move up and grab Mobley. Gasol is probably leaving and we just got his long-term replacement."
-----Pick 3
Sacramento Kings
Now it's time to see who Sacramento go with after trading down to pick 3. And it's Jalen Green, who spent this season playing with the G-League Ignite developmental team.
An elite offensive talent, Green lit up the G-League this season and was even drawing some comparisons to Tracy McGrady. Shooting guard prospects with his combination of athleticism and shot-making ability don’t come along very often. Not many players are as fierce on the court as Kobe Bryant was, but Green has something about him that is similar.
The Kings traded Bogdan Bogdanovic to Atlanta earlier this week for Jalen Smith and pick 23, in what seemed like a tanking move. But it seems that they were making room on their roster because they knew they wanted to draft Green. We can assume the trade with the Raptors was done with the understanding that they would be taking Mobley and leaving Green to the Kings.
Being a Kings fan hasn't been easy since, well.. 1951 when the team was based in Rochester. But there are finally some reasons to get excited. Green joins a team where De'Aaron Fox is one of the best young guards in the league and seems on the verge of being an all-star, former number two pick Marvin Bagley III finally showed signs of living up to his draft position and 2020 7th overall pick Deni Avdija had a promising rookie campaign.
2020-21 Stats: 25 Games - 27.1 PPG - 7.0 RPG - 5.5 APG - 2.0 BPG - 2.5 SPG
NBA Comparison: Eddie Jones
Fan Opinion: "The Bogi trade makes a lot more sense now. Hopefully Green fits in well with Fox and Bagley."
-----Pick 4
Oklahoma City Thunder
Next up are Oklahoma City with pick 4. They select Green's G-League teammate Jonathan Kuminga.
The Congolese small forward fills a big hole on the Thunder's roster. Their guard spots are already filled superbly by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards, whilst power forward Isaiah Mobley emerged as a legitimate inside scorer during his rookie campaign. Having those scoring options allows them to take a high-upside wing like Kuminga, even if he is still a little bit unpolished offensively.
Presti has developed a reputation of favouring athletes over shooters when drafting, and Kuminga certainly fits that mould. But his size and athleticism give him amazing potential to become a dominant offensive player. He routinely overpowers defenders when driving to the rim due to his solid frame and natural strength. He just needs to become more reliable with his shooting stroke.
This off-season could really set the Thunder up as a future championship contender, with their plethora of picks and the huge amount of cap space they will have available to spend in free agency. Adding Kuminga is a brilliant first step.
Oklahoma City still have picks 19, 22 and 27 to come in the first round.
2020-21 Stats: 24 Games - 11.8 PPG - 4.2 RPG - 1.5 APG - 1.0 BPG - 1.0 SPG
NBA Comparison: Shawn Marion
Fan Opinion: "I've seen this guy in the top 3 of mock drafts all season, so I'm pretty happy right now that he fell to pick 4."
-----Pick 5
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are up next with the first of their two picks inside the top ten. With pick 5 they select Gonzaga point guard Jalen Suggs.
Suggs had a great season with the Bulldogs and his scouting report makes for great reading for Bulls fans. His main strengths include great size for a point guard, his high-end athleticism and his elite basketball IQ. He is a natural born leader and a super competitor who just knows how to make the right decisions in crucial moments. As smooth as his outside shot is, it is his lightning speed which is his main offensive weapon. It allows him to drive to the basket very effectively whenever he wants to.
Chicago are a team with a lot of untapped potential. Coby White, Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr and Samuell Williamson were all top-ten picks who haven't quite lived up to expectations yet to varying degrees. If Suggs' arrival can help even one or two of those guys take their game to the next level then suddenly the Bulls can become a playoff team once again.
Zach LaVine has developed into a solid scorer and is unquestionably the team's best player right now. But he needs more support. So perhaps the Bulls will look to use pick 7 to bring in a natural wing scorer to help take away some of the scoring burden that has been placed on him.
2020-21 Stats: 28 Games - 17.5 PPG - 4.5 RPG - 6.8 APG - 0.2 BPG - 2.9 SPG
NBA Comparison: Brandon Roy
Fan Opinion: "I thought Coby White was doing fine but I guess we just couldn't pass up taking a prospect like Suggs."
-----Pick 6
Washington Wizards
Washington decide to use the sixth pick on Stanford forward Ziaire Williams.This is the third time in as many years that the Wizards have had a top-ten pick, after Rui Hachimura (Pick 9 - 2019) and Isaiah Stewart (Pick 3 - 2020).
Williams was a five-star recruit coming into college, but surprised many by choosing to attend Stanford over many more historically strong basketball schools. Nonetheless he still managed to lead his team on a decent run in the NCAA Tournament as the number one option. He showed enough at both ends on the court to justify this position in the draft.
He has got all the tools to develop into a high level NBA player, including good size for his position, excellent length and fluid athleticism. His long arms give him the potential to be an excellent defender and he is already Ben Simmons-esque with his ability to get deflections and interceptions in the passing lanes.
Wizards star Bradley Beal has shown loyalty and patience in staying with the franchise despite their poor on-court record in recent years. But as he gets closer to 30 years old that lack of success may start to weight on him and he could look to force a move to a contender. Williams developing into a quality two-way player would be a great result for Washington as it would boost their offensive power and also give them someone who could guard the LeBron's and Durant's of the league.
2020-21 Stats: 32 Games - 19.4 PPG - 6.9 RPG - 3.0 APG - 2.4 BPG - 2.3 SPG
NBA Comparison: Rudy Gay
Fan Opinion: "I really like this kid. He is like a skinny Paul George."
-----Pick 7
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are back with their second selection at pick 7 and they use it on Duke forward Jalen Johnson. For those keeping score at home that makes three Jalens picked so far, two of those by Chicago.
Johnson is a unique prospect because he is actually very accomplished ball handler for his size. One of his strengths is grabbing a defensive rebound and quickly transitioning into a fast break opportunity. His strength and athleticism really stood out against college opponents and hopefully that will mean that his transition to playing against grown men won't be an issue.
The drafting of Johnson could well spell the end of Otto Porter Jr's time in Chicago as he will be able to leave as an unrestricted free agent next month. With a replacement secured the Bulls may now look to use that cap room to strengthen other areas of their roster.
Overall the additions of Suggs and Johnson will be a massive boost for the Bulls. Their fans should be optimistic about them climbing back into playoff contention in the next couple of years.
2020-21 Stats: 35 Games - 21.9 PPG - 8.7 RPG - 3.2 APG - 3.5 BPG - 2.5 SPG
NBA Comparison: Tobias Harris
Fan Opinion: "I feel like drafting the two Jalens could be a turning point for our team."
-----Pick 8
San Antonio Spurs
Next up it's San Antonio with the eighth pick. They use it to select Kentucky scoring machine Brandon Boston.
One of this season's most impressive offensive players, Boston is a versatile wing with great size and length for his position and a smooth game. He may be skinnier and weaker than other wings, but he makes up for it with a deadly outside shot.
Boston has been compared to Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram a lot. We all know how long it took Ingram to get stronger and subsequently establish himself as an offensive weapon. Boston may take similar time before he becomes truly effective against the bigger bodies of the NBA.
San Antonio are in an awkward position at the moment. They have struggled to find any success in the post-Tim Duncan era with the likes of DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge. Youngish players like Jakob Poeltl and Dejounte Murray have looked decent enough, but younger guys like Lonnie Walker IV, Keldon Johnson, Luka Samanic and Precious Achiuwa really haven't made big impressions since being drafted.
Aldridge is out of contract and a decision has to be made about whether he is worth keeping around at age 36. The Spurs aren't really a franchise that rebuilds by bottoming out, so we probably won't see DeRozan traded to a contender for draft picks. Coach Popovich is a winner and he expects the same from his players.
2020-21 Stats: 34 Games - 25.6 PPG - 4.7 RPG - 4.7 APG - 1.0 BPG - 1.6 SPG
NBA Comparison: Brandon Ingram
Fan Opinion: "Murray and Boston looks like a really nice backcourt pairing for the future."
-----WE HAVE A TRADE TO ANNOUNCE!
Detroit is sending pick 9 to Boston in exchange for pick 12 and pick 25.
This is an interesting move by Danny Ainge. He has been heavily rumoured to be targeting Australian big man Makur Maker. Cleveland were also reportedly interested in him and this trade seems to be a move to get ahead of the Cavs at pick 11. A dominant big man is something the Celtics have sorely lacked in recent years.
Detroit drop down a few spots and add another first round pick in a strong draft. They probably felt that the players they have scouted will still be available at pick 12. So this trade is a great opportunity for them to strengthen their roster with more young talent.
-----Pick 9
Boston Celtics
And it indeed is Makur Maker from Howard University who the Celtics use pick 9 on. He is the cousin of former lottery pick Thon Maker.
Makur is the greatest enigma of this draft class. For years he has been hyped as the future of the NBA thanks to many video compilations posted online of him sinking three-pointers and dunking over skinny high school kids. He took his talents to Howard University and looked very impressive as a walking double-double machine and elite shot-blocker.
Unlike most players his size he is an extremely mobile and athletic player. His fondness for handling the ball on the perimeter and initiate offense means that he plays like a guard in a seven-footers body. Sometimes this works against him though because he settles for mid-range shots instead of using his height and speed to get to the basket.
It's hard to know how much ball-handling responsibilities he will have in Boston with the likes of Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Green in the line-up. But he has a great opportunity to make an immediate claim to the starting center role thanks to his potential as a defensive anchor. He is far too lightweight to handle the likes of Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic at the moment, but he could have a similar effect as Rudy Gobert on anyone who tries to get to the basket.
2020-21 Stats: 18 Games - 22.8 PPG - 13.5 RPG - 3.3 APG - 3.7 BPG - 1.0 SPG
NBA Comparison: Andrew Nicholson
Fan Opinion: "I really hope this kid can deliver at the next level and isn't just another one of those over-hyped guys with flashy Youtube highlights videos."
-----Pick 10
New York Knicks
With the tenth pick the New York Knicks select Florida State forward Scottie Barnes.
Many mock drafts had Barnes sitting just after the standouts in the top five, but he has somehow slipped all the way down to pick 10. It's likely that his lack of a strong perimeter shot was a big drawback for the teams above.
Barnes is the poster child for versatility, because he has the size to guard big men in the paint but also the skills to run the offense as a ball-handler. In fact, he spent most of his time this season at Florida State as the main play initiator on offense.
Another big positive is his mentality. He comes from the Russell Westbrook school of playing at 100% intensity on every possession. He is exactly the type of personality that you want on your team setting an example for others to follow.
The Knicks traded their own first round pick in this draft to Toronto in the Kyle Lowry trade, which turned out to be pick 15. But this pick is one they got from Dallas in the Kristaps Porzingis deal. Lowry is out of contract this off-season but is expected to sign an extension.
2020-21 Stats: 33 Games - 20.1 PPG - 6.7 RPG - 3.8 APG - 1.8 BPG - 1.6 SPG
NBA Comparison: Nicolas Batum
Fan Opinion: "I'm genuinely shocked that this guy fell this far and that we actually took him. Is this what it feels like to be a fan of a well-run team?"
-----WE HAVE A TRADE TO ANNOUNCE!
Cleveland is sending pick 11 to Oklahoma City in exchange for pick 19, pick 22, pick 41, a 2023 second round pick (WAS) and cash considerations ($2m).
Another trade by a team looking to move up the order! This time it's Oklahoma City. They have packaged up several draft assets in order to move their second selection up to pick 11. With all the draft capital they had acquired in recent seasons, it wasn't a huge deal for them to give up so much to make this deal. Realistically they were never going to use all of the six picks that they held in this draft.
It's unclear who they will be targeting with this pick, but clearly someone high on their draft board is still available and it prompted them to make this trade. Perhaps it is Terrence Clarke from Kentucky? Or Josh Christopher from Arizona State? Maybe it is Greg Brown from Texas? The Thunder have reportedly done some scouting of Spanish big man Usman Garuba during the season at Real Madrid. So he could also be an option.
Clearly the Cavs feel that the quality available at this point of the draft is fairly even for the next dozen picks or so. Therefore swapping out a late-ish lottery pick for two picks around the twenty mark gives them access to two players instead of just one. Receiving two second round picks and some cash on top of that is just a nice bonus.
-----Pick 11
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City select Kentucky wing Terrence Clarke with the eleventh pick. This is who they traded up to get.
After taking Jonathan Kuminga with pick 4 Sam Presti has decided to draft another superb athlete here. Clarke has elite athleticism even by NBA standards and also has an NBA-ready frame, so his transition into the league shouldn't be too difficult. His ceiling is supposedly one of the highest in this draft, but the main reason he wasn't a top 5 pick is that his decision making can be lacking. He also failed to really improve his playmaking ability and outside shooting consistency whilst at Kentucky.
Presti resisted the temptation to repeat history here by taking the shooting guard from Arizona State, Josh Christopher. Back in 2009 he drafted Sun Devils guard James Harden and that worked out pretty well for him, for a while at least. But perhaps Clarke is destined to play a similar role to what Harden did in his time with the Thunder as Rookie of the Year Anthony Edwards isn't giving up his starting spot to anyone.
The Thunder still have picks 27 and 42 remaining and it will be interesting to see what they do. We may see some draft-and-stash moves if they want to preserve roster spots ahead of free agency.
2020-21 Stats: 34 Games - 23.7 PPG - 6.7 RPG - 4.9 APG - 2.1 BPG - 3.1 SPG
NBA Comparison: Will Barton
Fan Opinion: "I watched Kentucky a lot this year and Clarke always impressed me the most. I believe he could become one of the best from this draft."
-----Pick 12
Detroit Pistons
After trading down from pick 9 the Pistons have pick 12 and use it on Arizona State guard Josh Christopher.
One of the best natural scoring guards in this draft, Christopher will give the Pistons some much needed offensive power. Rookie point guard RJ Hampton averaged 17 points per game last season and if Christopher can also begin his NBA career similarly to that, then the Pistons will have their backcourt sorted for the next decade.
Right now though they rely on ageing stars Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose. The pair aren't the players they used to be but they did combine for about 40 points per game last season. Detroit are in the middle of a rebuild which has already seen them add Sekou Doumbouya and RJ Hampton in the two previous drafts. Thanks to that trade with Boston they now also have pick 25 to come in this draft.
2020-21 Stats: 30 Games - 24.1 PPG - 5.7 RPG - 4.5 APG - 1.6 BPG - 2.3 SPG
NBA Comparison: Nick Young
Fan Opinion: "A brilliant scoring guard from Arizona State? Tell me we haven't just drafted James Harden 2.0."
-----Pick 13
Utah Jazz
With the thirteenth pick the Utah Jazz select big man Usman Garuba from Real Madrid in Spain.
The high energy Spaniard is a powerful and mobile power forward who has amazing length. If opponents thought that trying to score against the Jazz was difficult before with just Rudy Gobert, now they will have to contend with Garuba as well.
It remains to be seen how well Garuba adjusts to the speed of the NBA. He played both center and power forward in Spain, but at just six-foot-eight he is a bit undersized for those positions by league standards. His great strengths are as a rebounder and a versatile defender, thanks to his athleticism and length.
Offensively is where he has a lot of work to do. Currently his offense consists mostly of dunks and layups, but to his credit he has been working to improve his mid-range and outside shooting. It may be difficult for the Jazz to play both Garuba and Gobert at the same time due to their limited offensive skills, unless of course they are defending a lead.
2020-21 Stats: 21 Games - 4.4 PPG - 0.7 RPG - 1.6 APG - 0.3 BPG - 0.3 SPG
NBA Comparison: Al Horford
Fan Opinion: "I hope he turns out even half as good as the last highly-rated Euro talent that came from Real Madrid."
-----Pick 14
Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers are up next and they go with Texas forward Greg Brown at pick 14.
Portland ended up with the ninth seed last season after finishing two games behind Phoenix. Star duo Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum once again led the way, with Jusuf Nurkic providing solid support. They have been looking for more talent to put around those three and 2019 first round pick Nassir Little took a step up and averaged almost 13 points per game last season. Fellow first round pick Scottie Lewis failed to show much in his rookie season.
Brown is an elite athlete who is quick and sensational above the rim. He entertained Longhorns fans with his high-flying dunks this season. His upside is undeniable, but there are a lot of things in his game that need refining. If he wants to be effective as a small forward in the NBA then he needs to improve his mid-range and perimeter shooting, as well as his ball handling.
2020-21 Stats: 34 Games - 22.4 PPG - 10.7 RPG - 2.8 APG - 3.0 BPG - 1.3 SPG
NBA Comparison: Aaron Gordon
Fan Opinion: "Seems like a decent prospect. Hopefully he gives Zach Collins some competition."
-----Pick 15
Toronto Raptors
After taking Evan Mobley with pick 2 the Raptors are now back with pick 15. They select guard Mojave King.
Born in New Zealand to an American father and Kiwi mother, King moved with his family to Australia at age four and considers himself to be Australian. He intends to gain Australian citizenship and play for their national team.
As for on the court, King turned down interest from US colleges to instead spend this season playing for the Cairns Taipans in the NBL. This decision didn't really hurt his draft stock even though he didn't overly impress over there.
King seems to always be under control on the court and makes the game look easy. His shot is solid without being elite, but he has a nice array of tricks when he drives to the rim and gets challenged. At times it seems as though he actually relishes physical contact from defenders when finishing his up-and-under moves.
2020-21 Stats: 28 Games - 10.8 PPG - 1.9 RPG - 3.2 APG - 0.3 BPG - 0.8 SPG
NBA Comparison: Courtney Alexander
Fan Opinion: "I can't say that I know anything about this kid. Cool name though."
