With the 2021 NBA Draft only hours away, here is E2G Sports’ Ryan Beatty with his final NBA Mock Draft.
ESPN Sources: The Detroit Pistons have landed on a decision to select Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham with the No. 1 pick in tonight’s NBA Draft (ESPN and ABC at 8 PM ET). — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 29, 2021
1. Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State (G/F, 6’8″, 220 lbs.)
Although I am very optimistic about Evan Mobley it seems it is clear that Cade Cunningham will be the consensus #1 overall pick. A franchise that has made the wrong choice one too many times will go along with the majority and select Cunningham. He has the ability to take over games. I want to see him become more energetic defensively and change the fortune of this Pistons franchise.
2. Houston Rockets – Evan Mobley, USC (PF/C, 7’0″, 215 lbs.)
It took me all of 5 minutes of watching Evan at USC to realize he will be an NBA star. I believe he is the best player in this draft. He has a 7’4 wingspan but plays like a guard. I see a lot of Kevin Durant and a young Kevin Garnett in his game. Mobley is part of the new NBA evolution of big men. I expect him to make an instant impact on a struggling Rockets franchise.
"I had one scout tell me the other night that Mobley is Chris Bosh on offense and Anthony Davis on defense. That’s an NBA superstar. That’s crazy." 🤯 – @chadfordinsider on Evan Mobley (Via @ChrisFedor ) pic.twitter.com/5HxCreXNhW — NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 26, 2021
3. Cleveland Cavaliers – Jalen Green, G League Ignite (SG, 6’6″, 178 lbs.)
Green has caught the eyes of NBA scouts since his immaculate New York High School seasons. After an interesting approach, Green is still one of the most respected prospects in this draft.
4. Toronto Raptors – Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga (PG, 6’4″, 205 lbs.)
One of the best athletes in the draft but also brings a lot of skill and ability to break down defenders. It looks like the Raptors are finally ready to part ways with Kyle Lowry. I believe they have found an amazing replacement in Jalen Suggs.
"The player development program is off the charts," says projected top-4 pick Jalen Suggs, who was asked about the Raptors during his pre-draft avail. He mentioned the proximity of the 905 to Toronto as well as the team's success stories: Siakam, Boucher and VanVleet. pic.twitter.com/jOPwgjPEVa — Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) July 27, 2021
5. Orlando Magic – Scottie Barnes, Florida State (SF, 6’8″, 225 lbs.)
Barnes has been hyped up a lot in the most recent weeks. The very strong wing has an ability to get in the lane and draw double teams, he is a great passer how can ball hawk defensively and even knock down occasional threes. I always knew his game would translate, seems like NBA scouts have now agreed.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jonathan Kuminga, G League Ignite (SF/PF, 6’8″, 220 lbs.)
Very athletically gifted prospect coming from the G-League is ready for the NBA. He has become a huge attraction because of his potential. I don’t think the Thunder are looking to contend in this next season so I believe he is a great fit.
7. Golden State Warriors (via Timberwolves) – Davion Mitchell, Baylor (PG, 6’1″, 202 lbs.)
One of the best on-ball defenders I have ever seen at the college level. Reigning National Champion Mitchell will take on the role that starter Steph Curry has struggled with. He can guard the best guard on the opposition, let’s not overlook his work ethic, shooting ability, and strength in the paint even at 6’1.
"I wanna be up there with guys like Donovan Mitchell & Damian Lillard" Davion Mitchell is READY to take on the NBA 👀 NEW [NO DAYS OFF] w/ @hoopculture13https://t.co/gJJ5DngqOh pic.twitter.com/1rxhs3mw1I — Whistle (@WhistleSports) July 28, 2021
8. Orlando Magic (via Bulls) – Corey Kispert, Gonzaga (SF, 6’7″, 224 lbs.)
Kispert really blossomed at Gonzaga. I compare him to Kyle Korver. He was an amazing pull-up and spot-up shooter who can really help the Magic late in close games.
9. Sacramento Kings – Keon Johnson, Tennessee (G/F, 6’5″, 186 lbs.)
Johnson is a very talented Defender. I believe 9 might be a little early for him but fitting in what Sacramento is looking to do in the next couple of years I believe he is a fit. Forming a new identity, wearing teams down with consistent hustle, may be the key to success for this team.
10. Memphis Grizzlies (via Pelicans) – James Bouknight, UConn (SG, 6’4″, 190 lbs.)
I can see the Grizzlies using this pick to add to their backcourt. I compare the UConn guard to a young Derrick Rose, yes I said it, he is that good.
🗣️ James Bouknight is ready for what's next! 2021 #NBADraft presented by State Farm Thursday at 8 PM ET on ABC / ESPN pic.twitter.com/EI4zcZ5z5h — NBA (@NBA) July 27, 2021
11. Charlotte Hornets – Franz Wagner, Michigan (SF, 6’9″, 220 lbs.)
Another lights-out shooter gives the Hornets good spacing and lets their dynamic play makes control the middle of the floor.
12. San Antonio Spurs – Josh Giddey, Adelaide, National Basketball League (PG, 6’8″, 205 lbs.)
One of the more intriguing prospects in the draft who I am just learning about. Giddey averaged 11.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 7.1 rebounds. His clear size advantage makes him a walking triple-double threat as well as being able to be successful when guarding multiple positions.
13. Indiana Pacers – Moses Moody, Arkansas (SG/SF, 6’6″, 211 lbs.)
Moody was highly recruited out of high school and had an impressive year at Arkansas, a 3-and-D contributor is expected to take on a big role in his first NBA season.
🐗 SEC Freshman of the Year 🐗@mosesmoody x #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/pto5W2Qv7m — NBA Draft (@NBADraft) July 28, 2021
14. Golden State Warriors – Trey Murphy III, Virginia (SF, 6’9″, 206 lbs.)
Murphy has really blossomed in the draft scouting process. With Klay Thompson coming back this franchise is expected to pick up right where they left off. With an undersized roster, the 6’9 wing can add a lot of defensive toughness as well as knocking down the outside shot. Shooting a solid 43% from three in the last year. The splash brothers may become even more lethal from outside the 3 point arc.
One of the draft’s big risers, Murphy brings two essential qualities to the Warriors: size and shooting. He has the length teams love (7-1 wingspan) and shot a robust 43.3 percent from deep last year.
15. Washington Wizards – Kai Jones, Texas (PF/C, 7’0″, 221 lbs.)
Jones played for a very talented Texas Longhorn team. Very similar game to Wizard Rui Hachimura. He has the ability to make the outside shot, blocks everything, and has a great feel around the rim.
Kai Jones says he models his game after Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, He feels his "athleticism and motor" are what will be "huge for him" going into the league. Imagine him on the Rockets 🤯 pic.twitter.com/KcpYZeVZb8 — Clutch City Entertainment (@ClutchCityENTX) July 23, 2021
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Celtics) – Alperen Sengun, Besiktas, Turkish Super League (PF/C, 6’10”, 240 lbs.)
The MVP of the European Leagues is a new trend especially with the emergence of Luka Doncic. The Turkish Star is just 18 and shows a lot of signs of both skill and athleticism that will easily translate.
17. New Orleans Pelicans (via Grizzlies) – Chris Duarte, Oregon (SF, 6’6″, 190 lbs.)
Chris Duarte is very intriguing. He is a player who lets the game come to him. An amazing defender who will be able to play alongside any star in this league. n up-and-coming Pelicans franchise hopes to make a splash in Free Agency and add a key role player in Chris Duarte.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat) – Zaire Williams, Stanford (SF, 6’9″, 185 lbs.)
The raw talent is there. The Thunder do need a long shot to pay out however his only season at Stanford might have been shadowed by the veterans who continued to perform well in front of him.
🔥 5-Star Sierra Canyon SG and TOP #USC Target Zaire Williams❕ pic.twitter.com/jXVcNqd2I7 — Scott Schrader (@Scott_Schrader) March 5, 2020
19. New York Knicks – Sharife Cooper, Auburn (PG, 6’1″, 180 lbs.)
The world of social media has known Sharife Cooper for a long time. He lit up the stat sheet at Auburn scoring 20.2 points and 8.1 assists. However, the guard needs to cut down on his high turnover numbers. Sharife is not shy of the spotlight and maybe the maturity of the NBA could really benefit him
20. Atlanta Hawks – Jared Butler, Baylor (PG, 6’4″, 193 lbs.)
I can see Jared Butler really helping this Hawks team continue their success. One of my favorite players to watch because of his amazing ability to light it up from 3 and lock down opposing guards. Another five-tool player who I would not be surprised to really climb the draft board. He is the real deal.
21. New York Knicks (via Mavericks) – Usman Garuba, Real Madrid, EuroLeague (PF, 6’8″, 229 lbs.)
Not sure where these guys keep coming from, but Garuba’s amazing length and athleticism disrupts a lot of plays defensively. Lots of room for improvement offensively but again you cannot teach height.
2021 #NBA Draftı'nın Dikkat Çeken Avrupalı Yeteneklerinden Usman Garuba! 💫@destusman1 | #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/VuusqwV96s — NBA Türkiye (@NBATurkiye) July 29, 2021
22. Los Angeles Lakers – Isaiah Jackson, Kentucky (PF/C, 6’10”, 206 lbs.)
An amazing shot-blocker who can really run the floor. I can see the Lakers trading this pick however in a package deal with Kyle Kuzma for possibly Ben Simmons?
23. Houston Rockets (via Trail Blazers) – Cameron Thomas, LSU (SG, 6’4″, 209 lbs.)
With having already added star Freshmen Evan Mobley earlier in the draft, the Houston Rockets are in a great position to be successful in the near future. Thomas is a consistent slasher that needs to improve his outdoor shot but has tremendous upside.
24. Houston Rockets (via Bucks) – Jalen Johnson, Duke (SF/PF, 6’9″, 220 lbs.)
Johnson had all the tools to be a projected top-five pick before his one-year flop at Duke. So much, of course, had to go wrong to see him tumble into the mid-20s, from a foot injury to his decision to opt-out of the season in mid-February.
Any chance we'll see @Jalen_J23 in the Dunk Contest sometime soon? 👀🤔 Jalen Johnson | Nicolet HS, WI | #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/ea3aJ7X0C8 — Hudl (@Hudl) July 29, 2021
25. Los Angeles Clippers – Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois (SG, 6’5″, 194 lbs.)
Possibly one of the biggest steals of the draft, Ayo is a complete two-way player who has drastically improved his 3 point percentage and has well-rounded his offensive game. With explosive athleticism already the Illinois guard could very well prosper with NBA skill trainers and add another big piece to an already stacked Clippers team.
26. Denver Nuggets – Miles McBride, West Virginia (PG, 6’3″, 195 lbs.)
It was evident the Denver Nuggets were lost without Jamaal Murray last year. I say Miles McBride is very comparable to Jalen Brunson of the Denver Nuggets. He is a smart guard who never seems to make the wrong play. Can really penetrate and kick to the open spot-up shooter.
Here Comes McBride. A projected 1st round pick – Miles McBride would be the 4th in 4 years for a Cincinnati area native. "A lot of my reputation speaks for itself." (Link to full story: https://t.co/Nt4a6SuIh1)@fox19 @deucemcb11 @MoellerBBall @WVUhoops #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/9XgSycSjpd — Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) July 26, 2021
27. Brooklyn Nets – Joshua Primo, Alabama (SG, 6’6″, 190 lbs.)
An interesting slide up after the combine Joshua Primo was a big part of Alabama’s success. Brings more than just 3 point shooting in which the Brooklyn Nets could desperately need with the playmakers they already have.
28. Philadelphia 76ers – Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland, VCU (SG, 6’3″, 173 lbs.)
Perhaps one of the best performances in NBA combine history Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland has developed into a 1st round pick after being projected to go undrafted. A career 39.9 percent 3-point shooter in college, Bones brings an amazing scoring ability to a one-dimensional 76ers offense.
29. Phoenix Suns – Tre Mann, Florida (PG, 6’4″, 178 lbs.)
With big question marks on Chris Paul and Cam Payne returning, Tre Mann is a complete guard with explosive play-making ability late in the shot clock. The powerful Florida Gators team last year looked lost last year without him speaking to what he can bring offensively.
Florida combo guard Tre Mann will workout for the Suns this week, per @MikeAScotto. Mann averaged 16 points and 3.5 assists while shooting 40.2% on 3s. Fits a microwave scorer role off the bench who could further develop his playmaking behind Chris Paul. pic.twitter.com/dgq2CoxykY — Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 26, 2021
30. Utah Jazz – Greg Brown III, Texas (SF/PF, 6’9″, 206 lbs.)
Greg Brown III can give Utah some great bench depth and take the burden off of Rudy Gobert. Similar to Gobert, he is an amazing shot blocker and rebounder. If he can develop his shot and overall feel for the game offensively, the sky is the limit for Brown.
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2021 NBA Mock Draft | E2G Sports
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