With the NBA Draft around the corner, it’s Mock Draft season!
1. Detroit Pistons: G Cade Cunningham Oklahoma State
Despite some rumblings that the Pistons could be looking at other options, passing up on Cunningham isn’t in the cards. At 6-8, Cunningham’s size and versatility makes him the best two-way player in the draft. His ability to create his own shot separates himself from the pack. As a scorer, Cunningham averaged 20.2 PPG in her lone season at Oklahoma State, shooting 40% from three-point range. Cunningham is a can’t miss prospect, who will immediately bring the Pistons to relevancy.
2. Houston Rockets: G Jalen Green G League Ignite
Jalen Green is a unique prospect, as he elected to forgo college basketball. Green elected to sign a contract with the G-League Ignite. He averaged 17.9 PPG in a limited sample size. Green is certainly raw, but has the potential to be a lethal scoring option in the NBA. While the Rockets continue their rebuild, Green is someone that could grow and develop into a building block. The potential is too good to pass up on.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: C Evan Mobley USC
I don’t rule out a trade here, but I do think that the Cavs end up holding onto the pick. Evan Mobley is the best big man in the draft, and is arguably the second-best player in the entire draft. Mobley’s ability to be a force as a two-way player will allow his game to translate to the next level. He’ll fit in well for the Cavs, as they look to find an identity. As long as the Cavs don’t ruin Mobley, he’ll be an all-star in this league.
4. Toronto Raptors: G Jalen Suggs Gonzaga
Jalen Suggs proved to be one the most clutch performers in college basketball, as he took over the NCAA Tournament last season. Suggs is one of the most exciting players in this draft, and is certainly the best player available at this spot. His ability as a playmaker, and his ability to pass the basketball are things he truly strides in. With Kyle Lowry’s likely departure, the Raptors will have a void at the guard position. Suggs will be an exciting addition to a Raptors team that will certainly have a better campaign next season.
5. Orlando Magic: F Scottie Barnes Florida State
Scottie Barnes might be the best defensive player in this draft. He can virtually guard positions 1-5, and has the capability to pass the basketball at a high level. The Magic are in a clear rebuild, and picking someone who is versatile and defensive-minded bodes well for their future. The Magic were the 26th in the NBA last season in defensive rating.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder: F Jonathan Kuminga G League Ignite
Jonathan Kuminga is arguably the biggest wildcard in the draft, but he seems like someone that Sam Presti and the Thunder would be willing to gamble on. His ability as a playmaker and scorer could make him the biggest steal in the draft. He’s crazy athletic, and has shown the ability to be a lockdown defender. Everyone knows how great the Thunder have been in developing young talent, and Kuminga could be the next one. Despite his potential, he’s still raw, and it’s unclear on how his career could unfold. But, I like the Thunder taking a gamble, as they pair Kuminga and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
7. Golden State Warriors: G James Bouknight Connecticut
I could see the Warriors trading out of this pick, but ultimately I see them taking Bouknight. He’s risen up draft boards over the last couple weeks, and I can’t see the Warriors passing up on him. He’s certainly quick at getting to the rim, and his ability as a passer make him a legit threat when he has the basketball. His shooting splits don’t jump off the charts, but I could see him being a nice facilitator off the bench for the Warriors. If he can develop his shot, then he could be a scary addition for the Warriors.
8. Orlando Magic: G Davion Mitchell Baylor
With the Magic’s second-pick of the draft, I like them going outside the box. Davion Mitchell is someone who would instantly give the Magic a spark on offense. Mitchell shot 44.7% from three-point range, and could translate into a scorer at the next level real quick. He has quick hands, plays great defense, and his ability as a passer sometimes goes unnoticed. I believe that Mitchell is the most underrated player in the draft, and will pop in the NBA. The Magic come away as huge winners.
9. Sacramento Kings: F Franz Wagner Michigan
Franz Wagner would give the Kings some perimeter shooting, a long with some versatility on the defensive end. The Kings have some versatility in their back court, and Wagner would be a spot-up shooter in the Kings offense. It’s unknown what Wagner’s ceiling will be, but at the very least, he’ll translate into a nice rotation piece at the NBA level.
10. Memphis Grizzlies: F Corey Kispert Gonzaga
After making a deal to move up from #17 to #10, I have the Grizzlies taking Corey Kispert. He is someone that would thrive as a shooter, along side Ja Morant. Kispert played all 4-years at Gonzaga, and his shooting percentage from three steadily improved each season. The Grizzles are a team that badly needs shooters, and drafting Kispert is a step in the right direction.
11. Charlotte Hornets: F/C Kai Jones Texas
The Hornets seem like they hit a home run in drafting LaMelo Ball last season. So, this year, I see them adding some size in the draft. Kai Jones comes into the draft as certainly a raw prospect. Jones only started 14 career games at Texas. But, his athleticism and ability to stretch the floor make him a viable selection for the Hornets.
12. San Antonio Spurs: G Chris Duarte Oregon
Some believe that Chris Duarte is the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. He started 54 career games at Oregon, and was instrumental to their success on offense. Duarte is a good shooter, as he shot 63.1% from the field last season, and 42.4% from three-point range. Duarte has good size for a guard, as he is 6-6. The Spurs have some holes on their roster, and adding Duarte to the backcourt in San Antonio would help.
13. Indiana Pacers: F Josh Giddey Australia
Josh Giddey is someone that could truly be a playmaker down the line. His ability as a passer is certainly up there with the draft’s best, and his raw scoring ability is notable. The Pacers traditionally play a lot of wings, and adding Giddey to the mix would help the roster. He might not be able to contribute right away, but Giddey could play well in spurts for Rick Carlisle.
14. Golden State Warriors: F Trey Murphy Virginia
I’m sure the Warriors will look to move this pick, but if they don’t, I like Trey Murphy here. He’s mostly projected to be selected around 17-20 in the draft, but I think he fits in well with what the Warriors do. He’s a great shooter, shooting 43.3% from three last season. He’s a safe selection, and at the bare minimum he should translate into a rotational piece. And for a team like the Warriors, at this point they’ll take someone who could immediately help them off the bench.
15. Washington Wizards: F Usman Garuba Spain
Usman Garuba is considered to be one of the best defenders in this draft class. His stock has seemingly went back and forth for a while, but I have the Wizards taking him in the middle of the first round. He’s experienced, as he spent time with the Spanish club, Real Madrid. But. he is limited offensively, and is still raw in that aspect of his game. But, he can absolutely play defense and rebound for a Wizards team that currently has an electric backcourt in Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder: G Moses Moody Arkansas
It wouldn’t surprise me if the Thunder traded up, or traded out of their last two first-round picks. But, if Moses Moody falls this late, I can’t see Sam Presti and the Thunder passing up on him. Moody’s length and versatility is exciting. He’s a good shooter and a good defender. But, does lack the burst of a playmaker, which impacts his game offensively. But, despite his flaws offensively I still feel like he can contribute at the NBA level, as his game offensively will get better.
17. New Orleans Pelicans: G Jared Butler Baylor
After the Pelicans traded down from #10 , I have them taking Jared Butler. He does have some concerns medically, but Butler proved to be a lethal scorer in the NCAA Tournament this past season. He’s a good passer, and can operate very well around the rim. With the Pelicans potentially losing Lonzo Ball this offseason, they’ll need some more depth at the guard position.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder: F Jalen Johnson Duke
As previously mentioned, don’t be surprised if the Thunder look to move this pick. But, if they keep it, I like them adding Jalen Johnson. His stock has certainly went up over the last couple of weeks, and this could intrigue the Thunder. He has good size, and a developing playmaker. He is certainly a prospect that could have some upside. He is somewhat of a gamble, as he did depart from Duke after 13 games last season, so the sample size is limited.
19. New York Knicks: F/C Isaiah Jackson Kentucky
I could see the Knicks trading up a few spots, but if they stay put, Isaiah Jackson fits in very well with the Knicks. While certainly raw, Jackson is a true athlete, who demonstrated the ability to protect the time at Kentucky. He played well defensively last season, and that should bode well with Knicks head coach, Tom Thibodeau.
20. Atlanta Hawks: F/C Alperen Sengun Turkey
Sengun might be the biggest wildcard of this entire draft. Some mock drafts have him as a top-10 pick, while others have him in the early 20s. But, I have him falling to the Hawks at #20 overall. The Hawks have some uncertainty with John Collins’ future, so they could take a flyer on Sengun. He flourished offensively Turkey, averaging 19.2 PPG, and winning the league’s MVP award. He showed to be an impactful scorer in the post, and has shown to be an impactful rim protector. But, Sengun does not shoot the ball from the outside well. He’s the definition of a trinational back to the basket, center.
21. New York Knicks: F Ziaire Williams Stanford
Again, I could see the Knicks packaging their two first-round picks to move up. But, if nothing occurs, selecting Ziaire Williams at #21 overall, would not be a bad option for the Knicks. Williams has the size and athleticism to be impactful at the NBA level. He still is considered to be raw, and has much to develop. Bur, he showed some real flashes at Stanford, and it might take coaching to get the best out of him on consistent basis.
22. Los Angeles Lakers: G Keon Johnson Tennessee
The Lakers are always a candidate to trade out of the draft, but, if they keep the pick, I see them going with a guard. The Lakers guard play last season was not up to par, and it truly limited them. Keon Johnson is someone that could be a top-12 pick, but could also slide into the 20s. He’s tough defensively, crazy athletic, explosive, and has some upside. He’s still a player that needs to time to develop, but could do a multitude of different things for the Lakers.
23. Houston Rockets: C Day’Ron Sharpe North Carolina
I’m sure the Rockets would be willing to move up by using their final two first-round picks, but it’s clear they need help at the big man position. Sharpe is is tough, and is one of the best rebounders in the draft. He’s relentless when tracking down rebounds, and would give the Rockets some edge. He plays really good defense, and his hustle will never be questioned. Sharpe’s motor is something that the Rockets will truly value. His shot is not adequate, but it could develop over time.
24. Houston Rockets: G Joshua Primo Alabama
Again, don’t be surprised if the Rockets look to move up. But, Primo is the youngest player in this draft, and showed some real flashes at Alabama last year. He can shoot the basketball at a high level, he can rebound, and can facilitate. He’s known to have a high basketball IQ, which is something that the Rockets need. But, he’s not a great defender and he’s not crazy athletic. He has to develop more, and the Rockets should have the patience to wait for him.
25. Los Angeles Clippers: G Tre Mann Florida
The Clippers are another team that could look to move this pick. But, I think they need some more help in their backcourt. Mann is a playmaker who has shown the ability to be a knockdown shooter. He is a really good ball-handler, and has good size at 6-4. The Clippers could use a guard with good size, especially one who could score quickly off the bench. He needs to improve defensively if he wants to get to the next level, but his Clippers team is deep enough to hide Mann’s defensive flaws.
26. Denver Nuggets: G Cameron Thomas LSU
Cameron Thomas is someone that could be selected in the top-15, but could also slip. I have him slipping, due to his inability to defend, and his inconsistency as a passer. He created some bad turnovers, and this could impact his draft stock. But, all that aside, Thomas can be a lethal scorer, as he averaged 23 PPG for LSU this past season. With Jamal Murray likely out to begin the season, the Nuggets will need help offensively. If Thomas can limit his turnovers, I think he will fit in nicely in Denver.
27. Brooklyn Nets: G Nah’Shon Hyland VCU
The Nets need more depth, so hitting on this pick is important for them. Hyland is known for his ability to create his own shot, and for his ability as a scorer. He can be prone to turn the basketball over, but he is fearless on the offensive end. His defense isn’t great, but it’s not terrible either. He could be a nice rotation piece for the Nets.
28. Philadelphia 76ers: G Jaden Springer Tennessee
Daryl Morey is always a wildcard, but it’s clear that the 76ers need help at guard. Especially if Ben Simmons does end up getting moved, they’ll need that depth. Jaden Springer has a high motor, and plays really well defensively. He is surely in need of development, but has the length and athleticism to be a factor at the next level. Springer is a good passer, and could give the 76ers a developmental piece to groom
29. Phoenix Suns: G Sharife Cooper Auburn
Chris Paul’s future is uncertain, and even if he returns, he’s still 36 years old. Sharife Cooper is a point guard who is an exceptional passer, and can get to the pain at will. He’s a traditional pass-first point guard, that really has a high basketball IQ. But, he can be really limited defensively, and needs to be get better at shooting the three-ball. Cooper would be a good addition to a Suns team that would benefit from a pass-first player.
30. Utah Jazz: G Quentin Grimes Houston
Quentin Grimes is someone who could be a nice rotational piece for the Jazz. He can be an impactful passer, and has improved upon his shot. The Jazz could need someone to put put up points in short minutes. Grimes needs to become better defensively, as this could hinder his minutes.