Jeff Goodman’s 2021 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Who Goes After the First Four?

Now that we know the draft order following the NBA Draft Lottery, it’s time for my latest mock draft.

There shouldn’t be much question as to who Detroit takes at No. 1 on July 29, but it’ll get interesting from there. This draft is considered extremely strong at the top, but there isn’t much disparity for the rest of the lottery.


1. Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham, 6-8, 220, PG, Fr., Oklahoma State

This one should almost be a no-brainer for general manager Troy Weaver and the Pistons. Cunningham has some of the same attributes as Luka Doncic; he’s a big, strong point guard who can make people better, and he possesses an extremely high basketball IQ. He is able to see over defenders and can get into the lane and finish through contact. He also gets his teammates easy baskets. Cunningham’s perimeter shot was the major concern, but he made 40 percent of his threes as a freshman. He’s a big-time leader with all the intangibles, and he’s capable of being the star Detroit needs.

2020-21 Stats: 20.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.5 apg, 40% 3-pointers

 

2. Houston Rockets – Jalen Green, 6-5, 180, SG, NBA G League Ignite

Green is a high-level athlete who was the first to go the G League pathway route. He was extremely impressive in 15 G League games, averaging nearly 18 points per game. He thrives in transition and possesses an extra gear that allows him to get to the basket and finish, which results in no shortage of highlights above the rim. Green is a scoring wing that has improved his perimeter shot, but he’ll still need to be more consistent at the NBA level. The Rockets just have to take the guy that they think can be a star, and it’ll be a tough call between Green, Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs.

2020-21 Stats: 17.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 37% 3-pointers

 

3. Cleveland Cavaliers – Evan Mobley, 7-0, 210, PF, Fr., USC

Cavs general manager Koby Altman would be thrilled to add Mobley with the third overall pick. Cleveland already has a young backcourt in Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, and could use an ultra-talented forward like Mobley who is just scratching the surface of what he could be down the road. The long (7-foot-4 wingspan) and skilled forward had a terrific freshman season for the Trojans. He’s a little bit of a throwback in that he doesn’t want to sit out on the perimeter. He’s a guy who can score around the basket, can step out and make mid-range jumpers and is also more than capable of beating opposing bigs off the bounce. He doesn’t show a lot of emotion, but is consistently productive — whether it’s scoring, rebounding or on the defensive end of the floor.

2020-21 Stats: 16.4 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.9 bpg

 

4. Toronto Raptors – Jalen Suggs, 6-4, 205, G, Fr., Gonzaga

The Raptors were huge winners of the draft lottery and will likely be ecstatic with whoever is on the board at No. 4 — especially if it’s Suggs. Suggs is ideal as a replacement for Kyle Lowry, and also to pair with Fred VanVleet. Suggs is a big-time athlete who thrives in transition, and has shown the ability to make shots from deep, although he’s a streaky outside shooter. He can get to the basket and also facilitate, and he’s a terrific defender due to his anticipation on that end of the floor.

2020-21 Stats: 14.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.5 apg, 34% 3-pointers

 

5. Orlando Magic – Scottie Barnes, 6-9, 225, F, Fr., Florida State

This will be a difficult decision for Jeff Weltman, since there is a drop-off after the first four picks. Orlando needs a star desperately, and Barnes is a big, strong and long forward whose best assets are his ability to pass and defend. He’s a point forward of sorts, but the question mark regarding Barnes is his inability to make shots from deep. The Magic have to grab the player they think can be a star, and if Barnes can improve his perimeter shot, he’s got a chance.

2020-21 Stats: 10.3 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.0 rpg, 28% 3-pointers

 

6. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jonathan Kuminga, 6-8, 220, F, NBA G League Ignite

Kuminga, a native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a big, strong and athletic forward who has all the physical attributes NBA front offices are looking for. He can guard multiple positions and has shown the ability to make shots despite being a streaky outside shooter. Kuminga is still raw, and the hope is he’ll continue to learn the game so he’s prepared when he gets into the NBA.

2020-21 Stats: 15.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 25% 3-pointers

 

7. Golden State Warriors (from Minnesota) – Davion Mitchell, 6-2, 205, PG, Jr., Baylor

Few saw their stock rise as much as Mitchell did this past season. He came into the season known as an elite defender, but left college displaying that he can not only run a team, but also shoot the ball from the perimeter. Basically, think of Mitchell as a better-shooting, better-decision-making Marcus Smart. Mitchell can get on the court immediately for Golden State due to his defense.

2020-21 Stats: 14.0 ppg, 5.5 apg, 2.7 rpg, 45% 3-pointers

 

8. Orlando Magic (from Chicago) – Franz Wagner, 6-9, 220, SF, Soph., Michigan

He’s one of those high-upside guys, and the Magic could use a versatile forward. He wasn’t always assertive in his time in Ann Arbor, but possesses length, skill and athleticism. Can shoot it from deep, is able to put it on the floor and can finish. A multi-dimensional wing — which is high in demand these days in the league.

2020-21 Stats: 12.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 34% 3-pointers

 

9. Sacramento Kings – James Bouknight, 6-5, 190, SG, Soph., UConn

Bouknight is a guy who can really put the ball in the basket, especially with his ability to get into the lane. He’s got the size for the position, and can really find ways to manufacture points, but the area he’ll have to improve at the next level is his ability to make shots from long distance. It would be difficult for the Kings to pass on Bouknight if he’s on the board here.

2020-21 Stats: 18.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 29% 3-pointers

 

10. New Orleans Pelicans – Moses Moody, 6-6, 205, SG, Fr., Arkansas

This may seem high, but Moody is a 3-and-D guy who can stretch the defense and also has the ability to lock down opponents. He’s got good length, but is an average athlete who will need to become more well-rounded on the offensive end of the floor. But he has size and can shoot it.

2020-21 Stats: 16.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 36% 3-pointers

 

11. Charlotte Hornets – Kai Jones, 6-11, 220, PF, Soph., Texas

The Hornets have their backcourt of the future in LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier, but need some help up front. The numbers aren’t that impressive, but the potential with Jones is anything but underwhelming. The 6-foot-11 Bahamas native has a ton of skill and upside. He’s a guy who at his size can shoot it from three and put it on the floor. It may take some time for Jones, but he’s worth the risk.

2020-21 Stats: 8.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 38% 3-pointers

 

12. San Antonio Spurs – Keon Johnson, 6-5, 185, G, Fr., Tennessee

Johnson is an elite defender and a big-time athlete who will need to become a better shooter. He improved as his freshman season went along, but Johnson’s numbers certainly won’t blow anyone away. Think Avery Bradley — on the low end — but if Johnson can become a reliable shooter, watch out.

2020-21 Stats: 11.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 27% 3-pointers

 

13. Indiana Pacers – Josh Giddey, 6-8, 210, PG, Australia

Giddey is a 6-foot-8 point guard who is a terrific ball handler and passer, rebounds well and has a high basketball IQ. Giddey isn’t a high-level athlete and will need to improve his perimeter shot, but he’d give the Pacers a pass-first floor leader who can help create easy opportunities for his teammates.

2020-21 Stats: 10.9 ppg, 7.5 apg, 7.4 rpg

 

14. Golden State Warriors – Corey Kispert, 6-7, 220, F, Sr., Gonzaga

Kispert has the size and can shoot the hell out of the ball. He struggled against Baylor’s athletic guards in the national title game, but his length and shooting are enough to get him drafted in the teens, especially by a franchise that values perimeter shooting as much as the Warriors.

2020-21 Stats: 18.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 44% 3-pointers

 

15. Washington Wizards – Jalen Johnson, 6-9, 220, F, Fr., Duke

He only played 13 games and was extremely inconsistent in his brief tenure at Duke, but he’s got high upside — especially if he can make shots from the perimeter. Johnson is a big, strong forward who can rebound, and he thrives in transition. It’d be worth the risk for the Wizards.

2020-21 Stats: 11.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 44% 3-pointers

 

16. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Boston) – Usman Garuba, 6-8, 230, PF, Spain

Possesses a 7-foot-2 wingspan, so he can really alter and block shots, and defend. High-energy, tough forward who really contests shots on the defensive end. Unselfish. Good passer. Needs to improve his perimeter shot. Since they’re loaded with picks, the Thunder can roll the dice here.

2020-21 Stats: 4.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg

 

17. Memphis Grizzlies – Cam Thomas, 6-4, 210, SG, Fr., LSU

Thomas is just a bucket-getter, who puts points on the board in a hurry and is most effective getting to the basket with a quick first step. He’ll have to become a more reliable 3-point shooter, but he’s more of a scorer than a shooter.

2020-21 Stats: 23.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 33% 3-pointers

 

18. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Miami) – Chris Duarte, 6-6, 190, SG, Sr., Oregon

Duarte is a well-rounded guard who can score in a variety of ways and is also a quality defender. He could come right in and be able to help OKC.

2020-21 Stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 42% 3-pointers

 

19. New York Knicks – Tre Mann, 6-5, 190, G, Soph., Florida

Mann can play both backcourt spots due to his size, ability to run a team and shooting from deep. The Knicks need someone who can make shots from the perimeter, and Mann is a proven shooter.

2020-21 Stats: 16.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.5 apg, 40% 3-pointers

 

20. Atlanta Hawks – Isaiah Jackson, 6-10, 210, PF, Fr., Kentucky

Jackson is raw and still a major work in progress, but displayed glimpses of someone who can be a big-time defender and rim runner at the next level. It’ll just take time. Jackson needs to put on weight, but he’s long and athletic, can run the court well and is able to impact the game with his ability to alter and block shots.

2020-21 Stats: 8.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.6 bpg

 

21. New York Knicks (from Dallas) – Alperen Sengun, 6-10, 240, PF, Turkey

High-level scorer in the paint and also a big-time rebounder. Can really score with a variety of moves in the low-post. Throwback player. Not a great athlete and a below-the-rim guy, but plays hard and is productive.

2020-21 Stats: 19.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.7 bpg

 

22. Los Angeles Lakers – Ziaire Williams, 6-8, 185, SF, Fr., Stanford

Didn’t have a stellar freshman season, but came into college with a ton of hype. He’s a long, smooth, and athletic forward who has a versatile skill set. Williams will need to be able to improve his perimeter shot, but he’s a guy who can put it on the floor and make plays for himself and for others. LeBron James is also plenty familiar with Williams since he played with Bronny James in high school.

2020-21 Stats: 10.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 29% 3-pointers

 

23. Houston Rockets (from Portland) – Trey Murphy III, 6-8, 205, SF, Jr., Virginia

He has the size, can shoot it and can also defend. Spent his first two seasons at Rice, and has shot the ball extremely well from deep — including last season at Virginia. Murphy would give Houston a skilled wing that could be a weapon on both ends of the court.

2020-21 Stats: 11.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 43% 3-pointers

 

24. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee) – Brandon Boston Jr., 6-7, 185, SG, Fr., Kentucky

Boston is ultra-long and can score, although he struggled to do that for much of his time at Kentucky as a freshman. But he could become a Brandon Ingram-type of player due to his body frame and the potential to score consistently as he adds strength.

2020-21 Stats: 11.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 30% 3-pointers

 

25. Los Angeles Clippers – Day’Ron Sharpe, 6-11, 265, C, Fr., North Carolina

Sharpe is a hard-playing big man who can score around the basket and rebound at a high level. He’ll need to work on expanding his shooting range, but he has a high motor and can impact the game on the defensive end. He’s one of the top big men in this draft.

2020-21 Stats: 9.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 0.9 bpg

 

26. Denver Nuggets – Greg Brown, 6-9, 205, PF, Fr., Texas

Brown is a long, athletic forward who had an up-and-down freshman season with Shaka Smart and the Longhorns. He came in as a heralded recruit and soon left, barely getting off the bench. But there’s plenty of potential with Brown — who can be an energetic rebounding forward if he buys into that role.

2020-21 Stats: 9.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg

 

27. Brooklyn Nets – Jaden Springer, 6-4, 205, G, Fr., Tennessee

Springer is a tough, strong, athletic guard who can defend, and he wound up shooting 44 percent from three as a freshman. Springer could be an eventual starter, but might get on the floor quickly due to his physical skills and willingness and ability to defend.

2020-21 Stats: 12.5 ppg, 44% 3-pointers

 

28. Philadelphia 76ers – Jared Butler, 6-3, 195, G, Jr., Baylor

Now that he’s medically cleared by the NBA, the versatile combo guard should be a lock to go in the first round. He’s a proven scorer who is also a quality defender. Butler would be ideal on the Sixers.

2020-21 Stats: 16.7 ppg, 4.8 apg, 42% 3-pointers

 

29. Phoenix Suns – Sharife Cooper, 6-1, 180, PG, Fr., Auburn

He only played 12 games, but he was entertaining in those dozen contests. He’s small, but quick and knows how to find guys. Can really pass it and push the ball, but he’s a liability on the defensive end and also has to be able to make shots at the next level to keep defenses honest.

2020-21 Stats: 20.2 ppg, 8.1 apg, 4.3 rpg, 23% 3-pointers

 

30. Utah Jazz – Ayo Dosunmu, 6-5, 200, PG, Jr., Illinois

He’s a big, strong guard who can take over games and was one of the top players in college basketball a year ago, but there are questions. 1) Can he shoot it consistently from deep? 2) Is his decision-making at a high enough level to run a team?

2020-21 Stats: 20.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.3 apg, 39% 3-pointer

MORE: College Basketball’s Top 101 Transfers for 2021