Tune in and join Jeff Goodman on Stadium’s “Inside the Association” NBA Draft Special on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.
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 – James Bouknight, 6-5, 190, SG, Soph., UConn
The Thunder are in need of another scoring wing, and Bouknight has the potential to be OKC’s leading scorer in time. He averaged nearly 19 per game at UConn, and that was with shooting 29 percent from three. His perimeter shot will improve, but he’s a guy who can create separation and also make contested shots in the lane. He’s exactly what Sam Presti could use to help Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort on the perimeter.
2020-21 Stats: 18.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 29% 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 – Jonathan Kuminga, 6-8, 220, F, NBA G League Ignite
Kuminga, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a big, strong forward who has the potential to be a terrific defender, but he still has a ways to go in that area — and also on the offensive end of the floor. He was erratic with the G League Ignite and only shot 25 percent from three in the bubble, but he’s worth the risk for the Kings here due to his upside.
2020-21 Stats: 15.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 25% 3-pointers
10. Memphis Grizzlies (from New Orleans) – 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 – Josh Giddey, 6-8, 210, PG, Australia
Giddey is a 6-foot-8 point guard who can handle, pass and possesses a high basketball IQ. He is an average athlete, but could play well alongside Dejounte Murray in San Antonio. The Spurs can trust him to make quality decisions and be more of a facilitator.
2020-21 Stats: 10.9 ppg, 7.5 apg, 7.4 rpg
13. Indiana Pacers – Corey Kispert, 6-7, 220, F, Sr., Gonzaga
Kispert is the best pure shooter in the draft and could be the ideal replacement for Doug McDermott — who is a free agent and could command big money. Kispert has the size, shot 44 percent from three at Gonzaga each of the past two seasons and comes with a winning DNA.
2020-21 Stats: 18.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 44% 3-pointers
14. Golden State Warriors – Chris Duarte, 6-6, 190, SG, Sr., Oregon
Duarte is the ideal fit for the Warriors. He’s a four-year college player who does everything well. He’s got the size, shoots it well from deep, defends at a high level and makes quality decisions. He can help Golden State win now, which is exactly what the Warriors need.
2020-21 Stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 42% 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) – Alperen Sengun, 6-10, 240, PF, Turkey
Sam Presti has always loved international guys, and Sengun has been incredibly productive — especially around the basket. He’s not much of an athlete, but can score in the paint with an array of low-post moves and also rebounds at a high level.
2020-21 Stats: 19.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.7 bpg
17. New Orleans Pelicans (from Memphis) – Keon Johnson, 6-5, 185, G, Fr., Tennessee
David Griffin may go after Kyle Lowry in free agency, but he also needs a young point guard and Keon Johnson would be ideal. He’s a freak athlete with incredible upside. He can help New Orleans now on the defensive end, but will need to learn how to run a team and also improve his perimeter shot.
2020-21 Stats: 11.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 27% 3-pointers
18. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Miami) – Trey Murphy III, 6-8, 205, SF, Jr., Virginia
The Thunder need guys who can really shoot it from deep, and that’s what Murphy does best. He is 6-foot-8, shot 43 percent from three last season and can also defend. He’s a skilled wing that could fit in well with OKC and its needs.
2020-21 Stats: 11.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 43% 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) – Ziaire Williams, 6-8, 185, SF, Fr., Stanford
He struggled as a freshman at Stanford, but he’s long, smooth, athletic and has plenty of upside. He’s a versatile wing that will need to improve his perimeter shot, but he’s worth taking a shot here for Leon Rose.
2020-21 Stats: 10.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 29% 3-pointers
22. Los Angeles Lakers – Cam Thomas, 6-4, 210, SG, Fr., LSU
Thomas is a bucket-getter, someone who is fearless and can put points on the board. He’ll help give LeBron and AD another weapon. He has a terrific first step and is capable of making shots from deep, although he’s streaky from long distance.
2020-21 Stats: 23.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 33% 3-pointers
23. Houston Rockets (from Portland) – 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.
2020-21 Stats: 4.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg
24. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee) – Nah’Shon Hyland, 6-3, 170, SG, Soph., VCU
“Bones” Hyland is a big-time scorer who has risen through the draft process. He’ll be a three-level scorer in the NBA once he adds more weight, but he’s a perfect pick for a Houston team that needs guys that can put the ball in the basket.
2020-21 Stats: 19.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 37% 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 – Quentin Grimes, 6-5, 205, SG, Jr., Houston
Grimes can give the Nuggets a wing with size who can shoot it and also defend well enough. He shot it 40 percent from three last season for a Houston team that went to the Final Four.
2020-21 Stats: 17.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 40% 3-pointers
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 – Josh Primo, 6-6, 190, SG, Fr., Alabama
He’s worth the risk here for the Suns. Primo is one of the youngest players in the draft and is an “upside” guy. The Canadian guard is 6-foot-6, a terrific athlete and should become a reliable shooter. He excelled at the NBA Draft Combine, which boosted his stock.
2020-21 Stats: 8.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg
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
