2021 TWSN NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Post Lottery Edition

By Thomas Stapleton | June 24, 2021 8:00 am ET

The NBA Draft lottery results were Tuesday night and we finally have the official draft order. With so many interesting teams and prospects at the top of the draft, it’s likely going to be a wild night when the day comes. I myself along with my fellow draft experts Aidan Maher and Will Locklin will be making our first mock draft together with breakdowns on every pick in the first round.

1. Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham

“Cade Cunningham is the undisputed number one overall pick in this year’s draft. His combination of elite playmaking ability, go-to scoring traits, and underrated defensive upside make him one of the best prospect’s in recent memory. He’ll be a super interesting fit with Detroit sharing the backcourt with Killian Hayes. If Hayes can continue to progress and live up to his potential, they could become one of the best guard duos in the league. Detroit also had two All-Rookie teamers in Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart that will certainly help them out long term.” – Thomas Stapleton

2. Houston Rockets – Evan Mobley

“With Cade Cunningham going first overall as expected, this pick is down to Evan Mobley and Jalen Green. The Rockets will certainly be intrigued by Green, but they decide to go with Evan Mobley here. He fills a much needed void at center/rim protector for the Rockets, and he’s viewed as the second best prospect by most teams, so I’m going to bet with the odds and assume Houston is in that majority.” – Aidan Maher

3. Cleveland Cavaliers – Jalen Green

“Unlike other years, the Cavs move up based on their lottery odds. At pick three, they will have a guaranteed shot to draft either Evan Mobley or Jalen Green. Assuming Houston takes the second best prospect in the draft in Mobley, the Cavs should be able to take Green. Green is a score-first alpha shooting guard who will complement Sexton and/or Garland very nicely. The best way to maximize the Cavs rebuild is to pick Sexton or Garland as the future point guard and get assets in return for trading the other. Then draft Green to play alongside one of them.” – Will Locklin

4. Toronto Raptors – Jalen Suggs

“The Toronto Raptors leaped into the top four of the lottery and now have a very interesting decision to make. They could trade up or down depending on which prospects they love or what assets they want to get. If they stay here, Jalen Suggs from Gonzaga should be the easy pick. Suggs brings a lot of NBA-ready qualities with his strong playmaking, intense defense, and slashing ability. He won’t have to be the savior for the team either, as he’ll have guys like Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam to take pressure off him on both ends of the floor. With Lowry likely on the way out, Suggs can be his supersized replacement.” – Thomas Stapleton

5. Orlando Magic – Jonathan Kuminga

“Although I don’t believe this pick is a giveaway like some others do, the leading candidate to go here right now is definitely Jonathan Kuminga. The Magic are in dire need of talent, so they decide to take an upside swing on the biggest boom or bust prospect in this year’s draft. Kuminga has all the athletic ability and flashes to become a pillar for Orlando, but with so many question marks in his game, the floor is very low. How he pans out in the league will all come down to his work ethic and how well the Magic develop him.” – Aidan Maher

6. Oklahoma City Thunder – Scottie Barnes

“Barnes would be an intriguing new piece to add to the Thunder’s treasure chest of young talent and picks. He’s a versatile point forward who might just be the best defender in the draft. Barnes will be able to guard multiple positions in the NBA and matches his versatility with premier on ball defense and good instincts as a help defender. On the offensive end, Barnes’ strong suite comes as a passer and finisher at the rim. However, Barnes has work to do but the good news is there is nothing but time to develop in OKC.” – Will Locklin

7. Golden State Warriors – Franz Wagner

“The Warriors will have some decisions to make with both of their lottery picks. Keeping Stephen Curry and Draymond Green happy in the short term will most certainly be a priority, so getting pieces who can contribute now will be essential. Franz Wagner is a super skilled, high feel wing who fits into Golden State’s system perfectly. He’s an elite glue guy on offense thanks to his complimentary skills as a shooter, passer, and slasher. Defensively is where his upside lies though, as he’s one of the best defenders in this year’s draft. He combines smothering on-ball defensive technique with excellent team defense instincts. He’s very young and has a ton of experience for a sophomore considering he played two years at college and played overseas. Wagner may not have All-Star upside, but his two-way upside is undeniable.” – Thomas Stapleton

8. Orlando Magic – Davion Mitchell

“After taking Kuminga at five, another wing to pair with Jonathan Isaac, the Magic decided to go with a combo guard in Davion Mitchell. He’s a really intriguing player with a lot to like about his game, including the upside. However, there are quite a few scary indicators with Mitchell, and his floor may be a little lower than many anticipate. This certainly isn’t the same upside swing they took with Kuminga, but Mitchell at eight is a dicey move.” – Aidan Maher

9. Sacramento Kings – Jalen Johnson

“While I wouldn’t be too keen on Johnson being the pick here, the fit and need certainly make sense. The Kings have lead guards and strong offensive pieces who can space the floor. What they lack is a more defensive minded wing who can also fit as an off ball option on offense. Johnson fits this bill as he showed plenty of flashes on the defensive end. The athleticism and passing skills pop on offense. Johnson will also be a terrific guy to run the floor with Fox in transition and in this fast paced Kings offense.” – Will Locklin

10. New Orleans Pelicans – Kai Jones

“Kai Jones is one of the NBA Draft’s most interesting prospects. He’s a 6’10 athletic monster with the fluidity and speed of a guard. His offensive potential is sky high, as he’s shown ability to shoot threes, attack closeouts, and hit tough shots off the dribble. On defense, he’s super switchable and has developing rim protection instincts. He can space the floor for them on offense and potentially protect the rim for them down the line. Jones is raw and needs a lot of seasoning, but his potential is through the roof.” – Thomas Stapleton

11. Charlotte Hornets – Isaiah Jackson

“A big man feels like a safe bet here. I considered Usman Garuba, but I ultimately chose Isaiah Jackson. He’s got ties with LaMelo Ball from highschool, and he’d bring some needed rim protection and the potential to be a really nice pick and roll big, something Charlotte currently lacks. However, his offensive game isn’t super dynamic, and many don’t expect Jackson to go to the lottery. But when given his defensive versatility, ties with John Calipari, and his simple, yet effective offensive game that may have some hidden upside, I believe it’s absolutely plausible.” – Aidan Maher

12. San Antonio Spurs – Moses Moody

“Getting Moses Moody at 12 is great value for the Spurs. Moody doesn’t stick out as a classic Spurs pick but he’s a necessary one for the modern NBA. At worst, he’s a 3-and-D wing who is a knockdown shooter off the catch and showed the ability to hit shots on the move and off screens. Moody will be a stellar defender in the NBA as well. The long arms and high motor will make him a solid on ball defender. What I like most about Moody is his underrated ceiling as a wing creator who can hit shots at every level and consistently create off the dribble.” – Will Locklin

13. Indiana Pacers – Keon Johnson

“Keon Johnson saw his stock skyrocket during the 2021 collegiate season with the Tennessee Volunteers. Johnson’s ridiculous athleticism and feisty defense give him a high floor, but if the Pacers can continue to develop his scoring and ball-handling, he could have a high ceiling as well. The shooting will ultimately be the biggest swing skill for him however, and the indicators are not great. If Indiana can help him develop as an all-around offensive player, they could be getting a real steal.” – Thomas Stapleton

14. Golden State Warriors – Josh Giddey

“After going with forward Franz Wagner at seven, the Warriors decided to get a much needed backup point guard behind Steph Curry. After mistakenly selecting James Wiseman over LaMelo Ball in last year’s draft, the Warriors decided to take a similar prospect to LaMelo Ball in Josh Giddey. He may not have the same combination of shooting and defensive potential, nor is he the superior athlete, but Giddey does draw some comparisons to Ball when given his frame, amazing passing chop, and ability to finish around the rim, and I don’t think that’s something Golden State would like to miss out on this late in the draft. Plus, Giddey could serve as the potential starting point guard replacement if Curry does decide to leave next offseason.” – Aidan Maher

15. Washington Wizards – Tre Mann

“The first team outside the lottery the Wizards will grab a guard to play behind Westbrook and Beal. This team has bigs and wings they’re trying to develop but there isn’t much guard depth. Mann can be a bench spark plug immediately and will grow into a role as a starter with time. He is a superb perimeter shot maker who creates space behind the three point arc very well. Mann is 6’5 and is the best ball handler in the draft which only elevates his ceiling. This offensive package Mann brings to the table makes him a steal going outside of the lottery.” – Will Locklin

16. Oklahoma City Thunder – Ziare Williams

“The Thunder can afford to take upside swings considering that they have no pressure to win right now. Nobody has more boom-or-bust potential in this draft than Ziaire Williams. At 6’8, he has all the potential in the world to become a smooth scorer, solid secondary playmaker, and strong team defender. However, his underdeveloped body, lackluster finishing, and questionable decision making make him a risky pick. Regardless, he’ll have plenty of time to develop in OKC and if he reaches his ceiling, he could be a homerun selection.” – Thomas Stapleton

17. Memphis Grizzlies – Corey Kispert

“This selection really embodies the Memphis Grizzlies. Corey Kispert is a high floor complimentary piece, which is exactly what Memphis typically looks for. He’s an amazing three point shooter with great cutting ability, solid team defense, and the ability to attack closeouts on occasion and finish around the rim. He’ll play the role of a 3-and-D wing very well, although his age, athleticism, and lack of an advanced skill set does limit his upside.” – Aidan Maher

18. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jaden Springer

“With their third pick in the draft, OKC will choose a two-way combo guard in Springer. At this point in the draft it’s about taking the best talent available especially for a team in the Thunder’s current state. Springer is one of the best on ball defenders in the class. He’s one of the top functional athletes in the class who uses his strength on both ends. Springer has some chops as playmaker but he really excels as a finisher and scorer in the mid range area. He’s one of the youngest players in the class so Springer is very far from a finished product.” – Will Locklin

19. New York Knicks – Usman Garuba

“New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau loves defense. Fortunately, so does Usman Garuba, a 6’8 small ball big with clear defensive upside. His help defense is otherworldly and his on-ball defense is strong as well. Though he’s underdeveloped on offense, his defense may be too good for Thibs to pass up this late in the draft.” – Thomas Stapleton

20. Atlanta Hawks – James Bouknight

“Trae Young is the clear first option for the Atlanta Hawks, and although he’s got a solid supporting cast, another ball-handler to take some pressure off of him would be helpful. Not only that, but the value with James Bouknight at 20 is really nice as well. He’s an amazing athlete that can play on and off the ball and score at all three levels. He’ll be a nice bench piece for the Hawks, but if he ever wants to play alongside Trae Young in the starting lineup, he’ll need to untap more of his defensive potential and become a much better spot-up shooter.” – Aidan Maher

21. New York Knicks – Sharife Cooper

“This pick over almost any other is one that I have a lot of confidence in because of the fit. Cooper is a dynamic and electric playmaker who is super entertaining to watch. He’s terrific at mapping the court and can make every pass in the book (lob, skip, overhead, pocket, pick-and-roll). The on the court basketball fit makes lots of sense as the Knicks need a lead playmaking guard who can initiate offense. Cooper is also an excellent culture fit in the Big Apple. His game will thrive in a big market where he can create show stopping plays for others daily.” – Will Locklin

22. Los Angeles Lakers – Cam Thomas

“The Lakers offense looked utterly abysmal at times when LeBron James wasn’t on the floor for them. They lacked any kind of offensive creativity and shot creation off the bench. If they drafted Cam Thomas, that would all change very quickly. Thomas is a dynamite scorer with his slick handle, three-level shot making, and elite foul-drawing ability. He can score points in bunches, and that’s exactly what the Lakers need. His defense and passing still have a long way to go, but anyone who can score like Thomas can has a spot in the league.” – Thomas Stapleton

23. Houston Rockets – Josh Primo

“The Rockets could use a lot of those things, and one of those needs is a 3-and-D wing. Primo is a sleeper to go round one when given his translatable baseline skills paired with some intriguing upside as a slasher/shot creator at such a young age. Offensively, he’s a smooth three point shooter that could develop into a solid slasher and shot creator if he continues to develop his finishing and ball-handling ability. Defensively, he’s an awesome team defender with nice on-ball potential if he can gain strength and add more weight to his wiry frame.” – Aidan Maher

24. Houston Rockets – Roko Prkacin

“With back to back picks in the 20’s the Rockets need to be adding the best available wing and guard talent to bring into their emerging young core. Prkacin a Croation wing who has strong pillars to his game mixed with some nice upside in other areas. On offense Prkacin is a solid interior scorer who attacks well with his back to the basket. He’s a threat with or without the ball in his hands as he creates his own offense off the dribble. On defense he’s a smart off ball defender who rotates on time and can guard multiple different kinds of offensive wings.” – Will Locklin

25. Los Angeles Clippers – Alperen Sengun

“Alperen Sengun is perhaps the most accomplished player in the 2021 draft class. After dominating the Turkish super league and winning league M.V.P., he’s ready to take his talents to the next level. With Ivica Zubac’s contract set to expire in the upcoming years, they’ll need to draft his replacement. Sengun’s elite back to the basket scoring, flashy passing chops, and long term upside as a shooter, he could be a massive steal. The Nikola Jokic comparisons may be far-fetched, but his upside is truly sky high.” – Thomas Stapleton

26. Denver Nuggets – JT Thor

“The Denver Nuggets love taking upside swings on guys with intriguing potential, and JT Thor would be no different. His combination of athletic tools when paired with his slender, yet lengthy frame is super intriguing, especially when paired with his defensive versatility, shooting potential, and ability to attack closeouts. Thor’s floor is lower than many anticipate in my opinion, but if he can become more efficient from three and improve his off-ball awareness, Thor could become a high impact 3-and-D wing that can also provide value as a finisher at the rim.” – Aidan Maher

27. Brooklyn Nets – Trey Murphy lll

“Coming off of a disappointing end to their first season together as a big three, the Nets should be looking to add NBA ready talent. Murphy is a plug and play 3&D guy who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. Murphy is a reliable three point shooter shooting 43% last year as a junior. He can also be a solid defender with a nice physical and athletic profile that will translate right away. Murphy is by no means a high upside pick but he will fill a role as another catch and shoot threat who can play defense off of the bench.” – Will Locklin

28. Philadelphia 76ers – Chris Duarte

“It is rumored that Chris Duarte has a promise in the first round. The big question is: where? Obviously, nobody knows yet, but Philadelphia could make a lot of sense. The 76ers can’t waste any more of Joel Embiid’s prime. Duarte is one of the most ready contributors in the draft because of his knockdown shooting and awesome team defense. He’s one of the oldest prospects in recent memory, but guys who can shoot and defend the way Duarte can are valuable.” – Thomas Stapleton

29. Phoenix Suns – Josh Christopher

“With Chris Paul and Devin Booker, guard may not seem like a need. But depth behind those two is, and Christopher could be some really nice value at 29. He’s got some really intriguing upside as an athletic, three level shot creator that can give you some solid, pretty versatile on-ball defense for a guard. However, he’ll need to become more efficient and improve his awareness as an off-ball defender. However, this has the potential to be a great value pick as Christopher could be a potent bench piece for the Suns behind their already elite starting duo.” – Aidan Maher

30. Utah Jazz – Bones Hyland

“The Jazz might be one of the more interesting teams later in the draft. They should target a player that fits what they do best. And that’s shooting the three ball at a very high level. Hyland is a great outside shooter, shooting 37% last year on over seven attempts per game. He has range that extends well past the NBA line and displayed consistent flashes of an off the dribble pull up shooting game. There are certainly question marks in other areas outside of scoring but he would give the Jazz another lethal shooter off the bench in year one.” – Will Locklin

Here’s a recap of the top 30 selections: