The NBA Finals have come and gone and the offseason is officially underway. The first major checkpoint on the journey to opening night is the NBA Draft, where months of preparation, interviews, workouts, and speculation finally come to a close. While the NBA Draft always promises to be unpredictable, and at times baffling, here is my futile attempt at getting in the minds of each team’s front office as they select the players that will shape the next generation of this league.
I have based my mock draft based off of a combination of team needs and player talent, without factoring in trades. So, without further ado, here is the Burbs Entertainment official 2021 NBA Mock Draft.
1. Detroit Pistons - Cade Cunningham, G, Oklahoma State
Despite reports that suggest the Pistons haven’t made up their minds on who to take with this pick, I choose to believe they aren’t going to overthink this decision. Cunningham has been the number one pick since last offseason and has only gotten better as the season progressed. With Cunningham, the Pistons have found their versatile, playmaking face of the franchise to work alongside a nice young core consisting of Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey, and Isaiah Stewart.
2. Houston Rockets - Jalen Green, G, G League Ignite
This is another pretty cut and dry pick, assuming the Rockets don’t pull off a trade that sends them into Cunningham Territory. It’s been rumored that Houston is keen on Green and has a “strong desire” to select him with the second pick. Green is a tremendous prospect with freaky athleticism and has the upside to become one of the league’s best. Being on a rebuilding Rockets team will give him the time and space to make mistakes and grow as a player, and him working out with Christian Wood in the pick and roll could be a thing of beauty.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Evan Mobley, C, USC
Although the Cavs didn’t wind up with their fourth 1st overall pick in the last decade, Evan Mobley is a pretty sweet consolation prize. The big man out of USC is much more than just a rim-protecting big (even though he does that incredibly well). Mobley is a ridiculously versatile big man that has nice touch around the rim, can push in transition, and has the ability to cover just about anybody on the defensive end, even at his size. Adding him to the Sexland backcourt along with Isaac Okoro could make Cleveland a sneaky playoff team in the years to come.
4. Toronto Raptors - Jalen Suggs, G, Gonzaga
Regardless of what happens with Kyle Lowry this offseason, the Raptors will have a very solid heir apparent in Jalen Suggs. As a member of the Gonzaga Bulldogs last season, Suggs averaged 14.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.8 steals per game and came very close to leading his team to a national championship. He has all the qualities of a winner and will help keep Toronto relevant for years to come.
5. Orlando Magic - Jonathan Kuminga, F, G League Ignite
The Magic aren’t really anywhere close to having a “win now” mentality, which could bode very well for Jonathan Kuminga. As a member of the G League Ignite, Kuminga showed flashes of brilliance that provided a glimpse of NBA stardom, but he’s a very raw prospect. If he can improve his shooting consistency and lock in on defense, the Magic could finally have a bonafide franchise player to build around.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder - Scottie Barnes, F, Florida State
I could see the Magic taking Scottie Barnes, but if he’s still available at spot number six, then he certainly won’t make it to seven. The Thunder conducted a pre-draft interview with Barnes and seem enamored with him according to reports. The Florida State product showed impressive defensive ability that has many scouts comparing him to Draymond Green, but he’ll need to spend quite a bit of time working on his shooting in order to go from a really good piece to a franchise focal point.
7. Golden State Warriors - James Bouknight, G, UConn
I don’t expect the Warriors to keep both of their lottery picks since they have an aging core that wants to win now, but if they remain at seven, then I see them taking James Bouknight. With the loss of Klay Thompson for a second consecutive season last year, the Warriors recognized how important it is to have playmakers surrounding Steph Curry. While Bouknight isn’t as prolific of a shooter as Golden State is accustomed to, he is an explosive athlete that could provide much-needed relief for the Warriors’ primary scoring options as the season and postseason wear on.
8. Orlando Magic - Davion Mitchell, G, Baylor
If the Magic pass up on Scottie Barnes at five, they can certainly still help out their defense by taking Davion Mitchell at the eighth spot. Mitchell was a tremendous defender for the Baylor Bears on their way to a national championship last season and even adds some nice playmaking ability on the other end of the floor. While his height could limit his ceiling, his knack for making winning plays could help shift the culture in Orlando.
9. Sacramento Kings - Alperen Sengun, F/C, Turkey
There’s a lot Sacramento can do with this ninth spot, but after seeing Luka, Trae, and Deandre Ayton all thrive this season, I imagine the stench of their Marvin Bagley pick is becoming too rancid for Sacramento to stomach. Alperen Sengun is the Kings’ attempt to move on from the past as they attempt to construct their future around the ultra-promising Fox/Haliburton backcourt. Sengun is a traditional big man that has room to expand his game and be everything the Kings need him to be. He has incredible footwork and finishing ability down low and plays really solid on-ball defense. He’ll need to extend his range as a shooter in order to take the next step in his development, especially since he’s a slightly undersized big man in this league, but I believe he’s capable of righting the Kings’ previous wrongs.
10. Memphis Grizzlies (Via New Orleans) - Chris Duarte, G, Oregon
The Grizzlies are a team quickly on the rise thanks to their young and gritty core. Although Eric Bledsoe isn’t expected to remain with this team, the addition of Steven Adams will hopefully help Memphis on the defensive end, but don’t count on much offensive production. That’s where Chris Duarte can provide assistance. The Grizzlies already have their starting lineup more or less set, so adding someone like Duarte to their bench would be a really solid move. While Duarte isn’t the most athletic player and certainly doesn’t have the highest upside, he has a very stable floor as an elite shooter who hustles and plays solid defense. He gives off the same gritty energy that has made Memphis so likable over the years and would fit right in with the culture they already have.
11. Charlotte Hornets - Kai Jones, F, Texas
The Hornets were one of the league’s most pleasant surprises last season, as they went from irrelevant bottomfeeder to League Pass darlings with the additions of Lamelo Ball and Gordon Hayward. The next step in the Charlotte transformation is replacing a very uninspiring frontcourt consisting of Bismack Biyambo and Cody Zeller with players that pair well with LaMelo and company. Kai Jones is a raw prospect that didn’t start playing organized basketball until 2017, but I believe he’s a perfect addition to this young and improving squad. At Texas, Jones displayed incredible defensive versatility and remarkable athleticism that made him a human highlight reel on both ends of the floor. With time to develop and become a more well-rounded player, Kai Jones could be the piece that elevates the Hornets even further.
12. San Antonio Spurs - Moses Moody, F, Arkansas
The San Antonio Spurs are still looking for that cornerstone player that takes this team from a middling potential playoff squad to a championship contender, but unless they move up I don’t see them finding that at the 12th spot. However, Moses Moody is a solid selection that brings much-needed perimeter shooting to San Antonio. A 38% three-point shooter last year, Moody would provide spacing for a San Antonio offense that was all the way at the bottom in terms of three-point numbers last season. Acquiring Moody would allow the Spurs to modernize their offense more, while also reaping the benefits of him being a smart and versatile defender.
13. Indiana Pacers - Corey Kispert, F, Gonzaga
Despite the sub-.500 record and all of the coaching debauchery that last season brought, the Pacers will be returning a pretty competitive squad next season. With the return of TJ Warren and a healthy offseason for Caris LaVert, Indiana appears to have their starting lineup more or less set at this moment in time. They would benefit from the services of Corey Kispert off their bench to provide a sparkplug in their rotation. Kispert averaged 19.2 PPG last year at Gonzaga while shooting a blistering 44.4% from beyond the arc. In addition to this, the 6’6” wing is a very solid defender that makes smart plays on that end of the floor. Kispert also feels like someone who would play for the Indiana Pacers (or maybe he just reminds me of Doug McDermott.)
14. Golden State Warriors - Josh Giddey, G, Australia
If the Warriors stay at the 14th spot, I would love to see them snag Josh Giddey. He’s not a finished product as is, but he’s a 6’8 guard with incredible playmaking ability that would be a very enjoyable pairing with Steph’s off-ball movement. At his current height, Giddey could also coexist on the floor with Steph and Klay while not demanding a high usage rate like some other prospects they could take here. He certainly will need to work on his shooting to reach the next level in his career trajectory, but the Warriors can afford to reap the benefits while they wait for that to come along.
15. Washington Wizards - Franz Wagner, F, Michigan
I could absolutely see Wagner go five or six spots ahead of the 15th spot, but many of these selections come down to personal preference. Although Bradley Beal’s status as a Wizard is in question this offseason, I’m going to assume he remains with Washington until reports indicate otherwise. Franz Wagner would be a really solid piece alongside Beal and Russell Westbrook, and his ability to do a little bit of everything on the floor adds a dimension to this Wizards team that they lacked last year. With Westbrook not being the most prolific shooter, Wagner provides spacing as an effective three-point shooter. Standing at 6’9” and weighing in at 220 pounds, Wagner has a high basketball IQ that could serve as an anchor for the Washington defense as well.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder - Cameron Thomas, G, LSU
After bolstering their defense with the selection of Scottie Barnes at number six overall, the Thunder should use their second pick of the first round to add a talented scorer in order to lighten the load for SGA. Thomas is a score-first guard that averaged 23 PPG at LSU on almost 33% shooting behind the three-point line. He’s a three-level scorer that would open the game up for his backcourt partner and provide different looks off the bench that create more versatility for Oklahoma City.
17. New Orleans Pelicans (via Memphis) - Usman Garuba, F, Spain
The Eric Bledsoe/Steven Adams experiment failed miserably in New Orleans last season, meaning the Pelicans need to once again address their defensive deficiencies this offseason. Usman Garuba may not slip this far, but if he does then the Pelicans cannot afford to pass up the best defender in this draft class. He’s not the best shooter, but he can do just about everything else at an elite level. From being a versatile and intelligent defender to dishing the ball with impressive precision, Garuba would be an excellent piece as the Pelicans look to acquire the right pieces to surround a seemingly frustrated Zion Williamson.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder - Trey Murphy, F, Virginia
There’s been quite a bit of talk in this mock about the Oklahoma City Thunder, but this is the last time. I promise. At the 18th spot, the Thunder should once again address their offensive holes by adding Trey Murphy. At Virginia, Murphy was a 43% three-point shooter with a quick release and a solid offensive IQ. On the defensive end, Murphy could act as the Thunder’s go-to defender against any team’s best player, even with Lu Dort’s defensive prowess. He’s 6’8” and has remarkable defensive fundamentals that you would expect from someone who played under Tony Bennett. He isn’t known for his ball-handling or for shooting off the dribble, but between SGA and Cameron Thomas, his role as a lethal 3 and D piece is perfect.
19. New York Knicks - Jalen Johnson, F, Duke
After an impressive season, the New York Knicks need to continue to add versatility to the offensive end in order to go deeper into the playoffs. Jalen Johnson is a raw prospect but comes with tremendous upside if he can fix his shooting mechanics and become a more consistent scorer. In the short term though, Johnson provides the Knicks with incredible playmaking talent that will lead to an abundance of open opportunities and clean looks for the more established scorers on this team. He also fits the Tom Thibodeau mold of a hard-nosed, versatile defender both on and off the ball.
20. Atlanta Hawks - Ziaire Williams, F, Stanford
The Hawks’ Eastern Conference run may have been a pretty large surprise to most of the league, but if Atlanta continues to draft at the high level we’ve seen recently, then they should continue to sit towards the top of the conference for years to come. I see this draft success continuing with the acquisition of Ziaire Williams out of Stanford. He provides a higher upside as a wing than Kevin Huerter, and even though he’s a very raw prospect he immediately adds shot creation and playmaking ability. Assuming the Hawks lose John Collins this offseason after he played his way into potentially a max deal, Williams’ length and solid defensive foundation allow the Hawks some flexibility moving forward.
21. New York Knicks - Sharife Cooper, G, Auburn
I could see the Knicks taking Sharife Cooper with the 19th pick, but given that the Hawks don’t necessarily need to focus on their backcourt I predict that New York takes him at 21 instead. With Cooper, the Knicks once again add to their offensive game by selecting a high upside floor general that could become even more dangerous with a more developed shot. This also sures up the point guard position for the Knicks assuming Derrick Rose walks this offseason. Immanuel Quickley can move to play the two while Sharife Cooper allows New York to finally move on from Elfrid Peyton.
22. Los Angeles Lakers - Keon Johnson, G, Tennessee
If Keon Johnson falls to the 22nd spot, the Lakers would be receiving a solid secondary scorer behind LeBron and AD. At Tennessee, Johnson demonstrated star ability on both ends of the floor as an explosive athlete and smart player. His jumper is inconsistent (he only shot 26% from three), but as a raw talent, he has the potential to be a key part of the next generation Lakers whenever LeBron James decides to move into making movies full-time. The Lakers will look to be back on top of the league after a long offseason with a focus on getting healthy, so taking someone like Keon Johnson allows for assistance now, and assurance for the future.
23. Houston Rockets - Jaden Springer, G, Tennessee
This is the draft the Rockets shape their backcourt of the future. After a no-brainer selection with Jalen Green at 2, Houston should elect to grab another guard that can coexist with Green and become a key piece for the future once the John Wall era has concluded. When looking at the remaining prospects that could go in the first, Jaden Springer feels like the correct piece to that puzzle. At Tennessee, Springer showcased solid play on both ends of the court that translated to winning basketball. He won’t be a team’s number one scoring option, but he won’t need to be that on the Rockets with Christian Wood, John Wall, and Jalen Green presumably taking up a majority of the usage. He’s a true point guard that has defensive upside, two attributes that bode well for the Rockets.
24. Houston Rockets - Isaiah Jackson, C, Kentucky
With their second consecutive pick and their third of the first round, the Rockets should select Isaiah Jackson at 24. Jackson would be a terrific pairing next to Christian Wood in the frontcourt and adds shot-blocking and elite-level rebounding to the Rockets. His defensive effort and fundamentals need improvement in order to be playable in any situation, but there’s plenty of upside for the 19-year-old freak athlete.
25. Los Angeles Clippers - Jared Butler, G, Baylor
These playoffs were harmful to the Clippers in a number of ways. Not only did they fall short of their championship aspirations yet again, but they lost Kawhi Leonard in the process and Reggie Jackson most likely played himself into a nice chunk of change as a free agent this offseason. While the 25th spot can’t fix all of these woes, it can start to address the presumptive hole in their backcourt with the loss of Jackson. With the selection of Jared Butler at 25, the Clippers will be gaining a very capable point guard that shot 41% from three at Baylor and could provide much-needed offensive production off the bench for Los Angeles. Butler is a bit undersized at 6’2”, but he was a key reason why Baylor was so successful in their quest for a championship last season and can hopefully bring that same success to a team desperate for their first title.
26. Denver Nuggets - Tre Mann, G, Florida
While the Nuggets fared pretty well in the playoffs given the circumstances, and they have the pieces to contend for the next few years, Jamal Murray’s health heading into next season will be a large question mark in terms of how far Denver can go. Murray will at least be out to start the season, meaning the Nuggets should look to acquire a ball handler that will work well with Jokic and take the pressure off of Monte Morris and Facundo Campazzo. Tre Mann would fill this need admirably for Denver, as he proved at Florida that he cannot only effectively handle the ball and utilize the pick and roll, but he can also go and get a bucket when called upon. He will benefit from not being the centerpiece of an offense, but he absolutely can step into regular minutes for the Nuggets and contribute at a high rate.
27. Brooklyn Nets - Joshua Primo, G, Alabama
The Nets are clear title favorites heading into next season and would have likely been there this year if not for untimely injuries. However, injuries can only excuse so much and while losing Kyrie Irving hurt and not having a 100% James Harden only made matters worse, Brooklyn still had every opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Adding a pure scorer like Joshua Primo can help ensure that, regardless of the circumstances, the Nets will get solid production from their role players. Primo is someone that can go out and get you a bucket when needed. Whether it’s through a spot-up shot or off the dribble, the Alabama product is a lethal offensive threat from just about anywhere. He’ll need to work on his handles and playmaking if he wants to become a primary offensive piece, but as far as playmakers go, the Nets are already set.
28. Philadelphia 76ers - Isaiah Todd, F, G League Ignite
While the status of Ben Simmons in Philly is up in the air currently, and the Sixers could benefit from adding another wing to their rotation, I like Isaiah Todd as the pick here. For his size, Todd lit it up from beyond the arc on the Ignite last season, shooting 36% and averaging over 12 PPG. This would be a nice frontcourt pairing with Joel Embiid, who can extend his range outside of the paint but is so damn effective down low. The downside to Todd is he lacks the physicality you’d like to see from someone his size, but if the Sixers keep Simmons and Embiid together then they can afford to have a forward that is used more for spacing than for living in the lane.
29. Phoenix Suns - Ayo Dosumnu, G, Illinois
There is a world in which the Suns lose both Chris Paul and Cameron Payne this offseason, and they need a contingency plan just in case. Ayo Dosumnu doesn’t necessarily provide the immediate upside as some guards earlier in the first round, but he was undeniably the leader of a very good Illinois squad. Dosunmu is a solid ball-handler and passer that would effectively create shots for the primary options on the Suns' offense. He’s not a great shooter but makes up for it with his versatility on both ends of the floor.
30. Utah Jazz - JT Thor, F, Auburn
The Achilles heel of the Utah Jazz this season was their inability to guard wings that could go and get a bucket. It’s what eventually led to their downfall against the Clippers once LA had Rudy Gobert figured out and no one could get in front of their smaller lineup. JT Thor would be a solid pickup for this issue alone. At 6’8” with a 7’3 wingspan, Thor proved last season that he can be the anchor for a team’s defense in a way that someone Gobert’s size can’t. Yes, it’s beneficial to have them both on the floor, but Gobert can’t step out and guard players like Luka Doncic or Kawhi Leonard, whereas Thor brings versatility and athleticism that could be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
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