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2021 NBA Draft

Date : Thursday, July 29, 2021

Location : Brooklyn, New York

Number of Picks : 60 (56 played in NBA)

First Overall Pick : Cade Cunningham (1.1 Win Shares)

Most Win Shares : E. Mobley (19.3), S. Barnes (15.9) and F. Wagner (15.7)

All-Stars : 1 ( S. Barnes )

Draft History

Click the Team for players drafted by that franchise. Click the College for players drafted from that college. Click the Pk for players drafted in that slot.

Matthew Maurer of TheDraftReview is an NBA Draft historian who has researched and collected the data on the entire history of the NBA Draft. Much of the biographical and draft data of the later rounds is thanks to his investigative research and work.

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2021 NBA Draft tracker: Live results, updates and grades of picks so far

It's the second NBA Draft in nine months, and similar to last year's crop of rookies, the 2021 class seems to have a clear top three. 

Oklahoma State's Cade Cunningham is set to be the No. 1 overall pick to Detroit, barring a trade, ESPN reported Thursday, and USC's Evan Mobley and Jalen Green are expected to be selected in some order with the next two picks.

After that, it's a mix of college upperclassmen, international prospects with a lot of potential and more. Tennessee's Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer are expected to be first round selections, but you never know until the name is called.

NBA DRAFT 2021: How to watch on TV, streaming, first round draft order

CHALLENGES: NBA's global scouting affected by COVID, leading to fewer international prospects in Draft

MORE NBA NEWS: NBA nears record with new Black coaching hires: 'The last few weeks have been really cool'

Follow along with our live draft tracker, with picks, trades and analysis below, from Thursday's draft in Bro:

2021 NBA Draft — First round 

1. detroit pistons | cade cunningham, f, oklahoma state.

Instant grade:  A-minus

Analysis:   Cunningham showed glimpses of stardom at Oklahoma State, and he can drive to the rim at will. He has all the tools, and he's already really good. But what level can he get to with the Pistons? Detroit gets an elite prospect at the wing for the first time in a long while.

2. Houston Rockets | Jalen Green, G, G-League Ignite

Instant grade:   B-plus

Analysis:   Green has the ability to finish at will, as he did at the G-League, and is a solid decision maker. He'll be able to be a lead guard on offense, but not yet defensively. Green needs to build strength to help on that side of the floor.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers | Evan Mobley, C, USC

Instant grade:   A

Analysis:  Mobley is the real deal as a modern big man. He can make an instant impact defensively, both at the rim and from 20 feet and in. Mobley also has the offensive skill-set to become one of the league's best centers, with the ball in hands and around the rim. Mobley has the highest floor and highest ceiling of anyone not named Cade Cunningham in the draft. My No.1 prospect.

4. Toronto Raptors | Scottie Barnes, G/F, Florida State

Instant grade:   C

Analysis:   It's curious, because while Barnes is an excellent defender who plays with endless energy, he's got a long way on the offensive end. Barnes won't be a factor at the end of games with the ball in his hand for a couple years, if ever. Toronto will keep a keen eye on wherever Jalen Suggs land.

5. Orlando Magic | Jalen Suggs, G, Gonzaga

Instant grade:  A

Analysis:  Suggs' shooting will tell the tale, and I'm betting he's a good enough shooter to become one of the best two-way lead guards in the league. This helps Orlando, who hasn't had a quality lead guard in a while. The next Mike Conley-type?

6. Oklahoma City Thunder | Josh Giddey, G/F, Australia

Analysis:   Giddey's two biggest questions are shooting and defense, which would make him a good lottery ticket to take in the late lottery (or later) if that's where OKC was picking. Instead, Giddey goes here. He's a good and thoughtful ballhandler, which is fine for a team that only has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a ball dominant player. But OKC will continue to play for the future, because Giddey is years away from being an impact player if he

7. Golden State Warriors (from Minnesota) | Jonathan Kuminga, F, G-League Ignite

Instant grade:  B

Analysis:  This is a great place for Kuminga, because he's still learning how to fit his game into the bigger picture. It wasn't a great year for Kuminga in the G-League; if he continues to ball stop and struggles with bad decisions, he won't play for Golden State. That's why, while Kuminga won't necessarily love the tough love as a rookie, this is a great spot for him. At worst, he'll be a good defender and rebounder for the second unit in Years 1 and 2.

8. Orlando Magic (from Chicago) | Franz Wagner, F, Michigan

Analysis:  Wagner is a perfect forward for the modern game, as a plus playmaker who can shoot and has enough athleticism to defend. He can do a lot, and will do well with a lot of rookie-year playing time in Orlando. 

9. Sacramento Kings | Davion Mitchell, G, Baylor

Instant grade:   B

Analysis:   A win-now player for a win-later team. Mitchell could be helpful to a lot of playoff-level teams that need second-unit help. Mitchell is a solid defender who had one really good shooting season in college. Prolonged shooting ability will take the 22-year-old far in the NBA, though he clearly is a competitor who is a strong defender.

10. Memphis Grizzlies (from New Orleans) | Ziaire Williams, F, Stanford

Instant grade:   C-minus

Analysis:  The Grizzlies have been an excellent drafting team under Zach Kleiman, and this one will test his ability to judge prospects. Williams is a really good athlete who struggled to get to the rim at Stanford. Worse, he was a bad shooter too. Williams has potential, yet unlocked.

11. Charlotte Hornets | James Bouknight, G, UConn

Analysis:   Maybe this is where Bouknight was going to go all along? The UConn guard was rising among the mock drafts and big boards as a possible option after the No. 4 pick, but that wasn't to be. The fit here is interesting; Charlotte has LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier as ballhandling lead guards. Can Bouknight flourish as an off-ball guard? Or will he run the second unit?

12. San Antonio Spurs | Josh Primo, G, Alabama

Instant grade:  C-plus

Analysis:  Primo is a very good 3-point shooter with OK athleticism who will have an early role. At 6-foot-4, he'll have to show he can create on his own.

13. Indiana Pacers | Chris Duarte, G, Oregon

Instant grade:   A-minus

Analysis:  One of the most efficient offensive players of the last several drafts, Duarte is a great story. The 24-year-old was the junior college player of the year in 2019, then was instantly the Pac-12's best offensive player for two seasons. Duarte is a really good shooter, can get to the mid-range and convert, and can finish at the rim. Smart decision maker. Good pick.

14. Golden State Warriors | Moses Moody, G, Arkansas

Instant grade:  B-plus

Analysis:   Moses got the '3-and-D' identifier slapped on him from the start of the draft process. Arkansas asked him to do so much, and he improved last season with strength with the ball and dribble-drive. He'll be a fine defender, too. Shot creation is Moody's biggest flaw, but Golden State is a good place to improve that.

15. Washington Wizards | Corey Kispert, F, Gonzaga

Analysis:  Kispert's athleticism is a legitimate concern re: whether or not he can drive offense, but he can be a Joe Ingles type in Washington. Lights out shooter.

16. Houston Rockets (from Boston via OKC) | Alperen Sengun, C, Turkey

Instant grade:  D

Analysis:  In the modern NBA, a slow-footed center is someone who coaches have to develop a plan for. Sengun is exactly that, which means he'll struggle to get on the floor against some (most?) teams.

17. New Orleans Pelicans (from Memphis) | Trey Murphy III, F, Virginia

Analysis:  Murphy shot the ball well from 3 at Rice and Virginia, so expect him to do that well in New Orleans. He's a decent defender too, so expect Murphy to play a good bit with the Pelicans' second unit.

18. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Miami via LA Clippers, Philadelphia and Phoenix) | Tre Mann, G, Florida

Analysis:  Mann will be an offensive-first guard who can shoot but may struggle to consistently create his own offense. He got better throughout his two seasons in Florida, but I'm skeptical as to his fit here.

19. Charlotte Hornets (from New York Knicks) | Kai Jones, F/C, Texas

Analysis:   Don't know if Jones will play much at the 5 to solve those issues for Charlotte, but he can be a developmental big man that flashed good shooting and playmaking while at Texas.

20. Atlanta Hawks | Jalen Johnson, F, Duke

Instant grade: B 

Analysis:   This is a really good spot for Johnson, who will have to earn every bit of playing time in a frontcourt with Clint Capela, John Collins and Onyeka Okongwu. What kind of player will he be, though? Is he a hard-working defender who rebounds well? Maybe. But he will make highlight reels in transition, guaranteed.

21. Los Angeles Clippers (from Dallas via NY Knicks) | Keon Johnson, G, Tennessee

Analysis:   Johnson is a good athlete, like a lot of the players picked in the 20s. What is his offensive role in LA?

22. Indiana Pacers (from Los Angeles Lakers via Washington) | Isaiah Jackson, F, Kentucky

Analysis:  Jackson has more offensive potential than he showed at Kentucky, and a lot of it comes down to his inability to stay out of foul trouble. If Jackson figures out the foul troubles, he can become a useful outside offensive forward who can defend inside-out.

23. Houston Rockets (from Portland) | Usman Garuba, F, Spain

Analysis:   What does he do on offense? I'm not quite sure. He'll be a handful defensively, but there will need to be more.

24. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee) | Josh Christopher, G, Arizona State

Analysis:   Christopher was my favorite bet for a second-rounder who would become a legitimate scoring option for a team. In reality, he's a first round pick. Christopher can contribute on both sides of the floor as a rookie and beyond.

25. New York Knicks (from Los Angeles Clippers) | Quentin Grimes, G, Houston

Analysis:   Grimes is a tough guard who can defend, but shot creation (for himself and others) at the next level may be an issue. A Tom Thibodeau type of player.

26. Denver Nuggets | Bones Hyland, G, VCU

Analysis:   Hyland plays bigger than 6-3, and that'll translate well to the next level. There will be games where he'll score 20 points in 22 minutes for the Nuggets.

27. Brooklyn Nets | Cameron Thomas, G, LSU

Instant grade:   A

Analysis:   At this point, teams are grabbing guys with traits that fit. Thomas is a tremendously talented scorer going to a team with a tremendously capable offense. Thomas is not the 27th best player in this draft.

28. Philadelphia 76ers | Jaden Springer, G, Tennessee

Analysis:   Springer is a good shooter who will push for playing time early. Shot creation and scoring at the rim needs improvement, but that could be limited by athleticism.

29. Brooklyn Nets (from Phoenix)| Day'ron Sharpe, C, North Carolina

Instant grade:   B-minus

Analysis:  A rim-crasher on both ends of the floor, which fits about what the Nets ask of their frontcourt.

30. Memphis Grizzlies (from Utah) | Santi Aldama, F, Loyola (MD)

Analysis:  Aldama can make plays with the ball and has a solid shot, but is that enough for him to make his mark in the NBA?

2021 NBA Draft — Second round 

31. washington wizards (from houston via milwaukee and indiana) | isaiah todd, f, g-league ignite, 32. oklahoma city thunder (from detroit via ny knicks) | jeremiah thompson-earl, f, villanova, 33. los angeles clippers (from orlando) | jason preston, g, ohio, 34. new york knicks (from oklahoma city thunder) | rokas jokubaitis, g, lithuania, 35. new orleans pelicans | herb jones, g/f, alabama, 36. new york knicks (from okc thunder) | miles mcbride, g, west virginia, 37. charlotte hornets (from detroit) | jt thor, f, auburn, 38. chicago bulls | ayo dosunmu, g, illinois, 39. sacramento kings | neemias queta, c, utah state, 40. utah jazz (from new orleans via memphis) | jared butler, g, butler, 41. san antonio spurs | joe wieskamp, g, iowa, 42. detroit pistons | isaiah livers, f, michigan, 43. portland trail blazers (from new orleans) | greg brown iii, f, texas, 44. brooklyn nets | kessler edwards, f, pepperdine, 45. boston celtics | juhann begarin, g, guadeloupe, 46. toronto raptors | dalano banton, g, nebraska, 47. toronto raptors | david johnson, g, louisville, 48. atlanta hawks | sharife cooper, g, auburn, 49. brooklyn nets | marcus zagarowski, g, creighton, 50. philadelphia 76ers | filip petrusev, f, serbia, 51. los angeles clippers (from new orleans via memphis) | bj boston, f, kentucky, 52. detroit pistons | luka garza, c, iowa, 53. philadelphia 76ers | charles bassey, c, western kentucky, 54. milwaukee bucks (from indiana) | sandro mamukelashvili, c, seton hall, 55. oklahoma city thunder | aaron wiggins, g, maryland, 56. charlotte hornets | scottie lewis, g, florida, 57. detroit pistons (from charlotte) | balsa koprivica, c, florida state, 58. new york knicks | jericho sims, f, texas, 59. brooklyn nets | raiquan gray, f, florida state, 60. milwaukee bucks (from indiana) | georgios kalaitzakis, f, greece.

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NBA Draft grades 2021: Complete results, analysis for every pick in Round 1

There was some minor drama surrounding the Pistons heading into the 2021 NBA Draft, as reports indicated they were considering multiple players and taking trade calls. Would they really pass on the opportunity to select Cade Cunningham?

Nope. Detroit went chalk to open Thursday night's draft, choosing the Oklahoma State star with the No. 1 overall pick. Houston and Cleveland also failed to surprise the fans at the Barclays Center, taking Jalen Green and Evan Mobley at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

The Pistons, Rockets and Cavaliers are certainly feeling good about with their picks, but a few teams may be scratching their heads in the near future when they realize who they could have landed.

Sporting News provided instant grades as the picks were announced on Thursday. Check out our 2021 NBA Draft analysis below.

MORE: Grading Westbrook trade for Lakers and Wizards

NBA Draft grades 2021: Picks, analysis from Round 1

1. Detroit Pistons — Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State

There's a lot to love about Cunningham, including his 3-point shooting touch, which is rare in this class. There is his command of the court; he is not one of those passers who sees what isn't there, like a Jason Kidd or Penny Hardaway, but Cunningham always sees the pass that's available, even if it's a difficult angle or a player on the opposite side of the court.

What should matter most to the Pistons, hopefully, is that Cunningham is a winner. He was outstanding at the FIBA U-19 World Cup in 2019. He battled through a hotly contested Big 12 regular season and got Oklahoma State to its conference tournament title game. In a draft with no obvious superstar but lots of quality prospects, it makes great sense to draft someone who has both promise and a proven track record as a competitor. 

2. Houston Rockets — Jalen Green, G League Ignite

When Green signed onto the G League Ignite program, it was described as an operation that would be little better preparation than another year spent in AAU. Better coaching, for sure, but a series of meaningless exhibition games against disinterested opposition is not going to polish a prospect into a legitimate NBA competitor. Because of the pandemic, however, the G League bubble was created so the NBA's minor league players had somewhere to complete. The Ignite were included, so they got 15 games using NBA rules against teams pursuing playoff berths and a championship.

That was great for Green, who shot a respectable 36.5 percent on 3-pointers and averaged 17.9 points. Green will enter with an awareness of NBA rules and a feel for the 24-second clock — as well as ideal size and talent to develop into a scoring wing. And for a team that needs everything, a wing who could become an All-Star is a great place to start.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers — Evan Mobley, USC

It is a measure of the change in NBA mentality that Mobley, as the draft's best center prospect, is not automatically the presumptive No. 1 overall pick. It's also a measure of the change that a player with Mobley's frame (7-0, 215 pounds) would be valued so highly at the center position. When Shaquille O'Neal was chosen No. 1 overall in 2007, he was 7-1 and 293 pounds.

But the desire now is for big men who can move on the perimeter to defend against screens, and Mobley is elite in that department. He is a developing shooter with great ball skills, especially as a passer. He thinks the game like the coach's son he is. The more I consider him, the more I wonder if I should have had him No. 1 on my big board. He will have to grow stronger— and there is the fact wings are the most important NBA position now — but a big man with Mobley's potential makes the Cavs one of the most exciting young teams in the league.

4. Toronto Raptors — Scottie Barnes, Florida State

He is impossible not to like and a challenge to love — at this stage, anyway. Barnes offers so much: a winning background, the ball skills to function as a point guard, a commitment to his teammates, the size to overwhelm at that position or even function at times as a small-ball power forward. Barnes played in a college system at Florida State that allowed him to learn but not to flourish; he played only 25 minutes and attempted eight shots per game. It would have been nice to see him take command more often, but that's not how FSU sets up its program.

At the U-19 World Cup in 2019, he was more comfortable in that role, and he scored in double figures four times in seven games. So the investment here is on what might be. I believe it's a gamble worth taking. He's a logical pick for the Raptors because they have Fred VanVleet under contract and can use Barnes to provide them with multiple playmakers. I've seen him listed as a forward — and that may be the plan — but he thinks the game like a point guard.

5. Orlando Magic — Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga

He is just about everything a modern NBA team wants in a point guard: exceptional size, decent length, ball handling skill, understanding of pick-and-roll play, at least a taste for defense. He'd be even more attractive if he owned a track record as an elite shooter, but there's every indication that will come with practice. He does not fly like Jonathan Kuminga and isn't 6-8 like Cade Cunningham, but he has that uncanny knack for positioning his body in whatever way is necessary to succeed that is difficult to quantify and commonly overlooked when analysts discuss "athleticism." 

I've said this before: If you want to understand his value, watch the second half of Gonzaga's comeback victory against BYU in the West Coast Conference title game. He would not let the Zags lose and was willing — and able — to do whatever was required to prevent it. That's going to be harder to do with the shape the Magic are in, but he's the kind of player around whom one can build a team.

6. Oklahoma City Thunder — Josh Giddey, Adelaide 36ers

In terms of passing ability and size, there are a lot of similarities between Giddey and Cade Cunningham. Neither has that next-level vision thing, but each has a great feel for his teammates' locations on the court and how best to use that to his team's advantage. Giddey is absolutely excellent in operating pick-and-roll sets and exploiting the mismatches that develop. The difference is that Giddey struggles to get by defenders and is mostly reliant on using his strength and length to finish over them. And that was against the guys from Australia's NBL, not America's NBA. And Giddey is a meager deep shooter at this stage.

The Thunder may or may not be thinking they're getting the next Luka Doncic, but the Mavericks star was named Euroleague MVP at 19 years old and won the championship (largely because of his performance). Giddey played for a lousy team in Australia's NBL. It's not the same.

7. Golden State Warriors (via Minnesota Timberwolves) — Jonathan Kuminga, G League Ignite

The Warriors could not resist a player whose ceiling is so high he's the only one who has the vertical leap to reach it. Drafting Kuminga is like betting a three-game parlay on your favorite gambling app. It's harder to be sure, but the rewards are greater. Kuminga is an A++ player in terms of dynamism — at least the most explosive player to enter the league since Andrew Wiggins — but with greater length. The thing about Wiggins, though, is he keeps producing stats and never wins. And that's the question about Kuminga.

Yes, he might win the Slam Dunk Contest during his career, but what else? He has to be more than a straight-line driver and finisher at the rim to excel in this league. If he gets himself a jumpshot — and it's not like it's broken – he could become a high-level scoring wing. But that seems farther off with him than other prospects in this draft. Can he even get on the floor for the Warriors at full strength?

8. Orlando Magic (via Chicago Bulls) — Franz Wagner, Michigan

He may be the single best defender in the draft, and that includes his knack from rebounding from a wing position. He's alert, aware and physically tough against the players he checks. He passes and handles the ball extremely well and finishes at the rim with such dexterity and, when it's called for, physical force. If he were a shooter, we would have been talking about him long before this. But he's not. That's after just two college seasons, and we have seen many players improve their touch after this stage.

Being drafted by the Magic, a team that is not soon contending for the playoffs, means he'll be able to get minutes as he works on it. That's an ideal scenario for both.

9. Sacramento Kings — Davion Mitchell, Baylor

Who really loves the game but doesn't love Davion? OK, but the Kings maybe loved him too much. This is a team that already has Tyrese Halliburton and De'Aaron Fox, the latter on a max deal. Any other team drafting Mitchell would get an A. But this team so desperately needs frontcourt toughness, which was available to them.

Mitchell demonstrated to everyone watching the 2021 NCAA Tournament that he is an extraordinary leader. He was outstanding in leading Baylor to the title, particularly with his elite on-ball defense and first-rate shooting stroke. He's not just a winner; he's a champion. But he's also the Kings' umpteenth point guard, and, as gifted as he is, probably the least gifted of them.

10. New Orleans Pelicans — Ziaire Williams, Stanford (traded to Grizzlies)

The Pels made this pick for the Grizzlies as the result of a trade. One imagines whoever it was in New Orleans that took the phone call from Memphis having to suppress the instinct to respond: "Seriously?" 

Williams is a talent, but his season at Stanford was a failure in pretty much every way it could be, from the lack of production (only 10.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game) to the lack of shooting accuracy (37.4 percent from the field, 29.1 on threes) to the mysterious conclusion of the season, when he "did not travel with the team to Las Vegas," as 247 Sports put it. Maybe being around Ja Morant can make him better.

11. Charlotte Hornets — James Bouknight, UConn

He's one of the first players off the board that comes with considerable risk attached. His high-above-the floor style most likely is required for him to excel, but it's risky given the physical stature of the players he'll oppose. Trae Young has an even slighter build, but Young's game is close to the ground. Bouknight is, first, an above-the-rim player, and he winds up on his behind more often than a pole vaulter.

His frequent flying might become less essential as he grows into a more consistent shooter, but a guy's got to earn his standing (and money), and it's hard to do that without using your greatest gifts. As a result, I worry about his ability to play 82 games a year. But what he brings at his best is hard to ignore.

12. San Antonio Spurs — Joshua Primo, Alabama

How far back do we have to go to find a time when Primo made a difference to his team? He averaged eight points in 22 minutes for Alabama. I was in the gym for the Tide's Sweet 16 game against UCLA, but, once his name started popping up on NBA Draft sites, I didn't remember Primo being there. And no wonder: He scored six points and missed all four of his 3-pointers in just 17 minutes of an overtime game.

For the Canadian junior national team at the FIBA U19 World Cup, he averaged four points. He does have shooting skill, but he is thin and will need too much time to be able to physically handle himself. Passing on Corey Kispert feels like the strangest move.

13. Indiana Pacers — Chris Duarte, Oregon

The first time I saw him, I immediately thought: pro. He does everything so smoothly, has such great size for the shooting guard position, nice bounce and such a great feel for offensive basketball. Obviously, it'd be nicer if he became this player at 21 or 22 rather than 24, but I don't care if he's 61 — I want him on my team.

It will be interesting to see how he fits into the Pacers' current lineup, which has lots of wings, but it suggests there might be some moves coming.

14. Golden State Warriors — Moses Moody, Arkansas

If Moody had returned to Arkansas for a second season, we might be talking about him in the way James Harden was discussed when he left Arizona State in 2009. That's not to say Moody should have stuck around Fayetteville, but it leaves open the question of how long it will take for Moody to make the next step. He went from undervalued prospect to first option on a successful NCAA Tournament team as a freshman. Now, can he be a factor at the the NBA level?

He does not need to be a star to be a worthwhile pick, not at this level in the draft and not with the team that selected him. He might just be capable, though skipping a developmental step makes it a very, very long leap.

Special tribute — Terrence Clarke, Kentucky  

Lovely touch by the NBA and commissioner Adam Silver to acknowledge Terrence Clarke and his tragic death at age 19. "He will forever be a part of the NBA family," Silver said, before announcing Clarke as an NBA draft pick and welcoming his family to the podium.

With the next pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the NBA selects Terrence Clarke from the University of Kentucky. #LLTC5 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/fJYvShrgK3 — NBA (@NBA) July 30, 2021

15. Washington Wizards — Corey Kispert, Gonzaga

His stumbles in the late stages of the NCAA Tournament — he shot a combined 7 of 25 from distance from the Elite Eight through the title game — might have dimmed the enthusiasm for Kipsert. But the defensive attention generated against him in those game will almost never be mounted by an NBA opponent. He'll get shots, like Danny Green did in San Antonio, because opponents will be focused on stopping Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker. (Well, not those four specifically, of course).

Kispert will have to grow into being as spirited a defender as Green, but his success will be based on delivering as a long-range shooter. He will.

16. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Boston Celtics) — Alperen Sengun, Besiktas (traded to Rockets)

The Thunder made this pick for the Rockets because of a trade, and they might have been tempted to reconsider after hearing his name. Sengun is a warrior. What separates him from accomplished young U.S. big men like Luka Garza is length, quickness in tight spaces and the ability to change ends — but mostly length. Sengun is not a high-flyer, either, but his reach allows even the smallest jump to put him well above the rim.

He put up big numbers in the Turkish Super League, where he was MVP at age 19. So many European prospects arrive having played so little, either because they're unprepared to compete in Spain or Italy or, more likely, their teams are trying to hide them from overseas scouts. Besiktas didn't make that mistake. They got an elite performance out of him. In time, so will the Rockets.

17. Memphis Grizzlies — Trey Murphy III, Virginia (traded to Pelicans)

The Grizzlies made this pick for the Pelicans because they exchanged selections as part of a multi-player trade. And the weird thing is, though New Orleans got the guy chosen seven spots later, it wound up with the better player. Murphy, the guy who got a year of coaching from Tony Bennett and shot 40 percent from 3-point range for his career on 191 makes in three seasons — or Ziaire Williams? Is that a trick question?

18. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Boston Celtics) — Tre Mann, Florida

He has the potential to develop into a very fine NBA point guard. He has excellent size for the position and really picked up his play as the games got bigger for the Gators last season. He was maybe one year away from playing himself into the lottery, but hey, the Thunder are the kind of team where he'd wind up in that circumstance.

The only question is, why would OKC use two first-round picks on the same position? Obviously, you can deploy more than one playmaker at the same time, but it's not like this team doesn't have a lot of needs.

19. New York Knicks — Kai Jones, Texas (traded to Hornets)

It's hard to find an example of a player in Kai's mold who was drafted in a prominent position and went on to excel, which is maybe why he landed here. Everyone says the game has evolved away from big men, but in recent years when teams saw an unfinished prospect with this sort of size and A-plus level dynamism, they couldn't resist. Apparently, they can now.

Most recent picks similar to Jones turned into, at best, functional frontcourt players their employers used sparingly while continuing to recite the "Hamilton" line: Just you wait. Jonathan Isaac missed a year to injury, but he still hasn't hit a dozen points per game. Cody Zeller has eight years in the league and still hasn't. Jaxson Hayes has been in the league two years and plays less than 17 minutes on average. One can love Jones' enthusiastic approach and still be skeptical he'll ever be more than a second-quarter energy guy.

20. Atlanta Hawks — Jalen Johnson, Duke

He departed IMG Academy while in high school and left Duke with roughly half the college season still remaining. This wasn't the dreamiest Duke basketball season ever, but not many simply walk away from "The Brotherhood," as Duke calls its alumni base. I cannot shake the words of the NBA personnel executive who told me about Johnson: "This guy has created issues at his last two stops. If that doesn't give you pause, I don't know what will." 

The Hawks have a winning culture now, and a rookie is not going to destroy that. He has an NBA body with his strength and length. But he struggles as a shooter and, as we said, has struggled with commitment.

21. New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks) — Keon Johnson, Tennessee (traded to Clippers)

I feel like the Knicks gave up both of the picks they were slated to make because the Thunder chose Mann. For the Clippers, this ranks among the most speculative picks in the draft because Johnson has yet to prove himself as a shooter — or, honestly, as a player. He got 26 minutes per game from Tennessee coach Rick Barnes and shot only 27 percent from 3-point range.

But he grades out as an "A" player in terms of dynamism and he excels with the ball in his hands. If there is a successful player he resembles most, it is Jazz star Donovan Mitchell, and "Spida" actually produced less as a college freshman: 7.4 points and 25 percent deep shooting in just 19 minutes per game. The difference now is that Johnson rushed into the league. Mitchell waited a year.

22. Los Angeles Lakers — Isaiah Jackson, Kentucky (traded to Pacers)

That players such as Williams and Primo went ahead of Jackson shows how much NBA teams are valuing dynamic young wings rather than dynamic young bigs. Jackson does not fit the current mold for frontcourt players. He tried only two 3-pointers at Kentucky and missed them both.

But he does have ability as a baseline shooter. And he could progress into an elite frontcourt defender. He gets off his feet so quickly and reads shooters so well. It seemed unlikely that minutes would be there early in his career in LA, as the Lakers focus on winning another title. Which is why it makes sense they would trade the pick away to the Pacers.

23. Houston Rockets (via Portland Trail Blazers) — Usman Garuba, Real Madrid

He is a relatively traditional power forward, the sort of player who would have been coveted a decade ago. He is physically powerful, especially for a 19-year-old, and he has played for Real Madrid in Spain's ACB and for the Spain national team in the Olympics, though the minutes have been limited in both places.

He always will play hard, but he has much to improve about his shooting touch to be able to play for a successful NBA team. But the Rockets are nowhere near that, so he might get a lot of run as a rookie.

24. Houston Rockets (via Milwaukee Bucks) — Josh Christopher, Arizona State

And the run continues of players who were really not good as collegians becoming first-rounders. Is there some vast collection of failed college players who overcame that to become proficient pros? There are a few, but the list is not robust.

Christopher joined a team that was on the rise and soon it was on the decline, and this was no coincidence at all. He shot 30.5 percent on 3-pointers and attempted few of them. If he'd shot 40 percent from deep and had all the same concerns, OK. He was not close to that. It's 185 miles from Houston to Waco. They couldn't have gotten over there at least once to see Jared Butler?

25. Los Angeles Clippers — Quentin Grimes, Houston (traded to Knicks)

If there's any player in the first round whose selection feels like a victory for the game, it's Grimes. He was one of those five-star prospects at a blue-blood school in the fall of 2018, and he started his college career at Kansas with a brilliant game on national TV against Michigan State. And then it got hard. And he struggled. And when his freshman year was over, he flirted with the draft and almost punted his career into the G League. Insead, he decided he needed a fresh start.

He transferred to Houston, and two years later he was an All-American, a star on a Final Four team and a first-round pick. Good for him. Good for the Knicks, who wind up with a rugged, spot-up shooter.

26. Denver Nuggets — Nah'Shon "Bones" Hyland, VCU

The first thing that came to mind when the Nuggets selected him was this: If a baseball flies farther at altitude, does that mean "Bones" has even greater range as a shooter? Because he's already as comfortable firing a 30-footer as some players are attempting a layup.

In a league that values shooting more than ever, a player who truly has disruptive range, like Trae Young or Stephen Curry, can make a terrific difference. Hyland will not have that sort of career, but he can be a terrific weapon for a team that knows how to score.

27. Brooklyn Nets — Cameron Thomas, LSU

A natural scorer, Thomas started getting buckets immediately upon arriving at LSU. He was encouraged to shoot, even though his percentages were not exceptional, because it helped weaken opposing defense.

It will be interesting to see how his game evolves in a situation where he either does not play much or is required to be disciplined in his shot selection. It could force him to become a more tactical player. Let's not forget that LSU lost a significant talent in Skylar Mays from the 2019-20 team and did not slip, in large part because Thomas was such an offensive force.

28. Philadelphia 76ers — Jaden Springer, Tennessee

He's not as tall or long as the young wings who became the surprises of this draft, but don't be surprised if he outscores all of them as rookies. Springer is reminiscent of Buddy Hield — without the three extra years Hield spent at Oklahoma growing into dominance. Springer is an excellent shooter who hit 43.5 percent from deep as a freshman, and he excels at creating opportunities for himself. At this stage of the draft, he's a bargain.

29. Phoenix Suns — Day'Ron Sharpe, North Carolina (traded to Nets)

His size and quickness proved alluring to the Nets, who will receive this pick in a trade from the Suns. He is not a shooter and not a significant post scorer, but he will rebound, run and work to learn how to defend.

If college were to be a one-year stop for him, it probably would have been a good idea to pick a school that didn't already have two experienced big men on the roster, which Carolina did. Sharpe played only 19 minutes per game, and it feels like we would know more about his potential if we'd seen more.

30. Utah Jazz — Santi Aldama, Loyola (MD) (traded to Grizzlies)

If you had this guy in your mock draft, congratulations, you win the "Best Mock Draft" trophy. A lot of people doing such work, including me, either forgot about him or underrated him in the pre-draft process. But he makes more sense than some of the bigs who went ahead of him.

He's got the size, some outrageous ball skills and a shooting touch that registered 37 percent from 3-point range. His team was bad, but it did make a nice run at the Patriot League tournament. This might be the Grizzlies' best pick.

Mike DeCourcy is a Senior Writer at The Sporting News

2021 NBA Mock Draft

The 2021 nba draft is in the books.

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2022 NBA Mock Draft – 2023 NBA Mock Draft

The Youngest Prospects in the 2021 Draft

2021 NBA Draft Superlatives

2021 NBA Draft Traded Picks

• Grizzlies get Pelicans pick in exchange for no.17, Jonas V. etc
• Knicks get Mavs 1st, unprotected (KP trade)
• Magic get Bulls 1st, top 4 protected (Vucevic trade)
• Pelicans get Grizzlies no.17 pick (Steven Adams/ Jonas trade)
• Rockets get Blazers 1st, lottery protected (Lord Covington trade)
• Rockets get Bucks 1st (PJ Tucker trade)
• Nets gets Suns pick at no.29 (Landry Shamet trade)
• Thunder get the best of the Rockets or Heat 1st, unprotected
• Thunder get Celtics pick (Horford/Kemba trade)
• Warriors get T-Wolves 1st, top 3 protected (D-Lo trade)

2021 NBA Draft Important Dates

• Deadline to declare for the 2021 NBA Draft is May 30, 11:59pm ET
• The 2021 Draft Lottery is June 22
• The draft combine is June 21-27
• Deadline to withdraw from the draft is July 7, 11:59pm ET (NCAA deadline)
• The date for the 2021 NBA Draft is July 29
• Thanks for reading our 2021 NBA Mock Draft. Here are some more mocks to check out:

NBA MOCK DRAFTS: Older Mocks – 2021 – 2022 – 2023 – 2024 – 2025 – 2026 – 2027 – 2028

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NBA mock draft: New 2021 NBA draft lottery picks, prospects on the rise

Moses Moody, No. 38 ranked prospect in the ESPN 100 for 2020, makes a 3-pointer from the corner. (0:20)

• Mike Schmitz

What are the big developments in the 2021 NBA draft class?

The college season is pushing full steam ahead -- we've passed the halfway mark, after two action-packed months of competition. What have we learned thus far from some of the biggest standouts of the season? Which players are projected to be lottery picks? And what will scouts be looking for as players close out conference play and approach the postseason?

Note: While it's too early to reasonably predict the 2021 NBA draft order, we've used the latest version of ESPN's Basketball Power Index to help give an early look and show traded picks.

Stock watch

Keon johnson | 6-foot-6 | sg | tennessee | no. 7 overall prospect.

On paper, this hasn't been a banner season thus far for Johnson, with an underwhelming scoring production of 8.9 points per game on middling 52% true shooting and more turnovers than assists. These numbers, partially a product of Tennessee's slow-paced, defensive-minded system, mask the extent to which Johnson's role has evolved and his play has improved over the course of the campaign.

The results have been decidedly mixed but at times highly encouraging, as he has moved into the starting lineup full time now and is flashing real upside as a pick-and-roll creator.

Johnson's ability to accelerate out of changes of speed and use or reject a ball screen -- combined with his size, body control, fluidity and creativity as a passer -- suggest significant room for growth long term. His lack of strength and experience and an inconsistent jumper, along with the ill-fitting pieces around him, make it difficult for him to be as consistent or efficient as you might hope, but the glimpses of talent he drops in every game are obvious.

Johnson's shooting indicators -- 23% for 3 and 66% from the free throw line -- aren't terribly encouraging. But the fact that he is taking and making pull-up jumpers inside the arc -- and rising up with soft touch and good wrist action -- bodes well for his long-term outlook.

Off a missed shot, Southern Miss grabs an offensive rebound, but Filip Petrusev denies the putback attempt with a big block.

Johnson is on a different trajectory, as he grew up playing baseball, came from a smaller high school basketball program in Nashville and was largely under the radar on a non-sneaker-affiliated AAU team. He missed almost his entire senior year of high school due to a knee injury, so it's understandable that he is still getting his legs underneath him 15 games into the season.

Scouts will want to see Johnson finish strong on a Tennessee team that fluctuates greatly in its play from game to game but that surely has high expectations for a deep run in the NCAA tournament. If Johnson continues to struggle with inconsistency and inefficiency, he could end up being a more realistic option for teams in the late lottery than this current lofty projection suggests.

-- Jonathan Givony

Moses Moody | 6-6 | Wing | Arkansas | No. 12

Filip Petrusev takes control of the ball and doesn't waste much time as he rises up for a big slam vs. Arizona.

Moody's splits are quite telling, as he is averaging 15.5 points on 43.4% from 2 and 34% from 3 in 11 games against teams over .500, as compared to 18.4 points on 66% from 2 and 39% from 3 in seven games against teams under .500. Not the most gifted ball handler and more long and fluid than quick or explosive, Moody's struggles creating efficient offense have been more pronounced against better teams.

But given his likely role at the next level -- where space is plentiful and length and skill are king, as long as Moody proves he can make catch-and-shoot 3s, reads the floor when chased off of his spots and defends multiple positions -- Moody will get legitimate looks throughout the lottery. Freshman wings such as Ziaire Williams (No. 8) and Keon Johnson (No. 7) haven't exactly blown away NBA scouts, opening the door for Moody, with Alabama, LSU, Florida, Missouri and Kentucky still on the schedule. Despite his peaks and valleys, Moody is the only under-19 player in the country averaging at least 15 points per game while shooting over 50% from 2 and 35% from 3.

Justin Champagnie cannot be contained in the second half as the Pittsburgh forward dunks it three times with authority.

Moody's shooting stroke is his offensive ticket at the next level. While not a knockdown shooter, he is converting 36% of his treys and 80% of his free throws, and he does a great job of catching on the hop in rhythm. He does shoot it a bit flat, at times, but he shows potential on the move, rising into midrange pull-ups or sprinting off screens on occasion. He benefits from playing a fair amount of 4 in the Arkansas system and is able to shift all over the floor, even picking and popping or playing at the high post against zones. He doesn't change directions all that well with the ball and is mostly a straight-line driver once he puts it down, too often killing his dribble. Not the most gifted passer or nuanced finisher, Moody is at least capable of making one more pass or simple drive and kicks, which is something scouts will want to see him build on moving forward.

Moody's overall aggressiveness has fluctuated, at times, this season, and scouts will be watching to see if he can produce efficiently against the SEC's top-tier programs while lifting the 13-5 Razorbacks into the NCAA tournament. If he does make open shots, defend and impact winning, don't be surprised to see Moody get more top-10 buzz as we head into March.

-- Mike Schmitz

Josh Giddey | 6-8 | PG | Adelaide 36ers | No. 21

Austin Reaves' 3 is off the mark, but Alondes Williams grabs the offensive rebound and dishes to Brady Manek for Oklahoma's game-clinching bucket.

One of the youngest prospects in our Top 100, not turning 19 until October, Giddey has struggled, at times, with turnovers and scoring efficiency (44% true shooting) but has shown the full extent of his talent already as a big playmaker, making some electrifying reads creating offense out of pick-and-rolls.

At 6-foot-8, Giddey has outstanding size for a point guard, plays at different speeds naturally and is an extraordinary ball handler and passer to match -- as he has looked extremely natural making the transition from the junior level to playing against pros thanks to his impressive vision, creativity, pace and feel for the game.

Austin Reaves pulls up from way downtown and connects on the deep 3-pointer to extend Oklahoma's lead over TCU in the final minute.

This is clearly Giddey's swing skill, as he isn't the most physical finisher around the basket and has had his fair share of struggles defensively due to his narrow frame, average length and inability to get over screens. On the plus side, he is highly skilled getting in passing lanes and especially crashing the glass, as he is averaging nearly eight rebounds per game, which is impressive considering his age and speaks to the outstanding instincts he displays on both ends of the floor.

Giddey has an outstanding platform to continue to build his résumé, as he has quickly moved himself into the starting lineup ahead of former NBA player Donald Sloan and will be facing high-level competition all season against defenses geared to slowing him down. With the NBL season expected to last into June, Giddey will be making highlight-reel passes well after the end of the college season, giving him ample opportunity to continue to boost his stock.

Davion Mitchell | 6-2 | PG | Baylor | No. 29

The 22-year-old Mitchell has emerged as a legitimate first-round candidate with his play as a key cog in the NCAA's best backcourt, alongside fellow draft prospect Jared Butler .

Since debuting with Baylor last season, the former Auburn transfer has been one of the best on-ball defenders in college basketball, displaying elite quickness, a sturdy frame, tremendous technique, quick hands and a high motor. Standing no taller than 6-foot-2 in shoes, Mitchell ranks second in the Big 12 in defensive win shares and fifth in steals per 40 minutes, and he forces turnovers on over 30% of his defensive possessions, according to Synergy, thanks to his outstanding anticipation, awareness and energy levels. He knows how to navigate screens and takes on-ball charges as well as any guard you'll see at any level of basketball. He is the driving force in a Baylor defense that is top-3 ranked.

While his defensive prowess is a huge part of Mitchell's intrigue at the next level, he has taken a big step offensively for 16-0 Baylor, boosting his shooting rate on 2-pointers from 46.7% to 58.0%; his 3-point rate from 32.4% to a conference-best 47.2%; and his assist-to-turnover ratio from 1.7:1 to 2.11:1. Given Baylor's success, Mitchell's stellar on-ball defense and his improved offensive game, it's easy for NBA teams to see him carving out a role at the next level, should he opt to forgo his senior season.

With an average of 45 points per game coming from Mitchell, Butler and MaCio Teague , Mitchell is used to thriving in the type of multiple-guard lineups we so often see in the NBA. He plays an unselfish brand of basketball and has greatly improved his spot-up shooting, showcasing good balance and a clean release. Mitchell also is dynamic with the ball in his hands, exploding into sudden bursts of speed, with the ability to go from slow and relaxed to downhill to the rim with force and quickness -- and even finishing above the rim on occasion.

Mitchell uses a lot of the crossovers, step-backs and pull-back moves that you'll see from another No. 45 named Mitchell -- Donovan Mitchell -- also sporting somewhat similar pull-up jumper mechanics. Davion Mitchell doesn't project as a lottery pick, have a near 7-foot wingspan or share the NBA outlook of Donovan Mitchell, but by watching him play, it's clear the Jazz star has been a strong influence for the Baylor guard. The Georgia native unleashes that Donovan Mitchell-like footwork both to get to his pull-up or get downhill to the rim, either kicking out to open shooters, dropping it off to the big or finishing himself.

Not blessed with elite size or length, Davion Mitchell could stand to add more of a consistent floater (2-for-7 so far) and still has his decision-making blips in the half court (seven turnovers against Kansas). But the game is starting to slow down for Mitchell. He leads the conference in assists and ranks in the 87th percentile in pick-and-roll efficiency through 16 games, as he is learning how to keep defenders on his back and to hit the roller in stride or the shooter circling up.

Even if Mitchell's offensive progress and shooting were to reverse course as conference play winds down, he still has his defensive toughness to hang his hat on, like we've seen from NBA guards such as Patrick Beverley , T.J. McConnell and Jevon Carter , among others. If Mitchell continues shooting it like he has and Baylor makes a deep run into March, expect him to generate considerable buzz among playoff contenders drafting in the first round, projecting as more than just a defensive stopper.

Filip Petrusev | 7-0 | PF/C | Mega Bemax (Gonzaga) | No. 31

After winning WCC player of the year as a sophomore, Filip Petrusev surprised many by leaving a national championship contender in Gonzaga to return home to Serbia. Thus far, the move hasn't been too much of a setback for the undefeated Zags, ranked No. 1 in the country and thriving with more small-ball lineups. It also has been a major boon for Petrusev, who is having an incredible season so far, averaging 24 points per game on sparkling efficiency (63% 2P%, 41% 3P%, 77% FT%) as a 20-year old in the competitive Adriatic League for Mega Soccerbet. His team is having an excellent season at 11-6 and is in contention for a top-4 finish that would lead them to the league playoffs for just the second time in the organization's history.

The fact that Petrusev can put the ball in the basket was well known even prior to him returning to Belgrade, as it's what he had done at every level he's played at in his career. He's showing growth in several important facets, though, namely his outside shooting, where he's converting more than one 3-pointer per game on strong accuracy while knocking down nearly 80% of his free throw attempts. Playing for a team designed to show off NBA prospects, Petrusev has a longer leash in Serbia than he did at Gonzaga, and he's using it to demonstrate significantly more aggressiveness this season, showing zero hesitation to fire away when open and pushing off the defensive glass after rebounding misses.

While his jumper has improved, playing out of short rolls is where Petrusev is at his best. He has phenomenal footwork and dexterity slithering his way around opponents with fluid spin moves, can finish with either hand using delicate touch, and has a variety of finishing tactics at his disposal, be it push shots, flip shots, scoops, floaters or reverse layups. The fact that he's improved his passing ability somewhat is a major plus here as well.

Petrusev's skill level in the post may be the highest of any player in this draft class not named Luka Garza, but he can also create shots from all over the floor thanks to his strong ballhandling ability and much improved physicality and toughness. He's simply too nimble for slower-footed big men and too strong for most power forwards, especially with his newfound aggressiveness.

Petrusev's propensity for passivity and shying away from contact was considered one of his downfalls earlier in his career, but that hasn't been the case whatsoever so far this season. He's been going right into the chest of seasoned internationals, including quality Americans who ply their trade in the Euroleague, EuroCup and FIBA Champions League, not being held under 21 points in a game for over three months now. His body has continued to evolve steadily over the past few years, and his athleticism looks much improved too, as he regularly plays above the rim, looking quicker off his feet than in the past.

Petrusev's defense has long been the big question mark for NBA scouts. While he's shown improvement here as well, it remains an open topic for conversation. He's not the type of rim protector NBA teams most covet at the center position, and he struggles covering ground and containing more perimeter-oriented power forwards. His team plays a very passive drop coverage guarding pick-and-rolls that allows him to use his solid awareness and timing to protect himself from getting exposed too often with smart rotations and verticality around the rim. Stronger, more physical centers have found success by bullying him under the rim for post finishes and offensive rebounds, though, while quicker guards can expose his lack of length and casual demeanor. As was often the case at Gonzaga, his defensive rebounding has been somewhat of a mixed bag as well.

Petrusev's outstanding play means he's someone NBA teams will likely need to think about as a potential first round pick. Two-big men lineups seem to be back in style in the NBA to an extent, so the fact that he can play both the power forward and center positions should be viewed as a plus. Petrusev's age, not turning 21 until April and being younger or of similar age as several sophomores currently projected to be drafted, is also something that will work in his favor.

Justin Champagnie | 6-6 | SF/PF | Pittsburgh | No. 36

Originally slated to attend a prep school with his twin brother, Julian Champagnie (now at St. John's) as a young high school senior, Justin Champagnie earned a late offer from the new coaching staff at Pitt that caused him to change his mind and head to college with his graduating class.

Now in his second season in the ACC but still younger than some freshmen currently projected to be drafted, Champagnie is in the midst of an incredibly productive season that makes him an ACC player of the year candidate.

A soft nonconference schedule combined with a knee injury that caused him to miss a month of action delayed Champagnie's arrival on the national landscape. However, the past five games in the ACC left little doubt about his quality at the college level, averaging 23 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals and 2.2 blocks per game while shooting 59% for 2 and 57% for 3. Pitt has plenty of work to do to earn a NCAA tournament berth, but Champagnie is getting plenty of attention as a NBA prospect now, especially after his 31-point, 14-rebound outing against Duke.

Champagnie sees most of his minutes at the power forward position, despite standing only 6-foot-6, thanks to his strong frame, solid length and no-nonsense style of play. His toughness, instincts and aggressiveness have allowed him to lead the ACC in rebounding by a wide margin despite his lack of size; and the fact that he has evolved into a 40% 3-point shooter gives Pitt much-needed spacing on the offensive end.

Champagnie has excellent shooting mechanics, with a quick release, deep range and plenty of confidence that suggest his recent shooting hot streak will continue despite hitting just 66% of his free throw attempts thus far this season.

He is very reliant on teammates to generate good looks for him, as Champagnie is an average ball-handler and creator who almost never shoots off the dribble and sees most of his one-on-one touches in the post with his back to the basket despite his lack of size. That's one of the main questions scouts will ponder as he projects to become more of a wing in the NBA, as he isn't much of a passer, either.

The other question revolves around his defense but isn't quite as clear-cut. Champagnie brings terrific value with his defensive rebounding and the skills he displays getting in passing lanes and protecting the rim. With that said, his intensity level and technique leave a lot to be desired, at times, as he can be very casual off the ball, gambling for steals excessively and getting scored on by bigger and smaller players more than you'd like.

You won't find many 19-year-olds who are as productive as Champagnie has been in the ACC, which makes him a very real prospect when paired with his scorching shooting. The rest of the season will tell us a lot more about where he fits into this draft, if he decides to keep his name in, but there's no doubt he has put himself on the radar in a major way with his recent play.

Bones Hyland | 6-3 | Combo guard | VCU | No. 38

After a slow start to nonconference play with subpar performances against West Virginia (5-for-16), Memphis (4-for-12) and Penn State (4-for-14), Hyland has hit his stride in conference play by averaging 21.8 points and shooting 42% from 3 over his past 5 games. The lanky 6-3 combo guard has the shooting touch, length, scoring ability and glimpses of playmaking worthy of entering the first-round conversation should he close out Atlantic 10 play strong, getting VCU into the NCAA tournament in the process.

Hyland's high school career was beset by tragedy , as he was among the victims of a house fire in March 2018 that took the lives of his grandmother and cousin. Hyland suffered a torn patellar tendon after jumping from a second-story window in search of safety; he subsequently missed a large part of his junior season and AAU summer play before ultimately landing at VCU as the RSCI No. 160 recruit in his class.

Having recovered from the knee injury, Hyland became a popular breakout candidate heading into his sophomore season at VCU. He has backed that up as of late with his deep range, smooth handle and instincts in the passing lanes. Hyland's NBA intrigue revolves largely around his shooting ability: Although he doesn't have the quickest or highest release, Hyland is a threat from the moment he crosses half court, and he isn't afraid to pull up from 35 feet early in the shot clock. Hyland has great touch from all over the floor and is one of only two players in our top 100 (along with projected lottery pick Corey Kispert ) knocking down over 3 treys per game at over 35%.

Hyland isn't just a standstill shooter, either, as he is more than capable of shooting off of hang dribbles and creating space with step-backs and crossovers. Because of his somewhat low release, he does lose some accuracy against longer defenders in shot-creation situations, but his deep range helps that. Because opponents have to pick him up well beyond the 3-point line, Hyland -- although not a jet with the ball -- is able to play off of hesitations to get past the first level of defense. He still has quite a bit of room to improve as a finisher once he gets a piece of the paint, however. He is all arms and legs and is still at an early stage of development, so he does struggle a bit with physicality and length at the rim, as he is more long and fluid than explosive. That 6-foot-8 wingspan does help him finish from different angles, though, as he'll try to employ inside hand and scoop finishes in traffic.

What could really take Hyland's game to the next level is continuing to evolve as a decision- maker. He shows glimpses of court vision, firing on-the-money outlets to rim runners, tossing one-handed lobs to the roll man and making occasional advanced reads that you wouldn't expect based on his 0.6:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Yet, in part due to his role at VCU, Hyland can be a little dribble-happy on the perimeter, breaking off into isolation and settling for tough pull-ups. He also isn't shy from deep range and will have to rein in some of his early-clock 3s when surrounded by NBA talent.

In addition to his spotty playmaking, the biggest thing holding Hyland back at the moment is his body, as he is extremely slight at 175 pounds despite high shoulders and long arms. That lack of strength limits him against more physical guards on the defensive end. With that said, Hyland has excellent instincts off the ball defensively, averaging 2.8 steals per 40 minutes. VCU, which ranks 14th in defensive efficiency, according to KenPom, plays an aggressive style of pick-and-roll defense, which gives Hyland a lot of opportunities to jump passing lanes and make plays with his length.

While Hyland clearly has to improve his decision-making and could solidify himself as a potential top-20 pick in 2022 with another year at the collegiate ranks, the NBA is putting a premium on shooting as much as ever, and the early success of a guard such as Immanuel Quickley has to bode well for Hyland's NBA outlook. With his floor similar to that of Isaiah Joe , who was drafted 49th last year by the Philadelphia 76ers , Hyland's shooting will be coveted by NBA teams, especially those that think he can become more than just a floor-spacer at the next level.

Jay Huff | 7-1 | C | Virginia | No. 58

Huff is a unique talent at the collegiate level. He is the only 7-footer in the past 25 years to hit more than 2 3-pointers per game while blocking over 2.5 shots per 40 minutes, pace adjusted -- something he is doing comfortably for a Virginia team that is in first place in the ACC at 7-1.

After going 3-for-3 from behind the arc in his most recent game, Huff is working on one of the all-time greatest 3-point shooting seasons for a 7-footer in college basketball history, with only Lauri Markkanen 's outstanding one-and-done season at Arizona (42%) rivaling him for accuracy among players that tall.

Huff changes the geometry of the floor every time he steps on the court for Virginia with his shooting -- forcing opponents to closely account for his floor-spacing ability, something from which his teammates greatly benefit. He isn't only near automatic with his feet set, he also is capable of running off screens, attacking closeouts and even hitting pull-up jumpers on occasion. He handles and passes the ball skillfully with either hand and also is a solid target finishing out of the pick-and-roll because he can dunk almost without jumping due to his huge reach. He ranks second in the NCAA in made dunks with 32 in just 338 minutes.

It's no surprise to see Huff rank eighth among Power 5 conference players in net efficiency, according to EvanMiya.com. That net efficiency also accounts for what he brings defensively. Huff is averaging an outstanding 4.5 blocks per 40 minutes, pace adjusted -- third best among ESPN Top 100 prospects and a major reason Virginia is the No. 1-ranked defense in the ACC. Huff covers ground much more fluidly than you'd expect on first glance, demonstrating outstanding timing and instincts rotating from the weak side, while almost always keeping his blocks in bounds, allowing his teammates to recover the misses.

Considering how much of a game-changer on both ends of the floor Huff is, why is he considered only a potential second-round pick? That's partially due to age, as he is a fifth-year senior and will be turning 24 this summer. But Huff's lack of physicality is his biggest drawback: He is extremely foul-prone and somewhat of a liability guarding stronger post players who can back him down in the paint. Virginia Tech's Keve Aluma had his way with Huff this past weekend, going off for 29 points in Virginia's first loss of the ACC season. Huff doesn't always bring the type of intensity you want to see from a 23-year-old senior; questions about his toughness have always been part of the equation.

Despite being ranked in the top 10 in most computer metrics, there also are questions about the strength of schedule Virginia has played thus far, as the team had only two games against top-45 opponents, per KenPom, and lost both by double digits. NBA teams will surely want to see how Huff looks against the likes of North Carolina, Duke and Louisville, as well as in the NCAA tournament -- where hopefully he'll match up with other NBA center prospects.

That said, considering what we've seen so far, it's safe to say that if Luke Kornet , Meyers Leonard , Mike Muscala , D.J. Wilson and Frank Kaminsky are on NBA rosters, Jay Huff will surely get plenty of looks.

Austin Reaves | 6-5 | combo guard | Oklahoma | No. 84

Although currently in COVID-19 protocol, the 22-year-old combo guard has been one of the most productive players in a loaded Big 12 this season, emerging as a potential second-round pick in the process. Reaves is in the conference's top 5 in points (16.0), assists (5.0) and free throw attempts per 40 minutes, while ranking ninth in player efficiency rating and win shares. As the team leader in three major categories, Reaves has Oklahoma at 11-4 and in the hunt for a quality seed in the NCAA tournament.

A former Wichita State Shocker, Reaves has embraced more of an on-ball role at Oklahoma this season, showing his merits as both a shot-maker and facilitator at 6-foot-5. NBA scouts won't be blown away by Reaves' physical tools, given his average frame and subpar run-and-jump capabilities, but his skill, flair and swagger really stand out at the collegiate level and could translate to the NBA in the right role.

While not overly shifty, Reaves is sure-handed with the ball and gets to his spots on the floor thanks to his footwork and deception, similar to great collegiate guards such as Greivis Vasquez and Ty Jerome before him. Reaves is really comfortable in the pick-and-roll, which makes up almost 50% of his offense, playing with great pace, changing speeds naturally and seeing over the top of the defense to hit the roll man or spot-up shooters, even throwing left-handed scoop passes, at times. He is an excellent lob passer and does a nice job of setting up cutters before delivering the ball with accuracy.

For Reaves to unleash his improved pick-and-roll playmaking, he'll have to rediscover the shooting consistency that allowed him to convert 51% from distance as a freshman and 43% as a sophomore at Wichita State. Reaves is shooting a shade under 26% from 3 over the course of the past two seasons, which is perplexing given his sound shooting mechanics, confidence and comfort in getting to pull-ups out of sweeping crossovers, behind-the-backs or hesitations. The fact that he is a career 35% 3-point shooter (403 attempts) and 84% free throw shooter bodes well for his ability to get back on track. Far more comfortable off the bounce than the catch -- having attempted 72 pull-ups to 13 catch-and-shoot jumpers -- Reaves will have to become much more reliable in spot-up situations, as an NBA team is unlikely to simply hand him the ball from Day 1.

Reaves also doesn't have much of a margin for error defensively given his frame and lack of range, even though he does have decent feet in tight spaces and is a competitive rebounder. He will put his body on the line to take charges and is fiery on both ends of the floor, but NBA scouts will surely question who he'll defend at the next level.

Overall, Reaves' passing creativity, shot-making potential and pick-and-roll prowess at his height could make him attractive as a second-unit point guard. Reaves has the type of big-game mentality that could manifest in some clutch performances in March. Once he clears COVID-19 protocol, scouts will be watching closely to see how he fares against one of the best defensive teams in the country in Baylor on Feb. 10.

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and international teams.

Mike Schmitz is an NBA draft expert and a contributor to DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and international teams.

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The detroit pistons need to enter the 2021 nba draft with a strong plan.

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the G League Ignite drives to the ... [+] basket during a G-League game against the Westchester Knicks at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on February 18, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

The Detroit Pistons enter the 2021 NBA Draft with four draft picks, one of which is currently projected to be the second overall selection. In addition, they have three second-round picks, with the 37th, 42nd and 52nd overall selections.

While many won't think much of those last three selections, they could play a crucial part in Detroit's long-term development. It's true that whoever is selected with their first-round pick is highly assumed to have the largest impact, but hitting on picks in the later round can accelerate a team's rebuild significantly.

That's why the Pistons have to go into the draft with a clear plan for how to use those second-round picks. Do they go with high upside? NBA readiness? International players who are stashed for a year or two? A combination of all of the above?

It's fair to assume the lottery selection will see significant playing time right off the bat, and with the crop of young players already on the roster, the Pistons need to look ahead to next season and anticipate which players, with strong likelihood, will be in the rotation.

Say the Pistons end up with forward Jonathan Kuminga with their lotto pick, and invest the vast majority of their available forward minutes in him, Saddiq Bey, Jerami Grant, Josh Jackson and Sekou Doumbouya. In that event, it would make little sense to bring in an older wing player who's spent three or four years in college. Instead, finding a young international forward who can spend a few years developing overseas, while not having to sit on the bench for the foreseeable future, could be a stronger path.

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That way, the Pistons will spend a few years gathering data on their draft pick while constantly being in contact with him in order to understand who he is. When he's ready, and the Pistons feel he can contribute, it'd be easier for him to crack the rotation.

One name that would fit that bill is 18-year-old Roko Prkacin from Croatia.

The 6'9 forward has an intriguing inside/outside skill-set, but could stand to gain more weight and understand where his advantages are on the court. Getting thrown into a Pistons rotation with multiple young players trying to find their way could become messy, and thus the option of avoiding that situation altogether isn't necessarily a bad idea.

In fact, it would behoove the Pistons to identify which positions they believe will have open minutes, so they can identify players they believe can make the roster immediately - this is where possibly college veterans could come into play - as to optimize their roster structure.

Particularly the off-guard spot appears to be open as Wayne Ellington will enter free agency.

That's where taking a chance on players such as Quentin Grimes from Houston, or Austin Reaves from Oklahoma, could benefit the Pistons. Or, if they prefer upside, LSU's Cameron Thomas could be a tremendous selection at #37. Those players would all have a chance of making the opening night roster, and could expect a chance to receive minutes.

In some respects, especially for rebuilding teams, going Best Player Available is usually the best route. But when you enter the draft with three second-round picks, it makes sense to plan ahead in order to optimize your pick's chances of success. That, usually, means on-court developmental minutes.

That also opens a different door, which is that of the NBA G-League. The Pistons might end up liking a player at some point in the second round, and deciding they want to keep him close by, in which case they can.

The G-League can function as an indirect draft-and-stash option, assuming of course the player is keen on spending a year in those ranks. It's easier for teams to keep close tabs on what their guy is doing, and they usually run the same on-court systems, allowing them to see what the player can do under existing schemes.

So why all these different paths? Couldn't the Pistons just draft four guys and put them all on the main team?

They could, but those players would not only have to compete with one another. They would also have to compete with the current young players already on the team. Competition can be good, but when you overload a roster with too many young players trying to prove themselves, the concept of team success can quickly be forgotten.

Using this year's picks to map out the next three years of youth injection could provide the Pistons with a steady stream of incoming talent, but at key points in time where each individual player is ready for that challenge.

Mapping out such a path takes time, preparation and a lot of international conversations. Especially when already armed with numerous young players on the roster.

For Detroit, going into this summer, their key word will thus be planning.

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Seattle Seahawks S K'Von Wallace 'Always Ready'

Jeremy brener | aug 23, 2024.

• Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks secondary looks much different than it did a year ago, and that includes the addition of veteran safety K'Von Wallace.

Wallace, 27, spent time last season with the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans but now has a home in the Pacific Northwest, and he's ready for whatever comes his way.

"I'm always ready, man," Wallace said. "I'm professional. I've been a backup, I've been a starter, I've been a special teams guy. I didn't have all the fruits of the labor. Just always being ready, being a professional, and always being ready to go. Knowing what to do, the ins and outs, knowing the game plan and executing the game plan. There's been times where I was a backup and a guy hurt himself in the warmups and I ended up starting the whole game. Just small stuff like that you just got to always be ready. Always, no matter what."

Wallace is seen as Seattle's third safety which means his playing time could vary, but as a fifth-year pro, he's passing that advice down to some of the younger members of the team. Head coach Mike Macdonald does like to run three-safety sets, however, so he should see the field plenty in 2024.

"That's why I always try to tell the [rookies] and the young guys that come in," Wallace said. "It can pass you by. You get so caught up being a rookie trying to get the snacks and trying to learn the playbook, trying to learn how to be on time, never be late, and just so many things that go into being a rookie. Just trying to let them know that their time can be any time. There's always guys' timing, there's always the timing that the game can go that way. Always be ready, be a professional, and do the right thing so you can be in the right place."

Wallace and the Seahawks will be ready when the Cleveland Browns come to town for the final preseason game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT on Saturday.

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email [email protected].