With the NBA draft wrapping up on Thursday night, I thought it’s be worth going through some key picks including sleeper picks as the dust from the night is now settled.
The top three picks were pretty expected before the draft even began. Cade Cunningham was without a doubt the number one pick in this draft, with Jalen Green being the top prospect from the G league. The Piston and Rockets both pick up players who will contribute to the team right away and for the future. Evan Mobley is an extremely versatile big drafted by the Cavaliers out of USC, and his development should be watched closely.
Pick numbers four and five are seemingly interchangeable and here’s why. Scottie Barnes (4th pick) is an all around player, who may not have as much of an immediate impact as Jalen Suggs, (5th pick) but his potential is tremendous. Suggs’ athleticism and speed will make him a great defender and finisher at the rim right away, and if he can develop his three point shot at the NBA level he should have a fantastic career. Regardless, these first five picks were solid all around.
The next pick I love is Davion Mitchell at number nine for the Kings. The national champion is a great two way player, and the evidence shows he knows how to win. He should bring a great mentality to a struggling Sacramento squad.
The 11th pick is one of my favorites in James Bouknight. He’s an nba level scorer with exciting athleticism, which only adds to the terrifically young and athletic team in Charlotte. Pairing him in the backcourt with Lamelo Ball should be great to watch. The Hornets were already one of the most young and exciting teams in the league, and adding Bouknight should only help that cause.
Fast forward now to the 20th pick in the draft by the Hawks in Jalen Johnson. Johnson played in limited games for Duke last season, but his potential is through the roof. Atlanta adds another young player to their core, and putting any player with the terrific playmaker that Trae Young is should help their growth.
The Knicks selected Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride with their first two picks in the draft. Grimes fits the Knicks team mold perfectly of 3 and D. Grimes is a great shooter and better defender so he should fit right in off the bench. McBride is a tough player as well, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he works his way into the rotation.
A few second round sleepers include Ayo Dosumnu at pick 38 by the Bulls. The Illinois guard had a tremendous season and is the second Chicago born player to be drafted by the bulls since 1985 (Derrick Rose). Sharife Cooper was taken by the Hawks at pick 48. The Auburn guard could provide more electricity in the Hawks backcourt. And finally Iowa big man Luka Garza was taken by the Pistons with the 52nd pick. Garza may be a bit immobile defensively, but his size, shooting, and high IQ could prove valuable for the rebuilding Pistons.
This draft class is underrated as a whole. Once these guys get their chance this year to show what they can do, the world will be excited to see what the future has in store for the NBA draft class of 2021.
With the NBA draft wrapping up on Thursday night, I thought it’s be worth going through some key picks including sleeper picks as the dust from the night is now settled.
The top three picks were pretty expected before the draft even began. Cade Cunningham was without a doubt the number one pick in this draft, with Jalen Green being the top prospect from the G league. The Piston and Rockets both pick up players who will contribute to the team right away and for the future. Evan Mobley is an extremely versatile big drafted by the Cavaliers out of USC, and his development should be watched closely.
Pick numbers four and five are seemingly interchangeable and here’s why. Scottie Barnes (4th pick) is an all around player, who may not have as much of an immediate impact as Jalen Suggs, (5th pick) but his potential is tremendous. Suggs’ athleticism and speed will make him a great defender and finisher at the rim right away, and if he can develop his three point shot at the NBA level he should have a fantastic career. Regardless, these first five picks were solid all around.
The next pick I love is Davion Mitchell at number nine for the Kings. The national champion is a great two way player, and the evidence shows he knows how to win. He should bring a great mentality to a struggling Sacramento squad.
The 11th pick is one of my favorites in James Bouknight. He’s an nba level scorer with exciting athleticism, which only adds to the terrifically young and athletic team in Charlotte. Pairing him in the backcourt with Lamelo Ball should be great to watch. The Hornets were already one of the most young and exciting teams in the league, and adding Bouknight should only help that cause.
Fast forward now to the 20th pick in the draft by the Hawks in Jalen Johnson. Johnson played in limited games for Duke last season, but his potential is through the roof. Atlanta adds another young player to their core, and putting any player with the terrific playmaker that Trae Young is should help their growth.
The Knicks selected Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride with their first two picks in the draft. Grimes fits the Knicks team mold perfectly of 3 and D. Grimes is a great shooter and better defender so he should fit right in off the bench. McBride is a tough player as well, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he works his way into the rotation.
A few second round sleepers include Ayo Dosumnu at pick 38 by the Bulls. The Illinois guard had a tremendous season and is the second Chicago born player to be drafted by the bulls since 1985 (Derrick Rose). Sharife Cooper was taken by the Hawks at pick 48. The Auburn guard could provide more electricity in the Hawks backcourt. And finally Iowa big man Luka Garza was taken by the Pistons with the 52nd pick. Garza may be a bit immobile defensively, but his size, shooting, and high IQ could prove valuable for the rebuilding Pistons.
This draft class is underrated as a whole. Once these guys get their chance this year to show what they can do, the world will be excited to see what the future has in store for the NBA draft class of 2021.
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