2021 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 11-15
#11 New Orleans Pelicans: G Moses Moody – Arkansas
New Orleans need shooters badly, as they rank 27th in the league in three-point shooting this season, which is why the Pelicans go with Moses Moody at 11th overall here.
Not only does he have the size to be a perfect match for the “modern day” shooting guard in the NBA, but Moses Moody uses his size and strength to score over smaller defenders either from the perimeter or on the drive. At the next level, Moody will definitely need to get stronger in order to get the shots that he wants, especially on the drive, but this can be said about many prospects coming out of college and is not a major concern.
He is an elite level perimeter player and his game will easily translate to the next level as a result. Moses Moody definitely had one of the more pure shooting strokes in college basketball this past year and has an excellent release and arc on his shot. Mechanics wise, Moody will be able to join a team in the NBA and immediately be able to contribute because of his ability to shoot from the perimeter.
Needing more perimeter shooting, Moses Moody going to the New Orleans Pelicans makes a lot of sense.
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#12 Indiana Pacers: F/C Kai Jones – Texas
Who knows what the Indiana Pacers plan on doing if they end up with a lottery pick in the draft, especially since their roster has been decimated by injuries over the years, but drafting Kai Jones definitely gives them some much needed depth in their frontcourt.
Not to mention, the Pacers have been involved in trade rumors for Myles Turner ever since last offseason and there is a possibility that they look to trade him in the offseason, opening up a need for a guy like Kai Jones.
Standing about 6’11”, Jones is a very athletic big man who can not only stretch the court and knock down shots from the perimeter like Myles Turner, but he is more than capable of developing into a really solid defensive player like Turner.
Both Jones and Turner play very similar to one another, which is why this fit makes sense for the Pacers, especially if they look to trade Myles Turner for immediate value.
#13 Golden State Warriors: G/F Josh Giddey – Australia
Not many people know about Josh Giddey, but it would not be surprising to see him be the first international player selected in this year’s draft. Standing about 6’8”, Giddey can be a primary ball-handler, as well as play on the wing as a catch-and-shoot threat.
His shooting stroke is longer than average and he does have a high release point, but he is more than capable of getting to his spots and using his high release point to negate opponents from blocking his shot. There really is no weakness to Josh Giddey’s game, as he can score, pass, rebound, shoot and handle the ball all at a high-level.
Being able to be a facilitator and shooter puts him in a perfect situation to join the Golden State Warriors and carve out a role early on in his career. With shooters like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson around him, Giddey could find a ton of success with the Warriors.
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#14 San Antonio Spurs: F/C Isaiah Jackson – Kentucky
With excellent length and the ability to develop into a terrific defensive frontcourt talent in the NBA, Isaiah Jackson could find a lot of success with the San Antonio Spurs, a defensive-focused team.
San Antonio has been searching for answers in their frontcourt for years now and while Jakob Poeltl has been a consistent option for them at the center position, Isaiah Jackson brings a new dynamic to this team.
There is a lot of untapped potential when dealing with Jackson and he is not the most polished offensive talent at the big man position in this draft class, but he is arguably the best shot-blocker and is going to find his way onto the court during his rookie season because of his athleticism.
The Spurs need frontcourt help, which is why going after the next best frontcourt talent available in Isaiah Jackson makes sense for them.
#15 Charlotte Hornets: F Usman Garuba – Spain
At 6’8”, Usman Garuba is a little undersized for a modern-day frontcourt talent, but given his strength and his big frame, he will find success at the NBA level. Defense is the biggest strength of Garuba’s game and given that he is very unpolished offensively, he can develop into whatever kind of player the Hornets would need him to be.
Everywhere on the court, the Hornets have a lot of talent, except in their frontcourt. P.J. Washington is a young talent, but Cody Zeller is set to become a free agent, as is Bismack Biyombo.
Charlotte needs a guy that can hold his own defensively and help them in rebounding, which is exactly what Usman Garuba can do for them. It will take time for his offensive game to come around, but there are similarities to his mid-range game and the likes of Al Horford.
