16. Boston Celtics
Jalen Johnson, SF, Duke
Johnson is arguably the most difficult player to predict in this draft. He could be taken in the top 10 or fall to the Celtics here. If he indeed falls to 16, Boston would be foolish to let him go. Johnson played just 13 games for Duke before opting out of the season but showed lottery potential. He shot 44.4% from three-point range as a 6’9 athlete. It was an extremely small sample size for Johnson with the Blue Devils but he has one of the biggest upsides in the draft.
17. Memphis Grizzlies
Usman Garuba, PF, Spain
Is Garuba a first-round pick? He is another question mark coming over from Spain. Garuba did not put up the huge numbers that will open eyes but his overall frame and size gained attention from NBA scouts. The Grizzlies could look to move Jonas Valanciunas. If they do, Garuba will have an increased role but if they don’t, he will have a mentor. Garuba is a work in progress but one that teams will take a chance on.
READ MORE: NBA Mock Draft 2021: 3 potential lottery outcomes that could change the league
18. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Miami Heat)
Ziaire Williams, SG, Stanford
Coming out of high school, Williams was one of the top-ranked prospects in the class and he showed why during his freshman year at Stanford. Williams is the ultimate playmaker with a chance to turn into a star in the league. This is what a team like the Thunder should be looking for. At this point in the draft, Oklahoma City should be looking to add the best available player and Williams is just that.
19. New York Knicks
Sharife Cooper, PG, Auburn
The Knicks need help at point guard. They have some solid pieces in place but Derrick Rose and Elfrid Payton are not the future in the backcourt. Cooper is a bit undersized at 6’1 and this is what is having him fall in the draft. Cooper averaged 20.3 points and 8.1 assists per game at Auburn. His three-point prowess needs work but Cooper is a playmaking guard who can pass with the best of them. Cooper could be one of the biggest steals of the draft if he continues to fall.
READ MORE: NBA Mock Draft 2021: 3 key draft picks to keep an eye on in this year’s NBA Draft Lottery
20. Atlanta Hawks
Ayo Dosunmu, SG, Illinois
Dosunmu returned to Illinois for his junior season and was one of the best players in the nation. The Hawks have a leader in Trae Young and could be looking to re-sign John Collins in the offseason. Adding a prospect like Dosunmu would keep Atlanta as contenders in the Eastern Conference. The Big Ten was the best conference in the country and Dosunmu dominated with 20.1 points per game. He is a guard that can score the ball and defend on the other end of the floor.
