26. Denver Nuggets
Greg Brown, PF, Texas
Brown did not put up the gaudy numbers of other player’s in the draft but his potential alone makes him a first-round prospect. At Texas, Brown showed athleticism and an ability to play above the rim. He was a player that could knock down an open shot but has some room to grow. If this area of his game improves, then Brown could turn into a consistent producer for a contending team in the West like Denver.
27. Brooklyn Nets
Chris Duarte, PG, Oregon
The Nets are loaded with a big three of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Why not add a backup point guard that can bring three-point production off the bench? Duarte led Oregon this season with 17.1 points per game and shot 43.4% from three-point range. Duarte is comfortable playing fast and could become a leader in the second unit in Brooklyn. Duarte has the making of a productive NBA player for years to come.
READ MORE: NBA Mock Draft 2021: 3 potential lottery outcomes that could change the league
28. Philadelphia 76ers
Trey Murphy III, SG, Virginia
Murphy spent two years at Rice before transferring to Virginia. This is where he was able to make a name for himself. His shooting ability gained attention from teams like Philadelphia. The Sixers finally realized that they need to add shooters around Joel Embiid or Ben Simmons. This worked under the new regime of Daryl Morey and Doc Rivers. Murphy shot 43% from deep for Virginia this past season. He would give the Sixers some more depth coming off the bench.
29. Phoenix Suns
Cameron Thomas, SG, LSU
Thomas led the SEC in scoring this season with 23 points per game. His scoring ability will transfer nicely to the next level and even take the next step. Thomas was not as efficient as he would have liked but he was responsible for creating at a high rate. On a team like the Suns, there will be plenty of other playmakers around him. This will open things up and let him do what he does best on the perimeter.
READ MORE: NBA Mock Draft 2021: 3 key draft picks to keep an eye on in this year’s NBA Draft Lottery
30. Utah Jazz
Charles Bassey, PF, Western Kentucky
Bassey is extremely overlooked because of his college of choice. He gained attention at Western Kentucky this season and has a chance to sneak into the first round. The Jazz finished with the best record in the game this season and have Rudy Gobert locked up in the frontcourt. Bassey would bring some depth off the bench. he stands at 6’11 and is extremely athletic. Bassey scored 17.6 points per game this season and did it from all three levels. He checks all of the boxes when looking at NBA-ready forwards.
