1. Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham, PG, Oklahoma State
It is about that time when you will start seeing rumors of the Detroit Pistons leaning another way with the No. 1 overall pick. Ignore the smokescreens. Cade Cunningham is the best player in the 2021 NBA Draft and has been at the top of mock drafts for months. That is unlikely to change moving forward. Detroit will be linked to some of the other point-guard talent in the draft but Cunningham continues to be locked in to this selection.
2. Houston Rockets
Jalen Green, SG, G-League Ignite
If any player has a slight chance to take the top spot away from Cunningham, it is Jalen Green. The Rockets have been linked to Green because of his position and ability to score at a high level. Green showed that during his time in the G-League after opting to go this route over attending college. There are plenty of options here for Houston but Green could be their best bet after missing out on Cunningham despite having the worst record in the league.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley, C, USC
The Cleveland Cavaliers have had some luck in the draft lottery and this has happened once again. They have used three recent lottery picks on Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, and most recently Isaac Okoro. It is about time that Cleveland goes the other way and improves the frontcourt, especially with what has transpired recently. Andre Drummond was bought out during the season and Kevin Love could be a trade piece. Jarrett Allen might not get the contract he wants which means Evan Mobley would fit in perfectly here.
4. Toronto Raptors
Jalen Suggs, PG, Gonzaga
Sometimes things just work out for a franchise. The Toronto Raptors had an underwhelming season and will see Kyle Lowry leave in free agency. They were able to land the fourth-overall pick and a chance to add that replacement point guard in Jalen Suggs. He has the ceiling to be a superstar in the league that could be at the top of the offense for Toronto for a long time. Suggs showed great leadership, ability, and passion during his only year at Gonzaga. It would be surprising to see him fall past the Raptors.
5. Orlando Magic
Jonathan Kuminga, G-League Ignite
In some capacity, the top-four picks in the 2021 NBA Draft seem to be locked in. This is where it will get interesting but it is not time to move Jonathan Kuminga just yet. The Orlando Magic have traditionally favored players with great size and athleticism. Kuminga is a work in progress from the perimeter but can handle the ball and get to the rim using his frame. This is a true centerpiece to build around for years moving forward.
