21. New York Knicks (from Dallas Mavericks)
Kai Jones, C, Texas
Point guard and big men. The needs for the Knicks are blatant. And they could use another star in a trade but that is a topic for another day. Kai Jones has been rated as one of the best big men in the 2021 NBA Draft. He would be a key replacement if the Knicks decide to move Mitchell Robinson. If they want to keep Robinson, Jones would be a depth piece — another thing that the Knicks need.
22. Los Angeles Lakers
Jared Butler, PG, Baylor
The Los Angeles Lakers have been attempting to improve the point-guard position. They have been linked to some blockbuster trades for proven commodities but Jared Butler could be sitting there for them. He displayed such a smooth game during Baylor’s run. He can score with the best of them and is one of the top passers in the league. Los Angeles is a place where Butler would thrive immediately.
23. Houston Rockets (from Portland Trail Blazers)
Sharife Cooper, PG, Auburn
With Butler off the board, Sharife Cooper could be the next best option for Houston. If Cooper was a little bigger, he would be a top-10 pick. At 6-foot-1, some are worried about his size but Cooper lets his game speak for itself. When judging playmaking ability, there are few better than Cooper. He is a wizard with the ball and can score or distribute at a high level.
24. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee Bucks)
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, PF, Villanova
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is going to be an intriguing player as we creep toward the 2021 NBA Draft. He has been linked to the Rockets but might fall out of the first round if others continue to rise. His IQ of the game cannot be questioned. Robinson-Earl is not going to wow you with athleticism but he was able to dominate while at Villanova using his craftiness and raw talent. Robinson-Earl knows where to be at all times and has a jump shot that is only getting better.
25. Los Angeles Clippers
Nah’Shon Hyland, PG, VCU
Nah’Shon Hyland is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft. You might even see him taken in the lottery if a team wants to take a chance. He turned some heads during the draft combine in Chicago and this might change his destiny in the draft. VCU was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament because of complications with COVID-19 but Hyland made sure that he was not forgotten about.
