1 ideal prospect for each team in first round of 2021 NBA Draft

2021 NBA Draft
NBA Analysis Network
Evan Mobley, USC Trojans, NCAA March Madness, 2021 NBA Mock Draft
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic – Evan Mobley

Yes, I understand that the Orlando Magic don’t currently have a chance to make Mobley their selection with the No. 5 overall pick. But as I mentioned above, there are reports of teams trying to acquire Cleveland’s third overall pick, and the Magic are one of those teams. Orlando also possesses the No. 8 overall pick, which could be packaged with the No. 5 overall pick to move up in the draft.

My belief is that the Magic would love to select Mobley to fill the void that was left behind when the team traded Nikola Vucevic. Even though Wendell Carter Jr. is viewed as a potential building block, Mobley can play either power forward or center as Orlando continues to take a youthful approach to their rebuild.

Adding Mobley to a young core of Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac, Carter, and R.J. Hampton would be a home run move for the Magic.

READ MORE: 7 bold predictions for the 2021 NBA Draft

Oklahoma City Thunder – Jalen Green

The one team that could change the entire draft is the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City has three first-round picks in this year’s draft and they have 18 first-round picks through the 2027 season. The Thunder have reportedly attempted to conjure up a package that would land them the No. 1 overall selection in the draft, but the Pistons haven’t budged.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has suddenly been rumored as a player that could be had for the right price, pairing him with Green would be fantastic if the Thunder can move up in the draft. Outside of Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City doesn’t have anyone they can lean on to score the basketball.

Green would instantly become the No. 2 option in the offense and he could continue to develop on defense, making him a centerpiece for the Thunder.

Golden State Warriors – Moses Moody

In my honest opinion, the Golden State Warriors should trade both of their lottery picks in this year’s draft to land an All-Star caliber player or two. I would also venture to say that they shouldn’t have taken James Wiseman last year, but if they were keen on keeping their pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, they should have taken LaMelo Ball instead.

And if the Warriors elect to keep the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, then they need to take someone like Moses Moody who can be an instant contributor. Moody is a perfect three-and-D wing player that can excel in Golden State’s system.

During his lone season at Arkansas, Moody converted 35.8 percent of his three-point shots. As a rookie, Moody wouldn’t be forced into a starting role and he could give them depth on the wing as he gives them valuable minutes off of the bench.

READ MORE: 7 bold predictions for the 2021 NBA Draft

Sacramento Kings – Franz Wagner

I have no clue what the Sacramento Kings have planned for the foreseeable future and it’s tough to predict what their end goal is. That being said, it’s safe to assume that the Kings won’t be taking a guard with their first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Getting a wing player that can do a variety of things seems like a wise choice, making Franz Wagner a prime candidate with the ninth overall selection. Throughout his two years at Michigan, Wagner showed that he has the tools to be a versatile wing player at the next level.

Wagner is a better defender than people give him credit for and he has a smooth shot that should translate to him increasing his efficiency from three-point range. With De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton being the main building blocks, Wagner would be a solid complementary piece for the Kings.

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