#1 Detroit Pistons: G Cade Cunningham – Oklahoma State
There really is not much to discuss here with the Pistons and the No. 1 pick as they are going to be taking Cade Cunningham. They do also like Jalen Green and Evan Mobley as prospects and both of them are No. 1 pick quality players in any other draft, but this pick is just common sense.
When you go to a fantastic steakhouse, you do not order a burger or chicken, you order the best steak they have to offer! This is the case here with Cunningham and the Pistons, as there really is nothing to discuss in terms of who the best pick is.
They did just draft Killian Hayes 7th overall in last year’s draft, but given his versatility, the Pistons will look to pair him with Cunningham in their backcourt for the foreseeable future. There were some rumors that Detroit could look to trade this pick, but they will be holding onto the No. 1 overall pick to take Cade Cunningham.
#2 Houston Rockets: G Jalen Green – G-League (Ignite)
Again, much like the Cunningham pick, there is not much to discuss in regards to Jalen Green. Sources have told NBA Analysis Network that he will be the Rockets pick here, assuming they do not trade out of the No. 2 pick.
Green is arguably the most athletic player in this draft class and has a chance to make some noise early on in his career. Next to Kevin Porter Jr. in the backcourt, Houston will have two young, offensive-minded guards who can not only fill up the stats sheets, but they can set the tone of a game in transition.
To me, Jalen Green is my favorite player in this year’s draft class and I truly believe that he is the best pure talent in this year’s draft. The post-James Harden era is looking very bright for the Houston Rockets and it will be even brighter when Adam Silver names Jalen Green the Rockets’ selection.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 3 trade scenarios we’d like to see during 2021 NBA Draft
#3 Cleveland Cavaliers: F/C Evan Mobley – USC
Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green and Evan Mobley are basically 1A, 1B and 1C in this year’s draft class as you really cannot go wrong with any of them! Mobley is the best big man available and the Cavaliers really do like the idea of pairing him with Jarrett Allen long-term, assuming they can bring back Allen in free agency.
Drawing comparisons to Chris Bosh, Evan Mobley has a chance to be the special, franchise-changing talent Cleveland desperately needs. They have not been successful since LeBron James left for a second time back in 2018 and with a young core of Sexton, Garland, Okoro, Allen and now Mobley, the Cavs will suddenly be a young team that is a force to be reckoned with.
This pick is definitely in play to be traded, especially if the Raptors, Magic, Warriors or Grizzlies put together a strong enough trade package, but either way, Evan Mobley is going to be going third overall.
#4 Toronto Raptors – G Jalen Suggs – Gonzaga
The fourth pick in this draft could be very interesting, especially since the Raptors have not had many ties to Jalen Suggs. Ultimately, I do believe he will be the pick here since Kyle Lowry is an unrestricted free agent and Suggs would fit in perfectly next to Fred VanVleet, but the Raptors do like Scottie Barnes a lot and have done their homework on him.
Oklahoma City is a team that is interested in possibly moving up from No. 6 overall and the Warriors could potentially look to package their two lottery picks together in order to possibly move up to this spot and draft Jalen Suggs.
If the Raptors hold onto this selection, it will be very hard for them to pass up on Jalen Suggs, especially since he is the best combo-guard in this draft class. With the ability to play on or off-the-ball offensively and the strong defender that he is, Suggs is the favorite to be the fourth pick in the draft.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 3 trade scenarios we’d like to see during 2021 NBA Draft
#5 Orlando Magic: F Scottie Barnes – Florida State
Usually Duke or UNC is the school representing the first ACC pick in the NBA Draft, but this year, it will be Florida State with Scottie Barnes. The 19-year-old “point” forward did not participate at the NBA Combine this year, but he immediately began shooting up draft boards following his interviews there.
Viewed as a strong forward who can act as a point guard at times, Scottie Barnes has been classified as the next “Ben Simmons/Draymond Green” type of talent in terms of being able to run an offense as a big guy.
He can play virtually anywhere on the court and can defend any type of position, which is why he is exactly the kind of player the Magic will want to build around for the foreseeable future. Jonathan Kuminga is also in play here for Orlando, but all indications point to them taking Barnes fifth overall in this year’s draft.
