2021 NBA Mock Draft: Will Cade Cunningham go No. 1 to the Detroit Pistons?

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The 2021 NBA Draft is right around the corner, set for Friday, July 30th (IST).

NBA.com's draft expert Eric Fawcett takes a deep dive into this year's draft class with a two-round Mock Draft, complete with player evaluations for all 60 players he projects to be selected.

After winning the lottery, the Detroit Pistons will have the No. 1 pick and will presumably select Oklahoma State star Cade Cunningham, but who falls in line after that?

Take a look below to find out.

1. Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State

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Position: Guard

Measurements: 6-foot-8, 220 lbs.

Quick-processing, ball handling, shot making wing--the type of apex predator that’s dominating modern NBA basketball. Everything you want in a number one pick. 

2. Houston Rockets – Jalen Green, G League Ignite

Jalen Green

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-5, 180 lbs.

Electric scorer from all three levels who gets it done with equal parts skill and athleticism. Add in positional size and competitive spirit and he’s ready to contend for the title of best player in this draft. 

3. Cleveland Cavaliers – Evan Mobley, USC

Position: C/PF

Measurements: 7-feet, 215 lbs.

Big man with fluid athleticism that translates to excellence on both ends of the floor. Can anchor a team’s offensive and defensive schemes. 

4. Toronto Raptors – Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga

Position: Guard

Measurements: 6-foot-4, 205 lbs.

Athletic floor general who sees the game at a high level. Has fantastic burst for the point guard position. 

5. Orlando Magic – Moses Moody, Arkansas

#Moody

Position: G/F

Measurements: 6-foot-6, 210 lbs.

One of the best shot makers in the draft who also happens to be one of the best pick and roll operators. Has a gigantic 7’0” wingspan--the kind of plus length you don’t normally see from top end shooters. 

6. Oklahoma City Thunder – Scottie Barnes, Florida State

Position: F

Measurements: 6-foot-8, 225 lbs.

Jumbo ball handler who is going to be a matchup nightmare the moment he steps on an NBA floor. Will switch onto anyone defensively and look just fine. 

7. Golden State Warriors – Jonathan Kuminga, G League Ignite

Position: F

Measurements: 6-foot-6, 210 lbs.

As physically gifted as anyone in the class but lacks some refinement offensively. Has shown flashes of scoring that gives plenty of hope, however. 

8. Orlando Magic – Keon Johnson, Tennessee

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-5, 185 lbs.

Ridiculous athlete that leverages those abilities into relentless perimeter defense. Still finding his way offensively but will be an elite defender from day one as he develops on the other end.

9. Sacramento Kings – Davion Mitchell, Baylor

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-1, 202 lbs.

Undersized but doesn’t lack for shot making, toughness, and intelligence. Could step in immediately as a capable backup point guard who’s shooting could elevate him to a much bigger role. 

10. New Orleans Pelicans – James Bouknight, UConn

Bouknight

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-4, 190 lbs.

Silky scorer with a flare for the dramatic. Hasn’t yet developed a consistent jump shot but he’s capable of getting by even the most athletic of defenders.

11. Charlotte Hornets – Kai Jones, Texas

Position: C

Measurements: 6-foot-11, 221 lbs.

Bouncy center who can get out on the break as the rim runner or ball handler. Has some of the most impressive highlights of anyone in the class but is still working on consistency. 

12. San Antonio Spurs – Chris Duarte, Oregon

Position: F

Measurements: 6-foot-6, 190 lbs.

Jack-of-all trades wing that easily projects to any NBA situation. Lethal shooter off movement, something that will serve him well as he slides into an NBA role. 

13. Indiana Pacers – Alperen Sengün, Besiktas (TSL, Turkey)

Position: F/C

Measurements: 6-foot-10, 243 lbs.

Productive big man who was the MVP of the Turkish League, one of the highest levels of competition in the world. Primarily a low post threat, his fit in modern basketball is a bit of a question but he has found his way to dominate at every level he has played at and the NBA could be next. 

14. Golden State Warriors – Usman Garuba, Real Madrid (Liga ACB, Spain)

usman garuba

Position: F

Measurements: 6-foot-8, 229 lbs.

Dominant defensive player whose ability to diagnose offensive sets and make the right reads projects positively to the NBA game. The kind of player who makes guarding pick and rolls look as exciting a highlight as an alley-oop or step back three. 

15. Washington Wizards – Josh Giddey, Adelaide 36ers (NBL, Australia)

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-8, 205 lbs.

The next in line of supersized ball handling initiators at 6-foot-8. He’s as good as a passer there is in the draft but lacks foot speed and dexterity. 

16. Oklahoma City Thunder – Corey Kispert, Gonzaga

#Kispert

Position: F

Measurements: 6-foot-7, 224 lbs.

Knockdown shooter who you can easily see flying off screens within an NBA offense. At 6’7” with excellent footwork he’ll have no problem getting his shots off even against NBA length. 

17. Memphis Grizzlies – Franz Wagner, Michigan

Position: F

Measurements: 6-foot-9, 220 lbs.

Fundamentally sound defender with great length. Has also shown an ability to handle the rock and make plays off the bounce. 

18. Oklahoma City Thunder – Cameron Thomas, LSU

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-4, 210 lbs.

The best pure scorer in the draft. Can create baskets out of thin air, no matter what defense he’s up against. Doesn’t create many shots for his teammates and doesn’t always provide adequate effort on defense, but he certainly gets buckets.

19. New York Knicks – Tre Mann, Florida

#Mann

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-4, 178 lbs.

Could be the best shooter off the dribble in this class, a skill usually seen with the elite of the elite guards in the NBA. His ability to create space will have scouts salivating and he’ll be the kind of guy you want taking the big shot at the end of a game. 

20. Atlanta Hawks – Isaiah Jackson, Kentucky

Position: C

Measurements: 6-foot-10, 206 lbs.

Quick-twitch center who will be at home setting screens and diving to the rim in the NBA. Capable of switching onto guards and using his length to steer them out of trouble. 

21. New York Knicks – Ziaire Williams, Stanford

Position: F

Measurements: 6-foot-9, 188 lbs.

Things never came together for him in college but he is a huge shot making wing with the length, the kind of player every team in the NBA is looking for even if right now he’s more prospect than player. 

22. Los Angeles Lakers – Jaden Springer, Tennessee

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-4, 202 lbs.

Crafty scoring shooting guard who didn’t take a lot of threes in college but hit them at a high rate. 

23. Houston Rockets – Trey Murphy III, Virginia

Position: F

Measurements: 6-foot-9, 206 lbs.

Has major three-and-D potential as a smooth 6-foot-9 wing who hit 43% of his threes last season. Might not have the highest of ceilings but has an easily projectable NBA role. 

24. Houston Rockets – Jalen Johnson, Duke

Position: F

Measurements: 6-foot-9, 220 lbs.

Versatile forward with length who has shown flashes as a shooter. Hasn’t been awfully productive yet in his career but has the tools to break out in an NBA context.

25. LA Clippers – Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Villanova

Position: F

Measurements: 6-foot-9, 230 lbs.

Mismatch power forward who loves to take other post players off the bounce. Has a variety of scoring moves in the paint but doesn’t shoot it quite well enough yet to be a true stretch. 

26. Denver Nuggets – Sharife Cooper, Auburn

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-1, 185 lbs.

Just had one of the best passing seasons in NCAA history. Otherworldly vision and anticipation make him one of the most fascinating players in this draft. His height and shooting are the questions right now. 

27. Brooklyn Nets – Greg Brown, Texas

Position: C/F

Measurements: 6-foot-8, 206 lbs. 

Going to step into the NBA as a top tier athlete, but right now the game doesn’t come easily to him. May perform better in a clearly defined role in the NBA.

28. Philadelphia 76ers – Jared Butler, Baylor

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-3, 193 lbs.

Talented shooter and point of attack defender. Had a health scare discovered while going through the pre-draft process but has since been cleared to play. 

29. Phoenix Suns – Miles McBride, West Virginia

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-2, 195 lbs.

Dogged point of attack defender who can blow up pick and roll plays, something that will serve him well in the NBA game. Capable shooter off the catch who hit 41% of his threes last season.

30. Utah Jazz – BJ Boston, Kentucky

Position: G

Measurements: 6-foot-7, 188 lbs.

Lanky wing who can create and hit shots off the bounce. Was inconsistent in college and his defensive deficiencies kept him off the floor in some big moments but he has talent and potential through the roof.

Second round

31. Milwaukee Bucks – Isaiah Todd, G League Ignite

Coordinated frontcourt player who loves to drive the basketball. Great form on his jump shot and it’s easy to imagine him scoring in a number of ways within an NBA offense.

32. New York Knicks – Ayo Dosunmo, Illinois

One of the most productive players in college over the last two seasons who has a massive frame ready for the physicality of NBA basketball. Great ball handler who can initiate offense and get to the rim, but struggles to knock shots which could make his NBA fit a bit clunky. 

33. Orlando Magic – Joe Wieskamp, Iowa

Prototypical three-and-D prospect who broke out in the NBA combine where he measured at 6-foot-7 with a 42” vert. Hit an absurd 46% of his threes last season on over 5 attempts per game. 

34. Oklahoma City Thunder – Day'Ron Sharpe, North Carolina

Monster on the low block who plays the game with power. His skill set might be limited but he excels in a necessary NBA role. 

35. New Orleans Pelicans – Nah'Shon Hyland, VCU

Creative offensive player who can score without needing plays ran for him. Just give Bones Hyland the ball and a bit of space and he’ll find a way to get a quality shot. A sleight frame and penchant for turning the ball over are what hindered his game. 

36. Oklahoma City Thunder – Rokas Jokubaitis, Žalgiris (LKL, Lithuania)

Skilled combo guard who plays tough and can knock down big time shots. Already has loads of professional and international experience. 

37. Detroit Pistons – Josh Christopher, Arizona State

Athletic shooting guard who is lethal when attacking closeouts and getting to the rim where he can finish with his 6-foot-8 wingspan. Disruptive defender. 

38. Chicago Bulls – Josh Primo, Alabama

One of the youngest players in the draft who was 17 years old at the start of his lone college season. You wouldn’t know it based on his poise and intelligence on the court, and he seems to get into open space and score off of cuts with ease. He’s already productive and has tons of room to grow. 

39. Sacramento Kings – Joel Ayayi, Gonzaga

Combo guard with great size who is comfortable on the ball operating with pick and rolls or away from the ball where he’s an excellent catch and shoot player and savvy cutter. Could fit into a number of NBA roles. 

40. New Orleans Pelicans – Aaron Henry, Michigan State

Intelligent wing player in a league that can’t get enough of them. Below-average shooter but that has never stopped him from being able to score. 

41. San Antonio Spurs – Herb Jones, Alabama

One of the best defenders in the draft who at 6-foot-8 can guard up and down the lineup. Limited offensively but is going to have some value as a stopper.

42. Detroit Pistons – Sandro Mamukelashvili, Seton Hall

Modern center who couples prototypical size with quick feet that allows him to thrive in pick and roll coverage. Versatile offensively and can pick apart defenses passing from the post. 

43. New Orleans Pelicans – Vrenz Bleijenbergh, Antwerp Giants (BNXT League, Belgium)

Intriguing prospect with his ability to handle and pass at 6-foot-10. A perfect draft and stash option who could come into the league and contribute in a couple of years. 

44. Brooklyn Nets – Filip Petrusev, Gonzaga

Good length and feel for the game but lacks athleticism and bulk. Might not have star potential but is a choice on the safe side who could be a reliable big off the bench. 

45. Boston Celtics – Jericho Sims, Texas

Freaky athlete who projects as a shot blocker and rebounder. Can’t do much offensively beyond catching lobs and finishing dump off passes but that could be enough for a player with his length and explosiveness. 

46. Toronto Raptors – Daishen Nix, G League Ignite

Instinctive point guard with great size. Uses changes of speed and muscle to get to his spots on the floor where he’s then able to find any one of his teammates with pinpoint passes. 

47. Toronto Raptors – Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky

Rim runner with requisite size and athleticism for the center position. High pedigree as a former high school star. 

48. Atlanta Hawks – Amar Sylla, Filou Oostende (PBL, Belgium)

Skilled post player who can put the ball on the floor from the perimeter and either finish on his own or make the proper read to find shooters. All kinds of potential on the defensive end with his length and light feet. 

49. Brooklyn Nets – David Johnson, Louisville

Lead guard who lives in the paint, getting there at will against any defender. Adequate shooter and playmaker but it will be his size and touch at the rim that gets him interest. 

50. Philadelphia 76ers – Juhann Begarin, Paris Basketball (LNB Pro A, France)

All-around contributor who gets it done offensively with decisive drives and changes of direction and defensively with length and anticipation. 

51. Memphis Grizzlies – Kessler Edwards, Pepperdine

Stretch four who was a career 40% three-point shooter on nearly 400 attempts. Doesn’t provide much juice off the bounce and doesn’t have tremendous athleticism but he has a ready made role as a frontcourt floor spacer. 

52. Detroit Pistons – JT Thor, Auburn

Toolsy 6-foot-10 post player who has an enticing 7-foot-3 wingspan and a smooth shooting stroke despite hitting less than 30% from the three-point line last season. High-motor athlete who takes pride on the defensive end. 

53. New Orleans Pelicans – Ibou Dianko Badji, Barcelona II (LEB Silver, Spain)

Shot blocker and rim runner already contributing in a great league for Barcelona. Raw offensively but a monster on the inside. 

54. Indiana Pacers – Sam Hauser, Virginia

Smooth scorer off movement who is a career 44% three-point shooter. At 6-foot-8 it’s not hard to see him finding a role and contributing in the NBA. 

55. Oklahoma City Thunder – Marcus Garrett, Kansas

Impactful point of attack defender that can make life difficult for opposing stars.

56. Charlotte Hornets – Jason Preston, Ohio

Breakout star from the college basketball season after filling it up in the points and assists categories. Silky offensive player who has excellent vision but lacks athleticism. 

57. Charlotte Hornets – EJ Onu, Shawnee State

Has a comically long 7-foot-8 wingspan while standing at 6-foot-11 and hit 40% of his threes last season. His frame and shooting ability could allow him to do something extremely rare--get drafted from an NAIA school. 

58. New York Knicks – Marcus Zegarowski, Creighton

Veteran college guard who is one of the best shooters in the draft both off the dribble and the catch. Excellent at working through progressions and making the right pass, giving him the look of a backup NBA point guard. 

59. Brooklyn Nets – AJ Lawson, South Carolina

Tall pick and roll bal-handler who thrives in the open floor where he can push the pace and showcase his fluid athleticism.

60. Indiana Pacers – Delano Banton, Nebraska

Long, tall point guard whose height allows him to see over defenses and make passes that smaller point guards couldn’t. Not a good shooter but his ball handling abilities at 6-foot-9 make him an exciting prospect.

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