NBA Draft 2021: Top 40 Big Board

Jalen Green, G League Ignite

 1. Cade Cunningham, G, Oklahoma State

Strengths: Elite, day-one playmaking ability, ideal size for modern NBA, significant defensive upside

Weaknesses: Not as quick as elite NBA guards, jump shots needs further refinement

Ceiling: NBA Superstar

Bust Potential: Moderate

Cade Cunningham is nearly a 100 percent lock to be heading to Detroit on Thursday night, and for good reason. The 19-year old combo guard put together an incredible one-year run with Oklahoma State, operating as their chief playmaker. He put up a statline of 20.1 PPG, 3.5 APG, and 6.2 RPG, while playing in one of the most competitive leagues in America. As an NBA prospect, he checks just about every box you could imagine, with the size to play and defend multiple positions, tremendous passing ability, and good shooting numbers. There are things to nitpick in his game like every player coming out of college, but he's well worth the top selection in this Draft. 

2. Evan Mobley, F, USC

Strengths: Seven-footer who can run the floor and play both ends, skilled rim protector, spaces the floor with a smooth jumper

Weaknesses: Needs to bulk up to survive the NBA, polish his touch around the rim

Ceiling: NBA All-Star

Bust Potential: Low

Elite big men seem to be a lost art in today's NBA, but USC's Evan Mobley is the perfect post for the modern game. He's a legit seven-footer with long arms and the ability to become a top-notch shot-blocker, but his offensive game is ripe with potential. He can run the floor incredibly well for someone of his size, and the jump shot is there too. Mobley shot 30% from three in college, but one could imagine that those numbers could be even better as he develops. Around the rim, he isn't quite as polished as you might hope, but he's still crafty enough to get his own shot and understands how to impact the game as an offensive rebounder. I've seen him compared to Chris Bosh and Anthony Davis, and when you see his size mixed with his offensive game, the comparisons aren't unfounded. However, in order to reach his vast ceiling, he'll need to bulk up and show he has the work ethic and energy to be an elite player. If there is one clear criticism for Mobley, it's that he had moments where it looked like he was taking plays off for USC. If he wants to be great, that can't happen at the NBA level.

3. Jalen Suggs, PG, Gonzaga

Strengths: Eye-popping athleticism, amazing passing instincts and skill, clutch player who loves the big stage

Weaknesses: Jump shot will continue to need work, must developer the finer parts of his game

Ceiling: NBA All-Star

Bust Potential: Low

Jalen Suggs had quite the run in his lone season with Gonzaga, growing into one of the game's most recognizable stars. His vision, feel for the game, and natural competitiveness helped him develop into one of the best distributors we've seen coming out of the college ranks in some time. He's always willing to push the pace and set up his teammates, but can also turn into the No. 1 scoring option when needed. Suggs had good shooting splits with the Bulldogs and of course made the legendary shot against UCLA in the Final Four, but continuing to develop his outside game should be his top priority at this point in his career. Defensively, the tools are all there for him to be a plus-defender in the pros, even at a loaded position, but further consistency on that end would continue to accelerate his rapid development.

4. Jalen Green, G/F, G League

Strengths: Highlight-reel athlete, offensive potential, skilled ball-handler

Weaknesses: Three-point shot needs work, turnover concerns

Ceiling: NBA All-Star 

Bust Potential: Moderate

Jalen Green was of the first major names to take the G League route instead of a one-year stint in college and it's hard to know whether the decision has helped or hurt his stock. On one hand, Green now has a year of experience playing in professional basketball, even if the G League is obviously a step down from the NBA. On the other, he didn't get the exposure that names like Cunningham, Mobley or Suggs did during their NCAA Tournament runs. NBA scouts still adore Green, primarily because of his offensive potential. He arrived in the G League as a tremendous athlete who could occasionally create his own shot, and evolved into a more consistent option who could do a wide variety of different things. He's still at his best getting downhill and attacking the basket, but his jump shot has improved, and so has his passing. He still needs to become smarter with the ball because he forced up too many difficult shots and bad passes, but that should come as he joins an NBA offense. 

5. Davion Mitchell, G, Baylor

Strengths: Dominant isolation scorer, continues to grow as a three-point shooter, pesky on-ball defender

Weaknesses: Limited ceiling compared to others in this Draft, undersized for the NBA

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

There's a drop-off here after the top four prospects in this cycle, but Davion Mitchell slides in comfortably at No. 5. Playing a key role in Baylor's National Championship run, Mitchell proved to be an exciting shot creator who excels in isolation. He's undersized at 6'1", but makes up for it with a fearless offensive game and acrobatic finishes around the rim. On defense, he's incredibly pesky and can often get his hands in passing lanes to disrupt opposing offenses. He won't lead the NBA in steals, but has the potential to be a truly elite on-ball defender, even with his limited size. With all that being said, I don't envision him having All-Star level potential in the pros, but he can still be a really important piece for a future contender. If I'm Orlando at pick five, he's my selection.

6. Franz Wagner, F, Michigan

Strengths: Long, athletic frame, capable shooter who should only get better from three, intelligent basketball player 

Weaknesses: Needs to bulk up, a slight tweener, not an elite athlete

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Low

Every NBA team is looking for young prospects who can hit the three ball at an efficient clip and also play plus defense, hence the "3-and-D" moniker. Plenty of prospects fit this mold at the top of the Draft, but few hit it quite on the tee like Franz Wagner. He shot 38% from three this past season at Michigan and is a consistent spot-up shooter, while also displaying strong defensive abilities. Wagner is not exactly an elite athlete, but makes up for it on defense with his length and size (6'9") and natural instincts. Much like Mitchell, he might not have the ceiling of an NBA star at the next level, but he's the type of solid, well-rounded prospect that is worth a stab in the middle to late lottery. Out of nearly all the prospects in my Top 10, Wagner might be the one I'd be the most surprised if he busted.

7. Scottie Barnes, G/F, Florida State

Strengths: Size and versatility to play multiple positions, tremendous finisher at the rim, defensive upside

Weaknesses: Jump shot needs a lot of work, came off the bench in college, raw in many areas

Ceiling: NBA All-Star

Bust Potential: Moderate

Florida State has quietly become quite the factory for quality NBA Draft talent, and the next Seminole set to be taken is wing Scottie Barnes. Barnes came off the bench for pretty much the entire season at FSU, but still caught NBA eyes with his versatility, powerful finishing ability, and potential on defense. His numbers don't jump off the page at you, but he flashed serious two-way potential and seemed to improve every time he stepped on the court. His offensive skill set is still fairly limited at this point and he'll need to land in the right situation to be worthy of a lottery pick, but the tools are certainly in place. He has a real chance to go as high as No. 5, but a slide into the late lottery also wouldn't be a shock.

8. Jonathan Kuminga, G/F, G League

Strengths: Insane athlete, plays above the rim, still growing at just 18 years old

Weaknesses: Very raw throughout his offensive game, very sloppy defender at this point, very questionable shooter

Ceiling: NBA All-Star

Bust Potential: High

Jonathan Kuminga reclassified from the Class of 2021 into 2020, then opted to take the professional route and join the G League. Playing against professional competition at just 18 years of age, Kuminga naturally had growing pains, but he did still flash potential. He's an explosive athlete that should rival Jalen Green in terms of highlight-reel plays, and he showed that he could defend multiple different positions at a quality level. Unsurprisingly, Kuminga still has a long ways to go in terms of development to be worthy of a Top 5 selection, as his shooting is extremely suspect, and he often gets lost defensively. He's the type of prospect that absolutely needs to land in the right situation, and may need further time in the G League to hone his skills. He has upside to be a real difference-maker, but there are just too many questions at this point for him to be any higher on the big board.

9. Josh Giddey, G/F, Australia

Strengths: Crafty, polished playmaker, perfect size for the modern game, still just 18 years old

Weaknesses: Shooting is suspect, average athlete

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

One of my favorite players in this Draft is Josh Giddey, who played this past season in Australia with the Adelaide 36ers. He reminds me a lot of a young Ricky Rubio, although with more size to offer and a little bit less flash. He has a natural leadership ability when running the offense and is a smooth passer and finisher. Giddey is dominant in the pick-and-roll and has great feel for it for his age, but has to continue to grow in creating his own looks. The shooting is not quite there just yet, as he shot 29% from three this past season for Adelaide, but his mechanics are solid for his age. The defense could also use further work, but he has the size and length to become solid, if rather unspectacular, at that end of the court. Giddey is the type of polished playmaker that might never average 20 points per game, but whose impact will be felt wherever he lands.

10. Moses Moody, G, Arkansas

Strengths: Proven two-way ability, great rebounder for his position, quality shot-maker

Weaknesses: Unclear position at the next level, not a shot creator

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Low

Moses Moody was a key component of one of the best Arkansas teams in recent memory, winning SEC Rookie of the Year, as he averaged 16.8 PPG and 5.8 RPG in just 34 minutes per game. He offers plenty of quality attributes as a prospect, a wing with good size and a seven-foot wingspan who can rebound and defend incredibly well for his position. He didn't come to college with a reputation as an elite offensive player, but he put up strong numbers throughout his time with the Razorbacks, including shooting 36% from three-point range. Moody is somewhat limited as an athlete and ball-handler, restricting his ability to create and finish his own shots, but he can make up for it in creative ways. He projects as a late lottery pick right now and would fit nicely on any number of NBA teams. Much like others outside the Top 5 range, he might not have All-Star potential, but he can be a quality asset in various situations.

11. Corey Kispert, G/F, Gonzaga

Strengths: Improved every single year at Gonzaga, smooth offensive game, plays with an edge

Weaknesses: 22 years old already, not necessarily an elite athlete

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Low

12. Sharife Cooper, PG, Auburn

Strengths: Explosive offensive player, natural instincts and incredible feel as a distributor, strong free throw shooter

Weaknesses: Needs serious work on his jump shot, played just 12 games beyond high school

Ceiling: NBA All-Star

Bust Potential: High

13. James Bouknight, G, UConn

Strengths: Silky scorer with a wide variety of skills, great ball-handler, plays bigger than 6'4"

Weaknesses: Injury concerns throughout his career, spotty defender

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

14. Chris Duarte, G, Oregon

Strengths: Efficient scorer, ideal size and can defend multiple positions, mature leader

Weaknesses: Already 24 years old, limited athleticism

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Low

15. Isaiah Jackson, F/C, Kentucky

Strengths: Athletic big who can run the floor, already a skilled rim protector, can eat up rebounds

Weaknesses: Still very limited offensively, needs to develop at least a mid-range jumper

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

16. Ziaire Williams, F, Stanford

Strengths: Great ball-handler for his size, long and athletic, defensive upside

Weaknesses: Still limited offensively, needs to add muscle to his frame

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

17. Usman Garuba, F, Spain

Strengths: Ferocious rebounder, defensive versatility, high energy player

Weaknesses: Suspect shooter, poor at free throw line, foul trouble issues

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

18. Kai Jones, F/C, Texas

Strengths: Bouncy athlete, runs the floor very well for his size, potentially dominant in pick-and-roll

Weaknesses: Post moves need work, lacks any shooting stroke

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

19. Cam Thomas, G/F, LSU

Strengths: Dominant isolation scorer, loves to take and make difficult shots, thrives in just about any offense

Weaknesses: Must continue to improve from three-point range, some defensive question marks

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Low

20. Jalen Johnson, F, Duke

Strengths: Good size and versatility, can get to the rim and finish through contact, defensive potential

Weaknesses: Poor shooting mechanics, is he a team player?

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

21. Tre Mann, G, Florida

Strengths: Fearless, pure scoring ability, improved significantly from freshman to sophomore season, decent defender

Weaknesses: Still awfully streaky, thin frame for an NBA two-guard

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Low

22. Alperen Sengun, F/C, Turkey

Strengths: Plays larger than his 6'9" build, intelligent and physical rebounder, polished skill moves for his age

Weaknesses: Fairly average athleticism, questionable in defending pick-and-roll

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

23. Greg Brown, F, Texas

Strengths: Possibly the best pure athlete in this class, explosive dunker, quality defender

Weaknesses: Extremely raw offensively, jump shot is nearly non-existent

Ceiling: NBA All-Star

Bust Potential: High

24. Keon Johnson, G, Tennessee

Strengths: Natural athlete, two-way potential, still learning the game after beginning playing in high school

Weaknesses: Not a great free throw shooter, will not space the floor, simply didn't produce as much as hoped in college

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: High

25. Jared Butler, G/F, Baylor

Strengths: Proven leader who makes winning basketball plays, consistent shooting threat, good steal numbers in college

Weaknesses: Average athlete compared to his peers, undersized for the pros

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Low

26. Trey Murphy, F, Virginia

Strengths: Can play both forward spots and offers a seven-foot wingspan, fluid athlete, strong shooter

Weaknesses: Has a tendency to disappear offensively, not a shot creator at this point in his career

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

27. Ayo Dosunmu, G/F, Illinois

Strengths: Electrifying playmaker and scorer, explosive first step, clutch player able to make big shots

Weaknesses: Turnovers are a problem, forces too many passes and shots

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Low

28. Isaiah Todd, F, G League

Strengths: Good build with powerful finishing ability, decent passer for his position, will continue to grow on offense

Weaknesses: Streaky scorer, tweener right now without a defined role

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

29. Josh Christopher, G/F, Arizona State

Strengths: Superb athlete and finisher, extremely effective in transition, can hit difficult shots

Weaknesses: Simply didn't produce as much as hoped in one season at Tempe, shooting numbers were poor

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

30. B.J. Boston, G/F, Kentucky

Strengths: Shot creator willing to take anything, decent three-point shooter, instant offense

Weaknesses: Extremely inconsistent, forces his teammates into trouble with decision-making

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

31. Charles Bassey, F, Western Kentucky

Strengths: Moves extremely well for his size, elite shot-blocker, can occasionally space the floor

Weaknesses: Didn't quite make the jump throughout his collegiate career you would like to have seen, some injury concerns

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

32. Nah'Shon Hyland, G, VCU

Strengths: Good shooting numbers throughout college, acrobatic finisher underneath, defensive playmaking

Weaknesses: Extremely undersized, not a great passer for his position

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

33. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, F, Villanova

Strengths: Size and skillset to play multiple positions, superb rebounder, strong midrange shooter

Weaknesses: Still working on three-point range, streaky shooter overall

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

34. Day'Ron Sharpe, F/C, UNC

Strengths: Imposing, physical build, ferocious offensive rebounder, potential to be an elite rim protector

Weaknesses: Offensive game is very limited, poor at the free throw line, prone to foul trouble

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: High

35. Miles McBride, G, West Virginia

Strengths: Capable scorer who shoots good numbers, strong passer, pesky on-ball defender

Weaknesses: Unclear position at the next level, very undersized

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

36. Joshua Primo, G, Alabama

Strengths: Great spot-up shooter, powerful finisher at the rim, still just 18 years old

Weaknesses: Not a great distributor for his position, streaky three-point shooter

Ceiling: NBA Role Player

Bust Potential: Moderate

37. Jaden Springer, G, Tennessee

Strengths: Energetic defender, capable contributor both on and off-ball, good three-point shooting numbers in small sample

Weaknesses: Unclear positional fit, not a shot creator 

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

38. Austin Reaves, G, Oklahoma

Strengths: Crafty offensive player, confident shooter who can heat up in a hurry, quality playmaker who doesn't turn the ball over often

Weaknesses: Shooting numbers just weren't there this past season, already 23 years old with limited ceiling

Ceiling: NBA Role Player

Bust Potential: Low

39. Quentin Grimes, G/F, Houston

Strengths: Former big-time recruit who had a tremendous career at Houston, quick and smooth jump shot, passionate player

Weaknesses: Free throw shooting could improve, can force up shots when hurried

Ceiling: NBA Starter

Bust Potential: Moderate

40. Joel Ayayi, PG, Gonzaga

Strengths: Good size, slippery offensive specimen, elite rebounder for his position, proven college pedigree

Weaknesses: Three-point and free throw shooting needs improvement, needs to bulk up

Ceiling: NBA Role Player

Bust Potential: Moderate