Draft Thread Part 11: July 29 8pm

[WuTang_CMB]

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/31867997/2021-nba-mock-draft-top-players-jockeying-lottery-position

2021 NBA mock draft: Top players jockeying for lottery position

The 2021 NBA draft is just days away, with the draft boards of all 30 teams nearing completion and the shape of the lottery thought to be crystallizing. What will be the order of a top five that is believed to be historically strong? Which players have played their way into lottery position with an exemplary pre-draft process? Which teams could be looking to move up to nab a top prospect? Who wants to move down with an eye toward dealing for impact players and/or securing their longer-term future?

All of those answers and more are below, with ESPN's latest mock draft of all 60 projected picks, based on our latest intel and scouting.



1. Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham
Oklahoma State
PG
Age: 19.8


Cunningham visited the Pistons on Monday and Tuesday, taking in a Tigers game and conducting a very light shooting workout that likely didn't provide lot of insight. Still, Cunningham's standing in Detroit has strengthened throughout the pre-draft process to the point that it would be extremely surprising if the Pistons did anything but pick him No. 1. Ownership and the front office are on the same page, while the fact that Evan Mobley -- a favorite of GM Troy Weaver -- has been unable to visit for a workout, might be an indication of which way things are heading in Detroit.

2. Houston Rockets
Jalen Green
G League Ignite
SG
Age: 19.4


Green has a strong desire to be the No. 1 pick, sources say, hosting the Pistons for a workout in Southern California and then traveling to Detroit for a follow-up visit. He'd be happy to go second, though, if that doesn't materialize, and most NBA teams expect that to be the case -- with some going as far as to describe that as being close to a lock. It doesn't help that the Rockets have been stonewalled in their attempts to bring in Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs for private workouts. Houston is casting a wide net in an attempt to capture as much player data for future transactions as possible, something that has been met with a mixed reaction in the industry.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

Evan Mobley
USC
C
Age: 20.0

The Cavs are one of the most active teams in the league on the trade-talk front, rumored to be making overtures to acquire a second pick in the top 10 while pondering the viability of offering a rich contract extension for leading scorer Collin Sexton. It appears unlikely they'll be moving out of the No. 3 slot, with Mobley looking like the overwhelming favorite to be picked, provided Sexton isn't moved. Mobley's mobility, perimeter skill and defensive versatility could very well make him both the most intriguing long-term prospect on the board as well as a strong fit to build around Cleveland's existing roster long term. He can coexist in supersized lineups with big man Jarrett Allen, while shouldering backup center minutes as his body continues to fill out.

4. Toronto Raptors
Jalen Suggs
Gonzaga
PG/SG
Age: 20.1

Toronto doesn't appear to subscribe to the idea that this is a four-player draft, as it has taken hard looks at both Jonathan Kuminga and Scottie Barnes, as well as other players in the top 10 such as Franz Wagner and James Bouknight. This is one team that hasn't had any issues getting players into its building, as it is widely viewed as the most attractive destination in the top-10, along with Golden State. Still, the league overwhelmingly expects the Raptors to end up with Suggs, who is an ideal fit for their roster and could easily be considered to have the highest upside of any player available. The defensive versatility, competitiveness and transition scoring prowess he brings would fit in very well with what Toronto already has in place on the court, giving the Raptors a potential star to build around in the backcourt as the Kyle Lowry era likely comes to an end.

5. Orlando Magic
Scottie Barnes
Florida State
SF/PF
Age: 19.9

With two picks in the top eight, and the freedom to take a long-term view on a rebuilding process that just started at last year's trade deadline, the Magic could go in several different directions on draft night. With that said, the league has largely locked into the idea that the Magic will start their draft night by selecting Barnes, who represents the type of culture-setter the franchise needs to help elevate all of its young players, including those yet to be acquired. Barnes' winning spirit, toughness, work ethic, defensive versatility and playmaking ability would make him a seamless fit alongside the many parts already in place, along with his ability to play multiple positions.

6. Oklahoma City Thunder
James Bouknight
UConn
SG
Age: 20.8



Bouknight has helped himself as much as any prospect in the pre-draft process, shooting the lights out at his pro day in Chicago, measuring well, and proceeding to continue his strong momentum in private workouts. The Thunder have long been high on Bouknight, going as far as to inquire about the possibility of him entering last year's draft, something he elected against. Every NBA team is looking for the type of versatile scoring backcourt player Bouknight's ceiling suggests he can become if he reaches his full potential, and his fit alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appears to be strong.

Jonathan Kuminga also is a strong candidate here, and the Thunder have reportedly visited him twice in Miami to watch him work out and conduct a battery of testing. It is believed that the Thunder have been active in conversations looking to potentially move up in the draft, with Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley rumored to be the prospects they are highest on. OKC has significant ammunition to try and get virtually anywhere it wants -- the question is whether the Thunder will be willing to pay a sky-high asking price to get into the top-3.

7. Golden State Warriors (from Minnesota)
Jonathan Kuminga
G League Ignite
SF/PF
Age: 18.7

Once considered a candidate at No. 1 after a scintillating start in the G League Bubble, Kuminga has plateaued as question marks regarding his offensive efficiency and approach have crept into the conversation and allowed other prospects to surpass him. For the moment, it's unclear exactly what his floor might be on draft night. The Warriors traveled to Miami to work out and interview him this weekend, which may have eased some of the concerns. While the fit might not be ideal in terms of his ball-stopping tendencies, streaky shooting and defensive lapses, it would likely be difficult to pass on the scoring instincts, physical ability and upside Kuminga possesses at this stage of the draft.

8. Orlando Magic (from Chicago)
Moses Moody
Arkansas
SG
Age: 19.1

The Magic will likely consider all the best wings available at this slot, including Franz Wagner, Ziaire Williams, Corey Kispert and others. Moody seems to have plenty of fans around the NBA, with his draft range appearing to start around Golden State at 7 and likely falling no further than the Warriors' second pick at the end of the lottery. He's one of the youngest players in the draft, fits the long-armed, sweet-shooting "3 and D" profile every team is looking for, and is coming off a productive freshman season in the SEC. Moody's positional fit on Orlando's roster is strong, especially if the Magic elect to go with Barnes and his streaky jumper with their first pick.

9. Sacramento Kings
Franz Wagner
Michigan
SF
Age: 19.8

Wagner's name has gained traction in Sacramento despite a mysterious pre-draft process that included no NBA combine and few individual workouts. His fit with the Kings appears to be strong as the team attempts to surround its talented young backcourt nucleus of De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton with more perimeter options, 3-point threats and versatile defenders at every position. The Kings are being extremely aggressive in trade talks and there is a good chance they won't be making this pick, as well as their second-round pick at No. 39.

10. Memphis Grizzlies (from New Orleans)
Josh Giddey
Adelaide
PG
Age: 18.7

Talks of a Memphis-New Orleans trade had been swirling in NBA circles for several days, and the two teams finally were able to reach an agreement, as reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, on a move that clears much-needed salary-cap space for the Pelicans to use this summer. Franz Wagner has been long rumored as a favorite of the Memphis front office but is off the board in this scenario. Giddey is another player the Grizzlies are said to be high on, thanks in part to an impressive showing with the Australian national team in an exhibition game against Nigeria in Las Vegas -- under the watchful eye of countless NBA decision-makers, including the Grizzlies brain trust. Giddey is one of the best passers in the draft and offers outstanding versatility as a 6-foot-9 guard who can operate on or off the ball, and he should improve as a shooter and defender as his frame fills out and he gains experience.

[Risk101]

Raptors seclect Scottie Barnes with the 4th pick.

Spoiler:

[WuTang_CMB]

No barnes talk here

[WuTang_CMB]

Watch on YouTube

[DatHomieYouHaTe]

I think from the information we've got the Raptors like Mobley, Barnes and Giddey. Maybe kuminga as well.

[will]

Jalen Suggs, son!

[will]

Raptors throwing out smokescreens for Suggs. Don't get it twisted with Scottie Barnes and Mobley. Jalen Suggs the one.

BC would be so proud.

[Sandman88]

Raptors throwing out smokescreens for Suggs. Don't get it twisted with Scottie Barnes and Mobley. Jalen Suggs the one.

BC would be so proud.

BC would be proud if we select Sengun

[will]

Raptors throwing out smokescreens for Suggs. Don't get it twisted with Scottie Barnes and Mobley. Jalen Suggs the one.

BC would be so proud.

BC would be proud if we select Sengun

I want to see the meltdown of shambles on this board if Sengun gets selected at pick #4.

[M3tro]

Slowly inching there

[Sidthekid87]

Man, all I'm saying is Scottie Barnes keeping up with the fastest gaurds in the nation with complete ease at 6'9 is absolutely terrifying. That's future DPOY stuff right there.

[Waylanderz]

Suggs.

[GIZMO]

Can someone explain why Jalen Suggs isn’t being mentioned in the top 4? They kept saying this was a top 4 draft, now appears to be a consensus top 3? Why is Suggs seem to be dropping?

[simple_jack]

Can someone explain why Jalen Suggs isn’t being mentioned in the top 4? They kept saying this was a top 4 draft, now appears to be a consensus top 3? Why is Suggs seem to be dropping?

This is giving me 2005 Draft vibes where CP3 went 4th.

[Brinbe]

Watch on YouTube

soon...

Read on Twitter

[OakleyDokely]

Can someone explain why Jalen Suggs isn’t being mentioned in the top 4? They kept saying this was a top 4 draft, now appears to be a consensus top 3? Why is Suggs seem to be dropping?

Perceived lack of high ceiling, which doesn't make much sense because he's probably played less basketball than the 3 other guys because he split time between football and basketball.

[GIZMO]

Can someone explain why Jalen Suggs isn’t being mentioned in the top 4? They kept saying this was a top 4 draft, now appears to be a consensus top 3? Why is Suggs seem to be dropping?

This is giving me 2005 Draft vibes where CP3 went 4th.

I’m thinking it’s lack of a workout! Maybe strategic

[will]

Man, all I'm saying is Scottie Barnes keeping up with the fastest gaurds in the nation with complete ease at 6'9 is absolutely terrifying. That's future DPOY stuff right there.

Can get a Shane Battier-like player at another time.

Someone on the Raptors has to score.

Raps ain't playing no more Kevin O'Neill basketball now.

[GIZMO]

Can someone explain why Jalen Suggs isn’t being mentioned in the top 4? They kept saying this was a top 4 draft, now appears to be a consensus top 3? Why is Suggs seem to be dropping?

Perceived lack of high ceiling, which doesn't make much sense because he's probably played less basketball than the 3 other guys because he split time between football and basketball.

That’s were I am having a problem with it. A twenty year old with a great work ethic and a desire to win and with room to grow his game! Maybe it’s also the measurements?

[StopitLeo]

We’ve had so many undersized guys at PG/SG that I’m really having trouble getting excited by Suggs.

I hope we can trade up to 3.