TLB Predictive 2021 Mock Draft: Post-Combine
Written by Brian (@bcb_75), Dimitri (@KangzDrafts), Dwayne (@dmvdwayne), Garrett (@halfawaketakes), Tim Smith (@qkhoops), and Theo Truther (@_TheoTruter)
Part of the excitement with the NBA draft is attempting to predict precisely how the dominoes will fall on draft night. While they are attempts in vain more often than not, predictive mock drafts still provide a lot of food for thought for the draft community as we bounce ideas, rumors, and slithers of intel off of each other.
This mock draft was assembled and finalized on the 25th of June by a selection of six Looney Bin members, with each pick being discussed by all until a relative agreement was reached.
Note: Baylor’s Jared Butler was omitted from selection, as we did not feel equipped enough to analyze how his medical situation may affect his draft outcome.
1. Detroit Pistons - Cade Cunningham, PG, Oklahoma State
Height: 6’8” | Weight: 220 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
Theo: The Detroit Pistons won the lottery Tuesday night, allowing them to pick prize prospect Cade Cunningham out of Oklahoma State. Cunningham is 6'8", shows an already advanced shot-making ability, and an ability to defend positions one through four. Barring any significant change in the scouting process, Cade should be going number one, allowing the Pistons to build around their core of Jerami Grant and Killian Hayes.
2. Houston Rockets - Evan Mobley, C, Southern California
Height: 7’0” | Weight: 215 lbs | Age: 20 | Freshman
Garrett: Evan Mobley has the potential to be a generational big and the key building block to a Houston Rockets rebuild. While the fit next to Christian Wood is not perfect, Houston is far away from fielding a competitive roster, and Mobley is near-consensus the #2 prospect in The Looney Bin. A 7-footer with uncanny mobility and the ability to guard wings with ease, Mobley is a highly intelligent, elite athlete that offers a unique skill set for a center in the current NBA landscape.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jalen Green, SG, G League Ignite
Height: 6'5" | Weight: 185 lbs | Age: 19 | Professional
Brian: Jalen Green may have the smoothest offensive game in the 2021 class. His jumper looks effortless, as do his ridiculous dunks and finishes around the rim. In Cleveland, Green would bring some much-needed offensive firepower and overall swagger that the team has been lacking for the past few seasons. His addition would force the Cavaliers’ front office to face a difficult decision regarding current guards Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. Fit-wise, it makes sense to have Garland and Green grow together as the backcourt of the future, leaving Sexton either as the sixth man or a potential trade candidate. While this does create a difficult decision for GM Koby Altman, it would be hard to pass up on Green’s starpower due to fit when your team has been in the top five of the past three drafts.
4. Toronto Raptors - Jalen Suggs, PG/SG, Gonzaga
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 205 lbs | Age: 20 | Freshman
Tim: Rising from seven to four, Toronto finds themselves in a position to choose between the remainder of Jalen Green and Jalen Suggs. In this case, Suggs falls into their lap as the successor to Kyle Lowry in a new era of Raptors basketball. Suggs is a tantalizing lead guard prospect with a knack for playing in transition with his excellent blend of strength and touch around the rim. He is a terrific playmaker on both ends of the court as he is a highly capable creator for himself and others in pick-and-roll action and also a formidable, anticipatory defender who puts his physical tools to good use. Suggs doesn’t quite fit the timeline of Toronto’s current core, as both Siakam and VanVleet are verging on 28. Nevertheless, Suggs should be able to contribute right away for Toronto, while also establishing himself as a cornerstone to their retool and their point guard of the future.
5. Orlando Magic - Jonathan Kuminga, SF/PF, G League Ignite
Height: 6’6” | Weight: 210 lbs | Age: 18 | Professional
Theo: After failing to get into the top four, Orlando will likely pick between a variety of forwards such as Jonathan Kuminga, Scottie Barnes, and Jalen Johnson. Assuming no substantial changes occur, the Magic will likely pick Ignite’s very own Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga brings a rare combination of size, speed, and shot creation ability that should excite Orlando fans. At 6’6”, the Congolese Kuminga will fit well next to Jonathan Isaac, who is returning from an ACL injury that kept him out of the 2020-2021 season. Patience will likely be the key for Kuminga as he irons out his jump shot and decision-making, but Orlando can afford to wait and have a potential All-star in the making.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder - Scottie Barnes, SF/PF, Florida State
Height: 6’8” | Weight: 225 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
Dwayne: At pick number six in the draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder will add Florida State forward Scottie Barnes to their young core, which includes: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Aleksej Pokuševski, Théo Maledon, Darius Bazley, and Lu Dort. In his lone season at FSU, Barnes used his NBA-ready body to finish at a high level at the rim. At 6′9″ and 227 pounds with a 7'3'' wingspan, Barnes' size and length allow him to have positional versatility on both sides of the ball. Along with being the best playmaking forward in the class, Barnes is an elite defender, both off and on-ball. His versatility, passing, and switchable defense will bring much-needed talent to this rebuilding Oklahoma City roster.
7. Golden State Warriors (via MIN) - Jalen Johnson, PF, Duke
Height: 6'9” | Weight: 210 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
Garrett: There is no better spot for Jalen Johnson to immediately maximize his current skillset than the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors were in dire need of a rolling big man this year and tried just about everything to get Steph Curry open. Johnson’s rare combination of size and mobility will serve him well setting key screens, and his huge hands (largest at the combine) will help him catch lobs when the defense collapses on Steph. The Warriors like to use shooters as screen-setters, and Johnson will need significant work on his shot before it’s viable. But Jalen’s size, ball-handling, defensive versatility, and passing ability will bring a new dimension to the team.
8. Orlando Magic - Moses Moody, SG, Arkansas
Height: 6'6" | Weight: 210 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
Brian: After selecting Kuminga with the fifth pick, it makes sense for the Magic to take an arguably safer pick here in Moses Moody. The former five-star recruit has a projectible floor as a solid 3 & D wing with upside for much more if his shot creation develops. Everyone knows Orlando values length in their draft picks, and Moody definitely fits that bill at 6’6” with a 7’1” wingspan. With Orlando hitting the reset button at this past deadline, they have an influx of young talent with few defined roles. Moody would have an immediate impact as a stable connector on the wing between the guards and forwards. He would come in and compete with RJ Hampton for shooting guard minutes on day one, most likely beating him out as their starter for the future.
9. Sacramento Kings - Franz Wagner, SF/PF, Michigan
Height: 6’9” | Weight: 220 lbs | Age: 19 | Sophomore
Brian: After a strong sophomore season at Michigan in which he improved in every major statistical category, Wagner firmly cemented himself as a lottery pick for most NBA teams. While he did not partake in any combine events, Wagner’s stock remains steady as he goes ninth here to Sacramento. Listed at 6’9” with a reported near 7’0” wingspan, Wagner has the versatility to play the two through four positions - but he is most likely best suited as a small forward. The 19-year-old would start off in a bench role for Sacramento, offering stability as a solid role player for the young Kings. Eventually, Wagner can slide into the starting three spot, alongside backcourt mates De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, acting in a complimentary, off-the-ball role. However, Wagner can be more than just an off-ball player as he showed to be a capable secondary playmaker at Michigan, averaging nearly four assists per 40 minutes and having some impressive passes on film to back it up. He fits the timeline of this Kings squad perfectly and will hopefully aid in their quest to clinch a long-awaited playoff berth sometime soon.
10. New Orleans Pelicans - Davion Mitchell, PG, Baylor
Height: 6'1” | Weight: 202 lbs | Age: 22 | Senior
Garrett: Davion Mitchell carries a lower consensus ranking from The Looney Bin than most mainstream rankings, but all indicators point to Davion going in the lottery. The Pelicans are in flux at the guard spots, investing draft capital over the last two years to draft Kira Lewis and Alexander-Walker in 2020 and 2019, respectively. However, large question marks remain as Lonzo Ball enters restricted free agency and the organization remains non-committal on his return. Drafting Davion Mitchell as a contingency plan for Lonzo’s departure could offer the Pelicans a stable of guards to work with in his stead. Having Kira Lewis and Davion Mitchell in the same backcourt ensures that the Pelicans have a point guard with slashing ability on the floor at all times, and if Davion’s defense is as advertised, he could be a key part of a defensive overhaul in New Orleans.
11. Charlotte Hornets - Isaiah Jackson, C, Kentucky
Height: 6'10" | Weight: 206 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
Brian: Charlotte reaches down the draft board here for Isaiah Jackson, an extremely raw but skilled big at a position of need. Jackson impressed as a rim protector during his lone season at Kentucky, registering 5.0 blocks per 40 minutes. While he has a tendency to gamble for blocks and will definitely be outmuscled by opposing bigs at first at the NBA level, he showed enough flashes as an athlete to convince Charlotte to spend their lottery pick on him. Jackson will be able to immediately soak up Bismack Biyombo’s minutes as a rookie, eventually usurping Cody Zeller as the starting center if everything goes right. The 19-year old could make for a fun pairing with point guard LaMelo Ball, catching lobs in transition and out of pick and roll sets.
12. San Antonio Spurs - Alperen Şengün, C, Besiktas
Height: 6’9” | Weight: 240 lbs | Age: 18 | International
Tim: Mocking international players to the Spurs almost feels comical at this point and like a long-running joke in the draft community. However, as with tradition, San Antonio is likely to keep a keen eye on Turkish big Alperen Şengün at twelve. Şengün well and truly dominated the Turkish league with his old-school post-play down low, averaging 19 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Şengün not only gives the Spurs some much-needed depth at the center position moving forward but makes for a skilled offensive alternative to their defensive-minded starter in Jakob Poeltl. Şengün should immediately be able to contribute in a minimized Enes Kanter-esque role, providing great rebounding instincts and exceptional post play that will surely appeal to the older generations. However, earning minutes anywhere past that of a rotational big will require significant improvements. Particularly, Şengün must develop the ability to defend in space and potentially space the floor, as the latter would open up his creation leverage just enough to take advantage of his playmaking chops, and it would add some much-needed dynamicity to his game.
13. Indiana Pacers - Keon Johnson, SG, Tennessee
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 185 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
Dwayne: The Pacers select Tennessee guard Keon Johnson with the 13th pick in the draft. Keon, the most athletic prospect in the class, recently shocked the basketball community with his whopping 41.5-inch standing vertical and record-setting 48-inch running jump. Alongside consensus first-round guard Jaden Springer, Keon and the Tennessee Volunteers wreaked havoc on SEC defenders with their scoring and 2-way abilities. The 6’4” freshman shot 58% at the rim, 41% from the midrange, and 70% at the line. Although his three-point percentage was a measly 27%, his finishing upside, playmaking potential, and outlier on-ball defense make him a worthy lottery prospect and a great upside bet for several teams in the mid-late lotto range. Keon would be a building block on this roster along with their talented core, Domantas Sabonis and Caris LeVert, as they prepare for the first year of Rick Carlisle's tenure.
14. Golden State Warriors - Corey Kispert, SF, Gonzaga
Height: 6’7” | Weight: 224 lbs | Age: 22 | Senior
Dimitri: While most of us in the Looney Bin community fully expect the Warriors to move this pick for some immediate help, if they were to hold onto it, then Corey Kispert would present himself as the most viable plug-and-play option for the present. Despite being utilized as more of a spot-up shooter than a movement one at Gonzaga, Corey would still already be a more viable option to run at the three in Steve Kerr’s motion offence than Kelly Oubre, who seems to be most likely leaving the team in search of a pay raise this offseason anyways. If a lineup of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Corey Kispert has a hot shooting night, it could give opposing teams headaches on the perimeter all game long.
15. Washington Wizards - James Bouknight, SG, Connecticut
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 190 lbs | Age: 20 | Sophomore
Theo: One of the issues that plagued the Wizards last season was a lack of bench scoring. Only two bench players for the Wizards averaged double figures, Davis Bertans (who is paid like a starter) and Daniel Gafford (who was only on the team for a limited time). This absence of bench production would be greatly aided with the addition of James Bouknight. Bouknight was one of the nation’s best scorers until an elbow injury and surgery derailed his season. Bouknight brings shot creation, finishing, and three-level scoring upside that Washington would be happy to have.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (via BOS) - Josh Giddey, PG, Adelaide 36ers
Height: 6’8” | Weight: 220 lbs | Age: 18 | International
Tim: While Josh Giddey could potentially see his name be called closer to the top ten than outside of the lottery, the Australian point guard falls victim to prioritized team fits and subsequently sees his name go off the board at sixteen to Oklahoma City. Giddey has earned his stripes as one of the draft’s premier playmaking prospects and created a reputation for himself flirting with triple-double stat lines on a nightly basis in the Australian NBL. Talent acquisition is the name of the game for the Thunder, as they add Giddey to the aforementioned core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Aleksej Pokuševski, Théo Maledon, Darius Bazley, and sixth overall pick Scottie Barnes. Giddey, at a reported 6’8”, gives the Thunder yet another jumbo-sized playmaker, which allows Oklahoma City to indulge in near-positionless play with an assortment of wing options creating for one another and sharing the offensive load. Capitalizing on and improving his use of length, touch around the basket, and further developing his jump shooting are vital areas to address for Giddey moving forward.
17. Memphis Grizzlies - Ziaire Williams, SG/SF, Stanford
Height: 6'9" | Weight: 188 | Age: 19 | Freshman
Brian: After a disappointing, injury-riddled season at Stanford, Williams saw his draft stock plummet out of the top ten and into the late lottery, or even the early-to-late teens for some. Memphis takes a high upside swing here on a player who could help make up for the lack of shot creation the roster has outside of Ja Morant. Williams, while shooting an abysmal 29% from behind the arc this past season, projects well as a shooter as he shot 80% from the free throw line and only has a few minor issues in his jumpshot mechanics. He also showed flashes of high level perimeter scoring ability, while having the fluidity to handle the ball in the pick-and-roll and make some nice passes along the way. Defensively, Williams would fit perfectly into the gritty mentality of the team, making for a dangerous tandem with Dillon Brooks on the wing. Williams’ 1.7% steal rate and 2.2% block rate bode well for his defensive projectability, as does his 6’10” wingspan. As he puts on more muscle and gets on an NBA weight training program, he should be able to turn flashes of elite defense into a consistent effort on that end, making for a strong 3 & D wing with the upside for more as a shot creator.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA) - JT Thor, PF/C, Auburn
Height: 6’9” | Weight: 203 lbs | Age: 18 | Freshman
Garrett: One of the fastest risers in the draft right now, JT Thor is more than just the best name in the draft. Thor has eye-popping athleticism at the power forward position and is one of the youngest prospects in the draft at 18-years-old. He’s an excellent upside target for a Thunder front office that loves to take swings. Thor’s game improved significantly as his freshmen year progressed, showing off a smooth-looking jumper and making highlight defensive plays while taking on a variety of assignments. His defensive recovery skills, in particular, are elite for his size. Thor’s development will be one of the most exciting to track in this draft class.
19. New York Knicks - Usman Garuba, C, Real Madrid
Height: 6'8" | Weight: 230 lbs | Age: 19 | International
Brian: With Nerlens Noel possibly commanding a larger contract than the Knicks would be willing to offer in free agency, in addition to Mitchell Robinson’s extension talks looming, the center spot is quickly becoming a position of need for New York. Garuba would fit like a glove in Tom Thibodeau’s defensive scheme; although not flashy as a shot-blocker, he rarely makes wrong decisions on that side of the ball and can be a swiss army knife down low, ala Taj Gibson. Garuba is able to guard well in the pick-and-roll while also protecting the rim at a high level. Offensively, the 6’8” center still has a long way to go to become a positive, but the potential is there to be a lob threat and a smart passer out of the short roll. As a rookie, Garuba would come off the bench alongside 2020 lottery pick Obi Toppin, helping to fortify the frontcourt on the defensive side of the ball while Toppin offers the offensive punch.
20. Atlanta Hawks - Jaden Springer, PG/SG, Tennessee
Height: 6'4” | Weight: 202 | Age: 18 | Freshman
Brian: The Hawks caught the entire NBA world off guard with their shocking playoff run, showing to be far ahead of schedule in their development. Their roster depth is fairly strong outside of the point guard position, which is why Jaden Springer would be a nice addition in Atlanta. Being one of the youngest players in the 2021 draft class, the Charlotte native has lots of room to grow, although he already is one of the most polished on both sides of the ball. Springer averaged 12 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists for Tennessee in his lone season, while only starting 15 out of 25 games. He showed promise as a shooter, making 20 of 46 attempts from behind the arc (43%) and shooting 81% from the line on four attempts per game. In Atlanta, Springer would step right in as the direct backup to Trae Young, comfortably beating out Brandon Goodwin on the depth chart. With veteran Lou Williams heading for free agency, it would make sense for GM Travis Schlenk to opt for a younger alternative. The beauty of Springer’s game is that he is more of a combo guard at 6’4”, 205 pounds, meaning he can share the court with Young to make up for his deficiencies defensively or step in at point guard to run the offense in spurts. Springer would just add another wrinkle to an already potent and rapidly emerging Hawks squad.
21. New York Knicks (via DAL) - Cam Thomas, SG, LSU
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 210 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
Theo: Despite the Knicks’ success last year, their offense still struggled in shot creation and playmaking, lacking a true scorer outside of Julius Randle. Cam Thomas has been a scorer at every level, leading the SEC in scoring as a Freshman. He would bring microwave offense the Knicks need, especially with the impending free agency of Alec Burks, Derrick Rose, and Reggie Bullock. On a side note, Cam Thomas is also a CAA player, an agency the Knicks have loved to pick from before.
22. Los Angeles Lakers - Kai Jones, PF/C, Texas
Height: 6’11” | Weight: 221 lbs | Age: 20 | Sophomore
Theo: The Lakers are in a tough spot for the draft. Without knowing what their offseason will look like when it comes to trades and free agency, it’s hard to gauge who they will target in the draft. Kai Jones is selected here for a couple of reasons. The first thing is Kai being a Klutch agent, an agency that the Lakers have used a ton in the draft process. The second thing is the idea of him possibly being trade bait. Being a boom-or-bust talent, the Lakers could easily stash Jones, develop him, and trade him down the line. Finally is the actual team fit. With Gasol’s age and the upcoming free agency of Drummond and Harrell, the Lakers will need a new big man. Kai may not be ready on day one, but having a warm body goes a long way to help AD’s wear and tear.
23. Houston Rockets (via POR) - Sharife Cooper, PG, Auburn
Height: 6’0” | Weight: 180 lbs | Age: 20 | Freshman
Dwayne: With the 23rd pick, the Houston Rockets select Auburn point guard Sharife Cooper. Cooper, the supreme passing wizard, in a class that includes the likes of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Suggs, is one of the best floor general prospects available in the draft. He is one of the quickest players in the entire class, with elite burst that helps him get to the rim and utilize his layup package. Cooper uses his ambidexterity and speed to dismantle defenses, as he displayed several times during his lone season at Auburn. However, at 6'0” and 180 pounds, his size leaves a lot to be desired. He will instantly become one of the shortest players in the league and his 23% 3 point percentage greatly lowers his scoring potential. That being said, Sharife remains to be one of the higher upside guards in the class and is a logical selection with Houston's second first round pick. In this mock, the Rockets selected USC big man Evan Mobley second overall and this duo of picks would create an elite pick-and-roll combination that could be a staple in Silas' offense. If the Rockets choose to go another route at 2nd overall, say Gonzaga point guard Jalen Suggs or Ignite shooting guard Jalen Green, Sharife would still have a fine pick-and-roll combination with emerging big man Christian Wood. In that case, the Rockets would have one of the best young backcourts in the league and Cooper's playmaking could help get the best out of players such as Jae'Sean Tate and Kevin Porter Jr. Any of those selections would work nicely with Cooper, as they enter the beginning stages of their post-Harden rebuild.
24. Houston Rockets (via MIL) - Trey Murphy III, SG/SF, Virginia
Height: 6’9” | Weight: 205 lbs | Age: 21 | Junior
Tim: A Looney Bin consensus favorite, Trey Murphy has received nothing but glowing reviews following the beginning of the combine and pre-draft workout process. As reported by Sam Vecenie, Murphy has fought his way into first-round consideration and could go as high as twenty come draft night. The 6’9” sharpshooter also doubles as one of the class’ more intriguing frontcourt defenders, as his length and discipline make him quite the versatile on-ball defender. Houston ranked bottom-three in the league in three-point percentage this past season but was not afraid to shoot them, landing top three in three-pointers attempted per game. Fresh off of a collegiate 50/43/93 season, Murphy would be able to provide much sought-out shooting and off-ball play to a Rockets core that will be looking to surround Evan Mobley and Kevin Porter Jr with future role-playing contributors.
25. Los Angeles Clippers - Tre Mann, PG/SG, Florida
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 177 lbs | Age: 20 | Sophomore
Tim: Funnily enough, we have the Clippers projected to select Tre Mann, where he would be given the chance to grace the floor beside postseason breakout performer Terance Mann, who is of no relation to Tre for those that are wondering. Mann is one of the better off-the-dribble shot creators available in the latter half of the first round and could provide solid long-term backcourt insurance for the Clippers and their aging guard rotation. One glance at the Looney Bin consensus big board shows that Mann is quite the unpopular pick relative to the mainstream consensus. To truly earn a spot in the Clippers’ regular season rotation, Mann will need to either become a more defined lead guard or a much more capable off-ball contributor - preferably both.
26. Denver Nuggets - Josh Christopher, SG, Arizona State
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 214 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
Dwayne: At pick 26, the Denver Nuggets select Arizona State guard Josh Christopher. One of the best pure scorers in the class, Christopher finished the season with 43/31/80 splits. This includes an astonishing 73% at the rim, which puts him in elite company for guard prospects in recent years. Minnesota Timberwolves SG Anthony Edwards shot 70% at the rim during his season at UGA, for comparison. In addition to his scoring, he has underrated playmaking ability, and that was shown in the recent combine scrimmage game in which he ended up with 6 assists. Tim Connelly and the Nuggets' front office frequently use a BPA approach and target upside in the draft over fit, such as when they moved up for RJ Hampton last year. Christopher fits this description, as he is one of the highest upside players available at the end of the first. His scoring can lead to meaningful contributions early on, as the Nuggets will run it back with Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. in their championship quest next year.
27. Brooklyn Nets - Day’Ron Sharpe, C, North Carolina
Height: 6’11” | Weight: 265 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
Garrett: The Nets signed DeAndre Jordan to be their bruising center, but the results have been underwhelming to say the least. Day’Ron Sharpe comes into the league as a high-level rebounder right away, and his passing offers an interesting wrinkle to a Nets team full of shooters. Assuming Blake Griffin is back for Brooklyn next year, the two would make a great center rotation of strong, tough centers who could take the hits that the Nets’ stars need to avoid to stay healthy for the postseason.
28. Philadelphia 76ers - Chris Duarte, SG, Oregon
Height: 6’6” | Weight: 190 lbs | Age: 24 | Senior
Garrett: The oldest player in the 2021 class, Chris Duarte is a plug-and-play big guard with NBA-ready two-way skills. Duarte has a mix of hesitation moves and powerful driving ability that he switches between with ease, showing elite reactivity and taking what the defender gives him with consistent success. There was marked improvement for him as a shooter in his senior year, and he projects to be a league average or better shooter at the next level. While at Oregon, Duarte displayed All-Pac-12 defensive ability with great hands and instincts. Depending on what Philly’s roster looks like next year, Duarte may start right away for a championship-contending team.
29. Phoenix Suns - Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland, SG, VCU
Height: 6’3” | Weight: 169 lbs | Age: 20 | Sophomore
Dimitri: As one of the biggest winners from the NBA combine this year, Bones Hyland has worked his way into some late first-round consideration amongst teams. One organization that we feel would be particularly well-suited to take a chance on him is the Phoenix Suns. After a deep playoff run this season, Chris Paul and Cam Payne are both going to want to get paid. However, if the Suns don’t want to venture that deep into the luxury tax to keep Payne around, or want to start preparing someone for when CP3 begins to decline, then Bones Hyland should be the obvious selection here. Developmentally, he would be in a fantastic spot surrounded by intelligent playmakers like Chris Paul, otherworldly shotmakers like Devin Booker, and a top tier head coach in Monty Williams.
30. Utah Jazz - Miles “Deuce” McBride, PG, West Virginia
Height: 6’2” | Weight: 195 lbs | Class: Sophomore
Tim: With Mike Conley nearing 34 years old, adding a gritty two-way playmaker in the same vein as him, like Miles McBride, makes sense for the Jazz. McBride would be a seamless fit with Utah’s upper echelon defensive identity from the jump and could develop into a key contributor for Utah’s guard rotation in the eventual decline of both Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson. McBride’s measurements raised eyebrows at the combine, as the 6’2” point guard had his near 6’9” wingspan confirmed. Alongside his defensive prowess, McBride is a capable shooter from the perimeter and is able to hold his own initiating the pick and roll. Despite the clear-cut role player attributes, McBride has intriguing and rather under-the-radar upside as a scorer. Expanding on his flashes of off-the-dribble shot-creation could provide plus-return value for Utah from the backend of the first round and elevate McBride’s projected role from potential rotational guard to an in-the-making running mate alongside Donovan Mitchell.
31. Milwaukee Bucks (via HOU) - Joe Wieskamp, SG/SF, Iowa
Height: 6’7” | Weight: 204 lbs | Age: 21 | Junior
32. New York Knicks (via DET) - Brandon Boston Jr., SG/SF, Kentucky
Height: 6’7” | Weight: 188 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
33. Orlando Magic - Greg Brown III, PF, Texas
Height: 6’9” | Weight: 206 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
34. Oklahoma City Thunder - Roko Prkacin, PF/C, KK Cibona
Height: 6’9” | Weight: 210 lbs | Age: 18 | International
35. New Orleans Pelicans (via CLE) - Aaron Henry, SG/SF, Michigan State
Height: 6’6” | Weight: 209 lbs | Age: 21 | Junior
36. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIN) - Kessler Edwards, SF/PF, Pepperdine
Height: 6’8” | Weight: 203 lbs | Age: 21 | Junior
37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR) - Marcus Bagley, SF/PF, Arizona State
Height: 6’7” | Weight: 217 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman
38. Chicago Bulls (via NOP) - Ayo Dosunmu, PG/SG, Illinois
Height: 6’5” | Weight: 194 lbs | Age: 21 | Junior
39. Sacramento Kings - Vrenz Bleijenbergh, SF, Antwerp Giants
Height: 6’10” | Weight: 209 lbs | Age: 20 | International
40. New Orleans Pelicans (via CHI) - Quentin Grimes, SG
Height: 6’5” | Weight: 210 lbs | Age: 21 | Junior
41. San Antonio Spurs - Austin Reaves, PG, Oklahoma
Height: 6’5” | Weight: 197 lbs | Age: 23 | Senior
42. Detroit Pistons (via CHA) - Matt Hurt, PF/C, Duke
Height: 6’9” | Weight: 232 lbs | Age: 21 | Sophomore
43. New Orleans Pelicans (via WAS) - Charles Bassey, C, W. Kentucky
Height: 6’10” | Weight: 230 lbs | Age: 20 | Junior
44. Brooklyn Nets (via IND) - Terrence Shannon Jr., SF/PF, Texas Tech
Height: 6’7” | Weight: 206 lbs | Age: 20 | Sophomore
45. Boston Celtics - Herb Jones, SF/PF, Alabama
Height: 6’7” | Weight: 206 lbs | Age: 22 | Senior
46. Toronto Raptors (via MEM) - Josh Primo, SG, Alabama
Height: 6’5” | Weight: 189 lbs | Age: 18 | Freshman
47. Toronto Raptors (via GSW) - Neemias Queta, C, Utah State
Height: 7’0” | Weight: 248 lbs | Age: 21 | Junior
48. Atlanta Hawks (via MIA) - Isaiah Todd, PF, G League Ignite
Height: 6’10” | Weight: 219 lbs | Age: 19 | Professional
49. Brooklyn Nets (via ATL) - Daishen Nix, PG, G League Ignite
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 225 lbs | Age: 19 | Professional
50. Philadelphia 76ers (via NYK) - Sam Hauser, SF/PF, Virginia
Height: 6’8” | Weight: 217 lbs | Age: 23 | Senior
51. Memphis Grizzlies (via POR) - Rokas Jokubaitis, PG, Žalgiris
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 195 lbs | Age: 20 | International
52. Detroit Pistons (via LAL) - David Johnson, PG/SG, Louisville
Height: 6’5” | Weight: 202 lbs | Age: 20 | Sophomore
53. New Orleans Pelicans (via DAL) - Joel Ayayi, PG/SG, Gonzaga
Height: 6’5” | Weight: 180 lbs | Age: 21 | Junior
54. Indiana Pacers (via MIL) - Gabriele Procida, SF, Cantù
Height: 6’7” | Weight: 194 lbs | Age: 19 | International
55. Oklahoma City Thunder (via DEN) - Ariel Hukporti, C, Nevėžis Kėdainiai
Height: 7’0” | Weight: 246 lbs | Age: 19 | International
56. Charlotte Hornets (via LAC) - Johnny Juzang, SG, UCLA
Height: 6’7” | Weight: 209 lbs | Age: 20 | Sophomore
57. Charlotte Hornets (via BKN) - Juhann Begarin, SG, Paris Basketball
Height: 6’6” | Weight: 214 lbs | Age: 18 | International
58. New York Knicks (via PHI) - Derrick Alston Jr., SG/SF, Boise State
Height: 6’8” | Weight: 191 lbs | Age: 23 | Senior
59. Brooklyn Nets (via PHX) - Luka Garza, C, Iowa
Height: 6’11” | Weight: 242 lbs | Age: 22 | Senior
60. Indiana Pacers (via UTA) - DJ Steward, SG, Duke
Height: 6’1” | Weight: 162 lbs | Age: 19 | Freshman