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2021 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Predicting all 60 picks after the combine

While most of the basketball world is focused on the NBA Finals, scouts and draftniks are in the midst of a very busy time of year as well.

The most crucial dates leading up to the draft are the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the early entry application deadline, the lottery, the combine and the early entry withdrawal deadline. All have since come and gone, which means that we’re somehow already in the home stretch before the big night in Brooklyn on July 29.

Prospects are still frantically traveling around the country, visiting with teams for both individual and group workouts in front of key decision-makers. Still, others are currently playing for their national team on the FIBA circuit.

But as far as the public is concerned, the only new information that will be released between now and the draft will be filtered through whatever is reported by journalists. As such, until intel starts rolling in, this mock draft offers the most informed projections yet.

While these predictions are based on my conversations with NBA scouts and executives around the league, as well as my own scouting and information-gathering, they’re subject to change dramatically over the course of the next few weeks.

1
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

Wing, 6-8, 19.8 years old (Oklahoma State)

You are going to see headlines questioning whether or not the Detroit Pistons will actually go with Cade Cunningham with the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. The chatter about Detroit’s interest in Jalen Green is growing a bit louder and while we should always be cautious of smoke screens, my money is on Cunningham winning out.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

2
Houston Rockets: Jalen Green

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Guard, 6-5, 19.5 years old (Ignite)

Personally, I’d lean more toward USC’s Evan Mobley if I were on the clock with the second overall pick. But the buzz around the Houston Rockets is a bit stronger for Jalen Green, which certainly isn’t a problem as he already has proven he score at an elite level even against the top-caliber competition.

For more coverage on Houston’s draft decision, check out Rockets Wire.

3
Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley

Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Big, 7-0, 20.1 years old (USC)

The Cleveland Cavaliers have spent their last three lottery picks on perimeter players in Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Isaac Okoro. Expect them now to fill out the interior with the stellar prize of Evan Mobley.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

4
Toronto Raptors: Jalen Suggs

Feb 4, 2021; Stockton, California, USA; Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Pacific in Stockton, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021. Gonzaga won 76-58.

Rich Pedroncelli/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-4, 20.2 years old (Gonzaga)

At every stage he has played on, Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs has been a winner. While the Raptors failed to make the playoffs during their “gap year” this past season in Tampa Bay, they still ought to be considered contenders. With Suggs in the mix, their backcourt will have a youthful option to replace Kyle Lowry.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

5
Orlando Magic: Jonathan Kuminga

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Wing, 6-8, 18.8 years old (Ignite)

Orlando’s front office, led by Jeff Weltman and John Hammond, has long valued raw size and athleticism over polish in previous picks like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thon Maker in Milwaukee as well as Mo Bamba and Jonathan Isaac in Orlando. After spending a season in the G League, it was evident that Jonathan Kuminga is someone exactly in this mold.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

6
Oklahoma City Thunder: Scottie Barnes

Mar 6, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Scottie Barnes (4) dribbles in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Purcell Pavilion.

Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-9, 20 years old (Florida State)

I’m especially excited about the potential of Scottie Barnes, who is someone I believe to be a can’t-miss prospect because of his defensive versatility and his elite feel for the game. His jump shot still needs work but Barnes is someone whose long-term development I want to buy stock in now.

For more coverage on OKC’s draft decision, check out Thunder Wire.

7
Golden State Warriors: James Bouknight

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Wing, 6-5, 20.9 years old (Connecticut)

Golden State needs to add scoring for moments when Stephen Curry is not on the floor and James Bouknight, who dropped 40 points in a college game last season, can provide exactly that. The wing can also grow as a movement shooter coming off screens and handoffs playing alongside the likes of Klay Thompson.

For more coverage on Golden State’s draft decision, check out Warriors Wire.

8
Orlando Magic: Jaden Springer

© Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Guard, 6-4, 18.8 years old (Tennessee)

This pick is a bet in his future as Jaden Springer is still just 18 years old. But even as one of the younger players in college basketball this past season, the guard showed promising signs as a defender, scorer and passer.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

9
Sacramento Kings: Jalen Johnson

(Ethan Hyman/The News & Observer via AP)

Big, 6-9, 19.6 years old (Duke)

The Sacramento Kings have a solid backcourt with De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton but their frontcourt has more question marks. Jalen Johnson could perhaps answer some of those concerns with his rebounding as well as his above-average playmaking for his position.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

10
New Orleans Pelicans: Davion Mitchell

Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-2, 22.9 years old (Baylor)

If the rumblings about Zion Williamson being frustrated in New Orleans are indeed true, the clock is ticking for the Pelicans to make the playoffs. They’d be wise to add someone who can contribute immediately, and after winning a title, Davion Mitchell can provide that spark.

For more on New Orleans’ draft decision, check out Lonzo Wire.

11
Charlotte Hornets: Usman Garuba

(Photo by Acero/Alter Photos/Sipa USA)

Big, 6-8, 19.4 years old (Real Madrid – Spain)

Spain’s Usman Garuba has arguably been the best international prospect in this class and now with an increased willingness to shoot the ball, he could be an excellent pick-and-roll partner for LaMelo Ball.

For more on Charlotte’s draft decision, check out Lonzo Wire.

12
San Antonio Spurs: Josh Giddey

(Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Guard, 6-8, 19 years old (Adelaide – Australia)

The San Antonio Spurs are bound to fall in love with Australia’s Josh Giddey, who is a cerebral basketball player with extraordinary court vision and is just a reliable jump shot away from becoming a high-impact player in the NBA.

To learn more about Giddey, check out his interview with HoopsHype.

13
Indiana Pacers: Moses Moody

Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-6, 19.2 years old (Arkansas)

Even though he didn’t participate in scrimmages, there were few players who came away with better athletic and anthropometric results than Moses Moody did while in Chicago for the combine. He measured with a massive wingspan and large hands and when you pair that with how well he played both in high school and as a freshman at Arkansas, he projects well as a lottery pick.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

14
Golden State Warriors: Nah’Shon Hyland

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-3, 20.9 years old (VCU)

No one was able to improve their draft stock more during scrimmages at the combine than Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland, who was utterly fantastic when on the floor in Chicago. COVID-19 took away his chance to show out during the NCAA tournament but now he could be someone that teams covet in the first round.

For more coverage on Golden State’s draft decision, check out Warriors Wire. To learn more about Hyland, check out his interview with For The Win.

15
Washington Wizards: Alperen Sengun

fiba.basketball

Big, 6-9, 19 years old (Besiktas – Turkey)

The most productive prospect in this class is Turkish big man Alperen Sengun. While it’s unclear how much of what he is doing abroad will be able to translate to the NBA, his prolific numbers overseas will make him one of the more attractive candidates in the first round.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

16
Oklahoma City Thunder (via BOS): Keon Johnson

Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-5, 19.4 years old (Tennessee)

Tennessee’s Keon Johnson set a record for the best max vertical leap ever recorded at the combine. His ability to fly well above the rim makes him an interesting developmental project with jaw-dropping athleticism. Oklahoma City will have that kind of patience in their rebuild.

For more coverage on OKC’s draft decision, check out Thunder Wire.

17
Memphis Grizzlies: Franz Wagner

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-9, 19.9 years old (Michigan)

Memphis continues to draft valuable role players who fit well in their rotation like Dillon Brooks, Brandon Clarke, Xavier Tillman and Desmond Bane. The player who makes the most sense in a similar light is Franz Wagner. He has a unique blend of size, playmaking, shooting and defensive upside to convince me he will have a long career in the pros.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

18
Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA): Joshua Primo

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-6, 18.6 years old (Alabama)

Some of the most common talking points about Joshua Primo are: he is the youngest player in this class, he is an excellent scorer who didn’t really get a chance to show what he could in college, he boasts maturity far beyond his years. That sounds an awful lot like Devin Booker coming out of Kentucky. He also shares an AAU coach with OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, another star from the UPlay Canada pipeline.

For more coverage on OKC’s draft decision, check out Thunder Wire. To learn more about Primo, check out his interview with HoopsHype.

19
New York Knicks: Miles McBride

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Guard, 6-2, 20.9 years old (West Virginia)

The Knicks are still looking for their point guard and pride themselves on their relentless mentality. They would be wise to target Miles McBride, an emerging floor general who I’d consider to be the best defensive guard in this class.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

20
Atlanta Hawks: Kai Jones

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Big, 6-11, 20.5 years old (Texas)

The Atlanta Hawks have a ton of depth on their roster so they could afford to select someone strictly off upside. One player who pops as a swing for the fences is Kai Jones, who is among the most athletic prospects in this class and can switch on to defend players at multiple positions.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

21
New York Knicks (via DAL): Chris Duarte

(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Wing, 6-6, 24.1 years old (Oregon)

Oregon’s Chris Duarte is one of the oldest prospects in this class but he is also arguably the best plug-and-play selection as a 3-and-D option on the perimeter. He is the exact type of prospect ready to come in and work hard for Tom Thibodeau.

To learn more about Duarte, check out his interview with HoopsHype.

22
Los Angeles Lakers: Cameron Thomas

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Guard, 6-4, 19.8 years old (LSU)

It seems unlikely that the Los Angeles Lakers use this pick, instead likely offering it as a trade chip to bring in a win-now player. But it just as unlikely that LSU’s Cameron Thomas, who averaged 23.0 points per game during his one-and-done campaign in college, falls out of the first round.

For more on the Lakers’ draft decision, check out LeBron Wire.

23
Houston Rockets (via POR): JT Thor

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Big, 6-10, 18.9 years old (Auburn)

One of the hottest names in draft circles right now is JT Thor, who has been a trendy riser on big boards after announcing that he would remain in this class rather than return for another season of college basketball.

For more coverage on Houston’s draft decision, check out Rockets Wire. To learn more about Thor, check out his interview with HoopsHype.

24
Houston Rockets (via MIL): Sharife Cooper

(AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

Guard, 6-1, 20.1 years old (Auburn)

Spoiler alert: John Wall is not the point guard of the future for the rebuilding Houston Rockets. They are going to need a player who better fits the timeline of the prospect they select at No. 2 overall and Sharife Cooper, who led all freshmen with 8.1 assists per game this past season, is that guy.

For more coverage on Houston’s draft decision, check out Rockets Wire.

25
L.A. Clippers: Isaiah Jackson

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Big, 6-10, 19.5 years old (Kentucky)

The L.A. Clippers are coming off their best season in franchise history but may need a replacement for Serge Ibaka, who is set to hit unrestricted free agency. They could zone in on Isaiah Jackson, who trailed just Evan Mobley for most blocks per game among freshmen in 2020-21.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

26
Denver Nuggets: Ziaire Williams

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-8, 19.9 years old (Stanford)

Even though he didn’t have the best freshman campaign, there is hope yet for Ziaire Williams. He measured at the combine taller than big men including Jalen Johnson and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, which is especially exciting as he is someone who is known for his on-ball creation and pull-up jump shot.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

27
Brooklyn Nets: Trey Murphy III

Jan 16, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Trey Murphy III (25) hangs on the rim after dunking against Clemson Tigers forward Aamir Simms (right) during the second half at Littlejohn Coliseum.

Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-9, 21.1 years old (Virginia)

Another prospect who has seen an enormous boost in his draft stock in recent weeks is Virginia’s Trey Murphy, who measured with a solid 7-foot wingspan at the combine. Murphy averaged 1.23 points per possession on the season in 2020-21, per Synergy, which ranked 99th percentile among all D-I players.

For more on Brooklyn’s draft decision, check out Nets Wire.

28
Philadelphia 76ers: Tre Mann

(AP Photo/Michael Woods)

Guard, 6-4, 20.5 years old (Florida)

When it comes to shot creators, there are few more exciting than Florida’s Tre Mann. After a slightly underwhelming freshman campaign, Mann was able to literally grow nearly two inches and also improve his draft stock quite a bit during his sophomore season.

For more on Philadelphia’s draft decision, check out Sixers Wire.

29
Phoenix Suns: Corey Kispert

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-7, 22.4 years old (Gonzaga)

You would struggle to find a college prospect with a better body of work as a shooter than Corey Kispert. There are some concerns about how he shot the ball when he faced off against better defenses during the final few games of the tournament, but overall, Kispert is someone who will absolutely deserve a look in the first round.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

30
Utah Jazz: Quentin Grimes

Albert Cesare/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-5, 21.2 years old (Houston)

Coming out of high school, Quentin Grimes was a top-ten recruit in the nation. But he transferred out of Kansas after scoring just 8.4 points per game. He then reinvented his game at Houston, averaging 17.8 points and shooting 40.3 percent on his three-pointers while leading his team to the Final Four.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

31
Milwaukee Bucks (via HOU): David Johnson

(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Guard, 6-5, 20.4 years old (Louisville)

His draft stock took a hit during a season largely interrupted by COVID-19 but David Johnson is someone who was seeing mid-first round consideration before the year began.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire. Stay tuned for an interview with Johnson on HoopsHype!

32
New York Knicks (via DET): Brandon Boston Jr.

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Wing, 6-7, 19.7 years old (Kentucky)

The Knicks have recently added several from Kentucky to their roster (and even their coach staff) and despite a tough one-and-done season, BJ Boston could be the next in that lineage.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

33
Orlando Magic: Joel Ayayi

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-5, 21.4 years old (Gonzaga)

Gonzaga’s Joel Ayayi is a jack of all trades but a master of none, but after an undefeated regular season and an appearance in the national title, there will be an NBA team that will want him on their roster.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

34
New Orleans Pelicans (via CLE): Josh Christopher

Jan 30, 2021; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Josh Christopher (13) against the Stanford Cardinal at Desert Financial Arena (Tempe).

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-5, 19.6 years old (Arizona State)

ASU’s Josh Christopher is a first-round talent even if he does not hear his name called within the first thirty picks on draft night, and if that happens, folks may look back and wonder why he wasn’t selected earlier.

For more on New Orleans’ draft decision, check out Lonzo Wire.

35
Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIN): Roko Prkacin

fiba.basketball

Wing, 6-9, 18.7 years old (Cibona – Croatia)

Players as tall as Roko Prkacin who can pass as well as he does who are as young as he does don’t come around very often, and when they do, they get drafted in the NBA.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Roko Prkacin has withdrawn his entry from the 2021 NBA draft. Jared Butler, meanwhile, has been cleared to return to basketball activity as the league reviewed his heart condition. As such, Butler will now replace Prkacin on this mock draft.

For more coverage on OKC’s draft decision, check out Thunder Wire.

36
Oklahoma City Thunder: Vrenz Bleijenbergh

(Photo by JOHN THYS/Belga/Sipa USA)

Wing, 6-10, 20.8 years old (Antwerp – Belgium)

Even if he is used as a draft-and-stash option, Vrenz Bleijenbergh is an intriguing basketball player because he is an incredibly willing shooter for someone his height.

For more coverage on OKC’s draft decision, check out Thunder Wire.

37
Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Jason Preston

Rich Janzaruk/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-4, 22 years old (Ohio)

Ohio’s Jason Preston had one of the harder decisions about whether or not to stay in the draft or return to school but ultimately, I believe he made the right choice and could be one of the more fascinating developmental prospects in the class.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

38
Chicago Bulls (via NO): Ayo Dosunmu

(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Guard, 6-5, 21.5 years old (Illinois)

Ayo Dosunmu is one of the better prospects to come out of Chicago over the last several years and he could be a brilliant addition as a hometown hero for the Bulls.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

39
Sacramento Kings: Day’Ron Sharpe

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Big, 6-11, 19.7 years old (North Carolina)

The Sacramento Kings could lose Richaun Holmes to free agency if his cap figure is higher than they are willing to pay and they would be wise to have some assurance of depth in the frontcourt by adding someone like Day’Ron Sharpe.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

40
New Orleans Pelicans (via CHI): Filip Petrusev

fiba.basketball

Big, 6-11, 21.3 years old (Mega – Serbia)

After an illustrious career for Gonzaga, Filip Petrusev went overseas to improve his draft stock in Serbia, where he has recently been the leading scorer for his nation in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

For more on New Orleans’ draft decision, check out Lonzo Wire.

41
San Antonio Spurs: Austin Reaves

Oklahoma's Austin Reaves (12) dribbles during the first half of a first-round game against Missouri in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium, Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Indianapolis.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Guard, 6-5, 23.2 years old (Oklahoma)

Oklahoma’s Austin Reaves is a walking bucket and one of the best at self-creation in this class, which we saw when he put 27 points on Gonzaga in tournament action.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire. Stay tuned for an interview with Reaves on HoopsHype!

42
Detroit Pistons (via CHA): Luka Garza

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Big, 6-11, 22.6 years old (Iowa)

Luka Garza, the consensus collegiate national player of the year, has lost significant weight and plans to play more as a stretch big than in the post when transitioning to the NBA.

To learn more about Garza, check out his interview with HoopsHype.

43
New Orleans Pelicans (via WAS): Rokas Jokubaitis

(Dmitry Lebedev/Kommersant/Sipa USA via AP Images)

Guard, 6-4, 20.7 years old (Zalgiris – Lithuania)

Rokas Jokubaitis has won three consecutive championships in Lithuania and projects as someone who could bring many of those same winning attributes to the NBA.

For more on New Orleans’ draft decision, check out Lonzo Wire.

44
Brooklyn Nets (via IND): Herbert Jones

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Wing, 6-8, 22.8 years old (Alabama)

Brooklyn could use Herbert Jones as a versatile “glue guy” who is willing to do the dirty work like dive for loose balls and take charges, especially with the success they have had with a similar player in Bruce Brown.

For more on Brooklyn’s draft decision, check out Nets Wire. Stay tuned for an interview with Jones on HoopsHype!

45
Boston Celtics: Joe Wieskamp

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-6, 21.9 years old (Iowa)

Iowa’s Joe Wieskamp was one of the biggest winners at the combine, impressing not only as a standout in the scrimmages but also as someone who might be more athletic than many realized.

For more coverage on Boston’s draft decision, check out Celtics Wire.

46
Toronto Raptors (via MEM): Kessler Edwards

(AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Wing, 6-8, 22 years old (Pepperdine)

It was easy to appreciate the defensive effort that Kessler Edwards played with during scrimmages at the combine, even if his offensive game lacked, and his shooting was good enough in college that he could be a valuable two-way threat.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

47
Toronto Raptors (via GSW): EJ Onu

(AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Big, 6-11, 22 years old (Shawnee State – Ohio)

Anyone with a 7-foot-8 wingspan, even if they play in the NAIA instead of the NCAA, is going to get noticed — but EJ Onu also led his team to win the title behind 16.9 points and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 40.0 percent from beyond the arc.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

48
Atlanta Hawks (via MIA): Greg Brown III

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Wing, 6-9, 19.9 years old (Texas)

You’re not going to find Greg Brown on mocks too much lower than where I have him because of his willingness to spread the floor and his insane vertical pop. But I was pretty turned off by the fact that Brown somehow had 1 assist to just 30 turnovers between November and the end of January.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

49
Brooklyn Nets (via ATL): Justin Champagnie

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Wing, 6-6, 20.1 years old (Pittsburgh)

Pitt’s Justin Champagnie is the kind of “tough” that earned him a technical foul during a scrimmage game at the combine. He is gritty, tenacious and he will always find a way to get the job done.

For more on Brooklyn’s draft decision, check out Nets Wire.

50
Philadelphia 76ers (via NYK): Jeremiah Robinson-Earl

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Big, 6-9, 20.7 years old (Villanova)

If you want to be on someone who I’d consider to be the safest pick in the draft, go with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. He already carries himself like a total pro and he will find his way into an NBA rotation by simply never having a bad game.

For more on Philadelphia’s draft decision, check out Sixers Wire.

51
Memphis Grizzlies (via POR): Neemias Queta

Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Big, 7-0, 22 years old (Utah State)

There are quite a few intriguing elements to like about Neemias Queta, especially due to his massive frame and his impressive passing ability, and that makes him a worthy flier in the second round.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

52
Detroit Pistons (via LAL): Sam Hauser

Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-8, 23.6 years old (Virginia)

Every team could use shooting help and they can find some of that in Sam Hauser, who shot at least 40.0 percent on his three-pointers during each of his four seasons of collegiate basketball.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

53
New Orleans Pelicans (via DAL): Juhann Begarin

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-5, 19 years old (Paris – France)

France’s Juhann Begarin is still very young, which makes him an even more appealing candidate as a potential draft-and-stash selection.

For more on New Orleans’ draft decision, check out Lonzo Wire.

54
Indiana Pacers (via MIL): Jericho Sims

Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman-USA TODAY Sports

Big, 6-10, 22.8 years old (Texas)

Several scouts have told me that they fell in love with Jericho Sims during workouts, and the greater basketball community found out why when he was able to put up 18 points in his second scrimmage during the combine.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

55
Oklahoma City Thunder (via DEN): Ariel Hukporti

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Big, 7-0, 19.3 years old (Nevezis – Lithuania)

Teams with surplus draft picks that aren’t going to be able to roster everyone they draft will find themselves seriously considering Ariel Hukporti, a big man with great size who can continue his development overseas.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Ariel Hukporti has withdrawn his entry from the 2021 NBA draft. As such, Santi Aldama will now replace him on this mock draft.

For more coverage on OKC’s draft decision, check out Thunder Wire.

56
Charlotte Hornets (via LAC): Aaron Henry

© Nick King/Lansing State Journal via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Wing, 6-6, 21.9 years old (Michigan State)

Michigan State’s Aaron Henry has long had a reputation as one of the best defensive wing prospects in college basketball but the biggest question was whether he could shoot. Unfortunately, his three-point percentage dropped to a career-worst 29.6 percent this past season.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

57
Charlotte Hornets (via BKN): Isaiah Todd

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Big, 6-10, 19.8 years old (Ignite)

Isaiah Todd mostly held his own in the G League, but he shot just 58 percent at the rim, which would have ranked him in the 11th percentile among all big men in the NBA this past season.

To learn more about Todd, check out his interview with Rookie Wire.

58
New York Knicks (via PHI): Scottie Lewis

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Wing, 6-5, 21.4 years old (Florida)

Florida’s Scottie Lewis never quite brought his game on the offensive side of the floor to where it was on defense but he tested incredibly well athletically at the combine.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

59
Brooklyn Nets (via PHX): Charles Bassey

Dec 19, 2020; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers center Charles Bassey (23) dunks the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at Coleman Coliseum.

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Big, 6-11, 20.8 years old (Western Kentucky)

Western Kentucky’s Charles Bassey was fairly dominant in college, averaging 17.6 points and 11.6 rebounds with 3.1 blocks per game this past season.

For more on Brooklyn’s draft decision, check out Nets Wire.

60
Indiana Pacers (via UTA): Daishen Nix

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Guard, 6-5, 19.5 years old (Ignite)

Daishen Nix cut a decent amount of weight before the combine, which was great, but he also needed to show that he improved his shooting touch and unfortunately he was 0-for-8 from the field during his two scrimmages at the combine.

For more coverage on the 2021 NBA Draft, check out Rookie Wire.

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