2021 NBA Draft - Full Team By Team Breakdown

With the 2021 NBA Draft fast approaching, I thought it'd be a good idea to give a full breakdown of every team's mindset coming into Thursday night at the Barclay’s Center. This article will include where each team picks, overall team direction, team needs, possible players they might be targeting, and more. Enjoy!

Atlanta Hawks

Picks: 20, 48

Direction: Contending

Needs: Backup defensive guards, backup center, floor spacing 4

Possible targets: Sharife Cooper, Jaden Springer, Usman Garuba, Isaiah Todd, Zaire Williams

Thoughts: Atlanta should stay put on Thursday and draft another complementary piece for Trae Young. No need to move up or down. They need a defensive guard to make up for Young and Huerter's ability on that end, a backup center because of Okongwu's injury, or maybe a John Collins replacement if they elect not to match a lucrative offer that he will definitely get.

Boston Celtics

Picks: 45

Direction: Contending

Needs: Guards, rim protector

Possible targets: Jason Preston, Quentin Grimes, David Johnson, Daishen Nix, Charles Bassey

Thoughts: After trading away Kemba Walker to OKC, the Celtics are seriously lacking at the guard position. Especially PG. Currently they have Payton Pritchard, Tremont Waters and Carsen Edwards. I guess their plan is to start Smart at PG, but the overall guard depth is gross. Boston could move up a bit if they're willing to part with some young assets (Langford, Nesmith, Brown), but I think it's unlikely. At 45 they should be looking for a true floor general to make life easier for their scorers.

Brooklyn Nets

Picks: 27, 44, 49, 59

Direction: Championship Favorites

Needs: Players ready to contribute, 3&D wings, guard depth

Possible targets: Chris Duarte, Josh Primo, Jared Butler, Miles McBride, Ayo Dosunmu

Thoughts: Brooklyn can go in a lot of different directions on Thursday. With 4 total picks it's easy to envision them moving up into the early 20's or maybe even late teens to target guys like Duarte or even Trey Murphy. I could also see them packaging multiple picks for a veteran that they know is ready to contribute. Or, they could stay put and draft someone who they think is NBA ready. Pending free agency of Spencer Dinwiddie is a big factor here, especially given Kyrie Irving's lack of urgency to stay on the court.

Charlotte Hornets

Picks: 11, 56, 57

Direction: Young team on the cusp

Needs: Center, scoring guard off the bench

Possible targets: Kai Jones, Alperen Sengun, James Bouknight, Moses Moody, Cam Thomas

Thoughts: One of the most exciting young teams in the league, the Hornets should lean into that youth and excitement by replacing free agent center Cody Zeller with a young big. With Mobley out of reach, I think Jones and Segun will both be there for the taking at 11. Different types of players, but either of them would improve this team. Guard is also in play given that Malik Monk and Devonte' Graham are likely on their way out.

Chicago Bulls

Picks: 38

Direction: Buyers looking to contend

Needs: Playmaking, wing depth, backup center

Possible targets: BJ Boston, Jared Butler, Joe Wieskamp, Charles Bassey, Day'ron Sharpe

Thoughts: With no 1st round pick (traded in the Vucevic deal), the Bulls should be looking to surround Lavine and Vucevic with a complementary niche player. Whether it's a shooter, defensive stopper, rebounding specialist, or true playmaker. They're going to be big players in free agency, so I don't expect them to move up at all on Thursday, but they might just sell the pick for cash.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Picks: 3

Direction: Rebuilding

Needs: Everything (probably)

Possible targets: Evan Mobley, Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Scottie Barnes, Moses Moody

Thoughts: The Cavaliers are in a great spot to add an impactful player, and maybe even more than one, on draft night. I put "Everything (probably)" for their needs because as of right now they have good young players at guard and center, but both Colin Sexton and Jarrett Allen are restricted free agents and might be on their way out. They could stay put at 3 and just take Mobley and let Allen walk, or they could even trade back. A trade I really like is them making a deal with Orlando for #5 and #8. Then they could add a wing like Kuminga or Barnes at 5 and a player like Moody at 8. Either way, they're going to get at least one stud on Thursday.

Dallas Mavericks

Picks: None

Direction: Contending

Needs: 3&D wings

Possible targets: Josh Christopher, BJ Boston, Herb Jones, Greg Brown, Joe Wieskamp

Thoughts: I don't think Dallas will give up assets to get into the 1st, but there is a possibility they buy their way into the 2nd. All the targets I listed above are either players with great defensive promise or good shooters. That's clearly the direction they need to go in if they were to buy their way into this draft. Luka needs some more help on the wing, so pick either offense or defense and help him out.

Denver Nuggets

Picks: 26

Direction: Contending

Needs: Scoring guards, backup center

Possible targets: Josh Primo, Cam Thomas, Tre Mann, Ayo Dosunmu, Isaiah Jackson

Thoughts: With Jamal Murray set to miss the start of the season, the Nuggets could really use some scoring in their backcourt. Morris and Campazzo are good, but are playmakers by nature. Even when Murray comes back, they're still very thin. Only other guard besides the three I just named is PJ Dozier. Not a terrible player, but definitely not ideal. Primo, Thomas, Mann, and Dosunmu are all scorers by nature and would fill a need.

Detroit Pistons

Picks: 1, 37, 42, 52

Direction: Rebuilding

Needs: Complimenting the young core

Possible targets: Cade Cunningham, Josh Christopher, Greg Brown, BJ Boston, Joe Wieskamp

Thoughts: Cade's going #1, that's obvious. After that, they should look to add some prospects with high ceilings and skillsets that complement Cade's. With a starting lineup of Hayes, Cunnnigham, Bey, Grant, and Stewart.. the Pistons need some versatile defenders and shooters off the bench. They won't be good this year, so they might as well shoot for the stars on some project guys.

Golden State Warriors

Picks: 7, 14

Direction: Contending

Needs: Complimentary guard to Steph, 3&D wings

Possible targets: Moses Moody, James Bouknight, Davion Mitchell, Franz Wagner, Keon Johnson

Thoughts: I still think the most likely scenario is that the Warriors trade one or both of these picks for an established NBA player, but if a deal doesn't happen by Thursday, they'll be forced to make some tough decisions. I think a player like Moses Moody fits them perfectly, as he can initiate offense off the bench or can act as a 3&D player when he's on the floor with Steph. If they're deciding between some other guys, they're gonna have to make a firm decision on whether they want help offensively when Steph sits, or if they want another stopper. They could even trade up if they love Kuminga or Barnes.

Houston Rockets

Picks: 2, 23, 24

Direction: Rebuilding

Needs: Everything

Possible targets: Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, Zaire Williams, Josh Primo, Isaiah Jackson

Thoughts: The debate between Green and Mobley at 2 is an interesting one. While I think Mobley will ultimately be the better player, I can see why Houston would prefer the dominant scorer in Green. Identifying targets for them at 23 and 24 is almost impossible, it could literally be anybody. So I just picked some guys in that range that I think have high ceilings. I think they could even package those 2 picks and/or some more of their overflowing draft capital to move up if they love somebody in the late lottery or right outside of it.

Indiana Pacers

Picks: 13, 54, 60

Direction: Retooling

Needs: Forwards

Possible targets: Franz Wagner, Corey Kispert, Jalen Johnson, JT Thor, Zaire Williams

Thoughts: I honestly have no clue what the Pacers will do. The signs point to a full rebuild, which is evident by the team shopping Myles Turner. With Brogdan, LeVert, Warren, and Sabonis as their core for next year, they should look to add another wing so that Sabonis can play the 5. I think it's likely that Turner is moved for an additional pick, and I think there's a strong possibility they move down from 13.

Los Angeles Clippers

Picks: 25

Direction: Contending?

Needs: Scoring, backup guards

Possible targets: Cam Thomas, Ayo Dosunmu, Sharife Cooper, Miles McBride, Tre Mann

Thoughts: Pending Kawhi Leonard's decision on his player option, which is reportedly looking like he will accept, the Clippers will be championship contenders next season. They're likely to lose Reggie Jackson, as his incredible playoff run has set him up for a nice payday. To replace him, they need a guard that can initiate offense for himself and others. At 25, they'll have a few viable options to choose from.

Los Angeles Lakers

Picks: 22

Direction: Contending

Needs: Shooting, secondary playmaking

Potential targets: Jared Butler, Ayo Dosunmu, Miles McBride, Jason Preston, Quentin Grimes

Thoughts: Like every LeBron lead team, the Lakes need more shooting. They also need a secondary playmaker to take some load off LeBron. The players I outlined check both boxes. I still think the most likely scenario though is that they trade this pick in a package for a established NBA player.

Memphis Grizzlies

Picks: 10, 40

Direction: On the way to contending

Needs: Shooting, backup defensive guards

Potential targets: Corey Kispert, Chris Duarte, Moses Moody, Franz Wagner, James Bouknight

Thoughts: After a huge trade that centered around swapping Jonas Valanciunas and the 17th pick for Steven Adams and the 10th pick, the Grizzlies are poised to add an impact player with the 10th pick. It is rumored that they're looking to move up even more, but even if they stay at 10, they're going to get better.

Miami Heat

Picks: None

Direction: Contending

Needs: PG, Wing depth, floor spacing 4

Potential targets: Undrafted free agents

Thoughts: I, a Miami Heat fan, don't think they'll make any pick on Thursday night and instead will look to free agency to improve their team.

Milwaukee Bucks

Picks: 31

Direction: NBA Champions

Needs: Backup PG, wing depth

Potential targets: Jason Preston, Miles McBride, Quentin Grimes, BJ Boston, Herb Jones

Thoughts: Milwaukee traded away their 1st round pick, but they got the next best thing in the 31st overall pick. I think this pick is almost certain to be either traded or bought out, but if they do decide to keep it, they should look to add a PG to run their second unit.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Picks: None

Direction: Rebuilding

Needs: Defensive wings, small ball 4

Potential targets: Herb Jones, Aaron Wiggins, Chris Smith, Feron Hunt, Kessler Edwards

Thoughts: Minnesota could use draft bust Jarrett Culvert to trade their way into the 2nd round, but they're most likely going to be looking at undrafted free agents. Either way, they should be looking at defensive wings.

New Orleans Pelicans

Picks: 17, 35, 43, 51, 53

Direction: Needs to be contending

Needs: Shooting, defense

Potential targets: Corey Kispert, Chris Duarte, Trey Murphy, Josh Primo, Jared Butler

Thoughts: Moving back in the draft to upgrade the center position with Valanciunas, New Orleans is still in a good spot to get a impactful complementary player. With the pending free agency of Lonzo Ball, PG is definitely in play. But considering they took Alabama PG Kira Lewis in the lottery last year, wing is the bigger need. Kispert and Primo are more offense than defense, while Duarte and Murphy offer a bit of both.

New York Knicks

Picks: 19, 21, 32, 58

Direction: Hopeful contenders

Needs: 3&D wings, playmaking guards

Potential targets: Chris Duarte, Trey Murphy, Jared Butler, Sharife Cooper, Zaire Williams

Thoughts: The Knicks are in a great position to add a complementary player at 19 and 21, but I would really like them to move up to the 9/10 range and grab James Bouknight or Moses Moody. If no deal matriculates, Duarte or Murphy would be a nice consolation prize at 19, with a PG at 21.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Picks: 6, 16, 18, 34, 36, 55

Direction: Rebuilding

Needs: Everything

Potential targets: Everyone

Thoughts: It's impossible to predict what OKC will do. If they stay at 6, I expect them to take Kuminga or Barnes, whoever Orlando doesn't take at 5. They have enough ammunition to move up or down the board however they see fit.

Orlando Magic

Picks: 5, 8, 33

Direction: Rebuilding

Needs: Scoring, star power

Potential targets: Jonathan Kuminga, Scottie Barnes, Moses Moody, James Bouknight, Corey Kispert

Thoughts: Though I do think it's possible that they move up to 3, it's likely that they stick at 5 and take a defensive minded wing. At 8, they should look to fill the scoring role that they had Terrance Ross and Evan Fournier thriving in. Players like Moody, Bouknight, and Kispert can give them some much needed scoring.

Philadelphia 76ers

Picks: 28, 50

Direction: Contending

Needs: Shot creation, shooting, playmaking

Potential targets: Jared Butler, Tre Mann, Josh Christopher, Miles McBride, Nas'Shon Hyland

Thoughts: With late picks in both rounds, the 76ers might have a hard time finding someone who truly helps them in 2021-22. Jared Butler is the perfect player for them but I'm not sure he makes it to 28. I feel like it's more likely for them to trade out than up. Might even trade both picks for a veteran, or in a Simmons package.

Phoenix Suns

Picks: 29

Direction: Contending

Needs: Cam Payne replacement, wing depth

Potential targets: Ayo Dosunmu, Jaden Springer, Nah'Shon Hyland, Josh Christopher, BJ Boston

Thoughts: Coming 2 games short of an NBA championship, the Suns are going to have a tougher path in 21-22, and will need to get better. I think free agency will be their most used avenue to do so, but they can at least add a Cam Payne replacement at the end of the 1st round. Payne is likely heading elsewhere in FA.

Sacramento Kings

Picks: 9, 39

Direction: Still rebuilding

Needs: Wings

Potential targets: Corey Kispert, Moses Moody, Franz Wagner, Keon Johnson, Josh Giddey

Thoughts: The Kings just need to take the best non-guard available, and if they do decide to trade Buddy Heild, they especially need a wing that can shoot. They're a long away, so even the projects should be in play.

San Antonio Spurs

Picks: 12, 41

Direction: Should be rebuilding

Needs: infusion of youth at wing & center

Potential targets: Jalen Johnson, Josh Giddey, Alperen Sengun, Franz Wagner, Keon Johnson

Thoughts: Dejounte Murray and Keldon Johnson are nice building blocks, but the roster is shaky after that. They really need some young scoring options to give this franchise a jolt.

Toronto Raptors

Picks: 4, 46, 47

Direction: Hoping to bounce back

Needs: Kyle Lowry replacement, frontcourt depth

Potential targets: Jalen Suggs, Scottie Barnes

Thoughts: I think of the top 3 goes as expected, the Raptors HAVE to take Jalen Suggs. Don't overthink it, don't get too cute. Suggs is such a perfect Lowry replacement.

Utah Jazz

Picks: 30

Direction: Contending

Needs: Frontcourt depth

Potential targets: Isaiah Jackson, Jerimiah Robinson-Earl, BJ Boston, Joe Wieskamp, JT Thor

Thoughts: The Jazz have a talented, well constructed, roster. They just need another guy. They can elect to take an older guy that can help right away, or a project guy they can sit on.

Washington Wizards

Picks: 15

Direction: Not really sure

Needs: Shooting, defense

Potential targets: Franz Wagner, Corey Kispert, Trey Murphy, Chris Duarte, Jalen Johnson

Thoughts: If the Wizards do plan on keeping Bradley Beal, they need a complementary wing that can shoot and defend. If a Beal trade is in the works, then they can take the best player available and shoot for the stars.

Cover picture attribution: Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, BarclayCenter-2 (48034233762), CC BY 2.0