Fien's 2021 NBA Mock Draft

It's draft day! In my first and only mock of the year, I'll be trying to predict every 1st round pick based upon intel I've read and researched and my own personal opinions. I'll also be trying to predict some trades. Every pick will have a short summary as to why I think it makes sense. Enjoy!

1: Detroit Pistons-

Cade Cunningham, PG (Oklahoma State)

I do really think there is a possibility of Jalen Green being picked here, or even Detroit and Houston swapping picks. But for the sake of the mock I'll have Detroit sticking to plan A and taking the best player in the draft.

2: Houston Rockets-

Jalen Green, SG (G-League Ignite)

If Houston can't get up to 1 to get Cade, Jalen Green is a hell of a consolation prize. They like him more than Mobley due to his ability to score the basketball and he has the potential to be a high volume scorer early on.

3: Cleveland Cavaliers-

Evan Mobley, C (USC)

The Cavs get Mobley to fall into their lap here at 3. He's a versatile and skilled big that could easily play with Jarret Allen, if they were to bring him back. If they don't, he's their franchise cornerstone at center.

4: Toronto Raptors-

Jalen Suggs, PG (Gonzaga)

With Kyle Lowry likely on his way out, Suggs would be the absolute perfect replacement to a team looking to contend next year. He's a gritty guard who makes winning plays, while also being able to score in bunches.

5: Orlando Magic-

Scottie Barnes, PF (Florida State)

Barnes has been the expected pick here for a long time, and it's easy to see why. He's a big bodied forward who excels as a versatile defender and will also provide some much needed playmaking ability.

6: *TRADE* Memphis Grizzlies-

Jonathan Kuminga, SF (G-League Ignite)

The Grizzlies trade up again, this time from 10 to 6 to snag an exciting player in Jonathan Kuminga. He's an exciting athlete with loads of talent as a complementary scorer and endless potential as a versatile defender. For OKC, trading back to 10 allows them to acquire a young player (maybe Allen or Jones) and/or more draft capital while still being able to draft a guy they really like at 10.

7: Golden State Warriors-

Franz Wagner, SF (Michigan)

I don't think a trade for a superstar materializes here in the next few hours, so I think they're probably making both picks tonight. Wagner is a high upside and high IQ player on both ends that would fit in right away.

8: Orlando Magic-

James Bouknight, SG (Connecticut)

After selecting Barnes at 5, the Magic could really use some scoring with this pick. Bouknight is a great complement to the young guards already on the roster, and he'll be able to play as a pure scorer.

9: *TRADE* New York Knicks-

Moses Moody, SF (Arkansas)

It will cost the Knicks a lot to move up this far (19, 21, 32, maybe more), but Moody is well worth it. He's the perfect 3&D wing to complement their roster, and also has upside as a diverse scorer. I really like this fit.

10: Oklahoma City Thunder-

Josh Giddey, PG (Australia)

Trading down from 6, OKC gets the player I believe they would've taken anyway. Giddey is a tall (6'8'') playmaking guard that would take some pressure off of SGA and he has upside as a shooter.

11: *TRADE* Atlanta Hawks-

Keon Johnson, SG (Tennessee)

The Hawks use Cam Reddish, who has been discussed heavily as a trade piece, to move up 9 spots and get their guy in Keon Johnson. His defense against guards and wings make him the perfect target for Atlanta.

12: San Antonio Spurs-

Alperen Sengun, C (Turkey)

The Spurs have been heavily linked to Sengun, as they are clearly prioritizing getting younger in the front court. He's a skilled offensive big that would be a really fun pick and roll partner for Dejounte Murray.

13: Indiana Pacers-

Corey Kispert, SF (Gonzaga)

The Pacers have been very busy, reportedly shopping Myles Turner and TJ Warren around the league. This pick could be used in a package with one of them, but if not, Kispert's shooting ability is an attractive option.

14: Golden State Warriors-

Davion Mitchell, PG (Baylor)

If the Warriors keep this pick, Mitchell is a name that has been linked to them at 7, so I'm sure they'd be thrilled to draft him here at 14. He provides perimeter defense and the ability to run the second unit.

15: Washington Wizards-

Trey Murphy, SF (Virginia)

A lot of Washington's draft depends on whether Bradley Beal will be there next year. Assuming he is, Murphy is a 3&D wing who checks multiple boxes for the Wizards and should be able to help right away.

16: Oklahoma City Thunder-

Jalen Johnson, SF (Duke)

Johnson is a project player who is looked at by the league as risky, but OKC's draft capital and overall youth allows them to be able to take risks. He's an aggressive offensive player with athletic gifts and high upside.

17: New Orleans Pelicans-

Chris Duarte, SF (Oregon)

Selecting Duarte (an older prospect) sends a message to this young Pelicans team. It's time to win. Other than sending a message, Duarte provides shooting for Zion and Ingram and also is great as a perimeter defender.

18: Oklahoma City Thunder-

Kai Jones, C (Texas)

After trading away Moses Brown to Boston in the Kemba Walker deal, Jones gives them a similar type of athletic mobile big who would add some youth to the center position behind Al Horford.

19: Sacramento Kings-

Zaire Williams, SF (Stanford)

After trading down from 9, the Kings shoot for upside here and take Williams. He's a forward with off the chart measurables, but just hasn't put it together at a consistent rate. I like the Kings to shoot for the stars tonight.

20: Charlotte Hornets-

Cam Thomas, SG (LSU)

After getting Reddish from the Hawks, the Hornets add a shot creating bucket getter in Cam Thomas. Reddish and Thomas replace RFAs Malik Monk and Devonte Graham and allow for big spending on bigs in free agency.

21: Sacramento Kings-

Usman Garuba, C (Spain)

Garuba is a lengthy project player who excels defensively and on the glass due to his high motor and constant energy. On offense he's raw, but is eager to do all of the little things needed to help a team play winning ball.

22: *TRADE* Sacramento Kings-

Josh Primo, SG (Alabama)

Surprise, the Kings are on the clock again. I'm predicting the Lakers use this pick and cap filler to acquire Buddy Hield. To replace Hield, the Kings take Primo, who's got shooting ability and go to scoring potential.

23: Houston Rockets-

Isaiah Jackson, C (Kentucky)

Jackson is a nice fit in Houston as a wiry, high energy, small ball 5 that can catch lobs from John Wall and Jalen Green. He's also got good upside as a switchy defender.

24: Houston Rockets-

Sharife Cooper, PG (Auburn)

Cooper is a pass first PG that could pair nicely in spurts with Jalen Green. John Wall has a maximum of 2 years left in Houston, so Cooper could be molded into the eventual starting PG of the future.

25: Los Angeles Clippers-

Jared Butler, PG (Baylor)

Reggie Jackson earned himself a contract bigger than what the Clippers can afford to pay him, so Butler is the perfect candidate to replace him. He can create offense for himself and others and should help right away.

26: *TRADE* Detroit Pistons-

Josh Christopher, SG (Arizona State)

The Nuggets originally owned this pick, but I'm predicting they trade it to Detroit to get Mason Plumlee back in Denver. With Javale McGee scheduled to hit the open market, the Nuggets need a backup center. The Pistons don't need Plumlee due to the breakout of Isaiah Stewart, so it makes sense for both teams. Josh Christopher is the pick for Detroit, a freak athlete with defensive promise and overall high upside.

27: Brooklyn Nets-

Jaden Springer, PG (Tennessee)

With Spencer Dinwiddie likely out the door, and Kyrie Irving's unreliableness, the Nets need to add another guard. Springer is a great option, as he's unselfish as a playmaker and holds his own defensively.

28: *TRADE* Atlanta Hawks-

Day'Ron Sharpe, C (North Carolina)

I'm predicting that the 76ers trade this pick to Atlanta for Kris Dunn. With Ben Simmons likely to be traded, they need a playmaking PG who holds it down defensively. Dunn is just that. For Atlanta, they've been heavily linked to Sharpe at the 20th pick, but because I had them trade up to 11, they now trade up again for their guy.

29: Phoenix Suns-

Ayo Dosunmu, PG (Illinois)

Cam Payne was such a huge part of Phoenix's title run, so if he elects to play elsewhere next year, there should be a plan in place to replace him. Ayo is a crafty scorer that would provide a punch off their bench.

30: *TRADE* Charlotte Hornets-

Isaiah Todd, PF (G-League Ignite)

After trading down and adding Cam Reddish and Cam Thomas, the Hornets make another trade. This time with the Jazz, who are reportedly desperate to get under the luxury tax. Utah sends this pick and Derrick Favors to Charlotte for a 2nd and a young player or two (Martin twins, Richards, Riller). Todd is a fun project player with good measurbales that Charlotte can take their time to develop over the next couple of years.