NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Evan Mobley making a strong case for the No. 1 spot
It’s February and NBA scouts will finally get a chance to watch Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga and the rest of the G League Ignite team play 15 games in the G League bubble season.
On the college side, Evan Mobley is making a strong case for the No. 1 spot by dominating the paint in the Pac-12 and being the best rim protector in this draft class. Auburn’s Sharife Cooper and Baylor’s Davion Mitchell have impressed scouts in the last month and are climbing up team’s draft boards.
Here’s a look at Yahoo Sports’ updated first round for the 2021 NBA draft.
(Draft order is from Tankathon.)
1. Detroit Pistons: G Cade Cunningham
Ht./Wt: 6-foot-8, 220 pounds
Class: Freshman
Oklahoma State: 18.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.6 apg
Cunningham holds on to the No. 1 spot due to his strong all-around game. You could plug him into any NBA team, and he’ll come in and make an impact. Cunningham has great size, high basketball IQ and can defend all three positions on the perimeter. He has shown glimpses of Luka Doncic’s playmaking ability and is patient in making the right pass out of the pick-and-roll. Cunningham is always trying to push the ball up the court putting pressure on the defense, and the game comes so easy to him. Yes, there was the little hiccup in overtime against Texas where he stole the inbounds pass and missed a wide-open layup with four seconds left. But it was how he was able to shake that mistake off and hit a huge 3-pointer to secure the win in the 2OT that showed NBA scouts his mentally tough side.
2. Washington Wizards: G Jalen Green
Ht./Wt: 6-6, 186
G League Ignite
There’s a lot of drama happening in Washington right now, and it’s clear that Bradley Beal wants out. If that ends up being the case, the Wizards could pick up Green who has the potential to be the best pro in this draft. He averaged 31.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and five assists per game during his senior year of high school at Prolific Prep. NBA scouts will be watching him closely in the G League bubble season. Yahoo Sports asked Green if he thought he was the best player in this draft class and he said, “Of course. You always have to put money on yourself. I do think I’m No. 1, but that’s just saying I know I have to keep working.”
3. Minnesota Timberwolves: C Evan Mobley
Ht./Wt: 7-0, 210
Class: Freshman
USC: 16.3 ppg, 9 rpg, 2.9 bpg
Mobley has a 7-foot-5 wingspan and is the best rim protector in this draft class, recording 53 blocks already and averaging nearly three blocks per game. He’s leading all Pac-12 freshmen in scoring with 16.3 points per game and is everything NBA execs are looking for at the center position. Mobley was the only Pac-12 player and the only freshman named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list as the accolades for his impressive season continue to grow. Offensively, he’s recorded eight double-doubles this season and is more advanced in the pick-and-pop situation than 2020 No. 2 pick James Wiseman and other one-and-done centers. Mobley could easily go No. 1 overall depending on team need and where each franchise falls in the lottery.
4. Orlando Magic: F Jonathan Kuminga
Ht./Wt: 6-8, 220
G League Ignite
Kuminga has the build and skill set of a seasoned veteran, and he’s one of the youngest players in this draft class after reclassifying in high school last year. He is a modern-day NBA wing who has a lot of power and speed off the dribble. In two G League scrimmages, he averaged 23.5 points, five rebounds and 2.5 assists, and at times, he was the best player on the court. All eyes will be on Kuminga in Orlando, and he could play his way into being a top-three pick.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder: G Jalen Suggs
Ht./Wt: 6-4, 205
Class: Freshman
Gonzaga: 13.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.4 apg
Suggs doesn’t have the size of Cunningham, but he is the second-best point guard in this draft class and has been consistent all season. He is shooting over 50% from the field and 36% from 3-point range. Suggs ranks in the 83 percentile in pick-and-roll situations scoring 123 points this season, per Synergy Sports. He is one of the best passers in the open court thanks to his quarterback-playing days in high school.
6. Chicago Bulls: G Scottie Barnes
Ht./Wt: 6-9, 227
Class: Freshman
Florida State: 10.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.2 apg
As a point forward, 90% of the time it’s Barnes bringing up the ball to start the offense and Barnes at the top of the key with his 7-foot-2 wingspan guarding the perimeter. No other freshman fits the positionless basketball mold quite like Barnes does. He has the footwork and speed to stay in front of guards who are smaller and quicker than him, the length to defend the wing and the size to drop down and bang in the post.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers: F Jalen Johnson
Ht./Wt: 6-9, 220
Class: Freshman
Duke: 12.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.6 apg
Duke is struggling this season, and Johnson hasn’t been able to dominate opponents the way he did in high school. There is no denying his upside with his size, ballhanding and shooting mechanics. Johnson had arguably the best dunk of the year in transition against Clemson’s PJ Hall. He’s the type of player where his game could translate better to the NBA. Scouts have had a limited sample size after Johnson suffered a foot injury that kept him sidelined for a month.
Jalen Johnson delivered a Dunk of the Year candidate with this one 🤯😤#ACCMBB | @DukeMBB @Jalen_J23 pic.twitter.com/MHv3MlypbQ
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) January 30, 2021
8. New York Knicks: F Ziaire Williams
Ht./Wt: 6-8, 185
Class: Freshman
Stanford: 12.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.8 apg
Williams hasn’t played a game since Jan. 16 due to a death in the family. Prior to stepping away from the team, he averaged 15.5 points in his last four games. Williams has quick feet and is a great defender with his 6-foot-11 wingspan. On offensive, he started to find his rhythm from deep going 6-for-13 from the 3-point line in his last two games. If he chooses to sit out the remainder of the season, a lot will be riding on his draft workouts and combine numbers.
9. Toronto Raptors: G Keon Johnson
Ht./Wt: 6-5, 186
Class: Freshman
Tennessee: 10.1 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.2 apg
Johnson had his breakout game in a win against Kentucky with a season-high 27 points (9-for-16 from the field and 9-for-11 from the free-throw line). His game is still raw, but he impacts both ends of the floor with his speed and athleticism. If Johnson can develop an outside jump shot at the next level, he’s going to have a long career.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder: F Greg Brown
Ht./Wt: 6-9, 205
Class: Freshman
Texas: 11 ppg, 7.7 rpg
Brown has struggled in the last few games, and Texas hasn’t won a game since Jan. 9. However, he showed off his athleticism in one of the best dunks of the year against Baylor and plays bigger than his 6-foot-9 size.
GREG BROWN PUT HIM IN THE RIM 🤯 #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/mGReyDOeji
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 3, 2021
Brown is averaging one rebound every 2.68 minutes this season. By comparison, here are other recent Longhorns who went on to be successful in the NBA: Mo Bamba, one rebound every 2.87 minutes; LaMarcus Aldridge, 3.39 minutes; and Jarrett Allen, 3.82 minutes. Anything under three minutes is extremely impressive and shows just how athletic Brown is.
11. New Orleans Pelicans: G Corey Kispert
Ht./Wt: 6-7, 220
Class: Senior
Gonzaga: 19.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg
Kispert is the most consistent shooter in college basketball making three or more 3-pointers in 11 games this season with a season-high six threes against Pepperdine. He ranks in the 99th percentile in spot-up shooting scoring 1.5 points per possession, according to Synergy Sports. JJ Redick is 36 years old and approaching the end of his career. Kispert would add a seamless transition from one shooter to the next and is a solid addition alongside Brandon Ingram.
12. Memphis Grizzlies: G Moses Moody
Ht./Wt: 6-6, 205
Class: Freshman
Arkansas: 16.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg
Moody is leading Arkansas in scoring and is putting up consistent numbers, shooting 45% from the field and 35% from 3-point range. He’s been a great shooter for the Razorbacks, but can also slash and get to the lane when the defense extends out. Moody would complement Ja Morant in the backcourt with his accurate 3-point shooting, three-and-D skills and size and speed in the open court.
13. Houston Rockets: G Davion Mitchell
Ht./Wt: 6-2, 205
Class: Junior
Baylor: 13.6 ppg, 5.8 apg
Mitchell has been incredible in the last three games for Baylor. He’s shot 15-for-22 from 3-point range, averaged 23.7 points per game with a season-high 31 points in a win over Kansas State. It’s not only his shooting that has been impressive, he’s also dished out 25 assists in the last four games. Baylor is the No. 2 team in the country and has become a player to watch for all 30 NBA teams.
14. Sacramento Kings: C Kai Jones
Ht./Wt: 6-11, 218
Class: Sophomore
Texas: 8.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg
Jones has improved tremendously from his freshman to sophomore season. The Kings have a crowded backcourt with De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton and could use some size in the lane. Jones is still showing some inconsistencies in games, but has flashes of decent shooting and shot-blocking on a loaded Texas team with the most athletic frontcourt in the country.
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15. New York Knicks: G Sharife Cooper
Ht./Wt: 6-1, 180
Class: Freshman
Auburn: 20.3 ppg, 8.9 apg
16. Charlotte Hornets G Cameron Thomas
Ht./Wt: 6-4, 210
Class: Freshman
LSU: 22.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg
17. Atlanta Hawks: G Josh Christopher
Ht./Wt: 6-5, 215
Class: Freshman
Arizona State: 15.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg
18. Indiana Pacers: F Usman Garuba
Ht./Wt: 6-8, 229
Spain
Real Madrid Baloncesto (European League): 3.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg
19. Golden State Warriors: G James Bouknight
Ht./Wt: 6-5, 190
Class: Sophomore
Connecticut: 20.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg
20. Denver Nuggets: G Jared Butler
Ht./Wt: 6-3, 195
Class: Junior
Baylor: 17 ppg, 5.2 apg
21. Boston Celtics: G B.J. Boston
Ht./Wt: 6-7, 185
Class: Freshman
Kentucky: 11.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg
22. Houston Rockets: F Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Ht./Wt: 6-9, 230
Class: Sophomore
Villanova: 15. 3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.1 apg
23. Brooklyn Nets: G David Johnson
Ht./Wt: 6-5, 210
Class: Sophomore
Louisville: 13.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.4 apg
24. San Antonio Spurs: F Franz Wagner
Ht./Wt: 6-9, 220
Class: Sophomore
Michigan: 12 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.1 apg
25. Phoenix Suns: G Ayo Dosunmu
Ht./Wt: 6-5, 200
Class: Junior
Illinois: 21.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.1 apg
26. Milwaukee Bucks: G David Duke
Ht./Wt: 6-5, 205
Class: Junior
Providence: 17.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 5.1 apg
27. Los Angeles Clippers: C Charles Bassey
Ht./Wt: 6-11, 235
Class: Junior
Western Kentucky: 17.8 ppg, 12.2 rpg
28. Philadelphia 76ers: G Jaden Springer
Ht./Wt: 6-4, 204
Class: Freshman
Tennessee: 10.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.5 apg
29. Los Angeles Lakers: C Day’Ron Sharpe
Ht./Wt: 6-11, 265
Class: Freshman
North Carolina: 9.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg
30. Utah Jazz: G Josh Giddey
Ht./Wt: 6-8, 205
Adelaide 36ers (Australia’s National Basketball League): 9.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 5 apg
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