NBA Mock Draft 4.0. Final Mock before draft tomorrow night
In the past couple of days, a lot of decisions have been made on prospects and some are falling and rising at exponential rates
The NBA Draft will take place tomorrow night and it will be a night full of draft-night trades, organizations that will find their franchise player, teams that will find other key pieces for their future or pieces to win now.
Either way, a lot has happened these past couple of weeks with individual workouts concluding and organizations’ minds being made up on who they are going to take with their selections. Lots of draft promises have been made to prospects following my last NBA Mock Draft, and we are starting to get a sense on where prospects are going to land on draft night.
Recently, there has been a lot of buzz toward Scottie Barnes jumping over Jonathan Kuminga and being selected 5th overall. Although I think this would be a mistake since Kuminga is a better prospect in my opinion, the Magic have a proven track record with Leonard Williams’ Florida State guys like Jonathan Issac, and since he turned out really well for them the Magic could be inclined to select another FSU product in Scottie Barnes. League sources say Barnes is the supposed move tomorrow night for Orlando’s first selection of their two picks in the top ten.
Even though I had Davion Mitchell astronomically rising in my last mock draft up to 4th overall, the Raptors seem to have made up their mind to take Jalen Suggs or Evan Mobley at #4 if they keep the pick, so Mitchell has been falling on draft boards according to insiders. The 5th overall pick is where the draft will start assuming no trades occur in the top 4, and although Scottie Barnes is projected to be selected at #5, Kuminga, Keon Johnson and James Bouknight all could be in the running as well.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, 6-8 PG Freshman, Oklahoma State
Cunningham is the clear #1 selection in this draft, and although Detroit has quietly shopped this selection to see if they could get a Superstar in return, they seem pretty adamant about staying put and taking the Point Guard from Oklahoma State with this selection. Cunningham is as sure of a thing as any prospect in recent memory. He will be a multiple-time All-Star selection assuming he stays healthy and will be deemed as the savior for the Pistons franchise that has been lacking one since 2004, the last time they won the championship. Luka Doncic has been the name many scouts believe Cunningham could turn into, but his floor is simply a discount Luka Doncic which isn’t bad at all!
Cunningham can score at will, has an elite step back, is the best playmaker in the draft, and can rebound and defend at a decently high level. The biggest knock on his game is that he’s “slow”, but so is Luka Doncic and he has created a niche for himself in the NBA and is virtually unstoppable when he reaches past half-court. I see Cunningham immediately raising the Pistons win total by 5-10 games in his first season and having a similar rookie season to ROY LaMelo Ball. Not saying Cunningham will get Detroit into the play-in tournament in year one, but this is the most promising thing to come to this franchise in a very long time.
NBA Comp: Luka Doncic
Houston Rockets: Jalen Green, 6-6 SG 19 years old, G League Ignite
Jalen Green will be selected #2 overall by the Rockets tomorrow night. This is a team that lost an elite scorer and Green would be the guy to win a scoring title out of anyone in this draft class. I am very high on Green’s ceiling which could be Devin Booker, Kobe Bryant, Clyde Drexler like.
Green will enter the league averaging 18-22 PPG and will be given the keys to a franchise that desperately needs someone like Green, an electrifying scorer that can dunk on anyone and play good defense. Green arguably has the highest ceiling of anyone in this draft, and there is a reason scouts have said Green is one of the best prospects in recent memory since he was 15 years old.
NBA Comp: Devin Booker
Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley, 7-0 C Freshman, USC
If Cleveland can work a trade that sends Colin Sexton elsewhere, there is a possibility that they select Suggs here. However, they have been linked to Mobley since the lottery and will select Mobley tomorrow night barring any trades that Cleveland could make. Mobley averaged 3.0 BPG at USC and has developed a clear feel for the game on the offensive end as well.
Mobley will enter the league as an elite defender and good offensive player, but it will take time for Mobley to reach his offensive upside. He showed the ability to knock the mid-range shot down consistently at USC and that could turn into the 3-ball at the NBA level. With his already polished post moves and elite athleticism, Mobley developing a consistent 3 point shot would bring havoc across the league and guarantee him to be a perennial All-Star.
NBA Comp: Chris Bosh/Anthony Davis
Toronto Raptors: Jalen Suggs, 6-4 PG Freshman, Gonzaga
Originally I thought that the Raptors would go elsewhere with this selection, but I was wrong. Unless something drastic happens where they trade this pick for whatever reason, the Raptors will select Suggs here assuming he is available. Suggs has a bulldog mentality on both sides of the floor using his athleticism and knack for scoring to his advantage. Suggs has obviously shown that he is one of the best playmakers in this draft, second to only Cunningham as he helped lead Gonzaga to the National Championship game and hit one of the most legendary shots in March Madness history in a Final Four game against UCLA.
This may be the most perfect fit in the draft for any prospect as Toronto is going to likely lose Kyle Lowry and needs another guard to play alongside Fred VanVleet in the backcourt. Slot in Suggs and maybe trade Siakam for the 7th and 14th pick in the draft as well and the Raptors rebuild may not last too long if that’s the route they intend to go in. Either way, this is a home run selection for Toronto.
NBA Comp: Brandon Roy(but better passer)
Orlando Magic: Scottie Barnes, 6-9 SF Freshman, Florida State
Even though I do like Scotie Barnes as a prospect with his obvious athleticism and length(7-3 wingspan), I don’t like the selection here. I think Kuminga is the clear pick here or even James Bouknight from UCONN, but every source in the NBA says that the Magic have their minds made up on the Point Forward from Florida State with this pick.
Barnes has been compared to Draymond Green with his elite length and ability to guard positions 1-5 while creating for others on his team at an elite level as well. I do think that Scottie Barnes will be a great NBA player for years to come, don’t get me wrong. The issue is that he cannot shoot and he will need to desperately develop a shot at the NBA level. Either way, he is not as good of a prospect at this point as Jonathan Kuminga is, but teams love to overthink things as the Magic will select Barnes with the 5th overall pick.
NBA Comp: Draymond Green
Oklahoma City Thunder: James Bouknight 6-4 PG/SG Sophomore, UCONN
Bouknight can score at will as he showed that during his second year at UCONN. The Thunder desperately need another young scorer who can pair well in the backcourt with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Bouknight is the guy that fits that need perfectly.
Defense has been a serious question for Bouknight, but that should not factor into the selection for the Thunder if they stay put at #6. Bouknight has future NBA Superstar written all over him with his elite athleticism and ability to put the ball in the hoop whenever he wants. Another home-run selection here for the Thunder.
NBA Comp: Bradley Beal
Golden State Warriors(via Wolves): Jonathan Kuminga, 6-8 SF 19 years old, G League Ignite
If the Warriors decide to stick with this selection and cannot package their two picks for a Pascal Siakam or someone to that caliber, Kuminga is the clear-cut selection here by a mile. At this point in the draft, he has the most upside and although he does not fit into the win-now mode for the Warriors, that should not factor into this decision as even if the Warriors stay put and draft Kuminga, they could use him as trade bait later on.
Kuminga is like a young Jaylen Brown, blessed with elite athleticism and defense, but still figuring out a feel for the offensive side of the game. I do think Kuminga should be a top 5 selection just like Jaylen Brown was, but teams will, unfortunately, pass on him and could regret it in the long-term. Either way, if Kuminga is available at #7 regardless of who has the pick, he will be selected here based on being the best possible prospect at this point in the draft.
NBA Comp: Jaylen Brown
Orlando Magic(Via Bulls): Keon Johnson, 6-4 SG Freshman, Tennessee
I don’t buy Johnson falling past 15th like many new mock drafts have him going. He is too athletic as he broke the vertical jump record at the NBA draft combine with a score of 48 inches. He didn’t just break that record, he shattered it as he beat Kenny Gregory’s record of 45 by 3 inches.
Obviously, at this point in his development, Johnson is a very athletic and raw prospect but his length and defense to go along with his athleticism is very promising already. Johnson is also very good at finishing inside but obviously needs to become a better perimeter shooter at the NBA level. Either way, I can’t see Johnson falling outside of the top 10 even if scouts and NBA executives believe this to be the case.
Sacramento Kings: Moses Moody, 6-6 SG Freshman, Arkansas
Moody can score at will and shot brilliantly from beyond the arc as well in his lone season at Arkansas. Oh and guess what? For a 6-6 guard Moody has a 7-1 wingspan which will undoubtedly make him an elite defender at the NBA level for years to come.
Moody will be a very good NBA player and if Sacramento keeps this selection, I definitely see Moody being taken here as he would also bring more talent and depth to a backcourt led by De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton.
NBA Comp: better Malik Monk
Memphis Grizzlies(Via Pelicans): Josh Giddey, 6-8 PG 18 Years old, Australia
Memphis traded Jonas Valanciunas and took on Eric Bledsoe’s and Steven Adams's contracts to move up 7 spots in the draft. They may look to move up even more but for right now I see them taking Josh Giddey, a less athletic LaMelo Ball-type 6-8 Point Guard who can do it all on defense.
Giddey just continues to get better and with further development could become an NBA star. Giddey will also bring much-needed playmaking to the Grizzlies to go along with Ja Morant and Tyus Jones.
NBA Comp: LaMelo Ball
Charlotte Hornets: Ziaire Williams, 6-8 SF Freshman, Stanford
This is where I think the draft will be shaken up. Some scouts believe Williams will fall as low as 25 and some think Orlando is looking at him at 8th overall. I think that the Hornets need to pick a player with huge upside and proven defense and athleticism.
Look no further than Williams, who showed a really nice shooting stroke and an improved offensive all-around game in his pre-draft workouts despite having a very bad shooting percentage during his Freshman season at Stanford. Either way, the Hornets are surprisingly set up very well for the future and since LaMelo Ball is still just 19 years old, the Hornets should take a chance on a prospect like Williams with extreme upside.
NBA Comp: Paul George
San Antonio Spurs: Jalen Johnson, 6-9 SF Freshman, Duke
The biggest enigma of the draft is Johnson, who had amazing pre-draft workouts and showed elite playmaking, size, and scoring during those workouts and at Duke. He showed off an improved jumper since Duke during his pre-draft workouts and still has all of the tools and ability to become an
NBA Superstar.
Obviously, the biggest question on Johnson is his commitment as he left Duke midseason to prepare for the draft, but as long as San Antonio looks past that, selecting Johnson would be a steal at this point in the draft and since the Spurs are one of the best organizations at developing players, they could get the best out of Johnson. Don’t listen to mock drafts saying Johnson will fall to 18th overall. That just is not going to happen.
NBA Comp: Paul Pierce
Indiana Pacers: Franz Wagner, 6-9 SF Sophomore, Michigan
Although selecting Davion Mitchell will be very enticing here, the Pacers need another playmaker and shooter on offense, and Franz Wagner is the best prospect at this point in the draft that fits that need. Wagner is also long enough and quick enough to defend at a high level as well.
I just don’t see the Davion Mitchell fit here like what other mock drafts are predicting. If Wagner is available here, which I think is very likely, the Pacers will select him. If he is not available for whatever reason, then Mitchell may be a realistic option.
NBA Comp: Nicolas Batum
Golden State Warriors: Davion Mitchell, 6-2 PG/SG Junior, Baylor
If Mitchell slides to 14, expect the Warriors to jump on the opportunity to take him. He is the most NBA player in this draft and is also one of the most talented players in the draft as well. He is the best perimeter defender in this class and is a really good playmaker and finisher near the rim.
Corey Kispert will be enticing here assuming he is still available as he fits the win now model for the Warriors, but they despertaley need backcourt depth to help Steph Curry, and if they select Kuminga 7th overall as I have in this mock draft, then drafting Mitchell makes more sense.
NBA Comp: Jrue Holiday
Washington Wizards: Alperen Sengun, 6-10 C 19 years old, Turkey
Sengun has been generating a lot of buzz lately, which should lead him to be selected in the top 20. Although Sengun’s game is more of a polished old-style post-up center, Sengun has shown flashes of elite passing and the ability to knock down a 3-PT shot as well.
What is scary for the rest of the NBA teams that don’t get Sengun is that he already has an extremely polished offensive package at only 19 years old…and this is without an elite jump shot. Imagine how good this kid will be when he develops one. With the Wizards up in the air on whether they are going to trade Beal and Westbrook or not, they pick a guy that can get some minutes right away, but also a prospect with a ton of upside.
NBA Comp: Domantas Sabonis
Oklahoma City Thunder: Usman Garuba, 6-8 PF 19 years old, Spain
Oklahoma City will always take a player they believe has a ton of upside, and at this point in the draft that prospect could very well be Usman Garuba, who is arguably one of the best 3 defenders in this class with Davion Mitchell and Evan Mobley.
Garuba has a 7-3 wingspan and is extremely athletic, but his offensive game is very raw. He will need to put in a ton of work on his offensive game, but he will enter the NBA as a very solid defender off of the bench. He also has a ton of upside assuming he can develop some kind of offensive package.
NBA Comp: Kenneth Faried
New Orleans Pelicans: Corey Kispert, 6-6 SF Senior, Gonzaga
Kai Jones will be very appealing here as he probably reminds the front office of Jaxson Hayes, but the Pelicans are not too far away from making the playoffs. Adding the best shooter in the draft would help them tremendously as they need better 3PT shooting, especially if Lonzo Ball leaves in free agency, which is widely expected by NBA insiders.
Kispert is also a very solid defender and can finish in the lane and create for other teammates at times. He is by no means simply a sharpshooter…he is much more than that. Kispert would fit in great alongside Zion Williamosn, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valancuinas, and Nikeal Alexander-Walker and at this point in the draft, Kispert is a big-time steal because he is a sure thing.
NBA Comp: Joe Harris
Oklahoma City Thunder: Kai Jones, 6-11 PF/C Sophomore, Texas
Kai Jones has loads of upside. There is no doubt about it. Again, just like with the selection at #16 with Garuba, the Thunder will draft on upside again. Kai Jones showed the ability to guard positions 1-5 pretty easily and blocked a lot of shots while providing elite interior defender as well. Jones’ offensive game got better, but still needs a ton of work.
Jones is the biggest boom or bust prospect in this draft because no one really knows how good he can be. Oklahoma City has plenty of first-round picks so they can take a gamble here on Jones, who has been sliding in recent mock drafts.
NBA Comp: Jaxson Hayes
New York Knicks: Chris Duarte, 6-6 SG Senior, Oregon
The 24 year old Duarte has one of the highest floors in the draft. You know he will be a sharpshooter and provide elite perimeter defense. Anything more is unexpected, but definitely beneficial to any team that picks him up.
Duarte, along with Kispert is the most NBA ready prospect in this draft and will provide New York with some much needed 3PT shooting. Duarte is also an elite defender and will fit in perfectly in Tom Thibodeau’s defensesive minded scheme.
NBA Comp: Evan Fournier
Atlanta Hawks: Trey Murphy III, 6-9 SG Freshman, Virginia
Trey Murphy has risen on all draft boards due to a very impressive pro day along with impressive individual workouts for teams as well. Murphy has great length and is one of the best shooters in the draft. Unlike Corey Kispert and Duarte though, Murphy has the ability to become much more of an elite all-around offensive player to go along with his shooting.
His exponential rise into the top 20 this season after being maybe a fringe second-rounder to start the year only further shows Murphy’s upside and ability to improve. Murphy may go in the late lottery, but if he is available at #20 for Atlanta, the Hawks should take him. The Hawks already have a playoff team with experience and if they are seriously shopping Cam Reddish or DeAndre Hunter, then getting another wing who can shoot and has upside would be a great move in this draft.
NBA Comp: Mikal Bridges
New York Knicks: Tre Mann, 6-5 PG/SG Sophomore, Florida
I am as high on Tre Mann as anyone. I think he could become the best Point Guard in this draft and this would be the obvious steal of the draft if he falls to #21 overall. The Knicks need more backcourt depth and after adding Chris Duarte with the #19 pick at the shooting guard position, they will also want another Point Guard who can play off-ball as well.
This is where Mann fits in. He has arguably the best shooting form in the draft class and has the potential to turn into an NBA scoring champ. Like Trey Murphy, Tre Mann got astronomically better from his Freshman to his Sophomore year at Florida. He grew 2-3 inches, was able to become a better on-ball defender, and developed more of an all-around offensive game. This would be a home run of a selection.
NBA Comp: Darius Garland
Los Angeles Lakers: Jared Butler, 6-3 PG Junior, Baylor
If the Lakers cannot move up in the draft or trade this pick as a part of a package for a star, both Chris Duarte and Corey Kispert will be gone by this point. The Lakers desperately need help in the backcourt and Butler fits that immediate hole. Butler is also one of the 4 most NBA-ready prospects in this draft and is coming off of an NCAA Championship.
Butler is one of the best playmakers in this draft and can score at will too. He also shot 42 percent from 3PT range and is very experienced, both of which are needed for a Lakers team trying to win another championship next year. Brandon Boston Jr. would also be a great pick here and so would Ayo Dosunmu, but Boston is too young and is more of an upside player and Dosunmu isn’t as polished as Jared Butler is.
NBA Comp: George Hill
Houston Rockets: Brandon Boston Jr., 6-7 SF Freshman, Kentucky
I am as high on Boston Jr. as anyone is. I think he will become one of the best players in this draft and quite possibly even in the NBA. He has great length and some of the best shooting mechanics in this drafty as well. You shouldn’t judge a player off of one bad year, as Boston before his Freshman season was a projected top 5 pick. Boston still has all of the tools to become an NBA Superstar and is one of the hardest workers in the draft as well.
I had him at #14 in my last mock draft, but I do think he deserves to be a top 10 pick and it is sad many scouts and GMs are judging Boston Jr. off of one season at Kentucky. Mark my words, Brandon Boston Jr. will be a VERY good NBA player, and where better to go than Houston where he will play immediately alongside other young stars including Christian Wood, Kelvin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, and Kenyon Martin Jr.
NBA Comp: Brandon Ingram
Houston Rockets: Cameron Thomas, 6-4 SG Freshman, LSU
Thomas is an elite scorer at all three levels, and the Rockets already drafted two scoring wings in this draft according to this mock, so why not select another one here with extreme upside.
Cameron Thomas may never play good defense, but he scores so well and because of that has the ability to become an NBA Superstar. Time will tell though.
NBA Comp: Lou Williams
Los Angeles Clippers: Joshua Primo, 6-6 SG Freshman, Alabama
Jerry West is the best executive in all of basketball and he will see what many scouts see in Primo, a prospect with loads and loads of potential and upside. He is known as an extremely hard worker who is addicted to getting better and has all of the tools to become an NBA star. He has great length with a 7-foot wingspan, allowing him to defend the perimeter extremely well. Primo is also very athletic and can play above the rim, but the reason for this astronomical rise in the draft is not just because Primo is the youngest player in the draft, but how he improved in just one year.
In high school, Primo did not have the offensive package he developed at Alabama in one year. Primo showed this year that he could get to the rim with ease and step back for a 3PT jumper. Primo also showed improvements in getting others on the court open and being able to have plays run for him as well. This is a perfect fit for Primo, who does not need a ton of minutes right away with a Clippers team that is competing for a championship. Primo can also learn a ton from Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
NBA Comp: Anfernee Simons
Denver Nuggets: Isaiah Jackson, 6-11 C Freshman, Kentucky
Jackson is an obvious physical beast and can dominate the interior on both ends of the floor. Jackson has stayed pretty consistent all year with his draft position sitting between the late lottery and end of the first round. Jackson averaged 2.6 BPG and 6.6 RPG as a Freshman at Kentucky this year.
He is a premier shot-blocker who has the athleticism and strength to turn into a really good scorer at the NBA level as well with further development. This will be a great draft pick at #26 and the Nuggets could use some depth at the Center position behind Nikola Jokic.
NBA Comp: Nerlens Noel
Brooklyn Nets: Ayo Dosunmu, 6-5 PG/SG Junior, Illinois
Ayo Dosunmu had a pretty spectacular season at Illinois which proved he is NBA ready and can contribute to a championship team. Dosunmu averaged 20 PPG, 5.3 APG, and 6.3 RPG in his Junior season at Illinois and shot an amazing 49 percent from the floor and 39 percent from beyond the arc. Dosunmu is getting knocked on draft boards because he really isn’t elite at anything.
He is just very good at everything! He can shoot and finish at the rim with ease, can create for his teammates and get them open, can rebound very well for a guard, and can defend really well on the perimeter. Ayo Dosunmu has one of the highest floors in the draft and I see Brooklyn as a really good fit if he falls to them. From what I am hearing right now though, Dosunmu should not fall past #22, but I am inclined to believe he still will simply because there are better fits for teams picking before the Nets.
NBA Comp: Delon Wright
Philadelphia 76ers: JT Thor, 6-10 SF/PF Freshman, Auburn
JT Thor raised his draft stock tremendously at the NBA Combine and in individual workouts and many scouts believe that led to a draft promise toward the end of the first round. Thor’s athleticism and improved jumper are what really stood out according to scouts who attended his pro day.
Thor could hit the 3PT shot with extreme consistency at the combine, something he struggled with showing at Auburn as a Freshman. Thor has always had the elite athleticism and defense, but the improved jump shot to go along with his 6-10 frame with a 7-4 wingspan scream upside and the 76ers need more of that. Thor would not have to play immediately and could transition into whatever role the 76ers choose for him to play.
NBA Comp: Pascal Siakam
Phoenix Suns: Na’Shon Hyland: 6-3 PG/SG Sophomore, VCU
Na’Shon Hyland is another prospect that has been exponentially rising up draft boards following an impressive NBA combine and pro day with scouts. Hyland is a very good scorer but is elite when it comes to using his athleticism to get into the lane and finish at the rim with ease.
He can also jump out of the gym and play great defense as well. For a Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Hyland’s playmaking needs to improve at the NBA level, but he has all of the physical tools to become a very good NBA player.
NBA Comp: Immanuel Quickley
Utah Jazz: Joshua Christopher, 6-5 SG Freshman, Arizona State
Josh Christopher’s Arizona State team didn’t do well at all. Many expected a team with Remy Martin, Marcus Bagley, and Joshua Christopher to at least make the NCAA tournament, but they didn’t even get to .500. They finished 11-14 and Christopher ended up averaging 14.3 PPG on 43.2 percent from the field. 14.3 PPG isn’t bad, but as one of the best scorers in the country, Christopher should have averaged more points than that.
Christopher also only shot barely 30 percent from 3, but many scouts have seen an improved 3PT shot in his pro day and at the NBA combine. Christopher is not a polished defender at all but can play some decent defense at times which is promising. Either way, Christopher is still a gifted scorer who is very athletic. He has tons of upside on the offensive end and should put it all together eventually. Question marks surround his one season at ASU, but that shouldn’t result in him falling outside of the first round.
NBA Comp: Norman Powell