NBA Mock Draft Picks 1–14
No introduction needed. Let’s get mocking!
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, G, Oklahoma State
Comp: Jayson Tatum
Stats: 20.1 PPG, 6.2 REB, 3.5 AST, 1.6 STL, 43.8% FG%, 40% 3PFG%, 84.6% FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: There is just so much to love about Cade Cunningham’s game. He can score and create his own shot from all three levels, can create scoring opportunities for others and control the game like not many college players can, especially freshmen. His handle is sharp, and his dribble bag seems infinite. Cade is also a decent defender, (at 6’8”, 220, he can conceivably guard 1–4 in the league) and he was extremely clutch last season; Oklahoma State played in a lot of close games last season, and Cade usually came through with timely baskets.
Fit with the Pistons: After over half a century, the lottery gods finally blessed the Pistons with the number one overall pick. They now have the opportunity to add Cunningham to a roster full of intriguing young talent, including Jerami Grant, Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart. Cunningham has proven that he can be the engine that can power the Motor City out of the cellar of the Eastern Conference. That sounded a bit hyperbole, but Cunningham’s ability to score from all three levels, command an offense and create scoring opportunities for others as a 6’8” point guard make him the easy number one pick. Please, Detroit, don’t screw this up.
Houston Rockets: Jalen Green, G/F, G League Ignite
Comp: Vince Carter
Stats: 17.9 PPG, 4.1 REB, 2.8 AST, 1.5 STL, 46.1 FG%, 36.5% 3PFG%, 82.9 FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: Another guy with franchise scorer potential, Green opted for the G League last season and looked every bit of a top three pick. His defense still needs some work, and he needs to bulk up a bit (6’6”, 180 pounds), but his seemingly innate ability to score from all three levels and his incredible athleticism/explosion make him the worthy selection here. There were a few acrobatic layups and highlight dunks Green made in the G League that legitimately made me go “holy sh*t”; not many guys have the “holy sh*t” factor, but Green certainly does.
Fit with the Rockets: This Houston squad is in rebuild mode, so they’ll take whoever is highest on their board. Evan Mobley would be a fine selection here, as he has the tools to be a franchise big man and will most likely have at least a few All-Star appearances. But in a league where perimeter scorers seem more valuable than ever, taking a guy like Green who I think can average 25 PPG one day would give the Rockets a true alpha on offense.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley, C, USC
Comp: College Anthony Davis
Stats: 16.4 PPG, 8.7 REB, 2.4 AST, 2.9 BLK, 57.8% FG%, 30% 3PFG% (only 1.2 attempts/game), 69.4 FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: A phenomenal defender and shot blocker, Mobley was USC’s anchor throughout the season and during the NCAA Tournament, where he led the Trojans to the Elite Eight and was by far their best player. Mobley combines godly athleticism for a seven footer with outstanding shot blocking, defensive versatility, passing and a knack for defending without fouling (only two fouls/game last season). He can also handle the ball very well for a seven footer. Like Jalen Green, Mobley will need to put on some weight (7’0”, 210 pounds) in order to bang and crash inside with bigger big men,
Fit with the Cavaliers: Should Mobley fall to three, Cleveland’s front office should be doing backflips in celebration. The Cavs would have one of the better young cores in the league in Sexland, Isaac Okoro, and a Mobley-Jarrett Allen frontcourt, which would immediately be one of the best shot rim protecting duos in the league. We just saw in the last two NBA Finals how valuable versatile rim protectors can be (AD and Giannis), and I think Mobley can be just that on a championship team.
Toronto Raptors: Jalen Suggs, G, Gonzaga
Comp: Kyle Lowry
Stats: 14.4 PPG, 5.3 REB, 4.5 AST, 1.9 STL, 50.3% FG%, 33.7% 3PFG%, 75.4% FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: Although I think Jalen Green and Evan Mobley are better prospects than Suggs, I wouldn’t be shocked if he went as high as second; if he ends up being the best player in this class, I wouldn’t be surprised at all. Suggs is a winner who makes winning plays a la blocking Austin Riley then diming Drew Timme. Suggs fuses athleticism and skill unlike many prospects I’ve ever seen, and uses it well to create shots for himself and others. I can see Suggs becoming a franchise point guard.
Fit with the Raptors: The Raptors seem closer to a rebuild than the playoffs, and the lottery gods gave them a great start by slingshotting them all the way into the top four. With this pick, they’ll probably select whoever is available between Suggs, Mobley or Green. With Kyle Lowry entering his age 35-season, now would be a good time to bring in a guy like Suggs who reminds me a lot of his potentially prospective mentor, Kyle Lowry.
Orlando Magic: Scottie Barnes, F, Florida State
Comp: Draymond Green
Stats: 10.3 PPG, 4.0 REB, 4.1 AST, 1.5 STL, 50.3 FG%, 27.5 3PFG%, 62.1 FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: Barnes is a tantalizing on-ball defender, can legitimately guard 1–5, and best of all, he cares. A lot. We just saw in the NBA Finals how much a guy like Bobby Portis can uplift a team, and Barnes’ energy and leadership on the court reminds me of just that. However, his jump shooting needs a lot of work, and his overall creation skills on offense are limited.
Fit with the Magic: Barnes is the embodiment of a recent Orlando Magic draft pick: A long armed, elite defender with a somewhat limited offensive game. Barnes (almost) fits that description exactly. With the Magic in full rebuild mode after trading away Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon this past season, they can be patient with Barnes and allow him to develop around Orlando’s other young guys.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Jonathan Kuminga, F, G League Ignite
Stats: 15.8 PPG, 7.2 REB, 2.7 AST, 38.7% FG%, 24.6% 3PFG%, 62.5% FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: While Kuminga is extremely raw in terms of pure basketball skill, his athletic upside is hard to ignore when watching him. On G League Ignite last season, he showed off incredible hops and off the charts explosiveness, similar to his teammate and de facto top three pick Jalen Green. His aggressiveness on offense is encouraging, and his fusion of size and athleticism is what makes Kuminga exciting. The 16 points a game he averaged last season can’t be ignored either, especially against better-than-college talent.
Fit with the Thunder: Sam Presti is totally the guy that would make a super spicy selection here like Alperen Sengun or someone not expected to go this high. He could also package one of the 65 future Thunder first rounders to move up. Considering the current state of the Thunder (bad roster and truckload of future draft picks), neither of those scenarios would surprise me at all, but I feel like Kuminga is the selection here. His game is extremely raw and unrefined (poor shooting, decision making and overall feel for the game), but his size/athleticism combo along with his scoring ability give him the potential to be a really good NBA player (if developed correctly). I know the first part of that sentence didn’t sound very encouraging, but if there’s any team that has the time to develop a guy like Kuminga right now, it’s the Thunder.
Golden State Warriors: Davion Mitchell, G, Baylor
Comp: Jrue Holiday
Stats: 14.0 PPG, 2.7 REB, 5.5 AST, 1.9 STL, 51.1% FG%, 44.7 3PFG%, 64.1 FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: The clear alpha dog on Baylor’s national championship squad, Mitchell is a “win-now” player. You don’t earn the nickname “Off Night” if you’re not an elite on-ball defender, which is exactly what Mitchell (who’s somehow not Donovan Mitchell’s long lost brother) is. Despite being undersized at 6’2”, Mitchell constantly made life hell for ball handlers with elite defensive fundamentals and an ultra competitive spirit. On offense, Mitchell constantly attacked the basket and also drastically improved his three point shooting from 2019-20 to last season (32% to 45%).
Fit with the Warriors: Unlike most of the teams in the lottery, the Warriors are looking to contend for a championship this season. With everyone healthy, Golden State certainly has a shot to return to the Finals, but they’ll need more quality depth in order to get there. Jordan Poole was a serviceable backup to Stephen Curry last season, but Mitchell’s on-ball defensive skills bring an element to the Warriors that will be of great use to them against perimeter stars in the West such as Damian Lillard (TBD), Devin Booker, Jamal Murray, Davion’s long lost brother Donovan, and more.
Orlando Magic: Moses Moody, G, Arkansas
Comp: Robert Covington
Stats: 16.8 PPG, 5.8 REB, 1.6 AST, 42.7 FG%, 35.8% 3PFG%, 81.2% FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: Three-and-D players are all the rage nowadays, and Moody certainly fits the description. Moody proved to be an excellent shooter from downtown last season, coupling a smooth shot release and a sublime ability to move without the ball with solid shooting numbers. On defense, Moody effectively used great defensive awareness and his seven foot wingspan (??!!) to deflect passes and make plays on the ball.
Fit with the Magic: Only three teams finished with a lower three point shooting percentage than Orlando last season, and the Magic haven’t had a knockdown shooter since Evan Fournier (I think?), but before that, it was probably JJ Redick. If the Magic want to exit this vicious cycle of owning picks 5–12 every draft, they’ll need to start hitting shots, and picking Moody would be a step in the right direction.
Sacramento Kings: Keon Johnson, G/F, Tennessee
Comp: Latrell Sprewell
Stats: 11.3 PPG, 3.5 REB, 2.5 AST, 1.1 STL, 44.9% FG%, 27.1 3PFG%, 70.3% FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: Keon Johnson has springs in his feet. He doesn’t, but watching him, it sure feels like it. Johnson’s explosiveness is off the charts, as he put together a pretty solid highlight reel of dunks in his lone year in Knoxville. Defense, however, is Johnson’s calling card. He sports fantastic fundamentals and always seemed to find a way to get his hands on the ball. Throw in an Uber-competitive spirit and a hustling mentality, Johnson’s defense and athleticism should make him a lottery pick despite lacking a consistent jump shot. That’s a concern, but with Johnson’s work ethic, I think Johnson can develop a solid jumper.
Fit with the Kings: The play-in tournament last season pranked us and the Kings into thinking they’re a fringe playoff team, which they are not. However, the Kings probably think they’re there, so they’ll go with a guy who can contribute right away. With Richaun Holmes hitting free agency and Marvin Bagley III being eternally in the shadows of Trae, Luka and Ayton, they may go with a big like Kai Jones, but Johnson would bring defensive stability to a Sacramento squad that finished dead last in defensive efficiency last season and hasn’t had a good defense in a long time.
Memphis Grizzlies: Josh Giddey, PG, Australia
Comp: Joe Ingles
Stats: 10.9 PPG, 7.4 REB, 7.5 AST, 42.7 FG%, 29.3% 3PFG%, 69.1 FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: Giddey is the best offensive facilitator in this draft behind Cade Cunnningham. He’s a phenomenal passer who’s passing toolbag is VERY deep (one handers, bounce passes, cross court dimes, etc.). His feel for the game and overall basketball IQ is extremely advanced for an 18 year old, as he can see plays before they happen and can direct traffic like a seasoned veteran. His three point shooting, ball handle, on-ball defense and overall athleticism aren’t good, and that will certainly cap his upside if he can’t improve those aspects of his game, but Giddey’s ability to facilitate, his size and his overall feel for the game at only 18 should make him at least a terrific role player in the NBA.
Fit with the Grizzlies: Having not missed on a draft pick in a very long time, I trust the Grizzlies to make a smart selection here, and a smart player like Giddey would fit the bill. They could use another perimeter playmaker next to Ja Morant, someone who can create scoring opportunities for others with Ja as the primary scorer. While Giddey may not be ready to do that right away, he can certainly provide such services as a starter in a few years.
Charlotte Hornets: Kai Jones, C, Texas
Comp: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Stats: 8.8 PPG, 4.8 REB, 0.6 AST, 58% FG%, 38.3 3PFG%, 68.9 FG%
Simplified Scouting Report: Jones is raw, but skilled. He’s only been playing organized basketball since 2017, but he flashed some serious potential to be a valuable versatile five in the league at Texas. He’s extremely athletic and can run really well in transition. On offense, he can handle the ball confidently, although he tends to get out of control sometimes. He’s unafraid to throw his body at defenders inside and doesn’t avert contact. He didn’t shoot threes too much, but when he did, he did it with confidence, and his shot mechanics don’t need to be fixed very much. On defense, he can guard 1–5, as he can keep up with quicker guards and can match up against legit fives at 6’11”, 220 pounds.
Fit with the Hornets: With apologies to Indiana Hoosiers legend Cody Zeller (UFA), Raptors playoff legend Bismack Biyombo (UFA) and Duke stud Vernon Carey Jr, the Hornets need depth at the five. They have stellar forwards (Hayward, Bridges, Monk, Washington) , a super exciting rising star at point guard (LaMelo) and other really good backcourt scorers (Rozier and Graham), but the five is where Charlotte is lacking. Jones’ versatility on both ends of the floor coupled with his potential and Charlotte’s need for a five make Jones a really nice fit for the Hornets. Him running the pick and roll with LaMelo is extremely exciting to think about.
San Antonio Spurs: Franz Wagner, F, Michigan
Comp: Gordon Hayward lite
Stats: 12.5 PPG, 6.5 REB, 3.0 AST, 47.7 FG%, 34.3% FG%, 83.5 FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: Wagner’s defensive stability and shooting potential should have him selected by, at the very least, the mid-teens. On defense, he’s exceptional at moving his feet, staying in front of his man and positioning himself in areas to make an impact. His hands are constantly active, and overall, Wagner sports above average awareness on defense. On offense, while his shot creation is lacking, he’s a solid passer and has a promising three point stroke.
Fit with the Spurs: Wagner seems like a very Spurs-y pick. He’s a really good on-ball defender and is a disciplined basketball player. I’m not exactly conducting the Franz train, as I don’t see him becoming anything more than a sixth man and wouldn’t be totally shocked if lottery teams pass on him because of his (at least seemingly) limited upside, but his high floor will serve him well in the NBA and make him a valuable bench piece on a playoff team.
Indiana Pacers: James Bouknight, G, UConn
Comp: CJ McCollum
Stats: 18.7 PPG, 5.7 REB, 1.8 AST, 1.1 STL, 44.7 FG%, 29.3 % 3PFG%, 77.8 FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: Bouknight. Gets. Buckets. A true three level scorer, Bouknight has a scorer’s mentality and can beat defenders with a variety of dribble moves. While his three point shooting percentage wasn’t great last season, his solid mechanics and the fact that he had to force shots sometimes due to the lack of talent on UConn last season suggest he can become a solid three point shooter (Cole Anthony was in a similar situation at UNC two seasons ago).
Fit with the Pacers: Honestly, I don’t think Bouknight will be available at 13 on draft night, I probably should have had him go higher. BUT, should he fall to the Pacers, I think it would be smart for them to take the best player available and add some scoring punch. A Bouknight-Brogdon-LaVert/Warren-Sabonis-Turner lineup would be super skilled and super fun to watch, and even having Bouknight as a sixth man would be intriguing as well.
Golden State Warriors: Chris Duarte, G/F, Oregon
Comp: Klay Thompson lite
Stats: 17.1 PPG, 4.6 REB, 2.7 AST, 53.2% FG%, 42.4% FG%, 81% FT%
Simplified Scouting Report: Duarte is a SHOOTA. Not a shooter, a shoota. Sporting one of the sweetest strokes in this year’s I’ve ever seen from a college player (really, it is SILKY smooth), Duarte is money from downtown and can destroy teams from the perimeter in a variety of different ways. He can shoot off the catch, off the dribble, off of screens, on the run and with a hand in his face. He’s exceptional at moving without the ball and locating to an open spot on the perimeter. Along with being a decent shot creator and playmaker, Duarte has solid touch around the basket and can finish through contact very well. On defense, Duarte plays like an All-Pro safety, constantly anticipating passing lanes and coming up with steals (Two per game last season). He’s not a great on-ball defender, but his rotations are seamless and he never seems out of position on defense. Duarte’s ultra-refined game makes him a win-now player who will immediately carve out a role on any team.
Fit with the Warriors: Should the Warriors hold on to their two lottery picks on Thursday, win-now players should be the top priority. Duarte is 24 (older than Jayson Tatum), which does put a cap on how much more he can improve as a player, but like I said previously, we know who he is and what he can bring to the table. When Steph and Klay are off the floor (or on the floor), the Warriors could use another shooting threat, and Duarte is exactly that plus great off-ball defense and decent shot creation. Duarte to the Warriors is one of the more perfect matches in this year’s class.
