2021 NBA Draft Recap: Shockers, Implications, Steals

The NBA ushered in a new rookie class as the 2021 Draft took place in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center.

TOP 5 Picks:

• Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State

Cunningham, a 6’8 rangy guard, averaged 20 PPG, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and shot 40% from three-point land in his one season in Stillwater.

• Houston Rockets: Jalen Green, G League Ignite

Green did not attend college in 2020 and instead elected to play for the NBA G-League as he saw it as an opportunity to play against more experienced players that would get him ready for the next level. His decision paid off as he was selected 2nd after averaging 18 PPG for the Ignite.

• Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley, USC

Mobley, a 7 foot center from USC, impressed in his one year at USC with his high motor and shot-blocking ability. Averaging 16PPG and 8 Rebounds, he will be a nice addition to help provide spacing for star PG Collin Sexton.

• Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes, Florida State

Barnes shot up the draft boards with strong pre-draft workout performances after averaging only 10 points at Florida State. Barnes projects well being 6’8 and having a 7’2 wingspan.

• Orlando Magic: Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga

Suggs was the most recognizable face on draft night due to his impressive performances throughout March Madness. Suggs should be able to step in day 1 and lead the Magic who look to improve on their 21 wins from last season.

Draft Night Trades

The biggest news from draft night was the trade that sent Russell Westbrook a 2nd round picks in 2024 and 2028 to the Wizards for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and the 22nd overall pick.

Russell Westbrook, who played at UCLA, returns home to Los Angeles as he looks to close out his career with a ring by teaming up with Lebron James.

The back half of the top 10 was filled with trades:

• Warriors traded with Minnesota to move up into the 7th spot to take SF Jonathan Kuminga from the G-League.

• The Magic traded with the Bulls to get back into the top 10 to take Franz Wagner from Michigan.

• The Grizzlies traded with the Pelicans to take impressive SF Zaire Williams from Stanford.

Late Round Picks to Look Out For

Boston Celtics: Juhann Begarin, France

Brad Stevens made his first-ever draft pick by selecting Begarinn with the 45th pick. Begarinn is a 6’5 guard with a 7-foot wingspan who could blossom into a steal for the Celtics as he is only 19 years old.

Philadelphia 76ers: Jaden Springer, Tennessee

Springer is only 18 and had an impressive first year in the super-competitive SEC averaging close to 13PPG as he shot over 43% from 3 point range. He should be able to help the Sixers immediately off the bench as they have struggled with shooting from deep over the last couple of years.

How do you think these players will effect their new teams? For the best NBA betting sites look no further than here.

Who to be on the lookout for in the 2022 Draft?

Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga

Chet Holmgren is the consensus favorite to be the number one pick in the 2022 draft. Holmgren is a 7’1 super athletic center that will be fun to watch on the Zags this upcoming season.

Paolo Banchero, Duke

Banchero is a rangy 6’9 forward from Seattle who will be playing at Duke this year. He was the number 2 rated player in the country last year and will have plenty of eyeballs on him this year playing for the popular Blue Devils.