Basketball Dynasty 2021 Official Mock Draft
Jul 18, 2021 14:47:27 GMT -5
Oklahoma City Thunder (Loren), Detroit Pistons (Irwin), and 2 more like this
Post by Draft Express on Jul 18, 2021 14:47:27 GMT -5
1. Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham | PG | Oklahoma State
Iwrin is really tight lipped on anything he does so this is PURE speculation. With that being said I've got the Pistons taking Cunningham here. Iwrin knew exactly what the fuck he was doing this year. Lavine, Kawhi, Mikal, and Kyle Anderson lowkey had his team competitive early on in the year. Irwin said yeah, we're not doing that and shipped off Lavine for multiple firsts while dealing Kyle Anderson for a first and Aaron Nesmith. Combine that with Kawhi getting his regularly scheduled rest and the Pistons were right where he wanted. Cade checks basically every box besides maybe major athleticism. I still expect Pistons to run the tank back one more year and really get himself loaded for a 2022/2023 run. It's a long approach, but if you can be patient Irwin is showing it can be pretty effective.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Evan Mobley | C | USC
This was the first year Chris fully embraced the rebuild. Fast forward a couple months and Mobley is a really good first step. I personally think Mobley has huge upside and he is perfect for both our league and the real NBA. He has ideal physical profile for a modern big man. Outstanding coordination for his size. Quick off his feet. Explosive as a lob threat. On top of that he can stretch the floor and challenge shots at the rim with a 7'4 wing span. People don't realize it but Chris was the original drafter of both Clint Capela and Rudy Gobert- at 23 and 27 respectively. I fully expect Mobley to be the corner stone of the Spurs moving forward, in a process that is still about 2 years away from competition.
3. Houston Rockets
Jalen Green | SG | G-League
It's a bummer because the Rockets are kinda loaded at the guard position and could use a wing or a big. Regardless I think the Rockets go for best available and grab Green. I think a lot of people just think Green is an athletic freak, and obviously he is. But I see a lot of wiggle and footwork potential with his game. He's shifty and combines that with long strides and then obviously his physical gifts and I think the best version of that is going to be a really good bucket getter. I do have some concerns about his peripherals long term and who knows maybe free cares more about that than me, but I still think you bet on the talent and hope that the best version of Jalen still is a 37-40 fantasy point guy.
4. Phoenix Suns
Jalen Suggs | PG | Gonzaga
No brainer for me as Tyler's point guards are Kris Dunn and Dante Exum. I like Suggs as like an all-star but i'm not sure about like super star. And that's not even a knock on Suggs, the best guards in this league are just really really good. He was great at getting down hill and attacking the paint in college, and he's got a great feel for the game. To me the shot determines the upside. Regardless he is more than worthy of the 4th pick here, and Tyler's quiet rebuild continues.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
Scottie Barnes | SF/PF | Florida St.
Okay so I can't say I know for sure who Royce is taking but this is my gut. I can say for certain it won't be Kuminga. And while I think most would take Kuminga, I don't hate the Scottie pick. According to reports he's been really good in the pre-draft process. And in this league he is the type of wing that can be really effective in here. People will compare Draymond and I don't hate that comp but i think he'll end up having less assists, similar boards, and score a little more. On top of that Barnes seems a little more ready then some of the other guys in this spot and can hopefully help Royce field a competitive team this year.
6. Brooklyn Nets
Jonathan Kuminga | SF/PF | G League
Josh gave up the farm to move to 6 so all eyes are definitely on the Nets here. I'm conflicted here because Josh doesn't own his firsts and has superstars so he's in position to compete but Kuminga (depending on where he lands) probably doesn't contribute a ton this year. Regardless Kuminga has everything you need in a stud, he just needs the time and reps to get there. I get more athletic Julius Randle vibes as a 3 level wing scorer who can facilitate and crash the boards. It's probably just too much value to pass up.
7. Indiana Pacers
Alperen Sengun | C | Turkey
I've heard a lot of rumors Pacers could be moving this pick, but I'll guess they take Sengun if they keep it. Sengun was the MVP of a league full of full grown professional men. Look i know there are scares about whether he'll be able to stay on the floor in the modern game, but that shorts his intangibles and. basketball mind. You just don't dominate other men as an 18 year old, unless you really get the game. He's got GREAT hands which i love in a big, has touch, crashes, the boards, has passing feel, and is crafty on the block. I love the upside here at 7.
8. Toronto Raptors
Davion Mitchell | PG | Baylor
I have absolutely nothing to go off of for this pick as Perk has never made a lotto selection. That being said he probably isn't competitive next year so I would guess he just goes best available. I do have my concerns about Mitchell. He's small, never shot the ball well from the line, and is already kinda old. Regardless he has the intangibles, and the vibe that he isn't going to settle for anything less than an all-star guard. Regardless I don't hate taking Davion at 8.
9. Philadelphia 76ers
Josh Giddey | PG | Australia
So i've heard Kyle has been in a couple talks to either move up from 9 or trade back and get more assets. If he does end up picking I'll guess Giddey. Kyle has a ton of forwards and just took Ant at the 2 guard last year. I like Giddey a lot at this spot. There are valid concerns about his lack of quickness and jumper, but he's an extremely smart basketball player and has great size for the position. If he ends up in a spot that develops him correctly his game is the type that will translate really well in here.
10. Denver Nuggets
James Bouknight | SG | UCONN
No brainer here. I think Bouknight is going to go decently high irl so who knows if he's even there, but if he is i'd be shocked if he isn't a Nugget. Some concerns about his long term upside in here because he is score first, but regardless even if he hits like Sexton status that's great. value for the 10th pick.
11. Dallas Mavericks
Ziaire Williams | SF | Stanford
Okay some might say this is a reach as i assume he goes much later irl, but at this point in the draft Ziaire has the most upside. Yes, he had a terrible season, but he's a 18 year old playing in a pandemic season with zero rhythm and super par teammates. After digging into the character I have no concerns about his work ethic. He's 6'8 with a 7 foot wingspan and has a handle to him. He says his favorite player growing up was Kevin Durant and also loved watching Paul George. The Mavs are loaded and still have a ton of picks in the vault. Might as well shoot for the stars here at 11.
12. Denver Nuggets
Kai Jones | PF/C | Texas
This spot is interesting because theres a chance Kai falls irl. I think normally Kev would maybe gamble and hope he's still there at 16, but with Royce sitting at 15, I just don't see that happening. Kev has fully embraced the slow rebuild and has no issues waiting on Kai to develop. Kai is incredibly agile for a 6-foot-10 big. Track and field background, and it shows with his feet. Gets up and down the floor as well as any other big in the draft. Scores 1.29 points per possession in transition. Footwork shows on the defensive end. Very comfortable switching onto guards and wings. Projects as an asset in switch situations. Can play above the rim in space. He's far from it now, but the best version of Kai Jones is a really fun and game changing player. Upside is worth the gamble at 12 for me.
13. Detroit Pistons
Keon Johnson | SG | Tennesse
I could see Keon going to Mavs at 11 if the Thunder take him irl, but if not I think he drops to 13. Keon is still really far away from a polished product and that combined with the SG position mean that he most likely is an non factor this year unless he is in OKC. Like I mentioned earlier, Irwin probably runs back the tank for at-least another year so grabbing a guy who probably doesn't contribute much but still has a huge upside is a big win. Keon has super impressive physical tools, he's explosive in every sense of the word and combines that with great competitiveness. He's kinda like a less polished Jalen Green in a sense. Regardless if he can refine those little parts of the game he can be a really good player in this league. Another guy definitely worth a gamble on at the back end of the lotto.
14. Charlotte Hornets
Jalen Johnson | PF | Duke
Tough to know where the tight lipped Kennan is leaning, but i'll guess he takes Jalen and shores up his PF spot. Jalen has ideal physical tools to be successfully in this league and in here. Impressive combination of strength and explosiveness at 6-9, 220 pounds. Strong lower body. Plays with physicality. Extremely versatile defender. Can shift anywhere from 1 to 5 in a pinch. Good instincts off the ball. Rotates for blocks and charges. Aggressive rebounder on both ends. If he can develop a jumper he actually has a chance to be really good. The rebounds should give Jalen a pretty safe floor and if he can be efficient on offense he has high upside.
15. Memphis Grizzlies
Franz Wagner | SF | Michigan
I think Royce ends up stopping Franz slide at 15. Franz has little to no buzz from other owners but I think he's a guy that can step in and potentially help Royce right away. He's probably a little bit better irl than in here but, he has outstanding positional size for the wing at 6-9. Young for his class, not turning 20 until late August, making him the same age or younger than many freshman. Has grown considerably over the past few years and has a well-proportioned frame that should continue to fill out nicely in the coming years. Despite his youth, is one of the most experienced players in the draft, having played 59 games professionally in Europe as well as being the best player on a No. 1 seed NCAA tournament team this past season. On top of all this he is an impact defender with passing creativity. I think people are sleeping on Franz, and while I like him ore irl than in here, I think 15 is a good spot for him.
16. Denver Nuggets
Moses Moody | SF | Arkansas
This would be the start of a really nice draft for Kev if Moody drops here. Another one of those dudes whose fantasy game probably won't be great the first 2-3 years but that just doesn't matter to Kev rn. First off he has excellent length for a wing at 6-6 with a wingspan around 7-1. Wide shoulders. Fluid. Big reach for a wing. Length makes up for some of his lack of burst or bounce. On top of that he ranks in the top 10 in halfcourt scoring efficiency among players with over 400 possessions -- one of only two perimeter players (Max Abmas) in that group. Shot 36% from 3 and 81% from the free throw line. Capable with his feet set. Can rise up in mid-range spots also. Has a little more than most 3-and-D style wings. Shot 6.9 free throws per 40 minutes. Has a knack for drawing fouls. Shows glimpses as a passer. So who knows if Moses develops right you could have a Kawhi lite. Either way, he's a really good get at 16.
17. Milwaukee Bucks
Usman Garuba | PF/C | Spain
The defending champs went ahead and shipped off Capela in a deal that brought 17 back in the process. In the past Jacob has shown a ton of drafting prowess and has shown he trusts his depth enough to take someone whoever he feels will be best long term. As for the pick itself I have no idea, but i'll go with a guy who has been a defensive monster in the second best basketball league in the world. Rock solid resume' competing at the highest levels of basketball outside the NBA. Played nearly 90 professional games this past season for Real Madrid, the top team in Spain. Won the Rising Star trophy, given to the Euroleague's best player under the age of 22, as well as the "Best Young Player" of the 2020-2021 ACB season. Won gold medals at the U16 and U18 European Championships and a U18 club championship at the ANGT. He damn well could be the best defender in the class. On top of all this he started to shoot the 3 ball well enough to indicate maybe he can rip it in the NBA at some point. Either way expect Jacoby to nail this pick.
18. Dallas Mavericks
Tre Mann | PG | Florida
This is the point in the draft that really could go a million different ways. With Kira leaving town recently, I think Tre Mann can step in and fill the void pretty sufficiently. He has show cased some of the best shot creation abilities in the whole draft. He is a smooth finisher, with multiple moves to create space getting down hill, along with soft touch. 90th percentile in pull ups last year. Really the weaknesses are just can he do it at the next level, and can he make those next level NBA reads. Good pick up for Kyle.
19. Miami Heat
Isaiah Jackson | PF/C | Kentucky
I have zero idea what Sanjul is leaning in this spot. For me i'm gonna guess it's between Isaiah Jackson and Sharif Cooper but I know Sanjul loves his bigs and you really can never have enough of them. Basically with Isaiah you have a 6'9 dude that can like a gazelle and is long as all hell. I'm not sure he'll be consistent enough to be a 30+ min a night guy but he could follow a similar profile to Rob Williams. Someone who eats whenever he plays despite not playing a ton of minutes. Regardless Sanjul gets to hand pick another rook to add to his ridiculously young fun core. What a roster.
20. Denver Nuggets
Bones Hyland | PG | VCU
Kev is taking Bones if he's here. He's just a bucket
21. Philadelphia 76ers
Corey Kispert | SG | Gonzaga
Perfect landing spot for Corey as Kyle snags his 2nd Zag. I know Corey's game isn't fantasy friendly but if he turns into a Duncan or a Joe Harris that's still valuable. The only thing is SG is pretty loaded in Philly so maybe Peltz opps to shore up the point guard position with Sharif.
22. Cleveland Cavaliers
Sharife Cooper | PG | Auburn
I think Cavs stops the slide here and takes Cooper. Cavs has Aaron Holliday and Brunson at point right now, both solid options but both become restricted FA the following year. It's so clear how much feel for the game Cooper has when you watch him. He's got a great handle and just drops dimes all over the court. The issue is just the lack of a jumper and the lack of size. Both are pretty damn hard to over come. Regardless, if he even somewhat figures that out he has a decent amount of upside to justify grabbing at 22.
23. Portland Trailblazers
Chris Duarte | SG | Oregon
I have no idea who Tyler is thinking here, but guessing an Oregon player is never a bad place to start. I think there is a decent chance Duarte is picked before here irl so he could be nice slot value here. Tyler really is loaded with talent at most positions so he doesn't need to force anything. It's always a balance between production and upside at this stage in the draft. Maybe he makes an upside play.
24. Toronto Raptors
Trey Murphy | SF | Virginia
Trey has been a really big riser irl the past few weeks and I think he makes a lot of sense for Perk here. Perk clearly has a big whole at the SF position and Murphy very well could find himself as a starter in the right position. Seems to have everything you look for in a 3 and D prospect. Quite honestly he could make sense to Tyler the pick before.
25. Detroit Pistons
JT Thor | PF | Auburn
Irwin makes his 3rd appearance in the first round and honestly at this point i'm not sure where he is going to find the roster room. I was going to suggest a draft and stash guy, but Pistons only has one spot left. Either way the Pistons are going to be a really fun team to monitor and even if they aren't competitive this year, the team will be fully of talent 1-12.
26. Toronto Raptors