2021 NBA DRAFT RECAP

The 2021 NBA Draft is in the books as the NBA welcomes another wave of talent to the league. This is the 75th anniversary of the NBA as the top three picks of the NBA stayed the same as most mock drafts anticipated.

The Toronto Raptors decided to shake things up as most experts thought that Jalen Suggs would complement Fred VanVleet; however, they took forward Scottie Barnes, who many believe has one of the highest ceilings in this year’s draft.

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Jalen Suggs waited one more spot for his name to be called as he is a floor general and is a proven winner as he showcased his skills at Gonzaga. Some trades went down on draft night.

The Los Angeles Lakers made a trade with the Washington Wizards as they landed All-Star Russell Westbrook. The Sacramento Kings almost landed sharpshooter Buddy Hield to the Lakers for Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell and other pieces.

The Lakers ultimately pivoted and went with the Westbrook trade. Westbrook had the desire to go back home and played college ball at UCLA.

The youngest player and the oldest player in this year’s draft were taken in back-to-back selections in the lottery. Joshua Primo (youngest) was selected by the San Antonio Spurs, and Chris Duarte (oldest) was selected by the Indiana Pacers.

The NBA also recognized the late Terrance Clarke, who tragically passed away due to a car accident in April. Commissioner Adam Silver halted the draft to invite his family up on the stage. Clarke would have received the honor of getting his name called had the tragedy had not taken place.

LOTTERY PICKS SELECTION RECAP

1. Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State (Detroit Pistons)
2. Jalen Green, G League Ignite (Houston Rockets)
3. Evan Mobley, USC (Cleveland Cavaliers)
4. Scottie Barnes, Florida State (Toronto Raptors)
5. Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga (Orlando Magic)
6. Josh Giddey, Australia (Oklahoma City Thunder)
7. Jonathan Kuminga, G League Ignite via Minnesota Timberwolves (Golden State Warriors)
8. Franz Wagner, Michigan via Chicago Bulls (Orlando Magic)
9. Davion Mitchell, Baylor (Sacramento Kings)
10. Ziaire Williams, Stanford via New Orleans Pelicans (Memphis Grizzlies)
11. James Bouknight, Connecticut (Charlotte Hornets)
12. Joshua Primo, Alabama (San Antonio Spurs)
13. Chris Duarte, Oregon (Indiana Pacers)
14. Moses Moody, Arkansas (Golden State Warriors)

DRAFT DAY TRADES RECAP

• The Los Angeles Lakers are sending Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, and Montrezl Harrell and pick number 22, Isaiah Jackson for star Russell Westbrook, 2024 second-round pick, and 2028 second-round picks
• Indiana Pacers acquired the 22nd pick from the Wizards for Aaron Holiday, and the 31st pick selected Isaiah Todd via Bucks and Pacers. Number 54 selected Sandro Mamukelashvili and 60 selected Georgios Kalaitzakis to go to the Bucks
• Both Kuzma and Harrell may be assets to land guard Spencer Dinwiddie who likes the idea of sharing the same backcourt with Bradley Beal.
• The Minnesota Timberwolves will send Ricky Rubio to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Taurean Prince.
• The Phoenix Suns acquired Landry Shamet from the Brooklyn Nets for Jevon Carter, and the 29th pick selected Day’Ron Sharpe.
• The Detroit Pistons traded Mason Plumlee and 37th pick, selected JT Thor to the Charlotte Hornets for number 57, selected Balsa Koprivica.
• The Oklahoma City Thunder will receive two future first rounds from the Houston Rockets for the 16th pick, selected Alpreren Sengun.
• The New York Knicks will be sending pick 19 to the Charlotte Hornets for a future first-round pick, selected Kai Jones.
• The Knicks are also trading pick number 21, Keon Johnson to the Los Angeles Clippers for pick number 25, and a future second-rounder via Detroit.
• Utah Jazz traded pick 30 to the Memphis Grizzlies, selected Santi Aldama for pick 40, selected Jared Butler and future picks.
• Clippers acquire pick number 33, selected Jason Preston for a future pick.
• Thunder sent pick number 32, selected Jeremiah Robinson-Earl from Pistons via Knicks for number 34, selected Rokas Jokubaitis and pick number 35, selected Miles McBride.
• Portland Trail Blazers get pick number 43 from the Pelicans (from Wizards), selected Greg Brown.
• Pelicans trade pick number 51 to the Clippers, select Brandon Boston (from Trail Blazers via Grizzlies).