2021 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 1-10

Tuesday, June 22 at 8:30 p.m. ET marks the date and time of the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery where it will be decided which teams are lucky enough to select potential assets to lead their franchise to success. Each year the teams with the worst record compete for the #1 draft selection. The Timberwolves, Rockets, Pistons, Magic, and Cavaliers will all be competing for that top draft spot on June 22.

• New generation of NBA players

This year’s number one pick seems like a no-brainer with Cade Cunningham set at a (-500) favorite to be drafted first overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, there’s a lot of uncertainty heading into this year’s draft with a handful of prospects playing a minimal amount of minutes for their university. This means you will likely see a variety in mock drafts from now until the eventual draft taking place on July 29.

Below, I will be sharing with you my picks and predictions for what to expect through the top 10 selections at the 2021 NBA Draft.

Top 10 2021 NBA Mock Draft Choices

#1 – Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State

Anyone who can get their hands on Cade will provide an immediate boost to any team’s front court. The 6-foot-8 guard who profiles as a franchise cornerstone should come to life with the opportunity NBA spacing presents. With a stepback similar to Trae Young and a drive to the basket like Kyrie Irving, Cunningham presents a lot of upside to any team lucky enough to receive the #1 overall pick.

#2 – Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga

If you watched the 2021 NCAA Tournament then you are more than likely familiar with the high talents of Jalen Suggs. It’s hard to ignore the natural drive and passion Suggs has for the game as he has the capability of bringing a lot of positive energy to an NBA roster. His defensive awareness matched with his dominance on offense makes Suggs a top candidate in the upcoming 2021 NBA Draft.

#3 – Evan Mobley, USC

Any team looking to add size to their roster will start by analyzing the top center in the 2021 Draft Class, Evan Mobley standing at 7-foot. Combine his ability to shot-block with his mobility and you are looking at the big man with long-term potential in his time in the NBA. Leading his school deep into March Madness, Mobley brings the desire to win to any team fortunate enough to have him on their roster.

#4 – Jalen Green, G-League

If we’re talking about pure ability to shoot and score then we must involve Jalen Green in the conversation. Making a name for himself in the G-League this past year with the Ignite Knights, Green established himself as the top shooting guard heading into this year’s draft. While, he can certainly develop more as a passer, his natural ability to hit a routine jumpshot goes unmatched.

#5 – Jonathan Kuminga, G-League

Averaging 15.8 points per game along with 7.2 rebounds this past season in the G-League, Kuminga heads into the draft as the #1 prospect at his position of small forward. The 6-foot-8 forward has the ability to rise high and put a nice touch on his release. Assuming the role of a guard, Kuminga also brings the skill to create and start a play from his hands.

#6 – Davion Mitchell, Baylor

It’s hard to imagine that the star and champion of the 2021 NCAA Tournament falls out of the top 10. Carrying the role of lead initiator, defensive stopper, and team leader makes Mitchell a top choice heading into the draft. It’s essential to keep in mind that winners in life tend to win again at one point or another.

#7 – James Bouknight, UCONN

A lot of today’s teams in the league suffer by not having enough options of players that can shoot beyond the arc. Selecting James Bouknight will provide your team with that extra player. Able to comfortably hit the deep three, Bouknight can give his future team a nice scoring addition with his savvy offensive skills.

#8 – Moses Moody, Arkansas

Shooting over 35% from three-point territory in his freshman year at Arkansas was just the beginning for Moses Moody. The 6’6’’ shooting guard presents a lot of positives with his shot-making ability, size, and hustle on the court. Proving to be reliable in the final minutes of the game, Moody has established himself as a future top 10 pick.

#9 – Scottie Barnes, Florida State

Scottie Barnes separates himself from the rest of the 2021 Draft Class as the top natural defender. It’s no secret that Barnes isn’t much of a scoring threat when he’s out there. The question is, will defense alone be enough to make Barnes a top 10 draft selection?

#10 – Corey Kispert, Gonzaga

Kispert enters the 2021 Draft leading the field in three-point percentage making over 44% of his attempts from beyond the arc. While I don’t anticipate him to have much of a game besides nailing shots from deep, the current player I would compare him to now is Joe Harris. He has the potential to have a great impact on any team with the threat he poses on the offensive side of the game.

June 22 the world will be aware of the order in which NBA teams draft potential stars. Unfortunately, we must be patient and wait until July 29 for the names to be announced. You think we’re excited? Just imagine how the players feel.