Zach Blaine

2021 NBA Mock Draft

The NBA Draft is one the most exciting times of the year and also the most unpredictable. Year after year, young men see their dreams come true as they finally have a chance to compete at the highest level. Drafting these 18 year-old guys is a shot in the dark for most teams as you never truly know how a prospect will pan out. This year’s draft features a handful of blue chip prospects that have the opportunity to transcend a franchise. Headlined by Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley, the class of 2021 has an unusual amount of depth throughout the entire lottery.

The Draft is set for Thursday, June 29^th while the NBA Summer League will begin August 8^th, which gives everyone their first glance at the rookie class. This figures to be a fun night for NBA fans and players alike.

Let’s take a look at where some of these prospects could end up…

Cade goes first

Cade Cunningham is the odds on favorite to be the first overall pick. His pace is unique for his age and he has incredible scoring and playmaking ability. A 6’9 point guard doesn’t come round too often.

2. The Rockets get their franchise scorer

Jalen Green going to the Rockets makes sense as Houston is looking for their next go-to scorer. Insane athletic ability, solid decision making and maybe the most upside in the draft, Green to the Rockets would be a great selection at number 2 overall.

3. The Cavs pair Garland with a pick n role buddy

Evan Mobley as the big man of the future should be a dream come true for Cavs fans. Could be considered as a steal at 3^rd overall, Mobley has the ability to impact the games on both sides of the floor. Being able to put the ball on the floor and shoot a little bit, the skillset of Mobley is extremely advanced for a 7 footer.

4. Toronto replaces Lowry

Jalen Suggs has the potential to be the point guard of the Raptors for the next decade. With the recent hiring of Earl Watson, Suggs could thrive under his coaching and excel some of his skills that aren’t as refined. The playmaking and constant bursts of athleticism are a few of the things that make Suggs so highly regarded.

5.The Magic nab Kuminga

The draft will begin at this pick as everything after this is a little up in the air. The Magic selecting Jonathan Kuminga here makes sense as they add a new school big to their young core. The Magic could use a little bit of everything but Kuminga could be a nice replacement for Aaron Gordon.

6. Presti does it again, selects Bouknight

The Thunder are in a nice spot here as they could go a couple different ways. Sam Presti has been known in the past to reach a little bit whether that be with Russell Westbrook, James Harden or even Steven Adams. The Thunder selecting James Bouknight here makes sense as they need a scoring guard to play alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Bouknight has some of the highest upside in the draft.

7. Warriors add guard depth with Mitchell

This mock draft is assuming all teams keep their pick as the Warriors selections have a high chance of being moved to another team. If they keep it, selecting Davion Mitchell would be a great pick as he could find his niche behind the splash brothers as he will defend at a high level and also score and make plays.

8. Magic get best available in Barnes

Scottie Barnes might be gone by the time this pick comes around but if he is available the Magic will be thrilled. Barnes can do it all and his stock has been rising as of late. A little bit of a tweener, Barnes plays hard enough to cover some of his flaws.

9. Kings replace Buddy? Create nice guard trio with Moses Moody addition

The Kings are in an interesting spot here as they need a big man but at the 9^th spot, big men are a little bit of a reach. Selecting the 6’6 combo guard, Moses Moody, would give them a multitude of guard lineups that could keep the defense of their heels. Fox, Haliburton and Moody could be fun to watch in Sacramento.

10. Pelicans add a sniper in Kispert

The perfect fit for the Pelicans at 10 would be Gonzaga’s, Corey Kispert. The Pelicans need help spacing the floor for Zion and Kispert is the best shooter in the draft. If he develops a wider offensive arsenal, look out.

11. Hornets rely on talent of Jalen Johnson

The Hornets are in a tricky spot here as Kispert would also fit well for them. If he is gone, Jalen Johnson could be the name that gets called. His Duke season ended early as a result of Covid-19 but his offensive arsenal is advanced and he can also defend at the next level. Johnson might have been taken higher had he finished his season with the Blue Devils.

12. Spurs get one of the best athletes in Keon Johnson

The Spurs have had a lot of recent success in the past few drafts and look for that to continue with this selection. Tennessee’s Keon Johnson is one of the best athletes in the draft and is a raw prospect. The point guard showed flashes throughout the season and with the right coaching, Johnson could take-off.

13. Pacers like versatility of Franz Wagner

Franz Wagner led his Michigan squad to a number 1 overall seed in the tournament and did so by dominating both ends of the floor. With great size for his position, Wagner could be a prolific 3 and D guy if all goes well. Although he was seen to get pushed off his path to the hoop rather easily, Wagner could build muscle and outplay his ADP.

14. Warriors looks for a gem. Select hybrid player Ziaire Williams.

Finishing out the lottery is the Warriors once again. The Warriors will look for the highest ranked on their board and that could be Williams from Stanford. A Brandon Ingram type player, Ziaire has many aspects to his game. A great passer, strong finisher and capable shooter, Williams could excel in the Bay Area.

Team USA vs Nigeria Recap

Team USA played Team Nigeria in an exhibition match in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics. This was the first of five exhibition games the teams will play. Team Nigeria defeated the U.S. 90 to 87 in one of the biggest upsets in recent memory. This could be the best win for any country on the continent of Africa in regards to foreign basketball. Although it was an exhibition, it didn’t feel that way. Team Nigeria played relentless, team basketball and pushed the pace throughout the entire game. Gabe Vincent led the way for the D’Tigers scoring 21 points on 6 of 8 shooting from beyond the arc. Team Nigeria made a total of 21 3-pointers in the game. The hot shooting certainly helped the Nigerians get the win but the toughness and effort displayed cannot go unnoticed.

How Nigeria got here:

Led by head coach Mike Brown, the D’Tigers have a plethora of NBA talent on the roster and that was showcased tonight. There are 3 members of the Miami Heat on the team in KZ Okpala, Precious Achiuwa and the aforementioned Gabe Vincent. Also on the team from the NBA is Josh Okogie, Jahlil Okafor, Chimezie Metu , Jordan Nwora and veteran Ekpe Udoh. The talent is apparent but it was a non-NBA star that shined tonight in Caleb Agada. This young man made himself some money tonight. Agada displayed his scoring ability pouring in 18 points, which felt like much more. He led the Israeli league in scoring this past season and after that performance it is safe to say he won’t be returning to that team.

Who to watch for Nigeria:

Team Nigeria has talent all over the floor but a young, raw prospect that could really benefit from the physicality of the foreign game and this experience is the long, skilled KZ Okpala. Okpala can guard a variety of positions as he started the game on Damian Lillard and was later in the closing lineup guarding Kevin Durant. He can shoot the long ball and also has the ability to put the ball on floor and make plays for his teammates. A lot like Brandon Ingram, Okpala has the frame to be a successful NBA player and this experience will only be beneficial for the youngster out of Stanford.

The future for Nigeria:

As an inexperienced country playing in the Olympics, Nigeria has to find their identity. What they take pride in. After watching the game tonight, effort, athleticism and togetherness really stick out in how this team can form a culture and build on this massive win. Mike Brown at the helm is a perfect blend because of the different levels of experience he has around the basketball world.

To Team USA:

It doesn’t count. That is the best thing the Americans can take away from this game as there is probably some shock amongst the team. This could, however, be a good thing for team USA as they pursue another gold medal. Kevin Durant started the game 2/11 before hitting some clutch 3 pointers down the stretch but this definitely impacted the score early on. The US is 54-2 since 1992 in scrimmage games and this blunder is stunning to everyone involved. But, give Nigeria credit, and as coach Popovich said after the game, “they made a lot of threes.”

Who to watch for USA:

Every time the Olympics come around, one player always takes his game to the next level and becomes a star amongst the stars. Whether it was Charles Barkley with the Dream Team or Kobe setting the tone for the 2008 squad, somebody always steps up. The player who could take on that challenge for this team is Damian Lillard. With range from the parking lot and as tough as they come, Dame has the ability to shine on this team. Shooting is massive in overseas basketball and Lillard can keep the pressure on at all times. In his first Olympics, it isn’t hard to expect a brilliant run for Dame Time.

The Veteran:

Similar to the shining star bit, there is always a leader who steps up for the decorated team. The most recent veteran leader who stands out would be Jason Kidd and the impact he had on the Olympic team that went to Beijing. Draymond Green can be that same voice for this squad as his defense and energy can jump start everyone at any time. Championship pedigree and the ultimate competitor, Draymond can be a pivotal asset in closing lineups and setting crucial screens to get shooters good looks. Green will no doubt have his voice heard on this rendition of team USA.

The Ben Simmons Trade Saga

What does the future hold for Ben Simmons?

If you are reading this, you are more than likely aware of the drama that will continue to grow throughout the off-season that is Ben Simmons. After an abysmal playoff run at the free-throw line, Simmons has been looked at as the scapegoat and a major factor for the Philadelphia 76ers not advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals and potentially a championship run. Although his playmaking and defensive ability are something to marvel at, the limitations on the offensive end have the Sixers stuck in mud. A liability in close games late, coach Nate McMillan was able to expose Simmons’ weakness and send him to the line late in games using the Hack-A-Shaq rule. He was 15 for 45 (33%) from the charity stripe in the Hawks series and 34.2% overall in the playoffs which is the worst percentage in NBA playoff history among players who had at least 70 attempts.

Social media took this and ran with it as you can imagine and he continued to be the main headline for Sixers basketball throughout the playoffs. Fans have urged general manager Daryl Morey to trade Ben and look for other options to pair with Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris. Since this is a topic of discussion… Let’s look at a few options for the Sixers GM and around the league.

Morey calls Pop:

If in fact the Sixers decide to trade Simmons, the San Antonio Spurs could be a taker on the 2-time All-Star. A package that could make sense is…

The 12^th overall pick

Derrick White for Ben Simmons

Jakob Poetl

This trade makes sense for both sides as the Sixers get a playmaking guard in White and can also you the draft pick to fill another facilitating role. Poetl will add good big man depth behind Embiid.

The Bulls return to the Promise Land:

Another team that could look to make a splash move this offseason is the Chicago Bulls. After adding Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline, the Bulls aren’t scared to get better. With Zach LaVine as budding superstar, the Bulls are in win now mode. Billy Donovan will be in his second year and will be looking to return to the playoffs for the first since 2009.

Lauri Markkanen Ben Simmons

Daniel Theis for Shake Milton

Thaddeus Young

This trade is great for the Sixers as well because adding the outside shooting of Markkanen at stretch 4 spot could really free up the key for Embiid. Theis and Young would add solid veteran depth.

Draymond 2.0

Bob Myers isn’t afraid of making a big move or shaking up his roster a little bit. Playing alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson feels like the best thing possible for Ben Simmons. Simmons could bring a new flare to the offense and expand the even more position less NBA. A lineup of Steph, Klay, Draymond, Ben and some dude off the street would be scary for the league.

Here is a couple of trades the Warriors could attempt…

1^st:

7^th overall pick

Jordan Poole for Ben Simmons

Kevon Looney

2^nd:

14^th overall pick

Eric Paschall for Ben Simmons

Sign and trade Kelly Oubre

This trade could benefit both teams and would give Ben a fresh start on a team where he doesn’t have to be a scoring threat. His defensive versatility could shine on the Warriors. A fast break that starts with a Simmons rebound could be scary.

Team USA adds a familiar face

JaVale McGee is going to Tokyo? JaVale McGee is going to Tokyo.

To be selected as one of the 12 basketball players to play for Team USA in the Olympics is one the biggest honors any athlete can achieve. Being on the select team is impressive in itself but being one of the members fighting for the Gold is an entirely different accolade. As Covid-19 continues to influence the roster, Coach Popovich along with Grant Hill and Jerry Colangelo have done their due diligence in shaping a roster that gives them the best chance to win.

Players such as Kevin Love, Bradley Beal have already been told they will not be able to travel with team to Tokyo and as of today (July 19^th) Zach LaVine has entered the health and safety protocols.

JaVale McGee was the big man chosen by the front office to in a sense replace Kevin Love at the center position. A common fan would laugh and snarl at this decision but looking closely at it, the addition of McGee makes sense.

At one the point the star of Shaqtin-A-Fool, McGee turned himself into a formidable player and a 3-time NBA champion. He won two rings with the Warriors and another one in the bubble with the Lakers.

The rules of FIBA are much different than the NBA and this is where McGee can have an impact and possibly a reason Team USA saw him as a good fit. McGee has been known to make hilariously bad plays in his past but some of these play are now completely legal.

The FIBA rules allows players to knock the ball off the cylinder before it falls into the hoop. This seems like a dream come true for JaVale. The length and athleticism of McGee could really shine in short spurts for Team USA as his once illegal goaltends are now encouraged.

His shot-blocking could also be a key asset for the Americans as he is easily the tallest player on the team. McGee can run the floor and is also not dependent of his offensive game to get him going. This version of Team USA has a ton of fire power on the offensive end so bringing in a more hustle, dirty work type of player like McGee was smarter than one might think. Look for JaVale to make an impact for Team USA in Tokyo as they pursue yet another Gold Medal

Nigerian Basketball Roster Announced

The final 12-man roster has been announced for the D’Tigers as they plan to head to Tokyo for the Olympics.

The team has been nothing short of amazing in the 3 preliminary exhibition matches in Las Vegas. The Nigerians defeated Team USA and Argentina and lost to the formidable Australian national team whom is always riddled with NBA talent.

Nigerian basketball was much of an afterthought coming into Las Vegas as their Twitter page had a following of less that 30 thousand people but they now leave the state of Nevada with 95.6 thousand followers.

Was a reason for the increase in fans because they beat Team USA? Maybe. But that is a little unfair to the men on this team who can no doubt play ball. The D’Tigers are sending eight NBA players along with captain Ike Diogu, who was the 9^th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft to Tokyo. The team still hasn’t all been together as sharpshooting wing, Jordan N’Wora, is still with the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals.

The Nigerians were recently ranked 4^th overall in the FIBA power rankings, their highest ranking to date. They were behind the Australians, Spain and Team USA.

We are all familiar with the former big three that was once with the Miami Heat that was Space Jam’s LeBron James, Utah Jazz partial owner Dwayne Wade and author Chris Bosh. This Nigerian national team has a new Heat big three that is a little bit lesser known.

KZ Okpala, Precious Achiuwa, and Gabe “Nmadi” Vincent are three of the four members of Pat Riley’s club playing for a medal this summer. The other being Bam Adebayo.

This new rendition of the big three is a fun storyline but it will also be a great test for these young athletes. Coach Mike Brown will be throwing them into the fire as they have all started at least one game for the team.

The Nigerian National Team will no doubt be a fan favorite and some of these players could become household names by the end of the Olympics.

The pace and hustle the D’Tigers play with is undeniable. The basketball world and the entire continent of Africa will be tuned in to watch this new rendition of Nigeria play.

_________________________________________________________________

The entire roster is as followed:

Josh Okogie- Minnesota Timberwolves

Gabe Nmadi Vincent- Miami Heat

KZ Okpala- Miami Heat

Precious Achiuwa- Miami Heat

Jahlil Okafor- Detroit Pistons

Chimezie Metu- Sacramento Kings

Jordan N’Wora- Milwaukee Bucks

Ike Nwamu- Samara of the Russian Basketball Super League 1

Ekpe Udoh- Virtus Bologna of the Italian LBA

Obi Emegano- Fuenlabrada of the Spanish Liga ACB

Miye Oni- Utah Jazz

Caleb Agada- Hapoel Be’er Sheva of the Israeli Premier League

Corey Kispert

If you were to ask general managers around the NBA or at any level of basketball what their team needs, most of them would tell you shooting. Shooters are a quintessential part to any team because of the spacing they provide on the floor. We have seen guys like LeBron and Joel Embiid play their best basketball when they are surrounded by shooters. The best thing about having shooters on the floor is that it doesn’t even have to go in but the defense has to guard it. Keeping defenses in the NBA honest is a huge key to winning and with the league being so 3-point driven, the price for shooters is only going up.

This brings me to a consensus top 3 shooter in the draft and the player whose fit is the most pivotal of all the prospects. Corey Kispert. Kispert is coming off a decorated season at Gonzaga averaging at 18.6 ppg and shooting 44% beyond the arc. A consensus All-American before and after the 2020-2021 season, the senior won WCC player of the year among many other rewards.

You might be thinking, if any team could use a shooter, why does Kispert’s fit matter so much? Kispert is not just a lethal 3-pointer shooter but he is a professional bucket getter. Kispert has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor and make an immediate impact in the NBA game. He has experience on the biggest of stages having led his Gonzaga teammates to an undefeated season up until the NCAA championship game and also made it easier for fellow first round pick, Jalen Suggs.

The Perfect Fit:

The team that projects the most playing time and Kispert actually fills a need for is the New Orleans Pelicans. Combining Kispert with the running and gunning Pelicans feels like a match made in heaven. Thinking about the floor space Kispert can provide for Zion Williamson has the possibilities endless for this offense. Assuming Lonzo Ball returns and they find a head coach that makes sense, god bless Stan Van Gundy, the Pelicans have a young core that could finally make some noise in the crowded Western Conference.

A Good Fit:

Seeing how the draft order panned out, it wouldn’t be out of the question for the Charlotte Hornets to select Kispert with the 11^th overall pick. A dynamic point guard combo in Terry Rozeir and LaMelo Ball, the Hornets possess playmakers which allows for shooters to flourish. Kispert in the corner with LaMelo flying around throwing lobs to Miles Bridges sounds like an exciting team brewing for Michael Jordan in Charlotte.

Worst Fit:

This pick could drastically change the career for Kispert from potential All Rookie First Team to an afterthought for NBA fans. That would be Kispert landing in Sacramento at the 9^th overall pick. Let’s face it, the Kings aren’t good at drafting. They have the longest playoff drought in the NBA and De’Arron Fox would’ve been an All-Star already had he played in a better market. Kispert landing in Sacramento could end up being a disaster for one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft.

Pro Comp:

Ben Gordon

Davion Mitchell

Ahh Davion Mitchell. A coaches dream. The Naismith and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Mitchell is a menace on the less glamorous side of the floor. Nicknamed “Off Night”, Mitchell isn’t just a defensive stopper. Shooting 45% from 3 in his junior campaign for the Baylor Bears, Mitchell has elite slow-to-fast bursts that allow him to get to the hoop and finish through contact. A stalky frame, Mitchell can guard both guard positions at high level and can also keep up on the offensive end. At 23 years old, Mitchells body may not change a whole lot but the product he has currently will be more than enough to go top 8 in the draft.

Where Mitchell can flourish:

Any team would love to add Mitchell to its roster as he gives them so much versatility. He can bring the ball up the floor or play the wing. His flexibility in lineups is huge and for a team picking early in the draft, it is very unique to have a guy that can fit multiple needs on a roster. Mitchell really feels like he can fit with any team picking in top 10 but the team that shows the most upside for Mitchell is the Toronto Raptors at 4^th overall. This might be a little high and potentially having Jalen Suggs still on the board, the Raptors could pass on Mitchell. However, the pairing of Fred VanVleet and Davion Mitchell in the backcourt feels like a balance of opposites and they could really thrive off each other’s games. The future for the long tenured Kyle Lowry is still up in the air but with the addition of Mitchell, Raptor fans could have a lot to look forward to.

Ceiling: The best thing about drafting a kid that plays hard is that he plays hard. A national champion and tested competitor, Mitchell will have an impact immediately in the NBA. Mitchell is a Marcus Smart type defender with more of a Jeff Teague offensive game. Not the current Bucks Jeff Teague, the 2015 all-star Jeff Teague. Mitchells landing spot is certainly something to keep an eye on and the rest of the league will be watching his status as well.

Cam Thomas

Cam Thomas is an LSU prospect that has been groomed by great coaches from Will Wade in college to the profound Oak Hill Academy and head coach Steve Smith. An electric scorer, Thomas was the leading scorer among all freshman with 23 point per game in the 29 games he played at LSU. With 22 20-point games, Thomas showed flashes of offensive greatness and did it with relative ease. An effortless scorer, Thomas exceeded expectations in college and had one of the best freshman seasons in LSU history that compare with the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Ben Simmons.

Where Thomas can flourish:

The NBA will forever be about buckets. It’s a make or miss league. The style of play Thomas has shown will translate immediately to the next level as his quick first step and unexpected explosiveness are perfect for the modern game. An efficient 3 level scorer, Thomas can make you pay at any spot once he crosses half court. He shot 88% at the free throw line which will put even more pressure on the defense to play him straight up. This will allow his offensive game to shine even more. Seen as a later first round pick, there are multiple teams that could use the services of Thomas. A team that presents a mutually beneficial situation would be the Houston Rockets at 23rd or 24^th overall. The Rockets are in a rebuild mode. With the second overall selection, Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. as the gems of the team, the Rockets need to fill out the roster. Adding scoring off the bench is a huge need and this fit could grow into an even bigger role for the fascinating Cam Thomas.

Ceiling:

The scoring ability of Thomas is undeniable and watching the tape, you can see how well he sees the floor. He has never been asked to defend at a high level but his athleticism and competitiveness show that he is more than capable of defending in the NBA. Thomas is a Donovan Mitchell like scorer without the crazy bounce. He could sleep walk into averaging 20 a night if he stays committed. Look out for this kid on draft night. Could be a special one.

Josh Christopher

Josh Christopher is one the most interesting talents coming into the draft this year because his talent level is a little unknown. Unknown by the casual fan perhaps because Christopher appeared in just 15 games for the Arizona State Sun Devils this year. He posted 14.3 points, 4.7 assists and added 1.5 steals per game this season. Christopher was a standout high school prospect attending Mayfair in Los Angeles. Christopher was said to have improved his stock at the combine as he competed in the 5-on-5 scrimmage at the event. Christopher is still just 19 years of age and with the right team, Christopher can make an immediate impact.

Where Josh can flourish:

Wherever Christopher lands, he has the potential to make a lot of teams regret not picking him. Once seen as a lottery pick, Christopher has now trickled down to the end of the first round. This might not be a bad thing for Christopher because there is a team he would fit with perfectly. The Philadelphia 76ers. With Embiid on the block, scoring needs to be around him and Christopher is a great fit at the 28^th overall selection. Tyrese Maxey and Christopher off the bench would be a great young duo for Doc Rivers and the aspiring champion Sixers. Christopher being in the gym with Seth Curry would also help perfect his already good jump shot.

Where Josh could struggle:

The thing about a true scorer is that you can get buckets anywhere, any place, anytime you want. Christopher is a bucket getter and his game translates immediately to the modern game. The only thing getting in the way of Christopher is himself. Any team would improve by drafting Josh Christopher.

Pro Comp:

Joe Johnson

Sharife Cooper

Sharife Cooper is a Newark, New Jersey native and played his college ball for coach Bruce Pearl at Auburn. Cooper is known for his playmaking ability and he is also able to create his own shot. Cooper was listed at 6’1 going into his freshman season and measured in at 6’4 at the combine. This growths pert makes Cooper an even more fascinating prospect. This elusive guard has the ball on a string and can bring a lot of energy to any ball club. Cooper was selected to the all SEC freshman team as he averaged 20.2 points and 8.1 assists per night.

Where Sharife can flourish:

In the NBA today, playmaking and shot creating are things every team yearns for and Sharife is just the type of prospect that can fill a huge role right out of the gates. Not necessarily seen as a lottery pick, though he has the talent to be, Sharife could end up on a solid ball club that had an early playoff exit. A team that Sharife could thrive with is with the Los Angeles Lakers at the 22^nd overall pick. This makes sense for a couple of reasons. First, the Lakers have a decisions to make if they are going to give starting point guard Dennis Schroëder that 100 million dollars he wants or if they are going to let him walk. If Dennis leaves, this selection makes more sense for the Lakers but if they re-sign him, Cooper would still be a great option to run the offense off the bench. Cooper would also make sense for the Lakers as they have constantly found gems by drafting guards later om in the daft from Jordan Clarkson to the recent Talen Horton-Tucker.

Ceiling:

Cooper is uber talented and his upside seems to be endless. If all goes well for Cooper, he could have a Kyrie Irving lite type impact. Now, this is a lofty projection but that is why he is Kyrie Irving lite. The film and the moves he has in his bag point to none other than Kyrie Irving himself and if Cooper works hard, Why not?

What wouldn’t be good for Cooper:

The athletic ability is apparent for Cooper but the only that can hold him back seems to be the fit. Ending up at the Pacers at 13^th or the Wizards at 15^th doesn’t feel like a good thing for Coopers career.