2021 NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0: At the quarter mark of NBA season
18
Josh Christopher Freshman, Guard, Arizona State (NCAA)
16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.4 blocks, 46% fg, 24% 3pt, 30 mpg
Golden State has looked a lot better of late, much to the thanks of Stephen Curry. Adding to an otherwise still depleted bench is going to be at the top of the Warriors’ to-do list, and Josh Christopher is probably the best player available at this point in the Draft. Christopher was a top high school recruit in the class of 2020, and has had quite a bit of success at Arizona State. He clearly has a knack for scoring and is an above-average athlete to say the least.
Christopher is a very talented prospect, but he will be limited in a major way by his three point shot. The California native is already considered a one-dimensional player as a pure scorer, which is already hard to sell on in the NBA, but for this archetype a three point shot is imperative. Nonetheless, Christopher has proved to be an effective scorer in college and should be a first rounder based on that and his level of talent.
19
Ron Harper Jr. Junior, Forward, Rutgers (NCAA)
18.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.5 blocks, 49% fg, 42% 3pt, 33 mpg
Memphis is in a lot better of a situation than many expected them to be in, especially without top player Ja Morant for an extended period of time. Nonetheless, Memphis finds themselves picking in the middle of the first round. The fact of the matter is that Memphis probably needs another star-caliber player to add to the mix, but this is not going to be found at 19. Instead, the Grizzlies opt to boost their bench and floor spacing.
Ron Harper is a very mature offensive player who can score in a variety of ways. His selling point in the NBA will be his three point shooting, but he is affective both with and without the basketball. Harper is not going to provide any kind of help on the defensive end, but NBA teams will know this coming into his rookie season. He is not necessarily a high-ceiling player, but Harper should become a solid NBA bench scorer.
20
Usman Garuba 2022, Forward, EuroLeague
3.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.7 blocks, 50% fg, 36% 3pt, 14 mpg
Pick Via Portland Trail Blazers (Lottery-Protected)
With their second selection in the first round, the Rockets take a gamble on Real Madrid forward Usman Garuba. Garuba has seen limited action this season, but has played solid basketball when he number is called. Garuba is playing in the world’s number two professional basketball league, which should help fans to understand why his numbers are not so great for a prospect considered by some to be a lottery pick.
Garuba could end up sneaking into the lottery, but with the amount of talent in this class, the lottery will be tough to make this season. For Houston, they would be banking on Garuba developing with more minutes and touches in the NBA. Scouts hope that Garuba, with time and touches, could develop into a two-way stretch four who can make his presence felt physically.