2021 NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0: At the quarter mark of NBA season

21

Keon Johnson Freshman, Guard, Tennessee (NCAA)

9.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.4 blocks, 46% fg, 24% 3pt, 20 mpg

The San Antonio Spurs have been another surprise team out West, who have had a phenomenal start to the 2020-2021 campaign. San Antonio could go a lot of directions with this pick and even with their franchise this Summer, but to keep things simple they opt to take Keon Johnson of Tennessee. Much like his teammate, Jaden Springer, Johnson primarily comes off of the bench for the Volunteers and has played good basketball so far.

The name of the game for Johnson is going to be three-point shooting, as it is evident that he is a solid rebounder, defender, and passer from the two. Johnson’s athleticism is the source of his offensive production, as he is able to make dives to the basket and finish inside. He has plenty of potential, and we might not see it all until he starts getting similar playing time as other players in his class. Regardless, San Antonio will hope that Johnson develops well behind whoever the starting two is.

22

Cameron Thomas Freshman, Guard, LSU (NCAA)

22.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.1 blocks, 42% fg, 31% 3pt, 30 mpg

Phoenix has had the strong start that many expected, kick-starting what appears to be a very bright future for the Suns. They have some of the best forward depth in the entire NBA, but adding to their guard talent could help take them to the next level. Much like Josh Christopher of Arizona State, Cam Thomas is not going to do much other than score and does not shoot the three particularly well. Again, pure scorers simply must be able to shoot in the NBA today, so this is something that needs to be addressed.

Even Thomas does not fix his shooting, he will likely still be a first round pick, as it will be very hard for teams in the late first round to pass on a five-star freshman scoring 20 points per game in the SEC. Thomas is probably a better shooter than he has exhibited this season, but the Suns would hope that he can add a scoring boost to their bench nonetheless.

23

Scottie Lewis Sophomore, Guard, Florida (NCAA)

11.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.6 blocks, 47% fg, 44% 3pt, 30 mpg

Scottie Lewis has looked exactly how many had hoped this season. After his freshman year, it became clear that he would probably not be a volume scorer, but the defensive skill has always been there. After cleaning up his three point shot in the offseason, Lewis looks to have accepted a defensive roll and is working on becoming a three-and-D player. His decision to return to school looks like a smart one, as he could hear his name called in the first round.

Brooklyn’s bench is utterly depleted after the James Harden trade, and this pick will more than certainly be used to start to rebuild it. As before mentioned, Lewis may not put up significant NBA scoring numbers, but Brooklyn doesn’t need that. As perhaps the top wing defender in this draft class, the Nets would love to acquire a young defensive anchor to help contend for a championship.