2021 NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0: At the quarter mark of NBA season
24
Jared Butler Junior, Guard, Baylor (NCAA)
16.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.4 steals, 0.5 blocks, 49% fg, 46% 3pt, 29 mpg
Indiana is one of the more solid overall rosters in basketball, and to make it even more solid they add one of college basketball’s top guards in Jared Butler. Butler is a very well-rounded guard who can play both on and off of the basketball, defends, and shoots. Butler has one of Baylor’s top players for three years now, leading them near the top of the standings every year.
He is a proven winner with modern guard skills, and Indiana should be all over him. As an older prospect, he is not the flashiest pick, but in win-now mode the Pacers won’t mind his age. His height could also limit his ceiling, as he is just 6ft 3 and is nothing more than an average athlete. Defense, floor spacing, and passing are the three most important qualities in point guards today, and Butler has all three of these.
25
David Johnson Sophomore, Guard, Louisville (NCAA)
13.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.3 blocks, 46% fg, 44% 3pt, 34 mpg
David Johnson is a prospect who a lot of analysts are a lot higher on than I am. Johnson’s numbers and film do look good, as he has shown that he can be a playmaker, rebound, and space the floor. However, there isn’t anything particularly impressive about his scoring and his defense is lackluster. His shooting and playmaking potential from the wing should get him first round looks alone, but to improve his draft stock he should be more assertive as a scorer.
Per usual, Philadelphia needs to surround Ben Simmons with as many shooters as they can, in order to maximize his space to operate with. They have drafted accordingly for years, and one should expect them to do the same in 2021. He would be added to a bench that does not have a clear top option, and Philly would hope that Johnson could possibly be that player.
26
Day'Ron Sharpe Freshman, Center, UNC (NCAA)
9.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.9 blocks, 50% fg, 0% 3pt, 20 mpg
The Bucks have to be feeling pretty good about their long-term future, but Brook Lopez is not going to be in Milwaukee forever. Additionally, the Bucks could use a center to allow Bobby Portis to move back to his natural power forward position. There are multiple bigs available for the Bucks to choose from, but here they opt for UNC’s Day’Ron Sharpe.
Sharpe has an NBA-ready frame, which hints at the possibility that he will be ready to contribute sooner rather than later. In limited minutes at North Carolina, Sharpe has shown the ability to score, pass, rebound, and play stifling defense. The three point shot, or any kind of offense outside of six feet, probably isn’t in his future, limiting his draft stock. This trend of NCAA bench players being first round picks is picking up, so although the numbers may not show it, the talent is there.