2021 NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0: At the quarter mark of NBA season
31
Terrence Clarke Freshman, Forward, Kentucky (NCAA)
10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.1 blocks, 43% fg, 23% 3pt, 31 mpg
Pick Via Detroit Pistons
The Knicks have a unique opportunity here to draft a player in the second round who was once projected to be a lottery pick in this draft. Clarke is a part of the atrocious Kentucky team that can’t seem to figure it out this year, in spite of loads of talent on the roster. What’s crazy is that Clarke has arguably been Kentucky’s best player this season.
He could turn things around this season, but if he does not staying another year at school is certainly in the cards for him. If Clarke were to declare for the draft this year with his current profile, someone would be getting a tremendous value. Indeed, he hasn’t been all he was hyped up to be, but here the Knicks get the possibility of adding their small forward of the future.
32
D.J. Steward Freshman, Guard, Duke (NCAA)
14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.8 blocks, 43% fg, 31% 3pt, 32 mpg
Pick Via Minnesota Timberwolves
Duke has not been good this year, but D.J. Steward has been one of their better players. Although a smaller point guard, the Chicago native does not shoot or pass the ball well at the one, which brings up the question of what his role in the NBA would be. Steward found success at the high school level as a five-star recruit, and has found success at Duke as well.
If he decides to declare for the draft, someone would have to consider grabbing him in the second round. Steward is probably nothing more than a deep rotational player, but he is young and talented. If the three point shot and playmaking abilities develop, OKC could have themselves a solid, scrappy point guard.
33
Trendon Watford Sophomore, Forward, LSU (NCAA)
18.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.3 blocks, 52% fg, 44% 3pt, 34 mpg
Pick Via Washington Wizards
Trendon Watford has made massive strides in his sophomore season with the Tigers, doing just about everything that could have been asked of him. If he keeps it up, he could certainly get first round looks. However, the former five-star recruit will head right down the road to New Orleans to play with the Pelicans. Behind Zion Williamson, the Pels have no true fours on the roster.
Waters is a mature and offensively-gifted four who could help New Orleans in the near future. His combination of size, passing, rebounding, and shooting give him great offensive versatility. Defensively, however, he is simply not good. New Orleans has plenty of picks to roll the dice on in the future, but for now they should add young pieces to try to start developing to win.
34
Trayce Jackson-Davis Sophomore, Center, Indiana (NCAA)
20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.9 blocks, 54% fg, 34 mpg
Once again, the Rockets go with a best player available approach in drafting Trayce Jackson-Davis of Indiana. A rebounding and post scoring machine, Jackson-Davis has had a monsterous season in the Big 10. He doesn’t have much range and doesn’t put the ball on the floor a whole lot, which will limit his ceiling, but he should find a role in the NBA as a rebounder and inside presence.
Chrstian Wood looks to be the future of the center position in Houston, and even if he weren’t, Jackson-Davis would not be the answer. However, adding a young and solid supporting cast along with top prospects helps develop chemistry within a team. With limited offensive skills, Jackson-Davis also wouldn’t take touches away from other young players.