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

1

Cade Cunningham Freshman, Guard/Forward, Oklahoma State (NCAA)

18.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.0 blocks, 46% fg, 39% 3pt, 34 mpg

Cade Cunningam is the clear-cut top prospect in a draft with a considerable amount of talent. His combination of size, vision, and three-level scoring make him a franchise-level talent. There are really no holes in his game, as he excels at virtually every part of the game. No matter who ends up picking first overall this year, Cunningham will be the selection. This due to a combination of elite talent and versatility.

For Detroit, they take him as the bet player available and the probable face of their franchise for years to come. The ball-handling duties would quickly move away from Killian Hayes and go to Cunningham.

But this should not be an issue, as Hayes projects to be effective without the basketball. Getting Cunningham would be a massive break for Detroit, who would have a serious player to build around long-term.

2

Jonathan Kuminga 2002, Forward, G-League

No stats available yet

Minnesota is in a tough spot picking third overall. The two best players on their roster are a center and a guard, and the two best players available here play those positions. Taking a guard and sliding D’Angelo Russell to the two isn’t really an option either, as they drafted a shooting guard with the first overall pick this past year. Thus, the Wolves opt to take coveted G-League forward Jonathan Kuminga.

Kuminga is a physical specimen who can play either forward spot well. He looked good in two scrimmages with the Ignite, but time will tell how he plays in regular season action. The questions with him lie in his jumper, but the is plenty of cause for optimism for the young professional. However, proving that he can be reliable from deep will have a massive impact on his draft stock.