2021 NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0: At the quarter mark of NBA season
11
Jalen Johnson Freshman, Forward, Duke (NCAA)
9.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.6 blocks, 56% fg, 33% 3pt, 20 mpg
The Bulls have looked very solid of late and find themselves out of the top-ten and within playoff range. There are really endless possibilities as to what the Bulls could do with this pick, but preparing for the possibility of losing Lauri Markkanen to restricted free agency might not be the worst idea.
Markkanen should be back in Chicago, but preparing for that possibility is good, especially when there isn’t necessarily a hole in this roster. If Markkanen stays, the team could move on from Thaddeus Young and add a younger and cheaper player.
Jalen Johnson is an interesting prospect. The 6-foot-9 power forward was a five-star recruit and committed to Duke, but has seen limited action and touches so far. His three point shooting has just been okay to start his freshman year, but Johnson is a floor-spacing four who can block shots and put the ball on the floor. His versatility would work very well for the Bulls alongside Patrick Williams.
12
Jaden Springer Freshman, Guard, Tennessee (NCAA)
10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.3 blocks, 53% fg, 56% 3pt, 20 mpg
Pick Via Dallas Mavericks
Finally, the Knicks begin to reap some of the rewards of the Kristaps Porzingis trade years ago. In the 2020 NBA Draft, the Knicks surprising passed on a point guard for college basketball’s top player at the time, Obi Toppin. Although Elfrid Payton has been a solid stopgap at the position, this year they absolutely need to find a point guard to develop.
His numbers do not jump off of the stat sheet, but the five-star freshman has played very solid basketball for the Volunteers of of the bench this season. Springer is an athletic point guard who plays good defense on the perimeter and can score inside.
He has even shown some ability to shoot the three ball well this year on an attempt and a half per game. Springer is certainly talented, but he probably won’t show his true value until he gets to the NBA.