2021 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Post-NCAA 2020-21 season
9
Jalen Johnson Freshman, Forward, Duke
11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.2 blocks, 52% fg, 44% 3pt, 21 mpg
It is going to be very interesting to see how NBA teams feel about Jalen Johnson’s decision to leave Duke mid-season to prepare for the NBA Draft. It seems unlikely that Johnson’s stock is going to move much because of it, as he was very limited in his role with the Blue Devils and was a gamble on talent regardless. Johnson is an underrated prospect in this draft.
He does pretty much everything you look for in an NBA power forward today: he shoots, can run the floor, rebounds, and defends.
Where the Kings stand with Marvin Bagley III is unclear, as he will be going into the final year of his rookie contract with a massive cap hold set to kick in next Summer.
If Sacramento were to jump ship on Bagley, going after a player who excels at the things Bagley struggled in would make a lot of sense. Regardless of whether or not Bagley is a King or not long-term, it is possible that they could co-exist at the four and five or three and four.
10
James Bouknight Sophomore, Guard, Connecticut
18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.3 blocks, 45% fg, 29% 3pt, 32 mpg
Pick via Chicago Bulls (Top-4 Protected)
With the Chicago Bulls currently slated to pick tenth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic would acquire this selection. In rebuild mode and selecting in the top 10for the second time, they will once again take the best player available in James Bouknight. Bouknight is a volume scorer who has nice speed and leaping ability.
The three point shot was shaky this year, but in his freshman season Bouknight was a little bit better from range. In addition, he has not yet shown the ability to be a facilitator or defender, which makes him a bit of a one-dimensional prospect for now. However, he certainly could develop into a good NBA scorer if his three point shot improves. If you are Chicago, you can probably walk away from draft night okay with giving up Bouknight in a trade for Nikola Vucevic.