2021 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: One week before the 2021 Lottery
35
Daishen Nix 2002, G, Ignite
8.8 points, 5.3 rebounds 5.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.2 blocks, 38% fg, 18% 3pt, 27 mpg
Daishen Nix had a tough time creating for himself in the G-League, which is without a doubt a red flag for a guard. Nix is probably better from deep than he showed this year, but his lack of range is going to hurt him in a big way if it cannot be addressed.
However, the draw to Nix is his playmaking for others, which he showed during his time with the Ignite. OKC will have their backcourt of the future in SGA and Suggs, but taking a risk on Nix to develop some kind of offensive game could pay out in the form of a strong backup point guard.
36
Johnny Juzang Sophomore, Guard, UCLA
16.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.3 blocks, 44% fg, 35% 3pt, 32 mpg
Pick via Minnesota Timberwolves
With more picks than they know what to do with, it is highly unlikely that the Thunder retains all of their second-round selections. However, assuming they do keep them, taking a safer role player like Johnny Juzang might make sense with all of the high-ceiling players they’ve taken on in this mock.
Juznag was probably the second biggest winner of the NCAA Tournament, behind Davion Mitchell. Juzang now finds himself a potential second-round pick and should serve a shooting role on the wing as a pro, though he isn’t going to do much else for you.
37
J.T. Thor Freshman, Forward, Auburn
9.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.4 blocks, 44% fg, 30% 3pt, 23 mpg
Pick via Toronto Raptors
Auburn’s J.T. Thor is all-in on playing professional basketball, signing with an agent last week. He is no-doubt an intriguing talent: a potential shot-blocker and floor spacer in the NBA. Still 18 and seeing limited minutes with the Tigers, whoever drafts him will need to be patient with his development.
If he can add some weight and solidify his three point shot, he could come away as a steal, and a Detroit team desperate for talent could be enticed.
38
Kessler Edwards Junior, F, Pepperdine
17.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks, 49% fg, 38% 3pt, 34 mpg
Pick via New Orleans Pelicans
The Bulls will exercise their right to swap second-round picks with the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2021 NBA Draft, as a part of the Nikola Mirotic deal made years back. As of now, this will be the only selection that the Bulls make in this year’s draft.
The Bulls could either opt to take a project player here or someone they believe could help them in the short term. Perimeter shooting has been an issue for Chicago, as spacing is necessary for LaVine and Vucevic to work inside.
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Kessler Edwards has proven to be an effective three-and-D player in the NCAA over the past three years and has the length to do so at the NBA level as well. Wing shooting is a hot commodity in the NBA, and perhaps the opportunity to find it in the second round would be big for Chicago. Edwards is an older prospect and played against weaker competition in the West Coast Conference, but mid-major players have worked out in other cases.