2021 BIG BOARD 2.0
2021 BIG BOARD 2.0
Our second Big Board update for the 2021 NBA Draft
Published Feb 4, 2021
It’s time for our second update of our 2021 NBA Draft Big Board, for full analysis of the Top 20 picks on this Big Board, make sure you check out Chad Ford’s NBA BIG Board podcast here.
01 CADE CUNNINGHAM
PG, OKLAHOMA STATE, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: High Basketball IQ, Ballhandling, Size
Age 18 | 6'7" | 215
The most complete player in the draft. Elite size and feel for the game. Can do everything on both ends of the floor. His lack of elite explosiveness and an emerging jump shot are the only real warts to his game.
Draft range: 1-3
02 EVAN MOBLEY
PF/C, USC, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Athleticism, Defense, Ball handling
Age 18 | 6'11" | 205 |
Mobley’s combination of size, athleticism and basketball skills on both sides of the ball are intriguing. He’s an excellent shot blocker, rebounder and has ball handling and emerging shooting skills as well. Scouts dinged him for not always playing hard as a high school senior, but an increased level of completion at USC has upped his game tremendously. On pure talent, he’s right there with Cunningham.
Draft range: 1-4
03 JALEN SUGGS
G, GONZAGA , FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Athleticism, Toughness
Age 19 | 6'4" | 195 |
Suggs is a two sport athlete who has a potent combination of strength and speed. He’s a very good scorer who can get his shot a number of ways and really digs in on defense. His playmaking ability is the biggest question mark for him.
Draft range: 1-4
04 JONATHAN KUMINGA
SF, G-LEAGUE
Primary Values: Athleticism, Transition
Age 17 | 6'8" | 210 |
Kuminga was the one of the highest rated players in the high school class of 2021 before reclassifying and deciding to skip college and play in the G-League. He has all the physical tools that NBA teams covet in a forward, but his jump shot is going to have to improve.
Draft range: 1-5
05 JALEN GREEN
SG, G-LEAGUE
Primary Values: Athleticism, Scoring
Age 18 | 6'5" | 180 |
Green is an uber-elite athlete, who can score from anywhere on the floor. His defense and playmaking are areas of improvement, but it’s rare to find his combination of explosiveness and scoring ability.
Draft range: 1-5
06 GREG BROWN
F, TEXAS, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Freaky athleticism
Age 18 | 6'9" | 205 |
On pure athletic talent, Brown is the best athlete in the draft and might be the best athlete to come out since Zion Williamson. His skill set is still emerging but there were promising signs as a senior that he may end up being a big, uber athletic three with a jump shot and ball handling ability.
Draft range: 5-12
07 SCOTTIE BARNES
F, FLORIDA STATE, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Versatility, Defense
Age 19 | 6'8" | 210 |
Do everything type of forward that doesn’t have one elite skill, but does so many things well on both ends of the ball that there’s a lot to like. If he develops a serious jumper he has the potential to move up this board.
Draft range: 5-12
08 JALEN JOHNSON
F, DUKE, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Versatility, Passing
Age 18 | 6'8" | 215 |
Johnson is yet another versatile wing player who can guard multiple positions, be the primary ball handler on offense. His lack of a consistent jump shot put him a little lower on the board.
Draft range: 4-10
09 ZIAIRE WILLIAMS
W, STANFORD, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Toolsy, Creator
Age 18 | 6'7" | 195 |
Williams plays a coveted position and, offensively at least, he’s got the entire package. He’s got an excellent handle, creates for others and has a solid jumper. His lack of strength is a worry — and his very uneven play early in the season for Stanford.
Draft range: 5-12
10 KEON JOHNSON
SG, TENNESSEE, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Athleticism, Motor
Age 18 | 6'5" | 186|
Johnson’s elite athletic abilities combined with a motor that runs non-stop is intriguing to NBA teams. If he can show an improved skill level and an improved jumper after missing most of his senior season with a knee injury, he’s got Top 10 talent.
Draft range: 8-15
11 JAMES BOUKNIGHT
SG, UCONN, SOPHOMORE
Primary Values: Scorer, Basketball IQ
Age 20 | 6'5" | 190 |
Bouknight is the first collegiate non-freshman off the board. His ability to score at a high volume while limiting turnovers and bad shots is impressive. He just needs to continue to improve his handle.
Draft range: 8-15
12 DAVID JOHNSON
PG, LOUISVILLE, SOPHOMORE
Primary Values: Passing, Versatility
Age 19 | 6'5" | 210 |
Johnson has terrific size for his position, is a gifted passer and ball handler and can defend both backcourt positions. He’s cut down on his turnovers and improved his jump shot as a sophomore, lending a stronger case for him as a lottery pick.
Draft range: 10-20
13 SHARIFE COOPER
PG, AUBURN, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Passing, Scoring
Age 19 | 6'1" | 180 |
Cooper is an elite scorer and passer who can get anywhere he wants on the floor. He’s one of the most exciting players in the draft. He’s got elite floor vision and speed, but his jump shot and lack of elite size for his position put a damper on his draft stock.
Draft range: 10-20
14 COREY KISPERT
SF, GONZAGA, SENIOR
Primary Values: Shooting
Age 21 | 6'7" | 220 |
Kispert is our first senior on the board and makes the list because of elite shooting ability and enough defense chops to keep him on the floor.
Draft range: 10-20
15 JOSH CHRISTOPHER
SG, ARIZONA STATE, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Scorer
Age 18 | 6'4" | 204 |
Christopher can score from anywhere on the floor and is aggressive looking for his shot. The question is whether he can do anything when the ball isn’t in his hands to help teams win.
Draft range: 10-20
16 B.J. BOSTON
SG, KENTUCKY, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Scorer
Age 18 | 6'7" | 175 |
Boston is one of the best pure scorers in the draft. He can score from anywhere on the floor. He needs to get stronger and improve his playmaking and a rocky start to the season at Kentucky has caused his stock to slide.
Draft range: 10-20
17 MOSES MOODY
SG, ARKANSAS, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Shooting
Age 18 | 6'6" | 185 |
Moody projects as one of the top shooters in this draft class. But he’s more than just a shooter, he can get to the basket, rebound and defend multiple positions in the backcourt.
Draft range: 10-20
18 DAY'RON SHARPE
C, NORTH CAROLINA, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Motor, Size
Age 19 | 6'11" | 265 |
Sharpe’s combination of size and motor are special. He’s everywhere on both ends of the ball. The skill level is still catching up, but playing hard is a skill and Sharpe’s tenacity makes him an intriguing prospect.
Draft range: 10-20
19 CAM THOMAS
SG, LSU, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Scoring
Age 19 | 6'4" | 210 |
Thomas has been one of the best scorers in all college basketball as a freshman. He can get his shot off anywhere, but his inconsistency behind the arc, lack of elite size and athleticism for his position and his one-dimensional game hurt his draft stock.
Draft range: 15-25
20 JARED BUTLER
G, BAYLOR, JUNIOR
Primary Values: Versatility
Age 21 | 6'3" | 195 |
Butler may not be particularly sexy, but his ability to play and defend both backcourt positions, his leadership, basketball IQ and shooting and passing ability make him one of the more complete guards in the country.
Draft range: 15-25
21 JADEN SPRINGER
G, TENNESSEE, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Scoring
Age 18 | 6'4" | 205 |
Springer has a limited role, primarily coming off the bench as a freshman at Tennessee. He’s a very good scorer who has surprised scouts with his efficient three point shooting this year. He doesn’t have ideal size for his position however.
Draft range: 15-25
22 USMAN GARUBA
C, SPAIN
Primary Values: Rebounder, Defense
Age 18 | 6'8" | 220 |
Right now Garuba is the best international prospect in this draft. He’s much better right now on the defensive end of the ball, but the offense is there. The bigger question is his lack of elite size for his position.
Draft range: 15-25
23 DAISHEN NIX
PG, G-LEAGUE
Primary Values: Playmaker, Defense
Age 18 | 6'5" | 225 |
He’s an under the radar guard who has size, athleticism and toughness The jump shot is still a work in progress and scouts pretty uniformly feel like he needs to drop weight, but his early play in the G-League shows promise.
Draft range: 15-25
24 DAVION MITCHELL
PG, BAYLOR, JUNIOR
Primary Values: Playmaker, Defense
Age 22 | 6'2" | 205 |
Mitchell is one of the toughest players in the draft. He’s got an NBA body and athleticism, and can lock down opposing guards and get to the basket, or pull up from three, on the offensive end. His age and lack of elite size for his position are the biggest strikes against him.
Draft range: 15-25
25 TRE MANN
G, FLORIDA, SOPHOMORE
Primary Values: Shooting, Size
Age 20 | 6'5" | 190 |
Mann’s growth spurt has helped his stock as much as anything. He now projects as a big point guard, with an excellent outside jumper and the versatility to play both backcourt positions. He’s not an elite athlete and a better scorer than passer, but at his size it shouldn’t hurt him too much.
Draft range: 20-30
26 MARCUS BAGLEY
F, ARIZONA STATE, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Scorer, Versatility
Age 19 | 6'8" | 215 |
The younger brother of Marvin Bagley is a terrific scorer who shot an ability to stretch the defense, score around the basket and defend multiple positions. He’s a little one dimensional right now and needs to add strength, but he’s intriguing.
Draft range: 20-35
27 DAVID DUKE
G, PROVIDENCE, JUNIOR
Primary Values: Shooting, Defense
Age 21 | 6'5" | 205 |
Duke has really blossomed as a junior, putting up big numbers offensively as both a shooter and a playmaker and by proving to be a versatile defender who can guard both backcourt positions.
Draft range: 20-35
28 FRANZ WAGNER
F, MICHIGAN, SOPHOMORE
Primary Values: Versatility
Age 19 | 6'8" | 205 |
Wagner is the brother of Mo Wagner and is one of the best two-way players in college basketball. Jack of all trades, master of none, his numbers won’t wow you, but he contributes in just about every way a player can and finds a way to impact the game without having to score.
Draft range: 15-30
29 AYO DOSUNMU
G, ILLINOIS, JUNIOR
Primary Values: Speed, Scorer
Age 21 | 6'5" | 200
Dosunmu is an electric player who excels in the open floor. He’s a dominant offensive player who may be stuck between positions a bit. How well he shoots the ball and his commitment to defense will be the difference between him being a first rounder or a second round prospect.
Draft range: 20-35
30 ROKO PRKACIN
F, CROATIA
Primary Values: High Basketball IQ, Versatility
Age 18 | 6'9" | 210 | Wing span 7'0"
Prkacin has put up impressive numbers in Europe for a player his age. He is very skilled, has a high basketball IQ and can score in multiple ways. He’s a good rebounder and a willing screener who should excel in the pick and roll. His so-so athleticism and lack of a defensive position are the big red flags at the moment.
Draft range: 25-40
31 KAI JONES
C, TEXAS, SOPHOMORE
Primary Values: Size, Mobility
Age 20 | 6'11" | 218 |
Jones has a lot of upside as a mobile big who can run and space the floor. But he needs to add strength and he looks like he’s still maybe a year away from being able to hang in the NBA.
Draft range: 25-40
32 ISAIAH JACKSON
F/C, KENTUCKY, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Athleticism, Shotblocking
Age 18 | 6'10" | 205 |
Jackson has been super active as a shot blocker and defender at Kentucky. He needs to add strength and continue to work on his offensive game.
Draft range: 25-40
33 MATTHEW HURT
SF, DUKE, SOPHOMORE
Primary Values: Shooting
Age 20 | 6'9" | 235 |
Hurt had first round buzz last year and as a sophomore he’s poised to be Duke’s leading scorer. He’s got a terrific jump shot and can play multiple positions. Defense is the bigger question.
Draft range: 25-40
34 JEREMIAH ROBINSON-EARL
F, VILLANOVA, SOPHOMORE
Primary Values: Versatility, Basketball IQ
Age 20 | 6'9" | 230 |
Do it all forward has the versatility and high basketball IQ that NBA teams crave, but his lack of elite athleticism and so-so jumper limit his ceiling.
Draft range: 30-45
35 TERRENCE CLARKE
W, KENTUCKY, FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Scorere
Age 18 | 6'6" | 180 |
Clarke is one of the better scorers in the draft, but scouts worry how he’ll fit in with BJ Boston in Kentucky and whether he’ll be able to be productive with out the ball primarily in his hands. Injuries have kept him out most of the second half of the season.
Draft range: 25-40
36 TERRENCE SHANNON
SG, SOPHOMORE, TEXAS TECH
Primary Values: Athletic slasher
Age 20 | 6'6" | 210 |
Shannon drew NBA interest as a freshman, but was overshadowed a bit by Jahmius Ramsey. He’s more of a glue guy than a dominant in any one thing type of player, but his ability to get to the basket, defend multiple positions are intriguing. Adding a consistent three point shot to his game would boost his stock.
Draft range: 25-40
37 CHARLES BASSEY
C, WESTERN KENTUCKY, JUNIOR
Primary Values: Rebounder, Shot Blocker
Age: 20 | 6’10” | 240
The athletic big man has excellent as a junior on the defensive end and his offense has really come around as well. The biggest question marks are around his fit in the modern NBA.
Draft range: 25-40
38 ROKAS JOKUBAITIS
PG, LITHUANIA
Primary Values: Basketball IQ, Shooting
Age 20 | 6'3" | 200 |
His super high basketball IQ and ability to run a team, combined with the ability to score off the bounce or as a shooter are appealing. His lack of ideal size and athleticism are the things that are keeping him from being a sure-fire first rounders
Draft range: 25-40
39 CALEB LOVE
PG, NORTH CAROLINA , FRESHMAN
Primary Values: Scorer
Age 18 | 6'3" | 180 |
Love will play a big role at UNC as a freshman and his success, or lack thereof, may mean the difference between him rising a few spots or suffering the same fate as Cole Anthony. Like Anthony he’s more gifted as a scorer than a playmaker and scouts want to see whether he can make everyone around him better. Halfway through the season, the results haven’t been good and he’s at serious risk of falling into the second round or even out of the draft.
Draft range: 30-45
40 KEYONTE JOHNSON
F, FLORIDA, JUNIOR
Primary Values: Athleticism
Age 21 | 6'5" | 231 |
Johnson looked like a sure-fire first rounder until he collapsed on the floor during Florida’s fourth game of the season. Whether he will ever be cleared medically remains to be seen, but on talent, he’s an easy choice in this range.
Draft range: 30-45