Mock Draft 4.1
Updated Mock Draft after the Grizzlies and Pelicans reportedly swap picks
(Note to readers: This is an excerpt of Mock Draft 4.0 provided to free subscribers. To get the picks 4-60 … you need to be a paid subscriber. Click button below to read the full version.)
This mock draft was updated July 26 at about 5 p.m. ET to reflect a reported trade, with New Orleans sending the No. 10 and No. 40 picks along with Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe and a 2022 Lakers first-round pick to Memphis in exchange for the No. 17 and No. 51 picks and Jonas Valanciunas.
We’re three days away from the 2021 NBA Draft.
For the most part, NBA teams and draft prospects have completed workouts. Teams are bunkering down in the war rooms to finalize their draft boards, discuss trades and prepare for draft night contingencies.
Over the past few days we’ve gotten new intel from NBA teams and agents about which prospects may end up landing where.
Here’s our latest stab -- after conversations with numerous NBA team sources -- at how the draft will play out on July 29.
In addition to my updates on this page, I’ll do one more Mock Draft on July 29 and keep updating it throughout the day.
1. Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham
Oklahoma State
Freshman
Point Forward
6’7” | 220 | 7’0” wingspan
Age on draft night: 19.8
All signs continue to point to Cunningham being the No. 1 pick. And despite efforts from other teams to acquire that pick, it’s increasingly looking like the Pistons, barring a last-minute blockbuster deal, will be the team drafting him.
Cunningham met and worked out with the Pistons in Detroit. He maintains he’s not working out anywhere else unless another team gets the No. 1 pick. The Pistons did have Jalen Green in for a workout over the weekend, but again, it’s looking like it’s Cade in Detroit.
The Houston Rockets, holding the No. 2 pick, have perhaps the most compelling ways to make a deal happen. The Cleveland Cavaliers, holding the No. 3 pick, are next in line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are also thought to be pursuing a pick in the top 3 or 4, including No. 1. They have a tremendous number of future draft assets and young players to throw in the direction of Pistons GM Troy Weaver. But if there is a set price for the pick, it’s likely too rich.
Pistons fans can start to breathe a little easier. The wait’s not over yet, but it’s looking like they’ll be cheering on Cade in Detroit.
2. Houston Rockets
Jalen Green
G League Ignite
Shooting Guard
6’6” | 178 | 6”7.5” wingspan
Age on draft night: 19.5
The Rockets have explored moving up to No. 1, but as of Monday, nothing was really cooking.
The front office has targeted two players here: Green and Evan Mobley. I’ve had Mobley to the Rockets in my last two mocks. But there are strong signals coming from the Rockets that Green is the likely selection if they stay at No. 2.
How confident is Green that he won’t slide past the Rockets at No. 2? He’s doing workouts with only the Pistons and the Rockets.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley
USC
Freshman
Forward/Center
7’0” | 215 | 7’4” wingspan
Age on draft night: 20.1
The Cavs continue to explore trades that would move them either up to No. 1 or down to allow them to grab additional draft picks or players. Several teams below Cleveland, including the Thunder and the Orlando Magic, are targeting the Cavs’ pick. As of Monday, there was no significant movement.
Rival GMs believe, however, that the Cavs have targeted Evan Mobley -- who sits at No. 2 on their board -- and that they’ll just keep the pick if he’s available.
But if the Rockets take Mobley instead of Green, and the Cavs keep the pick, don’t expect them to be deterred by the fact that Green didn’t come in for a workout. I believe they would take him anyway.
4. Toronto Raptors
???
(Note to readers: This is an excerpt of Mock Draft 4.0 provided to free subscribers. To get picks 4-60 … you need to be a paid subscriber. Click button below to read the full version.)
Paid subscribers will also get access to full Mock Drafts, Big Boards, scouting reports on all of the top players in the draft as well as the ability to comment on articles and special discussion boards, Zoom calls and more interaction with me in the coming weeks.)