2021 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 1-5
1. Orlando Magic
Cade Cunningham, PG, Oklahoma State
The Magic were big-time sellers at the trade deadline after the season began going downhill. This means that the franchise could be looking for its next superstar. Winning the sweepstakes for Cunningham would get Orlando a leader moving forward. Cunningham has shown star power and intangibles that will make him a next-level player. It seems to be a foregone conclusion that the Oklahoma State product will not have to wait long to hear his name called.
READ MORE: 2021 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Is Evan Mobley a lock to be picked in top two?
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley, C, USC
Cleveland has had some luck in the draft lottery in recent memory. They have nailed some picks like Kyrie Irving and wasted some like Anthony Bennett. Here, they will have good fortunes once again and get a replacement big man. The Cavaliers are set up well in the backcourt with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. With Andre Drummond being bought out and Kevin Love on the verge of being next, Mobley could step in and be the impact performer the franchise needs down low. He is an athletic big man who can shoot and handle the ball. His skillset will transfer well to the next level.
3. Detroit Pistons
Jalen Suggs, PG, Gonzaga
The Pistons have gone a long way in improving their backcourt already and could land another stud here. Suggs showed all he needed to during one year at Gonzaga. Putting Suggs in the same backcourt with Killian Hayes and Saddiq Bey could give the Pistons some building blocks moving forward. This team has a lot of work to do but adding a point guard who is as dynamic as Suggs could speed up the process.
4. Houston Rockets
Jalen Green, SG, G-League Unite
When the NBA lottery comes, the Rockets will have the best chance to land the top pick because of their record. As we have seen in the past, this is not an exact science. Even if Houston does not get that top pick, it could still land a potential star. The Rockets will have a choice of one of the G-League sensations and Green is it. He is a capable shooter with great athleticism. Green is the type of shooting guard that can turn into a star right away.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Jonathan Kuminga, SF, G-League Unite
Kuminga rounds out the likely top five. If the Thunder have a chance, this is an easy selection. At 6-foot-8, Kuminga was a force in the G-League that would give Oklahoma City another scoring threat. His jump shot needs some more development but he can handle the ball and get in the lane with great efficiency. Along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kuminga would have a huge hand in turning the Thunder into a competent team.
