2021 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 21-25
21. New York Knicks (from Dallas Mavericks)
Sharife Cooper, PG, Auburn
The Knicks have two picks in the first round and this one is from the Mavericks because of the Kristaps Porzingis deal. It is no mystery that the Knicks need to add a point guard in the offseason. Derrick Rose is not the future and Immanuel Quickley is not ready to start. Cooper might not be the day one starter because of his size at 6-foot-1 but his playmaking ability makes him a first-rounder. Cooper has a high IQ for the game and he scored 20.2 points per game as a freshman for Auburn. He seems like a player that is made for New York.
READ MORE: 2021 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Is Evan Mobley a lock to be picked in top two?
22. Los Angeles Lakers
Corey Kispert, SF, Gonzaga
LeBron James has always liked having three-point shooters on the perimeter to kick the ball out to. If Kispert falls, the Lakers should run to the podium. As a senior at Gonzaga, Kispert shot 44% from the three-point line while scoring 18.6 points per game. He is arguably the best shooter in the draft but brings a lot more to the table. Kispert can defend at a high level and get to the rim if needed. With the Lakers, he would get plenty of open looks. The fit seems perfect here.
23. Houston Rockets (from Portland Trail Blazers)
Jaden Springer, PG, Tennessee
Springer showed that he is a starting-caliber guard during his time at Tennessee. The Rockets could get great value here with Springer. He is a playmaking guard that can handle the ball with great speed. Springer is one of the best passers in this draft. With the current state of the Rockets, they could use a point guard to take over on both ends of the floor.
24. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee Bucks)
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, PF, Villanova
Robinson-Earl has been in and out of the first round in mock drafts. During his sophomore year at Villanova, the big man proved that he has what it takes at the next level. Robinson-Earl is not going to dominate with athleticism but his craftiness and IQ make him a big prospect. In Houston, he would have a chance to play a great role which would help his development. Robinson-Earl can knock down a shot from midrange which will help him stretch the defense.
25. Los Angeles Clippers
Jared Butler, PG, Baylor
The point-guard position is something that the Clippers have been trying to improve. A player like Butler can help right away. He is extremely versatile on both ends of the floor. Butler averaged 16.7 points and 4.8 assists per game for a Baylor team that won the National Championship. Butler has a silky smooth aspect to his game that makes him fun to watch. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul Geroge, Butler would have plenty to learn from and this would turn him into a starting guard heading into the season.
