21. New York Knicks (from Dallas Mavericks)
Jalen Johnson, SF, Duke
Jalen Johnson has to be the player that is most difficult to predict in the draft. He opted out of the season last year with Duke but showed some great things during his 13 games. Johnson can do it all. He showed an ability to rebound on both ends and pass from anywhere on the floor. As a scorer, Johnson can get it done in many ways. He is a reliable shooter and will continue to improve in that aspect. Most importantly, he is a big name that could bring star power to the Knicks over time.
READ MORE: Predictions for Latest 2021 NBA Draft Rumors: Pistons, Rockets, Knicks & Cavs
22. Los Angeles Lakers
Trey Murphy III, SG, Virginia
Trey Murphy III shined during his one season at Virginia. He fit right into the defensive mindset of the program while adding some firepower on the offensive end. Murphy is a player who can shoot from anywhere. He has a reliable jump shot from three-point range and is automatic from the foul line. This is an important skill for a team like the Los Angeles Lakers that is expected to compete in the postseason.
23. Houston Rockets (from Portland Trail Blazers)
Sharife Cooper, PG, Auburn
Sharife Cooper has the raw ability to be a top-10 pick in the draft. His size could make him fall in the NBA Draft and this is where a team late in the first round could get great value. He is arguably the best passer in this draft. Cooper got to the free throw line 8.5 times per game as a freshman at Auburn. In the NBA, Cooper’s skill set would translate flawlessly. Cooper could give Houston another piece in the backcourt along with whoever the Rockets decide to take with the No. 2 pick.
24. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee Bucks)
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, PF, Villanova
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl has all the makings of a productive NBA player. He has been linked to the Rockets with one of these two picks for weeks now. Robinson-Earl is not going to blow you away with athleticism but he is crafty and has a high basketball IQ. He was one of the top players on a strong Villanova team a season ago. Robinson-Earl improved his jump shot tremendously and knows how to use his size to get position when rebounding. Robinson-Earl will have plenty of time to develop on a team like the Rockets.
25. Los Angeles Clippers
Jared Butler, PG, Baylor
The point-guard position is one that the Los Angeles Clippers have been looking to improve. They even tried to address it at the deadline. Jared Butler could give them a potential starter with a late-round pick. Butler was extremely dynamic next to Mitchell in the backcourt for the National Champion Baylor Bears. He is extremely smooth with the ball in his hands and has elite speed. Butler can become a starter in the NBA for a long time if he lands in the right situation. The Clippers are one of those situations.
