2021 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Timberwolves keep pick, Magic load up

15.  NY Knicks – Cam Thomas, Guard, LSU

The Knicks get a bucket-getter in Thomas. He should be a good shooter in the NBA.

16.  Boston Celtics – Usman Garuba, Big, Spain

The Celtics have struggled with big men since Horford left. Hopefully Garuba can be the long-term solution.

17.  Charlotte Hornets – Jaden Springer, Wing, Tennessee

Jaden Springer, a Charlotte native, fits a role the Hornets desperately need. He’ll be a great two-way player alongside LaMelo Ball.

18.   Memphis Grizzlies – Greg Brown, Forward, Texas

The Grizzlies need potential – someone that can eventually become more than an average starter. Brown is certainly a risk.

19.  Atlanta Hawks – Davion Mitchell, Guard, Baylor

Davion Mitchell was one of the best players in college basketball last year. He can play either guard position and brings much needed defense to the backcourt.

20.  Houston Rockets (from MIA) – Chris Duarte, Wing, Oregon

The Rockets need talent. Duarte certainly brings shooting.

21.  NY Knicks (from DAL) – Roko Prkacin, Forward, Croatia

The Knicks take a flyer on an international prospect. Prkacin averaged 13 points in the Adriatic league on impressive splits.

22.  Houston Rockets (from POR) – Alperen Sengun, Big, Turkey

As stated, the Rockets need basically everything. Sengun should at least be a capable back-up big in the short-term.

23.  LA Lakers – Jared Butler, Guard, Baylor

Last season I practically begged the Lakers to select Jahmi’us Ramsey, but they traded the pick instead. Jared Butler is a player that is going to get NBA minutes. Very good scorer, adequate facilitator. He should be able to succeed next to LeBron James.

24.  Denver Nuggets – Ziaire Williams, Wing, Stanford

The Nuggets need more perimeter defenders. Ziaire Williams is an inconsistent scorer, but should be able to find a role as someone that guards twos and threes.

25.  LA Clippers – Tre Mann, Guard, Florida

The Clippers have a very smart front office, which is probably why they’ll select Mann. He’s a lengthy score-first guard that is an underrated playmaker. His stock should be higher than what it currently is.

26.  Houston Rockets (from MIL) – Benedict Mathurin, Wing, Arizona

The Rockets should be set on the wings after this draft, assuming one of Mathurin/Duarte hits.

27.  Philadelphia 76ers – John Petty, Wing, Alabama

The 76ers had one of the best drafts last year considering the picks that they had. Petty would be another smart choice.

28.  Brooklyn Nets – Herb Jones, Forward, Alabama

The Nets don’t have to worry about losing their big-3 this offseason, but getting another versatile defender to add into the mix would be nice.

29.  Phoenix Suns – Ayo Dosunmu, Guard, Illinois

The Suns have one of the best bench units in the league. Don’t be surprised if they move this draft pick.

30.  Utah Jazz – Terrence Shannon, Wing, Texas Tech

The Jazz are the best team in basketball currently. Adding even more size to the wings on their bench would be a great addition.