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NBA Mock Draft: Wolves take Minn native, Rockets get lucky

By Dylan Jackson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Jalen Suggs #1 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts during the second half in the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 05, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Jalen Suggs #1 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts during the second half in the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 05, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 18: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the G League Ignite, NBA Mock Draft Prospect. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images).
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 18: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the G League Ignite, NBA Mock Draft Prospect. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images). /

Forward. Detroit Pistons. Jonathan Kuminga. 5. player. 64.

My understanding is that Jonathan Kuminga can be a polarizing prospect. A lot of people really like his game – a lot of people really don’t understand why he is being regarded so highly.

NBA Mock Draft: Detroit Pistons take Jonathan Kuminga

Here’s my take: Kuminga is a big-framed, 6-foot-8 wing/forward that played against higher competition than the average NBA prospect. He has the frame to contest nearly everyone defensively (at least 1-4) with high-level athleticism.

No, the shooting was not there in the G-League – it simply wasn’t. There is no getting around that. But to act as though Kuminga does not have upside would be unequivocally wrong. He should be able to be a solid defender from the jump – as well as be a nice transition threat – all as a rookie.

For the Pistons – he makes a lot of sense. Detroit needs front court versatility, particularly on defense. It looks increasingly more likely that Sekou Doumbouya is not going to factor much into the future – but Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, and Isaiah Stewart all look to be good future role players.

Kuminga adds a lot of potential to that group – and if he hits his top-10-percent of outcomes, is going to be an All-Star.

Think of it this way – if Kuminga is able to offer any shooting at all, he’s what, a top-50 NBA player? And that’s good – that’s really good. That’s absolutely worth the fifth overall pick – and the questions surrounding Kuminga are not as mighty as a lot may perceive – especially contrasted against other prospects this year.