The Celtics drafted 18-year-old French second division guard Juhann Begarin No. 45 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft in a move that's expected to be a draft-and-stash situation for the 2021-22 season. Brad Stevens said after the draft that Begarin worked out for Boston this past week, impressed with his physical tools and no decision has been officially made yet about his status for next season. The Celtics tried to move up in the draft, he said, but didn't offer much and are focused on bringing veterans on using Boston's limited open roster spots.
Begarin was born in Guadeloupe in the Caribbean to two basketball coach parents and played for several clubs on the island, until he moved to the suburbs outside Paris at 16. He attended INSEP, the common preparatory high school for French basketball prospects, before playing well in the French third division and on the U16 Euro team. His jump to the U18 and Paris Basketball in France's second division yielded mixed results. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.3 turnovers per game in 2019-20 on 44.4% shooting and 29% from three.
Last season, he improved significantly with 11.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.1 APG and 45.9% shooting. His three-point shot is inconsistent, rising to 36% in 2021, while his finishing hovered around 50% inside -- a low mark for a 6'6" player with verticality and a 7'0" wingspan. Begarin is still learning to utilize his tools on both ends of the floor and he shoots below 65% from the free throw line. The Celtics are betting on an elite frame, Begarin already boasts over 200 pounds of muscle with a nearly 9-foot standing reach, ahead of solid basketball skills. He faces a long road to the NBA. He has time and boasts more than enough impressive tools to get there.
The Celtics signed Sam Hauser, a Virginia senior and sharpshooter, to a two-way deal to cap the night. He'll replace either Tremont Waters or Tacko Fall, who are free agents.
Other takeaways:
1. Toronto curiously passed on Jalen Suggs to take another wing in Scottie Barnes. Barnes may become a better defender than Suggs will become on offense. It is curious that Kyle Lowry's future didn't come into consideration with the investment though, with only Malachi Flynn lined up to replace Lowry. Shams Charania reported Toronto and Boston could pursue Lonzo Ball this offseason. Toronto, of course, could offer New Orleans a straight-up swap for Lowry, where the Pelicans have extra salary to offer him after dumping Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams last week. Toronto is in a good cap position to offer Ball his desired $21-22 million even while activating the hard cap.
2. A Ball trade for the Raptors would potentially help the Celtics by removing an Evan Fournier suitor from the market. The Knicks, one of four teams with significant cap space, traded away two first round picks to presumably keep their books clear. That could either be in pursuit of a free agent this offseason, or keeping their long-term money free into the future. The latter is likely, with more than $70-million in cap space potentially available to New York this offseason far surpassing other teams. Could Fournier sign a massive one-plus-one deal to maintain cap space in New York? He'd help them immediately on an offensively-limited team with strong defensive pieces around him too. The Hornets, with some cap space, are a threat for Fournier early next week too, but will likely focus on the center position.
3. How does the Russell Westbrook trade impact Bradley Beal's future? For now, the Wizards followed through on reinvesting Westbrook's massive singular contract into an array of assets. The Lakers return solidified Washington's wing and center depth, while Aaron Holiday came over from Indiana via the Lakers' first-round pick to replace the lost point guard depth. Beal, notoriously loyal to Washington, can play out this season and decide his future by either opting in or out of the final year of his contract next summer to facilitate another long-term deal, a straight trade, a sign-and-trade, or leave in free agency. Washington also added sharpshooter Corey Kispert.
NBA Draft — Rounds 1-2
Start: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Timing - Round 1: 5 minutes per selection
Rounds 2: 2 minutes per selection
First, the NBA offseason began red-hot with the Brooklyn Nets trading Landry Shamet to Phoenix for the Suns' No. 29 pick. The Pelicans and Grizzlies swapped picks the No. 10 and No. 17 picks earlier in the week to free up cap space in New Orleans' and perhaps orchestrate another leap further into the lottery for Memphis.
Then, conflicting reports between Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania, respectively, indicated that the Lakers would pursue Kings forward Buddy Hield, then shifted their focus to a Russell Westbrook trade that's reportedly imminent. LA can't feasibly acquire both unless them, and it's likely that Sacramento is being used as leverage so the Lakers don't need to sacrifice the No. 22 pick in tonight's draft.
The draft order set at 3 p.m. today, so whomever is taken at 22 will don a Lakers hat regardless, and Montrezl Harrell doesn't need to officially opt-in to the final year of his contract until Saturday, so there's time for the sides to work out a deal.
A Westbrook trade would reportedly send Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Harrell to Washington, days after Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard affirmed his belief that Bradley Beal can be a long-term contributor to the team by adding complimentary pieces to him.
Wojnarowski reported that a Westbrook trade would be aimed at freeing up more space below the luxury tax to do that, despite continued salary cap restrictions on the team. All eyes would immediately turn toward Beal's future once a hypothetical Westbrook trade is triggered.
That could be a long wait, even longer than the Celtics will wait to select a player tonight. This draft marks the first since 2009 that Boston is not picking in the first round. Former Boston general manager Danny Ainge infamously used a league-high 12 first round picks between 2015-2020 when the Celtics could've potentially consolidated them into complimentary role players or another starter.
New Celtics president Brad Stevens, who's still in the process of rounding out his new front office with a GM, will make his first selection tonight No. 45 overall after trading Kemba Walker and Boston's No. 16 pick to Oklahoma City in June.
It's reportedly a deep draft, I dove into six options for the Celtics at No. 45 here, but the second round is always a toss-up. Brooklyn's move into the first round set a fairly low price for moving up, so it's possible the Celtics could do the same if they're targeting a player.
Stay live with my live draft throughout the night for updates and analysis for Boston and the rest of the NBA.
2021 FIRST ROUND
1. Detroit -- F Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State
The most transformative and consensus No. 1 pick since Anthony Davis. Initiates offense, scores, shoots and defends from the wing position as well as any prospect since Ben Simmons. Only he molds many of these skills together and adapts perfectly across roles, a skilled facilitator in high school before he took over high-volume scoring (20.2 PPG) while shooting 41.2% from three. He won't transform a Detroit team that's in stage one of their rebuild, but accelerates a process already started strong with draft steals Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey.
2. Houston -- G Jalen Green, G-League Ignite
Houston locked in on Green after finishing last in the NBA, finally resigned to losing the lottery and facing a historic asking price to move up to the No. 1 pick. Green replaces James Harden as Houston's floor general after a botched first year of the rebuild. At 19-years-old and 6'5" with explosiveness and crafty ball-handling skills. Shooting, facilitating and NBA defense could take time, but Houston hopes when he grows into his body he'll become a Zach LaVine, Ja Morant-like transformative point guard. Cleveland immediately threw a parade with Mobley freed up at No. 3
3. Cleveland -- C Evan Mobley, USC
The Cavaliers moved up in the lottery again to continue their unprecedented run of lottery luck stemming back to LeBron James in 2003. They've picked well to begin this latest post-James rebuild, grabbing Darius Garland and Isaac Okoro as offensive and defensive centerpieces in recent years. Collin Sexton became a volume scorer and they added Jarrett Allen (restricted free agent) just by taking on extra salary in the Harden trade. Mobley is an offensive initiator and switching defender, whereas Allen is a burly rebounding center, interior scorer with size to battle the bigger bodies in the east. Allen could become expendable in this deal, particularly in sign-and-trades, but in this new era of positionless basketball and Mobley entering the league at 18 it doesn't preclude them from both entering training camp in the fall.
4. Toronto -- F Scottie Barnes, Florida State
The first stunner of the night. Almost every pre-draft projection lined Cunningham, Green, Mobley and Jalen Suggs up in the top-four. Suggs would've been the potent play-maker and all-around guard to potentially replace Kyle Lowry after his long run at point in Toronto. Barnes is not that point guard yet, though he showed flashes of secondary playmaking and high screen action at Florida State. Masai Ujiri's bet is that Barnes' defense, projected to possibly be the best in this draft at 6'7, 225 pounds across every position is better than Suggs' offense. Shooting, size and the penetration necessary to be a full time point guard at the next level emerged as concerns for Suggs. Barnes is not without his own though. He shot 29.7% on 37 attempts from three last season and is limited as scorer. What's this mean for Pascal Siakam? Reportedly open to Siakam trades, Toronto is either loading up on switchable wings, or setting up its next move.
5. Orlando -- G Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga
Orlando is thrilled to land the former top high school prospect in this class after losing the lottery and falling to No. 5. The Magic are flush with ball-handlers, but Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac continue to rehab from major lower body injuries, and Suggs is versatile enough to create offense off the ball and he'll certainly receive opportunity to play in tandem with Cole Anthony. This team is on the ground floor of its rebuild, so even courting five point guards shouldn't be a problem if they're the five best players in front of them. R.J. Hampton, as young as any of these guards mentioned, is also in Orlando on what projects to be the worst team in the NBA next season. It's a tough slide for Suggs, but he has a chance to become the center of attention quickly on this young team.
6. Oklahoma City -- G Josh Giddey, Australia
Giddey exploded up draft boards this week as a rare 6'8" floor general. This is another team too early in its rebuild to think about fit, and they'll have ball-handlers on the floor everywhere next season between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Aleksej Pokusevski and as potential rehab season from Kemba Walker. Learning from Walker would be a potentially valuable experience, after this roster hosted Al Horford for part of last season before moving on from him. Defense, shooting and overall floor general abilities are still a work in progress for Giddey at 18, though his passing, vision and finishing will propel him in that direction. It's unclear if he's, as Sam Vecenie wrote at The Athletic, a LaMelo Ball (floor general) or Lonzo Ball (secondary ball-handler). If he's the latter, No. 6 overall could be a bit of a reach, though we don't fully know the big picture plan in Oklahoma City for their dozens of future picks.
7. Golden State (from Minnesota) -- F Jonathan Kuminga, G-League
The Warriors could've potentially packaged No. 7 and No. 14 for Bradley Beal tonight. He's staying in Washington for now after the Lakers and Wizards agreed to terms on a Russell Westbrook trade. If that deal is eventually coming, it'll be interesting to see if Golden State picked Kuminga for Washington. If not, he's a dubious choice for a Warriors team pushing to extend its dynasty into its last legs. Kuminga is 18, raw and early in his development. Essentially a high school prospect who leaped through the Ignite program with Jalen Green and others, he's ready for the physicality at 6'8", 220 pounds with floor-running burst, rebounding power and some passing vision. He could fit Golden State's switching defense, but has some room to grow in defensive rotations and certainly as a scorer. A 24.6% three-point shooter will be another shocking sight as the legendary shooting Warriors struggled to shoot in 2020-21. Does GM Bob Myers have an eye on the future?
8. Orlando (from Chicago) -- F Franz Wagner
Just like Orlando's No. 5 pick Jalen Suggs does it all across the guard positions, Franz Wagner brings needed versatility to the Orlando front court. He'll potentially reunite with older brother Mo Wagner, who's an Orlando free agent this offseason. It's amazing how many brothers, with similar games, have played together on NBA rosters in recent years like Marcus and Markieff Morris in Phoenix, Brook and Robin Lopez in Milwaukee and more recently Justin and Aaron Holiday in Indiana. Franz Wagner brings the shooting touch, high post passing vision of Mo with hopes of being a more high-end versatile defender. At 6'9", 220 pounds he'll have more luck in switching defenses than Mo, who had his team option declined by Washington in 2020. Simplifying his movement on offense and staying with athletic offensive plays in the NBA will be Franz' biggest test.
9. Sacramento -- G Davion Mitchell, Baylor
NCAA champion Davion Mitchell had one of the great weird shooting seasons in college basketball history, in the positive direction. After shooting 31.2% on his first 157 three-point attempts between Auburn and Baylor, he canned 44.7% of 141 looks last season. That explosion burst him into the lottery, along with his floor as perhaps the best defensive guard in this class. He's constantly on the floor, gobbles up loose balls, stays with opponents across the back court while mixing bruising physicality with smooth-sliding feet. There's some Marcus Smart to his game at the defensive end, though at a smaller stature of 6'0", 200 pounds. His size, continued 64% free throw shooting and lack of explosion could limit his ability to be a franchise-changing point guard. He may be more of a player that contributes to winning than initiates it, and the Kings have been waiting over one decade for that kind of player.
10. Memphis (from New Orleans) -- F Ziaire Williams, Stanford
No team has drafted better across all their selections than the Memphis Grizzlies. They evidently traded up from No. 17 and took on two large contracts in Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe, while giving up organizational favorite Jonas Valanciunas who came back from the Marc Gasol trade years ago. All in all, that means this is a critical selection for Memphis' rebuild. Williams joins Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr. on a team that's consistently fought for the playoffs in the west early in their development. He brings ball-handling, shooting potential and a wiry frame, struggling offensively at Stanford, but shooting well enough at the free throw line and showing enough spurts on defense to project growth beyond 19. Will need to fight for minutes at Memphis' wing position. He played at Sierra Canyon with Bronny James, Zaire Wade and BJ Boston.
11. Charlotte -- G James Bouknight, UConn
James Bouknight projected to rise quickly up draft boards due to his floor as a dynamic scorer. Instead, teams above Charlotte opted for players with more potential, higher defensive floors and bigger physical frames. He could be a potential steal for the Hornets, who won recent drafts with picks like Miles Bridges, P.J. Washington and last year's rookie of the year LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 overall pick. Wings Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward are in front of him, and his scoring punch could potentially allow the Hornets to package free agents Devonte' Graham and Malik Monk into a sign-and-trade for an interior presence like Myles Turner. This team is going to be dangerous next year, and Bouknight could immediately become one of the league's best sixth men at 20. He got suffocated on a mediocre UConn team by pressure last year and rose the team's standing. Now, he'll have weapons and fellow creators around him that give him room to attack the rim with drives and cuts off the ball. His defense, playmaking and shooting may never come. If he's Jordan Clarkson, a common comparison, this is a heist at No. 11.
12. San Antonio -- G Josh Primo, Alabama
The Spurs' transformation from a big-oriented, traditional team to a more modern spread of versatile guards and wings continues with Primo. Keldon Johnson, Lonnie Walker IV and Dejounte Murray led this transformation in recent years, and Primo will provide an insertion of necessary shooting. San Antonio relied on the mid-range more than any other NBA team under Demar DeRozan and Murray. Primo's pull-up shooting, decent size at 6'5" (6'9" wingspan), 190 pounds with strong defensive tools could impact San Antonio immediately after they shed some of their veterans this offseason. He's also only 18.
13. Indiana -- F Chris Duarte, Oregon
It's surprising that Indiana passed on Corey Kispert, a high-level shooter and glue guy who could reshape the Pacers front court and replace likely outgoing free agents Doug McDermott. Most mock drafts projected Duarte around this range too, as his point guard tools could project to impact off the bench like Indy's other free agent TJ McConnell. The Pacers could lose Malcolm Brogdon in coming years too, so this could be an investment into their future. Duarte grew up in the Dominican Republic and started basketball during his teenage years, growing into one of this draft's elite shooters and shot creators. He brings strong size at 6'6", 190 pounds and in two years at Oregon served as both a secondary guard, next to Boston's Payton Pritchard, and a lead guard this past season. Shot 53.2% from the field, 42.4% from three and 81% from the free throw line in 2021.
14. Golden State -- F Moses Moody, Arkansas
Somehow the biggest mouthful name of the draft so far for ESPN commentator Kendrick Perkins. The Warriors again picked another precarious fit, with unknown upside, but a strong floor. Moody played with Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes on their historic Montverde Academy, then had a strong season shooting and drawing free throws at Arkansas. He also struggled to finish, at just under 53% inside, and looks like a 3-and-D wing who's more comfortable from the mid-range than three right now. He shot 36% on catch-and-shoot threes.
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The NBA selected Boston native and Kentucky guard Terrence Clarke with an honorary selection at the end of the lottery. Clarke, 19, died in a car accident in Los Angeles in April, months before he was projected to be a NBA Draft selection tonight. Terrence's mother Osmine, brother Gavin, and sister Tatyana met Adam Silver on stage on behalf of Terrence. Jaylen Brown and other Celtics became close friends with Clarke and worked out with him in recent years.
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15. Washington -- F Corey Kispert, Gonzaga
This may be the appropriate landing spot for Kispert. It still feels mildly surprising a young player who shot and made plays as dynamically as Kispert did on a historic Gonzaga team would fall outside the lottery. The Wizards haven't nailed recent drafts, with Deni Avdija, Rui Hachimura and Troy Brown Jr. failing to move through Bradley Beal's prime. With uncertainty brewing over the future of the team, Kispert would've been a great fit in Davis Bertan's now-expensive role. He shot 44.4% from three last season, constantly hustled and moved the ball. At 6'6", 224 pounds he may get torched by some NBA speed, but not in terms of strength. If Washington is intent on continuing to try to win with Beal, he's a great addition at No. 15. His ceiling as a great individual player may be limited, but he'll make good teams better.
16. Houston (from Boston, from Oklahoma City) -- C Alperen Sengun, Turkey
Celtics fans will eagerly follow the career of the player who landed at their former first-round slot. It moved again from Oklahoma City to Houston for heavily protected Detroit and Washington first-round picks, and the Rockets selected one of the great mystery international prospects in this draft. Kevin Pelton of ESPN raised eyebrows by rating Sengun as the highest-rated prospect in this draft statistically -- due to historic production in Turkey. He played professional basketball throughout his teenage years and comes to the NBA at 19 with multiple seasons in pro leagues and international competition under his belt. He's 6'10", 240 pounds after shedding roughly 30 pounds over the last two years to get into exceptional shape, according to Sam Vecenie. His post game might be the best since Karl-Anthony Towns, entering a league that's largely abandoned that style of play. He'll shoot threes, but hasn't succeeded in that aspect of this game yet. His defense and versatility through his passing will determine a ceiling beyond being a fellow Turkish pro in Enes Kanter. That'd be a high-level bench player, but Houston hopes his ceiling is higher.
17. New Orleans (from Memphis) -- Trey Murphy III, Virginia
Getting a 3-and-D prospect in the middle of the first round is the next best result picking here aside from landing a star with some luck. Murphy shot 43.3% from three on 120 looks last year at Virginia and 92.7% at the free throw line.
18. Oklahoma City (from Miami via the LA Clippers, Philadelphia, and Phoenix) -- Tre Mann, Florida
The 6'3" shooting guard projected closer to the second round, as Thunder remain steadfast at picking guys they like regardless of positioning. After scooping up another pair of future firsts to keep the chest full, Sam Presti grabbed a sharp dribbler and floater expert akin to Immanuel Quickley who experienced a sharp shooting bump and even gained some height during his 19-year-old season at Florida.
19. Charlotte (via New York) -- Kai Jones, Texas
Late-blooming athlete who didn't start organized basketball until 15 after initially focusing on track in the Bahamas. Drives and shoots from the big man position with size, at 6'10", 221 pounds. He'll need to continue to work on his shooting confidence, short-roll passing and his hands at 20-years-old. LaMelo Ball will feed him ample lobs though, as he'll take over as the most athletic big man Charlotte can remember after years of Al Jefferson, Bismack Biyombo, Frank Kaminsky and Cody Zeller.
20. Atlanta -- Jalen Johnson, Duke
Johnson infamously left Duke early to prepare for the NBA Draft amid one of the Blue Devils' most inconsistent seasons ever. He struggled as a finisher, passer and rarely shot threes during his freshman year which contributed to him sliding from lofty high school expectations. His vision is highly-regarded, as well as his body control on drives with great size at 6'9", with a 7'0" wingspan. That and his potential at 19 make him a worthy flier at this range, with an elite creator in Trae Young to facilitate his growth and available minutes off the Atlanta bench with another former Blue Devil Cam Reddish struggling to grow.
21. Clippers (from Dallas and New York) -- Keon Johnson, Tennessee
A future second-round pick got the pick-strapped Clippers a No. 21 pick as the cost of moving up remains relatively low. Johnson is an explosive guard prospect at 19, who flashed dominant slashing, sound defense and struggled to shoot. He'll possibly be pressed to create some in LA's second unit sets and will need to improve his decision-making in those lineups.
22. Indiana (from Lakers and Washington) -- Isaiah Jackson, Kentucky
Adam Silver quipped about a trade to be finalized later, as fans across the NBA landscape now know that Russell Westbrook will be a Laker, with this pick going to Washington as part of the deal with Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma, with a pair of second-round picks going back to LA. The confusion continued inside Barclays Center as Indiana sent the No. 31 pick and Aaron Holiday to the Wizards for No. 22. Jackson is a rim protector at this stage, 6'10" with incredible leaping skills and a frame that still needs to fill out at 19. He'll get to play behind Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis for one season as the Pacers weigh its future options inside. He blocked 2.6 shots per game at Kentucky.
23. Houston (from Portland) -- Usman Garuba, Spain
Currently playing for Team Spain at the Tokyo Olympics. He defended Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum comfortably in the Las Vegas scrimmage between Team USA and Spain. Garuba brings elite strength, size at 229 pounds, height at 6'8" and 7'2" length as perhaps the best all-around defender in this draft. His finishing and shooting struggles limit his overall ceiling beyond a specialist, but a similar specialist, Houston's Jae'Sean Tate played well enough to make the 2021 First-Team All-Rookie team. His professional experience is extensive, playing in the Real Madrid system since 2013.
24. Houston (from Milwaukee) -- Josh Christopher, Arizona State
Felt like a second-round prospect, but with three first-round selections already under their belt, Houston had a chance to take a risk on another 19-year-old. His shot selection was an issue at ASU, while his defensive floor still needs to be carved out fully. He'll have plenty of time and minutes to work on his game in Houston.
25. New York (from Clippers) -- Quentin Grimes, Houston
A potential steal at No. 25. He shoot threes out of nearly every imaginable set and pairs it with sensational on-ball defense. Could be one of the premiere 3-and-D prospects in this class, who already transformed his game as a Kansas transfer and former top-10 recruit. He transferred to Houston and became an AAC player of the Year and took UH to the Final 4 within two seasons. Plays with intensity and some of the shake of his old point guard days, though he struggles as a mid-range shooter, finisher and driver. Still, a potential strong No. 25 pick.
26. Denver -- Bones Hyland, VCU
Is one of the skinniest players in the draft at 6'2", 169 pounds. Has enormous shooting range that culminated in a 37.1% mark on 186 attempts. Dribbles shiftily into tough shot. Denver will likely plug him in as a spark-plug against opposing benches, though he'll need to contend with NBA physicality and reduce his turnovers.
27. Brooklyn -- Cam Thomas, LSU
Long-range shooter and solid finisher. Needs to improve on defense and become more efficient to become a trusted scorer in the NBA. Adds to Brooklyn's spacing capabilities and likely a strongly loved prospect in Brooklyn given their desire to let a trusted veteran in Landry Shamet go to acquire him.
28. Philadelphia -- Jaden Springer, Tennessee
Could become a great backup point guard and sixth man, selected for incredible value at No. 28. Springer shot well at every level, drew contact and free throws consistently at 6'4", defended as well as any guard on the ball and shot 43.5% from three. Joins Tyrese Maxey in the back court as a poised defensive pair and adds much-needed shooting in Philly.
29. Brooklyn (from Phoenix) -- Day'Ron Sharpe, North Carolina
Crowded front court excuses a slow freshman year at UNC for Sharpe, and Brooklyn won't need much from him other than spot minutes against bigger teams. He's a strong and active rebounder who was the most efficient on the offensive boards in the college last year. Will need to improve his touch and limit his high turnover rate to see the floor, as his rim protection ability is limited too. This could be a mild reach .
30. Memphis (via Utah) -- Santi Aldama, Loyola (Md.)
Aldama dominated the Patriot League as a ball-handling and shooting big man. Shot 37% from three at 6'11" with fluid driving ability and blocked nearly two shots per game. Is about to take his most significant competition leap since his preparatory schooling in Spain and European country competition. Was ahead of the game entering college, and now he'll battle NBA bigs with a thin frame.
2021 SECOND ROUND
31. Washington (from Houston and Milwaukee) -- Isaiah Todd, G-League Ignite
Shooting big at 6'10" who struggled to finish for Ignite and got caught between positions defensively. Has potential as a movement shooter and rim protector, but has more work to do at 19.
32. Oklahoma City (from Detroit via the LA Clippers, Philadelphia and New York) -- Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Villanova
The Grant Williams of this draft. Strong passer, decent shooter, who can plug and play as an immediate impact role player. His landing in rebuilding Oklahoma City is a big surprise. Grew into one of the draft's most solid defenders, who can switch at 6'9" across the wing positions. Plays the four on offense, with an inconsistent three-pointer and strong finishing numbers inside. Solid prospects as a NBA role player.
33. Orlando -- Jason Preston, Ohio
Ohio's crafty point guard who will be relied upon for his elite 47% catch-and-shoot three mark, with a bonus of being able to finish above 60% inside. His defense and pull-up shooting become less of a concern on an Orlando team where he'll be complimentary to other lead ball-handlers. Good landing spot for a prospect who could've potentially been asked to do too much.
34. New York (via Oklahoma City) -- Rokas Jokubaitis, Lithuania
Battled the Big Baller Brand's Lithuanian excursion with 31 points at 17. Joined the country's top team soon after, and flashed excellent ball-handling, passing and finishing skills. He boasts strong efficiency on mid-range pull-ups, but hesitated to shoot pull-up threes. Is a strong young prospect in New York's reshaped back court.
35. New Orleans (from Cleveland via Atlanta) -- Herb Jones, Alabama
The dynamic defensive stopper New Orleans' back court long needed arrives. Jones will blow up players inside and out, switching across every position except the five as one of the best defenders in this draft. The Pelicans badly need a roving menace to help spell the defensive responsibilities of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. His offense is a real problem though. He brings some finishing ability, but his shot is a mess. Likely won't hit threes and teams play off him on the ball like they did for Rajon Rondo and Ben Simmons.
36. New York (from Minnesota via Golden State and OKC) -- Miles McBride, West Virginia
A 6'2" on-ball defender at the point, who keeps turnovers low and can hit the catch-and-shoot three. Shot 41.4% from three last season. Classic Press Virginia pressure defender, who will need to overcome his lack of size to thrive in the NBA.
37. Charlotte (from Toronto via Brooklyn and Detroit) -- JT Thor, Auburn
A dynamic physical prospect at 18. Is 6'9" with a 7'3" wingspan, explodes up the floor in transition and rises above the rim on finishes. Could've been more efficient for his size and role, especially with an inconsistent shot and little passing prowess. At times became a turnover mess, particularly on in-bound passing. His upside is defensive, with length, rim-protecting ability and great instincts to get into passing lanes. Will fit well on a Hornets team that routinely mixes bigger and smaller lineups.
38. Chicago (from New Orleans)** -- Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois
Productive offensive and defensive guard who scored 20 points per game on good efficiency for Illinois at the guard spot. Could step in off the bench and score right away for Chicago, facing a possible veteran roster crunch if the team acquires Lonzo Ball. Is a hesitant three-point shooter despite strong percentages on low volume, and needs to reduce turnover numbers.
39. Sacramento -- Neemias Queta, Utah State
Portuguese post-up and rim-protecting big man who will need to adjust his game at the next level to be able to get involved in pick-and-roll action and defend some in space. Rapid ascent to this level saw him block over three shots per game last year, something the Kings could use with uncertain futures for Richaun Holmes and Hassan Whiteside inside.
40. New Orleans (from Chicago)** -- Jared Butler, Baylor
A steep slide sent the champion shooter 10 picks into the second round. Likely fell due to size at 6'3", but can overcome it with strength and greater than 40% pull-up three point shooting. He can create for himself and others, and strong defensive instincts will fit him in on both sides on the floor in what could go down as one of the steals of this draft.
41. San Antonio -- Joe Wieskamp, Iowa
The best pure shooter in the draft. That's all you'll get though. Suspect defender got torched in conference play annually. Has great length that he hasn't made use of. He'll shoot at the next level though, drilling a 41.2% mark on 450 attempts in college. Iowa used him in all kinds of sets and action, he can create three-point shots for himself and grew in attacking closeouts. His incredible athletic profile wowed at the NBA Draft combine, and this is incredible value for the Spurs at No. 41.
42. Detroit (from Charlotte via New York) -- Isaiah Livers, Michigan
A 6'7" shooting wing who will need to expand his range and move better on the defensive end to success at this level.
43. Portland (from Washington via Milwaukee, Cleveland, Utah and Portland) -- Greg Brown, Portland
Incredible athletic profile and above-the-rim game at 6'9" is blocked by a shaky shot, high turnover numbers and questionable decision making on the ball. Attacks face-up and throws down eye-popping dunks on opponents. There's some Robert Williams III here, only without the passing vision. Can he make up for it by formulating a jumper and emerging as a strong team defender?
44. Brooklyn (from Indiana) -- Kessler Edwards, Pepperdine
Strong shooter and defender who could become a steal on the wing for a Nets team hunting depth with Jeff Green, Bruce Brown and Landry Shamet all potentially gone in free agency.
45. Boston -- Juhann Begarin, France
He's years away from success, if he makes the NBA at all, but boasts enough length and explosion at 18 to stash as he plays professionally in France.
46. Toronto (from Memphis via Sacramento) -- Dalano Banton, Nebraska
Solid 6'9" playmaker who separated from defenders to find success at Nebraska. Doesn't shoot or defend well enough if those skills don't translate, but joins a strong developmental system with his hometown Raptors.
47. Toronto (from Golden State via Utah and New Orleans) -- David Johnson, Louisville
Potential 3-and-D lead guard with 6'10" length and showed rapid improvement as a sophomore from deep.
48. Atlanta (from Miami via Sacramento and Portland) -- Sharife Cooper, Auburn
Meteoric fall turned heads among Boston fans given the need for point guard help. His passing vision flashed in high school. Between a short season that eligibility issues took away from, a disastrous defensive season and 6'1" height and wingspan he'll stay home in Atlanta far from the lottery status he once could've potentially grasped. Didn't show enough as a finisher or shooter at Auburn, and will be even more difficult to adapt at his size in the NBA. He'll have time at his age and a great mentor in Trae Young, who overcame size concerns to become an NBA All Star.
49. Brooklyn (from Atlanta) -- Marcus Zegarowski. Creighton
Strong shooter with an injury history. Brother of Magic guard Michael Carter-Williams.
50. Philadelphia (from New York) -- Filip Petrusev, Serbia
Won MVP in his Serbian league after a WCC player of the year season at Serbia. Failed to garner interest in the 2020 NBA Draft, due to continued defensive concerns. Shot 46% from three in Serbia and close to 70% at the rim, numbers staggering enough to get him a second round look.
51. Clippers (from Portland via Dallas, Detroit, Cleveland and Memphis) -- BJ Boston, Kentucky
Cooper's slide was meteoric. Boston's was an avalanche. Struggled in every imaginable facet in lone season at Kentucky, where he was one of the least efficient all-around shooters in college basketball. His defense improved as the year went on, with steals in passing lanes and increased intensity. It became hard to project an offensive role outside of step-back jumpers for him.
52. Detroit (from Los Angeles Lakers via Sacramento, Houston, and Detroit) -- Luke Garza, Iowa
One of the great college careers ever. Defense dropped him to the second round despite staggering offensive production and a sharp pick-and-pop game that should translate to the next level. He'll get minutes and a chance to transform his game to a more low-usage impact at the next level after Iowa built its whole team around him for multiple seasons.
53. Philadelphia (from New Orleans via Dallas) -- Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky
Elite size, strong finisher and a good rim protector. Like many bigs, will need to defend out in space and find ways to be more versatile on offense to get on the floor.
54. Indiana (from Milwaukee via Houston and Cleveland) -- Sandro Mamukelashvili, Seton Hall
High turnovers and defensive concerns muddy flashy playmaking potential for a 6'11" playmaking big.
55. Oklahoma City (from Denver via Golden State and Philadelphia) -- Aaron Wiggins, Maryland
Strong physical tools -- 6'6" with a 6'10" wingspan -- got him drafted. Will need to become more efficient on offense than he played at Maryland, where he scored enough to draw professional interest and hopes of higher upside.
56. Charlotte (from LA Clippers) -- Scottie Lewis, Florida
High steal and block rates round out elite defensive potential he'll need to round out with some kind of offensive role.
57. Detroit (from Brooklyn and Charlotte) -- Balsa Koprivica, Florida State
Strong size at 7'1".
58. New York (from Philadelphia) -- Jericho Sims, Texas
Rim-running and defensive potential.
59. Brooklyn (from Phoenix) -- RaiQuan Gray, Florida State
Small-ball five potential sunk by weight concerns.
60. Milwaukee (from Utah and Indiana) -- Georgios Kalaitzakis, Greece
Fitting.