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With the 2021 NBA Draft just around the corner, everyone is hyped up about the young prospects entering the league. The 2021 NBA Finals came to an end with the Milwaukee Bucks lifting their first championship trophy in 50 years, riding a monster closeout game by Giannis Antetokounmpo. As the NBA season concludes, attention has already turned to the next season already.
The 2021 NBA Draft is scheduled for July 29th, and the Detroit Pistons own the coveted first overall pick. Several prospects participated in the 2021 NBA Draft Combine and improved their odds of getting selected in the first round.
Who is expected to go top 5 in the 2021 NBA Draft?
Although Cade Cunningham is the consensus first overall pick as of now, there are a handful of analysts and publications that believe other prospects could steal that spot from him. Evan Mobley has piqued the interest of numerous NBA scouts, and reports suggest he could go 1st overall, while some oddsmakers also believe Jonathan Kuminga has a shot.
On that note, here are our predictions of the top five picks of the 2021 NBA Draft.
#5 Jonathan Kuminga
Forward | Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 220 lbs | Age: 18
Jonathan Kuminga of the G League Ignite is an explosive athlete who can get to the rim and has incredible potential at the defensive end. Kuminga, however, is just 18, and his fundamentals are raw. He could take a few years of experience to qualify as an All-Star calibre player in the NBA, so he is perfect for any rebuilding team with patience and time in their hands.
Jonathan Kuminga is an elite defender who can lock down any wing or forward and can also clamp smaller guards when he dedicates himself to it. He is a savvy ball-handler who can get his own shot with a variety of moves and also has the ability to make a great pass to an open man.
#4 Jalen Suggs
Guard | Height: 6' 4" | Weight: 205 lbs | Age: 19
Jalen Suggs came under the national spotlight after his game-winning three-pointer from near the halfcourt against UCLA in the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA tournament. He led the Gonzaga Bulldogs to a near-perfect record in the season as they went 31-0 but lost in the final championship game to Baylor. Suggs is an elite ball handler and playmaker who is considered NBA-ready by many scouts.
The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor wrote about Jalen Suggs' playmaking ahead of the 2021 NBA Draft, saying:
"Smooth and decisive playmaker who takes care of the ball and has the vision to deliver passes on the floor that most players won’t dream of. Unselfish: He will look for the extra pass in the half court or throw it ahead on the break."
Jalen Suggs is also a great scorer who has the potential to become a second or third option in an NBA playoff team. He is also great off the ball and relocates for open looks and cuts to the basket when he finds an opening. Jalen Suggs is also excellent at the other end of the floor and can defend both on and off the ball.
#3 Jalen Green
Guard | Height: 6' 5" | Weight: 165 lbs | Age: 19
Often compared to NBA icon Kobe Bryant, Jalen Green possesses the same mentality as the LA Lakers legend and is a gifted offensive player who stops at nothing when dedicated to get a bucket. He is called a walking highlight reel and can score from anywhere on the floor and get his own shot whenever he wants. Green is an excellent finisher at the rim, which makes him a constant lob threat even at 6' 5".
Jalen Green also has high playmaking potential, as he is a willing passer who can find an open teammate. He needs to polish his defensive skills, but they could improve once he is in the NBA. Green is a sleeper for the 1st overall pick because if the Pistons are looking for a pure scorer, he could upstage Cunningham on draft night.
#2 Evan Mobley
Guard | Height: 7' 0" | Weight: 215 lbs | Age: 19
Cade Cunningham isn't a lock for the 1st pick, and many believe Evan Mobley of USC is the reason why.
The 7-footer from Southern California is one of the most skilled prospects entering the league, as he does big man-type things with the fluidity and skill-set of a wing. Mobley can handle the ball and shoot well from beyond the arc while also dominating the paint for boards and blocks.
Mobley has elite defense both on and off the ball and has the potential to make an NBA All-Defensive team. He could be the go-to scorer for a team, as he uses his variety of moves and his versatility to get buckets. Mobley is practically a lock for top 3 in the 2021 NBA Draft and would instantly benefit any team he joins.
#1 Cade Cunningham
Guard | Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 220 lbs | Age: 19
Although other prospects are climbing up the ladder, many believe Cade Cunningham would be the 1st overall pick.
He is leading the rankings in most publications, including The Ringer and ESPN, while the DraftKings Sportsbook has him at -10000 for getting selected 1st overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. He is by far the most talented player in this draft class and has a complete game at both ends of the floor.
Cunningham controls the tempo of games and makes his teammates better. He is an excellent three-point shooter at 41.2% (126 3PA) and can also drive to the rim with authority. He is expected to play at an All-NBA level and could potentially be the cornerstone player for an NBA franchise. Cunningham has drawn comparisons with Luka Doncic.
Also Read: Ranking the top 5 shooters in the 2021 NBA Draft.
