CLEVELAND, Ohio — It’s NBA Draft week. Finally.
Amidst rumors, wild speculation, smokescreens and misinformation, teams around the league are holding meetings to finalize strategy and boards. With a loaded class, one of the most cherished in quite some time, the Cleveland Cavaliers are finally positioned to land a franchise-changing talent. Choosing third, the choice isn’t theirs. What happens in Detroit and Houston will ultimately determine who becomes the Cavs’ newest building block.
The first three picks appear to have crystallized. But the order is still unclear, especially with the Rockets keeping many teams, including Cleveland, guessing. There are also teams motivated to move up. Others looking to move down. The clock is ticking toward Thursday night at 8:30 p.m.
1. Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham, point guard, Oklahoma State
Height, weight: 6-foot-8, 220 pounds
Age: 19 (Sept. 25 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals in 35.4 minutes per game.
A case could be made for Cunningham, Jalen Green or Evan Mobley. All three are worthy of No. 1 consideration. All three would be first-overall types most years. But only one can claim this top spot. Despite trade chatter, it’s tough to see Detroit selling this lottery ticket. Signs still point to Cunningham, who worked out for the Pistons last week — and it’s easy to understand why.
A supersized playmaking wing with two-way potential and an extraordinary isolation package, Cunningham is an elite prospect who may be closest to reaching his ceiling. He’s unselfish and possesses winning intangibles. Cunningham is a three-level scorer and potential matchup nightmare at the next level, able to use his size and strength to overpower smaller defenders or rise above and fire from outside. His unique size also allows him to hold his own against frontcourt players while also being able to see over the defense and create passing angles. He’s an ideal fit for the modern game.
2. Houston Rockets – Jalen Green, shooting guard, G League Ignite
Height, weight: 6-6, 186
Age: 19 (Feb. 19 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals in 32.0 minutes per game.
Can the rebuilding Rockets, with three first-round picks, get to No. 1 for Cunningham? If not, do they take Green or Mobley? Those are the two questions hovering around Houston. Sources say keep an eye on Daniel Theis to Houston this offseason. That signing could help fill a frontcourt void. The Rockets have also reportedly been rebuffed in their efforts to hold private workouts with Mobley and Jalen Suggs, both of whom are represented by the same agency. Are those signs pointing to Green going No. 2, with the Rockets valuing his scoring potential and shot creation? A Jalen Green-Kevin Porter Jr. is pretty exciting — if Porter proves he can be trusted off the court.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers – Evan Mobley, power forward/center, USC
Height, weight: 7-0, 215
Age: 19 (June 18 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.9 blocks in 33.9 minutes per game.
In simple terms: The Cavs will likely choose the player Houston doesn’t. While trading back continues to be mentioned as a possibility, Cleveland’s front office has lamented a lack of lottery luck over the past few seasons. This is the position the Cavs want to be in. The one they need to be in. They celebrated on lottery night and that joy has only increased throughout the pre-draft process, as they weigh their options at No. 3. Sources say general manager Koby Altman currently sees too much of a gap between Mobley/Green and the other prospects, which means it’s unlikely he would willingly drop down a few spots and choose from a lesser pool of prospects. Those trade calls started weeks ago. Altman’s listening. He has to. It’s his job. But it would take a “godfather” offer, according to a source.
The Cavs believe Mobley can play 4 or 5. They believe he can function alongside restricted free agent center Jarrett Allen — the team’s offseason priority signing. Suggs has supporters among the scouting staff. But he’s also viewed as a stylistic duplicate of Darius Garland. At this point, it still feels like Mobley.
Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs comes into the draft with a maturity, confidence and magnetic personality that will help change the culture. AP
4. Toronto Raptors – Jalen Suggs, point guard, Gonzaga
Height, weight: 6-4, 205
Age: 19 (June 3 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.9 steals in 28.9 minutes per game.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Toronto snag Scottie Barnes here, especially with the Raptors reportedly making Pascal Siakam available in trade talks and the organization’s reputation for stellar player development. But Suggs sliding out of the top 4? That’s tough to comprehend. His playmaking, tough defense and ability to thrive in the biggest moments stand out. He’d also be a great fit, helping Toronto seamlessly transition out of the Kyle Lowry era and build around the culture-changing and ultra competitive former football player.
5. Orlando Magic – Scottie Barnes, small forward/power forward, Florida State
Height, weight: 6-8, 227
Age: 19 (Aug. 1 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals in 24.8 minutes per game.
Orlando hit the rest button at the trade deadline, sending away Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier and Aaron Gordon. With two picks in the top 8, it’s a great opportunity for the Magic to focus on talent over fit. Given his pre-draft workouts and interviews, this seems to be Barnes’ floor. Still, he comes with more questions than the other prospects in the top 5. Is he a small forward or power forward? Does he have a reliable outside shot to keep opponents honest? An intriguing point-forward with disruptive defensive tools, athleticism, toughness, leadership and playmaking capability, Barnes is the archetype teams covet. His outside shot will determine whether he lives up to this draft slot.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jonathan Kuminga, small forward/power forward, G League Ignite
Height, weight: 6-8, 220
Age: 18 (Oct. 6 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals in 32.8 minutes per game.
Oklahoma City is one of the toughest teams to predict. Loaded with picks into the future, they have explored the possibility of moving up to No. 1, only to get rebuffed. Will the Thunder increase the offer by draft night? Do they have future picks valuable enough to make Detroit think? If Oklahoma City stays at six, it’s positioned to take an upside swing. One of the youngest players in this group after reclassifying to play for the G League Ignite, Kuminga is a project. But that size and athleticism, combined with scoring instincts could pay off in the future. The front office also reportedly visited Kuminga twice in Miami for private workouts. Connecticut’s James Bouknight will likely get consideration, putting him next to promising youngster Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
7. Golden State Warriors (from Minnesota Timberwolves) – James Bouknight, guard, Connecticut
Height, weight: 6-5, 190
Age: 20 (Sept. 18 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals in 31.7 minutes.
The Warriors are in a strange position: a lottery team with playoff aspirations. That could mean they target help-now pieces. Bouknight qualifies. He would give the Warriors another scoring option, either in the starting lineup or off the bench, to take pressure off MVP candidate Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who is returning from a two-year absence because of knee and Achilles injuries.
8. Orlando Magic (from Chicago Bulls) – Moses Moody, shooting guard, Arkansas
Height, weight: 6-6, 205
Age: 18 (May 31 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals in 33.8 minutes.
Drafts are always eye of the beholder. But it’s tough to see Corey Kispert, Davion Mitchell or Ziaire Williams going this high. Franz Wagner is tempting. He’s also the kind of versatile frontcourt piece that typically appeals to Orlando’s front office. Pairing him with his brother, Moritz, would also be a fun storyline. But Moody, the young 3-and-D wing gets the nod, with a belief that Orlando moves on from Terrence Ross and/or Gary Harris soon.
9. Sacramento Kings – Franz Wagner, small forward, Michigan
Height, weight: 6-9, 220
Age: 19 (Aug. 27 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.0 blocks in 31.7 minutes per game.
The word is this pick is available, as the Kings, riding a 15-season playoff drought, are looking for immediate help. If Sacramento can’t find a trade partner, Wagner is a logical choice. He would allow the Kings to address their need for frontcourt depth, defense and 3-point shooting around talented guards De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton. Wagner, who said in a conference call with reporters Monday afternoon that he’s standing around 6-foot-11 after growing a bit over the last year, could become what Marvin Bagley was supposed to be.
10. Memphis Grizzlies (from New Orleans Pelicans) – Josh Giddey, point guard, Adelaide 36ers (Australia)
Height, weight: 6-8, 185
Age: 18 (Oct. 10 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.1 steals in 31.9 minutes per game during NBL Australia play.
The Pelicans and Grizzlies reportedly agreed to a deal that gives Memphis, fresh off a postseason appearance, this top 10 selection. It was costly, with Memphis sending burly, playoff-tested center Jonas Valanciunas and the No. 17 pick to New Orleans for Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe and another future first-round pick. The two teams will also exchange second-rounders. The move gives New Orleans the financial flexibility it coveted heading into free agency next week. It also allows the Grizzlies to put another talented youngster around one of the league’s brightest cores. Memphis moved up in front of Charlotte, San Antonio, Golden State and others for a reason. Giddey has been linked to all of those teams. Perhaps the Grizz didn’t think he would last that long.
11. Charlotte Hornets – Kai Jones, center, Texas
Height, weight: 6-11, 218
Age: 20 (Jan. 19 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.9 blocks in 22.8 minutes.
The Hornets are expected to prioritize a center this offseason. Free agency is one option. Charlotte is one of the few cap-space teams capable of putting together a lucrative, compelling offer sheet for restricted free agent Jarrett Allen that at least makes the Cavs squirm. Richaun Holmes is another target — and he will be easier to acquire with his unrestricted status. But the draft provides another path to interior help. Jones recently worked out in Charlotte and his athleticism, rim-running ability and lob potential would play well with reigning Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball.
12. San Antonio Spurs – Alperen Sengun, center, Besiktas (Turkey)
Height, weight: 6-10, 240
Age: 18 (July 25 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.7 blocks in 28.3 minutes per game during Turkish Super League play.
The Spurs have numerous decisions to make this offseason. What happens with DeMar DeRozan? Will Patty Mills and Rudy Gay leave in free agency? Does Dejounte Murray get traded? How about Derrick White? With minimal high-end talent, it could be time for a rebuild — or perhaps retooling. Sengun is the best player in a strong international class that could have multiple lottery picks. The MVP of the Turkish League as a teenager, Sengun comes into the league with questions about his defense and natural position, but possesses a rare offensive skill set. Passing. Shooting. Ballhandling. Diverse set of fundamentally-sound post moves. Potential 3-point range. Sengun has it all at that end of the floor. His place as the modern-day big will depend on defensive limitations, including a lack of switchability. Will that lead to him getting played off the floor in certain matchups — and diminishing his value?
Baylor guard Davion Mitchell (45) was one of college basketball’s best players last season. Will he be a lottery pick?AP
13. Indiana Pacers – Davion Mitchell, guard, Baylor
Height, weight: 6-2, 205
Age: 22 (Sept. 5 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 14.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.9 steals in 33.0 minutes per game.
Add the Pacers to the list of perplexing lottery teams shrouded in uncertainty. With a coaching change and incentive to win, the Pacers could dangle this pick for ready-made NBA talent. Then again, the experienced, defensive-minded Mitchell, fresh off a national championship run, could certainly carve a big role as a rookie.
14. Golden State Warriors – Chris Duarte, shooting guard, Oregon
Height, weight: 6-6, 190
Age: 23 (June 14 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.9 steals in 34.1 minutes.
There seems to be plenty of buzz about Duarte. Beyond his individual skill set, multiple teams choosing in this range have playoff aspirations. In that sense, the older prospect with less perceived upside that sometimes gets overlooked, becomes more valuable. The Warriors have an aging roster. They are projected for the league’s highest payroll in 2021-22. Stephen Curry’s contract expires next summer. Duarte is a plug-and-play guy who has received some high-end Klay Thompson comparisons. That works for the Dubs, right?
15. Washington Wizards – Keon Johnson, shooting guard, Tennessee
Height, weight: 6-5, 186
Age: 19 (March 10 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2. 5 assists, 1.1 steals in 25.5 minutes.
First things first: Bradley Beal needs to determine whether he wants a trade. He’s the one difference-making piece (short of Damian Lillard) that could shift the NBA’s landscape. While that situation is being addressed, the Wizards are positioned well in the middle of Round One. Strong. Fast. Athletic. And … raw. That sums up Johnson’s game. In many ways, he has a similar draft profile to Isaac Okoro, Cleveland’s choice with the No. 5 pick last year. Johnson, who didn’t play organized basketball until high school, has potential to become a terrific two-way player at the next level — if his offensive skills, including an inconsistent shot (26.1% from 3-point range and 70.7% from the foul line), can develop.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Boston Celtics) – Jalen Johnson, small forward, Duke
Height, weight: 6-9, 220
Age: 19 (Dec. 18 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.2 blocks in 21.4 minutes.
Like Kuminga at No. 6, this is another investment in upside. Johnson, a ballyhooed Duke recruit and one-time potential top-10 pick, has become the draft’s mystery man, viewed as a polarizing kid with a wide selection range. Some view him as a worthy investment in the top 10. Others question whether he even belongs in the lottery. A playmaking forward with speed and athleticism to pressure the rim, Johnson is at his best attacking in transition. His jumper is inconsistent. His halfcourt game needs work. He can shy away from contact inside. He had an alarming turnover rate, committing 2.5 per game in 21.2 minutes. There are also legitimate questions about his commitment level after leaving IMG Academy in high school and then halting his college career after just 13 games. But the Thunder aren’t headed for the playoffs any time soon. They can be patient and hope Johnson maximizes his alluring potential.
17. New Orleans Pelicans (from Memphis Grizzlies) – Corey Kispert, small forward, Gonzaga
Height, weight: 6-7, 220
Age: 22 (March 22 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists in 31.8 minutes.
The Pelicans drop down seven spots, shed salary, add Valanciunas and still get a player they could have targeted at No. 10. That’ll do. Shooting around Zion Williamson sounds like a good plan. Enter Kispert, whose scouting report is eerily similar to Joe Harris’ coming out of Virginia. Pelicans head of basketball operations David Griffin was the guy who drafted Harris in the second round in 2014.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Miami Heat) – Usman Garuba, power forward, Real Madrid (Spain)
Height, weight: 6-8, 230
Age: 19 (March 9 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 4.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 0.7 blocks in 16.5 minutes per game during EuroLeague play.
A versatile defender with toughness and EuroLeague experience, Garuba likely helped his stock with a respectable showing against Team USA in the exhibition finale ahead of the Tokyo Games. It’s another young prospect that the Thunder can either groom or flip in a future trade.
19. New York Knicks – Trey Murphy III, small forward, Virginia
Height, weight: 6-9, 206
Age: 21 (June 18 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 29.6 minutes.
The Knicks surged into playoff contention this season, but have decisions to make around the edges of their roster. Derrick Rose, Reggie Bullock, Elfrid Payton and Nerlens Noel are all free agents. With two of the next three picks, they could look to package both and move up. Or they could drop out of the first round completely, sending the picks for another rotational player. There are plenty of options. Nonetheless, head coach Tom Thibodeau will see two-way potential with the mature Murphy.
20. Atlanta Hawks – Cameron Thomas, shooting guard, LSU
Height, weight: 6-4, 210
Age: 19 (Oct. 13 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 23.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists in 34.0 minutes per game.
This is likely Thomas’ floor. New Orleans is a potential landing spot. Washington could be as well, especially if Beal is moved. Thomas is a high-volume shooter and scorer who could be a great off-the-bench sparkplug on a good team. It’s exactly what the Hawks need, sliding into Lou Williams’ spot.
21. New York Knicks (from Dallas Mavericks) – Isaiah Jackson, power forward/center, Kentucky
Height, weight: 6-11, 206
Age: 19 (Jan. 10 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 blocks in 20.8 minutes.
Among the Knicks’ summer decisions: What to do about Mitchell Robinson’s team option. Either way, Jackson gives New York another developmental big. An explosive shot-blocker who needs to add strength to his wiry frame and a polish to his still-developing offense, LaMelo’s old teammate at SPIRE could be a good player in a few years.
22. Los Angeles Lakers – Jared Butler, shooting guard, Baylor
Height, weight: 6-3, 195
Age: 20 (Aug. 25 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals in 30.3 minutes per game.
The Lakers might remake their entire backcourt this offseason. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is reportedly being offered in trades. Alex Caruso will garner interest in free agency. The Dennis Schroder trade didn’t work as planned. If Los Angeles keeps the pick, it will likely be looking for rotational guard help. Butler received health clearance, paving the way for him to be a first-round pick. The NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player can play on or off the ball, and has a good shooting stroke — two prerequisites on a LeBron James-led team.
23. Houston Rockets (from Portland Trail Blazers) – Ziaire Williams, shooting guard/small forward, Stanford
Height, weight: 6-8, 185
Age: 19 (Sept. 12 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists in 27.9 minutes per game.
At one point early in the college season, Williams was receiving lottery buzz. He could go higher than this, of course, but 18-30 seems to be the more likely outcome given how much work he needs to do on his body (6-foot-9 and 180 pounds) — and game. Being a few years away, perhaps having to start his professional career in the G League, could be problematic for some teams. Not the Rockets.
24. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee Bucks) – Tre Mann, point guard/shooting guard, Florida
Height, weight: 6-5, 190
Age: 20 (Feb. 3 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals in 32.4 minutes.
Is this too many ball handlers on one roster? Perhaps. But Mann’s size and 3-point proficiency could allow him to move off the ball in certain lineups.
25. Los Angeles Clippers – Sharife Cooper, point guard, Auburn
Height, weight: 6-1, 180
Age: 19 (June 11 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 20.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.0 steals in 33.1 minutes.
It’s a run on point guards. Cooper is next. While Reggie Jackson shined in the playoffs and the Clippers would be wise to think about re-signing him, it also makes sense to add a young playmaker. Cooper is a natural point guard. With a great feel for the game, creativity and brilliant passing, Cooper looks like a pick-and-roll maestro in the making.
Jaden Springer is a tough, strong scoring guard who could boost a team’s offense in the first round.
26. Denver Nuggets – Jaden Springer, point guard/shooting guard, Tennessee
Height, weight: 6-4, 204
Age: 18 (Sept. 25 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 steals in 25.9 minutes.
Even though the Nuggets are in their contention window, they haven’t been opposed to drafting high-upside prospects. Michael Porter Jr. in 2018. Bol Bol in the second round a year later. Zeke Nnaji and RJ Hampton late in the first round last year. Springer is one of the youngest players in the draft. With his sturdy frame, defensive toughness and score-first mentality, he could be a good replacement for Hampton, who was sent to Orlando as part of the Aaron Gordon trade.
27. Brooklyn Nets – Bones Hyland, point guard, VCU
Height, weight: 6-3, 169
Age: 20 (Sept. 14 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 19.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 31.9 minutes.
It’s unlikely the Nets find a playoff contributor at this spot in the draft. It’s why they moved their pick in back-to-back years. But given the salary-cap situation, they could certainly use a youngster on a rookie-scale contract. Hyland blossomed in his sophomore year at VCU, getting a bigger role and increasing his production. Deep shooting range. Ability to play on or off the ball. A strong combine. It adds up to him sneaking into Round One.
28. Philadelphia 76ers – Quentin Grimes, shooting guard, Houston
Height, weight: 6-5, 210
Age: 21 (May 8 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 17.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 27.4 minutes per game
Shooting, shooting, shooting. Spacing, spacing, spacing. That should be Philadelphia’s mantra this offseason. Remember Grimes? The heralded high-schooler who started his collegiate career at Kansas before transferring? Well, he finally showed that promise as a junior with the Cougars. He’s a tough 2-guard who can shoot. Sounds like what the Sixers need.
29. Phoenix Suns – Miles McBride, point guard/shooting guard, West Virginia
Height, weight: 6-2, 195
Age: 20 (Sept. 8 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 15.8 points, 4.9 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 34.2 minutes.
The Suns’ contention window is open. But Chris Paul is a free agent. Even if he returns to The Valley, Phoenix needs to start thinking about the long-term future of the position.
30. Utah Jazz – JT Thor, power forward, Auburn
Height, weight: 6-9, 203
Age: 18 (Aug. 26 birthday)
2020-21 stats: 9.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 23.3 minutes.
Given his age, athleticism, size, length, inside-outside game and smooth left-handed shot, Thor is one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects. He needs skill work, but could develop into the modern-day, space-the-floor forward. Given Utah’s depth, it would have no reason to rush him.
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