Who Is In The 2021 Nba Draft?
We’re keeping track of all the latest information on the 2021 NBA draft. Who will be the top picks? Who are the sleeper prospects? Stay up to date with all the latest news and rumors right here.
Introduction
The 2021 NBA draft is loaded with talent and potential All-Stars. The class is deep at the guard and wing positions, with several players who could have an immediate impact on their respective teams. Here’s a look at some of the top prospects in the 2021 NBA draft.
Zion Williamson
Entering the 2020-21 season, Zion Williamson is widely considered one of the best young players in the NBA. The Pelicans star was the number one overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and he’s lived up to the hype so far. In his rookie season, Williamson averaged 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting 58 percent from the field. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.
Williamson entered the 2020-21 season with high expectations, but he’s struggled with injuries so far. He’s missed significant time due to a knee injury, and he’s currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. When he’s been on the court, Williamson has been very good, averaging 24.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 56 percent from the field. However, his injury problems have limited him to just 19 games so far this season.
Despite his injuries, Williamson is still considered one of the best young players in the NBA. He has incredible athleticism and strength, which allows him to finish at the rim with ease. He’s also an excellent rebounder for his size, and he has shown flashes of being a good three-point shooter. With more development, Williamson has a chance to be one of the best players in the league for years to come.
Ja Morant
Ja Morant was born in Dalzell, South Carolina on February 16, 1999. He played high school basketball for Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina. Morant was a two-time South Carolina Mr. Basketball and led his team to a state championship as a senior in 2017.
After high school, Morant attended Murray State University where he played college basketball for the Murray State Racers. He became the first player in NCAA Division I history to average 20 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds per game in a season. Morant was named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore in 2018–19. After his sophomore season, he declared for the 2019 NBA draft but ultimately decided to return to Murray State for his junior year.
During his junior year, Morant averaged 24.5 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals per game and led the Racers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012. He was once again named Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year as well as becoming only the second player ever to be named AP College Basketball Player of the Year from a mid-major conference. Following the season, Morant declared for the 2020 NBA draft where he is expected to be one of the top picks.
RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett was the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. Barrett is a 6’7″ shooting guard/small forward from Canada. He played one year of college basketball for Duke University before declaring for the NBA draft. Barrett was named a Consensus first-team All-American and the USBWA National Freshman of the Year. He was also named to the Sporting News All-Freshman first team.
Other Notable Prospects
Other notable prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft include:
-Cade Cunningham, PG, Oklahoma State
-Jonathan Kuminga, SF, G League Ignite
-Jalen Suggs, PG, Gonzaga
-Evan Mobley, PF/C, USC
-Moses Moody, SG, Arkansas
Conclusion
Assuming the 2021 NBA draft order stay relatively the same as it is now, these are the projected top 10 selections.
1. Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State)
2. Evan Mobley (USC)
3. Jalen Suggs ( Gonzaga)
4. Jonathan Kuminga (Duke)
5. Scottie Lewis (Florida)
6. Luke Garza (Iowa)
7. Zion Williamson (Pelicans)
8 . Coleman hazards (Oregon)
9. Greg Brown ( Texas)
10. Alperen Şengün ( Turkey/NBA G League Ignite)
