NBA Draft 2021: NBA Mock Draft 4.0 with lottery odds set
By Mike Luciano
19. Pick Analysis. SG. 27. Scouting Report. LSU. Cameron Thomas. player
The Knicks impressed this year thanks to their rock-solid defense, but if they don’t end up adding a superstar in the offseason, they will need to add some backcourt help and scoring talent to take some of the pressure off of Julius Randle.
Enter Thomas, who was fourth in the country in scoring at 22.6 points per game as a freshman. His defense is pitiful at the moment, but this level of scoring production and shooting rarely makes it to pick No. 19.
He may not be a true point guard that can replace Elfird Payton, but Thomas is a lethal scorer when he gets hot, and that could revolutionize New York’s bench. Don’t be surprised for one second if he’s starting by the All-Star break.
PF. Spain. Usman Garuba. 20. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player. 125
Atlanta’s improved interior defense under Nate McMillan was a huge reason why they went from a fun, yet unsuccessful, young team into a squad that won a postseason series. While Onyeka Okongwu will keep developing, adding Real Madrid’s Garuba makes a ton of sense.
Garuba’s very simplistic offensive game means that he isn’t going to put up Trae Young scoring numbers. Having said that, there is plenty to develop there. The Hawks should look to his incredible defense in a very tough league as the justification for the pick.
Danilo Gallinari can still get buckets, but Atlanta was getting exposed on defense at times when he was on the floor. As long as Garuba steps right in and blocks shots, he will earn himself some time for Nate McMillan.