2021 NBA Mock Draft 5.0 leading up to franchise changing night
By Mike Luciano
Scouting Report. C. Serbia. player. 66. Pick Analysis. Filip Petrusev. 29
23.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game are not numbers you typically see in the Adriatic League, but a former Gonzaga recruit and league MVP in Petrusev was able to show that he is one of the more refined post players in this class. Phoenix’s lack of size was exposed in the Finals.
The Suns already have Deandre Ayton and another year of No. 10 overall pick Jalen Smith, but they could stand to get bigger especially on the offensive end. Devin Booker is great, but adding a bench player like Petrusev that can score in bunches off of the bench would be perfect for a team that has an aging point guard in Chris Paul.
118. Pick Analysis. 30. player. Scouting Report. PG. VCU. Nah'Shon Hyland
The man they call “Bones” ends the first round by coming off of the board thanks to a Utah team looking to make sure they have a succession plan if Mike Conley doesn’t work out. Hyland’s lethal scoring ability and hard to defend dribbling style could make him an impact player as a rookie.
Hyland needs to calm down just a bit considering how he plays like he has blinders on most of the time when he is the primary ball-hander, but he won’t have to worry about that added responsibility in Utah. Just come in, assimilate yourself onto a bench that includes Jordan Clarkson and Joe Ingles, and endear yourself to Jazz fans with your shooting.