2021 NBA Mock Draft 5.0 leading up to franchise changing night
By Mike Luciano
Pick Analysis. Evan Mobley. player. 156. Scouting Report. C. USC. 3
The Cavaliers could bring back Jarrett Allen, but letting Allen hit free agency might be better than trading one of their standout young guards and drafting a second one. Cleveland could instead select Mobley in order to land one of the most intriguing offensive college centers in the last few years.
Mobley is a big man for the modern age, as he has almost guard-like mobility despite his 7-0 frame. Provided he can add some muscle and improve his shooting just a tad, he has all the hallmarks of someone that can swat away shots in the paint and finish on the other end with a rim-running slam.
While Cleveland has been spinning their tires and picking high in the lottery for years now, a core of Mobley on the inside, Isaac Okoro on the wing, and the Collin Sexton/Darius Garland combination in the backcourt could eventually get this team back to the postseason. The former USC star might be the biggest piece.
PG. Jalen Suggs. 4. player. 81. Scouting Report. Gonzaga. Pick Analysis
The Raptors might be on the verge of losing Kyle Lowry after their pandemic-induced sabbatical in Toronto, but some good luck in the lottery could help them land a ready-made replacement player in Suggs, who has all of the tools needed to be a perfect long-term option at point guard.
Want someone who can score and shoot at the professional level right away? Check. How about the best on-ball defender when looking at the top guard prospects in this class? You bet. An instinctual passer with a feel for the game that is truly exemplary? Here you go.
Suggs’ clutch shot to sink UCLA in the Final Four helped his Gonzaga team come one game away from completing an undefeated season. While he is not a perfect prospect, his play in March in addition to his incisive passing ability and potential to become an elite slashing guard should convince the Raptors to make him their point guard of the future.