2021 NBA Draft Mock: Brooklyn Nets select Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, PF, Villanova
This spot might be a bit of a reach for Robinson-Earl, a prospect more commonly found in the second round of mock drafts. Auburn’s JT Thor is the higher upside option at pick 27, but Brooklyn is in win-now mode and thus prefers immediate contributors.
When looking for an immediate contributor, the Nets need a tough, physical frontcourt player to complement their bevy of stars, and Robinson-Earl fills that need.
A + defender with a high-IQ, elite rebounding for his size, and with a jump shot that has the potential to be effective at the pro level, Robinson-Earl should immediately be a valuable rotation piece in Brooklyn.
2021 NBA Draft Mock: Philadelphia 76ers select Miles McBride, PG, West Virginia
With Ben Simmons trade rumors rampant, plus speculation that the Sixers will sign Kyle Lowry as a free agent, the point guard position in Philly is in a state of flux.
The 6’2″ McBride is a tenacious defender for his size, utilizing his 6’9″ wingspan effectively to lock down much taller opponents. In what would surely be music to Sixers’ fans’ ears, McBride also isn’t afraid to take and make the three-ball (41.4% on 3.8 attempts per game).
In the short-term, McBride will benefit from sitting behind and learning from Lowry or whoever the Sixers sign to run the point. In the long-term, he could form a dynamic, young starting back-court with Tyrese Maxey that will leave the Sixers well-positioned for years to come.
2021 NBA Draft Mock: Phoenix Suns select Jaden Springer, SG, Tennessee
The Suns have few holes on their roster, but two players whose contract status is up-in-the-air for next season are point guards Chris Paul and Cameron Payne, so guard depth is something the front office will address in this class.
A scrappy combo guard who isn’t even 19 years of age yet, Springer is amongst the youngest prospects in this year’s class. He’s already a good defender and shooter. He is a very hard worker by all accounts, so while he’s unlikely to be an immediate contributor, he’s the type of player that could blossom into a critical piece in Phoenix’s plans for long-term success.
2021 NBA Draft Mock: Utah Jazz select Josh Christopher, SG, Arizona State
The Utah Jazz has an excellent roster, but they lack shot creators on the roster aside from Donovan Mitchell. In his freshman year, Christopher showed that he is an exceptional athlete who was adept at attacking the rim off the dribble.
While he’s currently raw as a playmaker, he’s shown the potential to be an elite three-level scorer at the pro level and grades favorably as a shot-creator. He only shot 30.5% on threes at Arizona State but was on a 12/25 tear over his last six games before suffering an injury, hinting at untapped shooting upside.
Which realistic Lakers target is at the top of your wishlist? Who do you think will go in the top 5 of the draft? As always, leave your thoughts in the comments section below!