The NBA Draft Lottery is one of the most unique wrinkles in all of sports and for one team, it always leads to pure bliss. That team this year is the Detroit Pistons, who won the lottery and the right to draft Cade Cunningham, if they so choose. Some other teams had big nights too, like the Houston Rockets (who kept their pick, which landed #2), the Golden State Warriors (who got Minnesota’s first round pick) and both the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers, who moved up in the lottery. Losers included the Oklahoma City Thunder (who fell and didn’t get Houston’s pick) and the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are without a first round selection due to their D’Angelo Russell deal with Golden State, which is officially Andrew Wiggins and the #7 pick for Russell. For all the scorn Golden State received at the time of that deal, it seems like a very smart move now.
During the NBA off-season, we’ll have ample content regarding team previews, front office strategies, and more. To kick off our NBA Draft coverage in particular, here’s our initial, knee-jerk mock draft immediately after the lottery:
1. Detroit Pistons: G-Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State)
To me, Cade Cunningham is the clear cut top prospect in this class. Playmaking is the most premium skill in the NBA and Cunningham is an elite playmaker for himself and others. He’s a high character individual with a skillset comparable to Luka Doncic and LaMelo Ball, two of the past three Rookie of the Year winners. Cunningham immediately changes Detroit’s timeline and, with Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, Killian Hayes, and an elite player development coach in Dwayne Casey, the future is looking bright for the Pistons.
2. Houston Rockets: G-Jalen Green (G League Ignite)
Jalen Green is a pure scorer and in my opinion, his game poses some semblance to Bradley Beal. Evan Mobley’s ceiling is incredibly high and tough to pass up, but there are questions regarding how impactful Mobley can be on the offensive end of the court. If Houston believes Mobley is the superior prospect to Green, then the presence of Christian Wood should not dissuade them from making that selection. However, I’d argue Green’s ceiling is comparable to Mobley, but with his elite shot creation ability and three level scoring upside, he’d be tough to pass up here.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: C-Evan Mobley (USC)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been picking in the lottery ever since LeBron James’ departure and unfortunately for Cavaliers’ fans, that might not be ending anytime soon. The Cavaliers have some nice building blocks in Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, and Jarrett Allen, but they have yet to make significant progress in the win column. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cavaliers shopped this pick for an established player, but if they stay put and Mobley is here, he should be the pick. Mobley’s athleticism allows him to be an interchangeable big with Jarrett Allen and combined, they’d form a stout interior duo. Jalen Suggs is tempting here, but I think Mobley’s ceiling is higher and the potential of him and Allen eliminating opponents’ opportunities to score in the paint is too tempting to pass up.
4. Toronto Raptors: G-Jalen Suggs (Gonzaga)
Personally, Jalen Suggs is my favorite prospect in the class; no, he’s not #1 on my board (I released a preliminary version here), but I love his competitive fire, attitude, passion, and two-way impact. I think Cunningham is a step above all prospects, but Green, Mobley, and Suggs all are in a separate tier compared to the rest of the class (although Jonathan Kuminga is very close). Suggs in Toronto is a very strong fit, especially with Kyle Lowry likely to depart this summer. Suggs is a terrific defender and slasher who pops in an open court; he’s a really nice fit alongside an interesting core in Toronto of Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam.
5. Orlando Magic: F-Jonathan Kuminga (G League Ignite)
If there’s one thing John Hammond loves, it’s raw, athletic wings. Jonathan Kuminga certainly qualifies, but with Orlando in full rebuild mode, their priority should be acquiring as much talent as possible, regardless of fit. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Magic attempt to package #5 and #8 to move into the top-3, with the hopes of snagging either Jalen Green or Evan Mobley (assuming Detroit won’t trade out of #1), but if not, Kuminga is a terrific “consolation prize”. Kuminga is a good athlete with a developing jump shot and defensive skills, but has the raw base of what you look for in a future, starting combo forward in the NBA. Kuminga’s shot creation on the wing would be a nice addition for the Magic.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder: F-Scottie Barnes (Florida State)
Admittedly, I am a bit higher on Scottie Barnes than others, but I think he fits in rather nicely in Oklahoma City. As mentioned, playmaking is the premium skill in the NBA and Barnes is a terrific passer, even at 6’9. Barnes can thrive as a roller in the NBA; his passing skills should allow him to experience terrific success in short rolls while his shot develops, and he’s a tough competitor who battles on the glass. Barnes is an impact player defensively; he has the ability to switch all positions and operate in small ball or defend on the perimeter. The Thunder are in talent collection mode with their treasure trove of picks and they can quietly bide their time accumulating players before they strike for a disgruntled star or enticing asset. Scottie Barnes would be a great start.
7. Golden State Warriors: G-Davion Mitchell (Baylor)
The Golden State Warriors are in a slightly different position than many of the top seven teams in the sense they are in win-now mode. I’d bet on Bob Myers aggressively pursuing a trade for another star, dangling #7, #14, and James Wiseman as appealing assets. However, the Warriors also do need to start planning for the future, as Stephen Curry is 33 years old, Klay Thompson is coming off two major injuries, and Draymond Green is 31. Davion Mitchell threads the needle for both; he’s ready to thrive in the NBA due to his aggressive on-ball defense, quickness, and shot making ability, but also helps transition the Warriors to a bit of a younger core. Mitchell’s stock shot up in the NCAA Tournament due to his elite play and he’s even garnered some comparisons to Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell gives the Warriors a new dynamic in the backcourt and a tenacious defender to boot. He’d be a strong selection here.
8. Orlando Magic: G-Keon Johnson (Tennessee)
With Jonathan Kuminga in tow, the Orlando Magic have another opportunity to land a core player due to the Nikola Vucevic trade. Orlando’s core already features Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz, Wendell Carter Jr., Mo Bamba, Cole Anthony, Chuma Okeke, R.J. Hampton, and now, also Kuminga. The Magic could use another backcourt player and Keon Johnson also happens to be a highly rated talent remaining. Johnson, like many Magic players, is raw, but his ability to create off the bounce, his eye-popping athleticism, and projectable jump shot all adds to a high ceiling. He’d be a nice addition in Orlando.
9. Sacramento Kings: F-Jalen Johnson (Duke)
Sacramento’s General Manager Monte McNair is one of the most analytically-inclined executives in the league and since taking over, has done a strong job. The Kings have a really nice nucleus, but are a piece or two away from being really interesting (and a new coach). Jalen Johnson is one prospect who makes a lot of sense here; he’s a versatile forward who is a terrific weakside shot blocker, he can make plays at the four, and is a great athlete. Johnson will have to answer for opting out of the Duke season and his jumper is shaky, but it’s easy to project him being impactful in a specific role the Kings need. Johnson’s game reminds me of Aaron Gordon; the Kings could use a player like that.
10. New Orleans Pelicans: F-Corey Kispert (Gonzaga)
This is a relatively easy mock here. The New Orleans Pelicans are a poor 3-PT shooting team and for a club that deploys Zion Williamson, having ample shooting is a necessity. I hate the way the Pelicans have built their roster around Williamson, but they could start to change the narrative. Kispert’s 3-PT shooting ability fits like a glove in New Orleans, but the potential to run him off screens and use him and Zion in DHO action is super intriguing. Kispert won’t help the Pelicans’ defense a ton (he is a smart team defender), but his offensive impact should begin to unlock the potential New Orleans has.
11. Charlotte Hornets: F-Kai Jones (Texas)
The Charlotte Hornets have an incredibly bright future: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, P.J. Washington, Miles Bridges, and Gordon Hayward is a great core, and they’ll have some cap space to work with this summer. Charlotte has lacked frontcourt depth for a while, and although Cody Zeller is a nice player, the Hornets need more. Kai Jones’ versatility and skillset is worthy of a lottery selection; he can defend any position and improved as a 3-PT shooter. His game has flaws, but he fits nicely in Charlotte and matches the timeline.
12. San Antonio Spurs: F-Franz Wagner (Michigan)
Franz Wagner is a prototypical Gregg Popovich type of player; he’s a high IQ, playmaking forward with a nice perimeter shot and good defensive skills. Wagner might be a “jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none” type of player, but he’s very good at all aspects of the game. The Spurs need some frontcourt depth and Wagner’s versatility could allow the Spurs to unlock a variety of new wrinkles within their offensive system. Surely, the Spurs would love Jalen Johnson or Scottie Barnes here, but if not, Wagner would be a great addition.
13. Indiana Pacers: G-Josh Giddey (Adelaide 36ers)
The Indiana Pacers could go a variety of ways with this pick, but with uncertainty looming at head coach, it’s tough to get a read on Kevin Pritchard’s strategy. Josh Giddey, a rising prospect who plays professionally in Australia, is a terrific playmaker who offers a lot of promise. The Pacers have a need for wing depth and having ample playmaking like Giddey, Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon, and Caris LeVert really elevates this roster.
14. Golden State Warriors: F-Alperen Sengun (Turkey)
Apleren Sengun isn’t a prospect the Warriors traditionally target; he’s more of a throwback center related to his offensive game, but his upside offers a lot of promise for Bob Myers and company. Sengun has good touch inside, he has a promising, developing jumper, and he’s an active defender, even if he struggles on that end of the court. Sengun gives Golden State an entirely new dimension and his youth (18 years old and MVP of the Turkish league) allows him to slowly develop. I like the Warriors taking a massive upside swing with this pick.
15. Washington Wizards: F-Ziaire Williams (Stanford)
The Washington Wizards are at a crossroads, with Bradley Beal entering a contract year and a pending head coaching hire. The Wizards are teetering in win-now mode and entering a rebuild, but with Russell Westbrook’s contract, they’ll always remain semi-competitive as long as he’s around. Ziarie Williams is a prospect who’s upside can resemble Paul George, but he struggled at Stanford. Taking a flyer here is a necessary home run swing for a team hanging on the “mediocrity treadmill”.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder: G-James Bouknight (UConn)
The Thunder already have Scottie Barnes locked in and if they are able to land James Bouknight here, it’s a huge steal. Bouknight is a born scorer with terrific athleticism and body control. He’s great around the rim with popping athleticism, but his jumper shows enough promise to easily envision three-level scoring upside. Bouknight is #6 on my board, but a lot of recent reports/news indicate he might slide out of the lottery. If he does, he’ll be terrific value.
17. Memphis Grizzlies: G/F-Moses Moody (Arkansas)
Moses Moody’s NBA role seems fairly projectible as a 3-and-D guy on the wing. His freshman campaign at Arkansas illustrated his smooth shooting stroke and reliability from deep. Moody possesses good length and competes defensively, but he could stand to get stronger. I do question Moody’s ability to consistently create his own shot, but in Memphis, he wouldn’t need to do that as much. He’s a terrific spacer with some additional skills that make him a valuable asset.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder: G-Sharife Cooper (Auburn)
Sharife Cooper’s game reminds me a bit of Trae Young’s regarding his playmaking skill. At the collegiate level, Cooper effortlessly picked apart opponents’ pick-and-roll coverage, delivering pinpoint passes to Auburn’s vertical spacers and shooters. In my opinion, Cooper’s ceiling is extremely high and I think he’s overlooked by the consensus. The Thunder, as mentioned, are in talent collection mode here. A haul of Scottie Barnes, James Bouknight, and Cooper gives them a terrific boost of playmaking to a roster that asks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to do too much.
19. New York Knicks: G-Chris Duarte (Oregon)
Chris Duarte is a prospect shooting up my own big board. He reminds me of Malcolm Brogdon, being an experienced college player with three-level scoring ability and strong defensive skills. Duarte is a plug-and-play individual who can function on or off ball, but fits nicely in New York’s backcourt. Getting Duarte at #19 is good value and he helps the Knicks immediately.
20. Atlanta Hawks: G-Jaden Springer (Tennessee)
Another player I’m extremely high on, Jaden Springer was #11 on my initial board released a few months back. Springer is a terrific defender who plays much bigger than his size; he rotates extremely well, can even protect the rim a bit (a la Marcus Smart) and holds his own individually. He’s developing his shot and offensive game a bit, but he’s a high energy player who can play a low usage role in Atlanta. This would be a great pick for a team needing more perimeter defense.
21. New York Knicks: F-Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (Villanova)
The New York Knicks could easily look to package #19 and #21 together to try and jump into the lottery, but if not, a haul of Chris Duarte and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl would be terrific. Robinson-Earl is a fundamentally sound big who is a good shooter, smart defender, and tough rebounder. He’s a Tom Thibodeau type of player who fills a need for New York, as they are a bit thin at forward. Adding in two young, but league-ready guys would be an impactful draft for the Knicks.
22. Los Angeles Lakers: G-Tre Mann (Florida)
The Los Angeles Lakers have quite a few needs here due to a lot of impending free agents, but adding perimeter shooting should be a priority. Tre Mann certainly fits that requirement, but his terrific playmaking ability adds to his ceiling. Mann is a really good perimeter shooter who’s quickness allows him to break down perimeter defenders easily. Mann has solid size as well to play alongside another guard and while he won’t be a dominant defender, he’s a perfect offensive fit in LA.
23. Houston Rockets: F-Isaiah Jackson (Kentucky)
With Jalen Green already in house, Houston has already had a strong Round 1. Isaiah Jackson is #18 on my board and offers a skillset that is easily translatable to the NBA. At his core, Jackson is a rim-protecting, rim-running big. Jackson is one of the best shot-blocking prospects in recent memory (but maybe not the best in the class), and he’s able to switch on the perimeter as well. Offensively, Jackson won’t be spacing the floor because of his shooting, but the pressure he puts on the rim gives Houston a nice offensive element.
24. Houston Rockets: G-Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois)
To many individuals, Ayo Dosunmu might not be a first round prospect. To me, he clearly is. I love Dosunmu’s fit with Houston for a few reasons. First, he’s a terrific competitor and is a feisty perimeter defender; for a team deep in the rebuilding process, Dosunmu’s competitiveness and attitude should rub off well on his teammates and set a strong culture. Second, Dosunmu is a gamer; he was terrific this past season at Illinois, showing improved playmaking skills and a reliable game around the rim, where he can finish with a variety of floaters and tough layups. Dosunmu isn’t an above the rim player and his ceiling may be limited, but he reminds me a bit of Collin Sexton. Dosunmu and Jalen Green would form quite an interesting backcourt duo to build around.
25. Los Angeles Clippers: G-Jared Butler (Baylor)
This pick for the Clippers is dependent upon if Jared Butler can get cleared by the NBA, as he was flagged by the Fitness-to-Play Panel. However, if Butler is cleared (and hopefully he is), he’s a great fit in Los Angeles. Butler is a solid playmaker, but he’s a deadeye perimeter shooter who can play either guard spot while providing strong defense as well. The Clippers have been searching for backcourt depth, trading for Rajon Rondo and relying on Patrick Beverley and Reggie Jackson for big minutes. Jackson has been terrific in the postseason, but his play may push him outside of the Clippers’ price range. Butler’s 3-PT shooting and defense makes him a strong fit for a win-now team.
26. Denver Nuggets: G-Josh Christopher (Arizona State)
The Denver Nuggets had horrible injury luck this year, but one thing was evident: they need better depth in the backcourt. Denver needs some more consistent scorers who can break down the defense and Josh Christopher should suffice. Christopher is raw and had an up-and-down freshman year at Arizona State, but at his best, he’s a shot-maker with plus athleticism and three-level scoring potential. Denver can afford to be patient with his development, but with an elite player development staff, I expect Christopher to be a nice piece for Denver sooner rather than later.
27. Brooklyn Nets: G-Cameron Thomas (LSU)
Admittedly, I am much lower on Cam Thomas than the consensus, which seems to view him in the 16-20 range. Thomas’ shot selection is arguably the worst I’ve ever seen, he is an unwilling passer, and doesn’t always compete defensively. However, what is undeniable is Thomas’ scoring ability; he’s terrific attacking the basket and finishing at the rim, he has a strong skill of being able to generate contact, and is a good shooter whose numbers are deflated due to his poor shot selection. Thomas’ fit in Brooklyn is perfect; his worst tendencies should be mellowed out by the shot-making ability of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, but his shooting and depth would be welcomed in Brooklyn. This is a great team/player fit.
28. Philadelphia 76ers: G-Miles McBride (West Virginia)
As mentioned in our article about the 76ers, Philadelphia desperately needs more perimeter playmaking. I’d recommend Daryl Morey gets aggressive to try and move up for Sharife Cooper or Tre Mann, but if not, Miles McBride is a fine fit. McBride is a pesky, hard-nosed defender who is a strong 3-PT shooter. McBride is unlikely to initiate good looks for others, but he’s a capable, albeit not elite, isolation scorer who can knockdown looks in a spot up setting.
29. Phoenix Suns: F-Greg Brown III (Texas)
The Phoenix Suns’ postseason run has been dominant; they’ve won nine straight games and are seemingly unstoppable. There aren’t many, if any, holes on the Suns’ roster, allowing them to take a swing here. Greg Brown is incredibly raw, but his athleticism is eye-popping and there’s a lot of potential here. Not only that, but Brown can offer a defined role currently as he develops a more well-rounded game; he’s a terrific rebounder, high-energy competitor, and tough defender. This is another strong team/player marriage.
30. Utah Jazz: F-Usman Garuba (Real Madrid)
The Utah Jazz have a well-constructed roster and, despite their meltdown against the Clippers, remain in good shape for the future. However, they could really use some additional frontcourt depth, particularly, adding a different dimension. The Clippers relentlessly attacked Rudy Gobert’s tendencies and Utah had no answer. Usman Garuba is a hyper-active, high-energy defender who could allow Utah to go small and be more perimeter-oriented. Garuba is raw offensively, but his style of play could be a nice contrast in Utah.
The Chirp 