by David Foxx
The top picks for the NBA mock draft are:
1. Cade Cunningham, G, Oklahoma State – Minnesota Timberwolves
Cunningham was the top player in his class out of high school and showed plenty in a single season at Oklahoma State to keep his position as the expected top pick. At 6’ 8”, Cunningham has enough strength to play inside and his outside shot will continue to improve. He has great vision as a passer and also versatile on defense, even capable of protecting the rim.
In 18 games last season, Cunningham averaged 18.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while hitting over 44 percent from three-point range. Perhaps his numbers are a bit light for a person with number one status, but Cunningham had little supporting cast. He’s still the top player to build around in this draft class.
2. Evan Mobley, C, USC – Minnesota Timberwolves
At 7-feet tall, Mobley has amazing natural talent with plenty of room to grow his skills. He’s lean and has a great wing span to play NBA defense. He averaged 3.1 blocked shots per game and has enough side-to-side mobility to be competent on switches. Mobley is not a great three-point shooter, although he’s improving in that area as well.
Some teams are hesitant to see Mobley as a top-two pick because he hasn’t shown he can be a big-time scoring threat. However, he still averaged 16.8 points and nine rebounds per game as a freshman and is a great passer and defensive presence.
3. Jalen Suggs, G, Gonzaga – Detroit Pistons
Suggs is running the show for the top team in NCAA basketball. Unlike the top two picks in this draft, Suggs has a tremendous team around him which brings out the most of his talents. In his only season of collegiate basketball, Suggs is averaging 14 points, five rebounds and four assists, while hitting 51 percent from the floor. There may be uncertainties about his ball-handling skills against NBA defenders. However, Suggs can play off the ball and can prove as the collegiate season in March Madness that he’s a legitimate top-three prospect.
4. Jalen Green, G, G League Ignite – Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat)
Green was a tremendous high school talent who skipped college to the G League’s Ignite. In six games of a 15-game schedule, Green is averaging 17.2 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game. Green has incredible explosiveness as a jumper around the rim. Out of the top selections, Green could be the best pure offensive player. He has the ability to get easy baskets by driving to the basket, but also has a solid shot in the half-court game. There are questions such as Green’s ability to pass and play defense at the highest level, but he’s well worthy of the fourth pick.
5. Jonathan Kuminga, F, G League Ignite – New Orleans Pelicans
The top-ranked junior in high school before leaving school for the G League, Kuminga has great physical attributes. At 6’ 8”, he has the ability to attack the rim and has a good mid-range jump shot. In six games with the Ignite, Kuminga is averaging 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, although he’s shooting only 40 percent from the floor and 63 percent from the free throw line. The biggest questions surrounding Kuminga is his passing ability, three-point shooting potential, and defense.
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