Top 10 Moments from the 2021 NBA Draft

The Top Ten

Houston Rockets make four first-round splashes

The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. They compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Western Conference's Southwest Division. The team has won two NBA championships, in 1994 and 1995.

While Houston did pick their future superstar in Jalen Green with the second pick, they also added a fourth first-round pick in a trade with Oklahoma City. They selected Alperen Sengun of Turkey, who was the MVP of the Turkish basketball league at the age of 18. The Rockets then drafted Spain's Usman Garuba and Arizona State's Josh Christopher.
With these four picks, along with the young core, the potential for future championship success is there for the Rockets.
Oklahoma City Thunder make curious pick of Josh Giddey

The Oklahoma City Thunder are an American professional basketball team based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They compete in the NBA as a member of the Western Conference Northwest Division. The franchise relocated from Seattle in 2008, where it was previously known as the Seattle SuperSonics.

After the first five picks were taken, the Thunder made a stunning move with the sixth pick by drafting Josh Giddey of Australia, who was expected to be a late-round selection. They then got Tre Mann with the 18th pick, which might not have been the best option.
While they did get two future first-round picks, they had to select Alperen Sengun at 16 for the Rockets as part of the deal.
Orlando Magic pounce on Jalen Suggs after Toronto passes

The Orlando Magic are an American professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. The Magic compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Southeast Division. They were established in 1989 and have reached the NBA Finals twice, in 1995 and 2009.

With the fifth pick of the NBA Draft, the Magic got a big break when Toronto decided to pass on Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs. Not wanting OKC to pounce, the Magic drafted Suggs, who has the potential to be their biggest guard superstar since Penny Hardaway.
Add in Franz Wagner, and the two could become a tandem ready to give Orlando a magical era.
Golden State Warriors draft Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody instead of trading picks

The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in San Francisco. The Warriors compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Western Conference Pacific Division.
They play their home games at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California... read more

For the first time since their dynasty began, the Warriors find themselves on the wrong side. While they did have two lottery picks, they were unable to bolster their chances of winning a championship by making a blockbuster trade like some thought they could.
They managed to draft Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, who, while talented, won't make an immediate impact. There's still a chance to get themselves back on track, but this was a big missed opportunity.
Charlotte Hornets add pieces around LaMelo Ball

The Charlotte Hornets are an American professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Eastern Conference Southeast Division. The Hornets play their home games at the Spectrum Center.

Already with a potential franchise superstar in LaMelo Ball, the Hornets added pieces to build around him. First, they picked James Bouknight at No. 11 and then traded into the 19th spot to pick Kai Jones.
If Jones manages to improve his post game, he could be the biggest steal of the draft, while Bouknight becomes a second scoring option for Charlotte behind Ball.
Sacramento Kings draft Davion Mitchell

The Kings had the #9 pick and seemed likely to take James Bouknight. Instead, they chose Baylor guard and national champion Davion Mitchell. Despite being named Defensive Player of the Year in his last collegiate season, Mitchell's offensive performance raises some red flags.
Not only that, but he doesn't seem to fit with a Kings team that already has De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton.
Detroit Pistons pick Cade Cunningham

The Detroit Pistons are an American professional basketball team based in Detroit, Michigan. They compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Eastern Conference's Central Division. The Pistons have won three NBA championships, in 1989, 1990, and 2004.

Despite having the first pick in the draft, the Pistons weren't settled on whom to choose. They had two big options in Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green, and some members preferred Green over Cade. With trade rumors going around, Detroit seemed to make the draft more interesting before it started.
Ultimately, they chose Cade as the #1 pick. With Luka Garza later on, the Pistons now have a potential tandem that might bring glory back to the Motor City.
Toronto Raptors pass on Jalen Suggs and pick Scottie Barnes

The Toronto Raptors are a Canadian professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario. They compete in the NBA as a member of the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division.
Established in 1995, the Raptors are the only NBA franchise located outside the United States. The team won its first NBA... read more

The first three picks of the draft went as expected, with Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, and Evan Mobley going to Detroit, Houston, and Cleveland, respectively. Toronto was next, and many felt they would take Jalen Suggs. But they pulled off the first surprise by drafting Scottie Barnes from Florida State.
Although a good defender, Barnes' shooting ability has many questioning the pick. Right now, Orlando should be thanking Toronto for passing on Suggs since they took him.
Cleveland Cavaliers choose Evan Mobley

The Cleveland Cavaliers, also known as the Cavs, are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Eastern Conference Central Division. The team won its first NBA Championship in 2016.

Cleveland was in the same boat as Detroit and Houston in that the players they could choose from wouldn't disappoint. Once Cade and Jalen Green were drafted, Cleveland had the easiest choice in Evan Mobley, who could potentially be the next great NBA center.
Add in a trade for Ricky Rubio and a 2022 second-round pick, and the Cavs might be in for another run.
San Antonio Spurs pick Joshua Primo

The San Antonio Spurs are a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They compete in the NBA as members of the Western Conference's Southwest Division. The Spurs were founded in 1967 as the Dallas Chaparrals before relocating and rebranding, and they have won five NBA championships.... read more

The Spurs had the 12th pick in the draft and had plenty of options to choose from. However, they chose Jonathan Primo, the youngest player in the draft. Averaging 8.1 points, 0.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game as a freshman, Primo was seen as a second-round pick in most mock drafts.
Perhaps San Antonio knows something that we don't. For now, this is a loss.