The 2021 NBA Draft is done. NBA Draft analyst Sam Vecenie and The Athletic’s front office insider John Hollinger were here for instant analysis as each pick was made — with grades, projections, trade analysis and more.
1. Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham | 6-foot-8, lead ballhandler | 19 years old, freshman | Oklahoma State
Vecenie’s Ranking: 1
Cunningham is one of the more complete prospects to come through the draft process in a while. There aren’t many holes to his game. He’s a three-level scorer now because of his shooting improvement. He hits 40 percent from 3 and finishes at the rim. Cunningham can make high-level passing reads and plays unselfishly. He defends at a high level. He’s a high-character player. He’s clutch and loves the biggest moments, with a proven track record of success during them. He has elite size for the role he’ll play.
Hollinger’s team fit: Well, duh. The Pistons need talent everywhere, and Cunningham was the consensus choice for the top talent available in this draft. The Pistons will give him the ball and hope he can be their primary ballhandler. That said, I’d love to see them nab some ballhandling help for Cunningham with the cap room created in today’s Mason Plumlee trade, because ultimately I see Cunningham as more a high-efficiency shooter and scorer than an elite creator.
Hollinger would have picked … Cunningham.
2. Houston Rockets
Jalen Green | 6-6 guard | 19 years old | G League Ignite
Vecenie’s Ranking: 4
Green is about as projectable a 20-point-per-game scoring guard as has entered the draft in a while. The combination of his skill level, handle and elite-level athleticism is going to allow him to get buckets at an exceedingly high level.
