NBA Draft 2021: Biggest needs for all 30 teams ahead of draft day
Utah Jazz – No. 30
Biggest needs: Forward, defensive guard
Despite earning a No. 1 seed and the best regular-season record in the NBA, the Jazz flamed out in the second round with four straight losses to the LA Clippers. Although star guard Donovan Mitchell did all he could on the scoring end, the team’s horrific perimeter defense became their downfall. Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert was surrounded well with elite shooters but they need to add a defensive stopper to add some versatility to the roster.
With Mike Conley set to become a free agent, Utah’s ideal end-of-the-round pick should be a point guard that can guard well at the next level. Joel Ayayi of Gonzaga would be a nice complementary pick, along with Jared Butler of Baylor.
Washington Wizards – No. 15
Biggest need: Scoring guard
Superstars Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook are one of the top backcourt pairs in the country but there’s little depth behind them, with Raul Neto and Ish Smith getting all of the backcourt minutes.
At No.15, there isn’t a great frontcourt option that would get early minutes over Rui Hachimura, Davis Bertans, and Thomas Bryant. And with Westbrook potentially on the trading block, landing an elite ball-handler that can also shoot from deep would be a good option. 6’8 guard from Australia, Josh Giddey may not make it to this point or even Davion Mitchell. But Nah’Shon Hyland of VCU would be a nice fit, as a scoring combo guard that can play defense and create his own offense as well.
Next. 5 trades that could happen on NBA Draft night. dark
In less than a week, look for there to some fireworks and trades that could shake up what each team needs. But after seeing some teams go from recent lottery picks to deep in the playoffs this past season, we’ve seen the consequences of what happens when teams pick well in the NBA Draft.