NBA Draft 2021: Biggest needs for all 30 teams ahead of draft day

Teams currently without a pick in the 2021 NBA Draft

Dallas Mavericks – Center/scoring wing

Superstar guard Luka Doncic did everything he could against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs but the lack of consistent helped, most notably by Kristaps Porziņģis caused the Mavericks to lose. The fact that Boban Marjanović got playing time showed the lack of reliable frontcourt depth on the roster.

Assuming Tim Hardaway Jr. returns next season, Dallas would benefit from adding either a strong defensive big man or an elite offensive threat. National Player of the Year Luka Garza would excel playing alongside Doncic, although the team defense would be awful. On the opposite end, Virginia center Jay Huff would be a great free-agent option if he falls all the way down.

Miami Heat – Defensive guard

Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are the cornerstones of the franchise but everyone else is expendable. That includes guards Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro, along with Kendric Nunn if they can’t agree to a deal. After drafting Precious Achiuwa in the first round last season, look for them to try and add a guard that specializes in defense if they get a pick.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Big man/point guard

While they rarely played together last season, the Timberwolves did have four different players that averaged at least 19.0 ppg (Karl-Anthony Towns, Malik Beasley, Anthony Edwards, and D’Angelo Russell). If they can find some depth that can play defense, that would be a big find for the franchise.

There have been rumors involving 76ers star Ben Simmons, which would then create a need at the wing spot. But this team does have the starpower to compete in the West next season if everyone can be healthy and play better defense.

Portland Trailblazers – Best available defender/Center

The fate of superstar guard Damien Lillard will decide whether or not Portland will rebuild or remain a contender going forward. If they do trade him before the draft, they’ll likely have several picks to work with.

Either way, the Trailblazers need to add defense, as that’s been their biggest liability for the longest. A bigger guard that can play defense would be ideal, along with a big man in case they lose Jusef Nurkic this offseason. They can’t rely on former top-10 draft pick Zach Collins to stay healthy and Enes Kanter plays next to no defense. Whoever they get in the draft possibly, needs to be good defensively.