NBA Draft 2021: Final projections of first 30 draft selections
By William Cash
Power Forward. Oklahoma City Thunder. Usman Garuba. 18. player. 149.
With the multitude of draft picks OKC has over the next couple of years they are going to be looking for the highest ceiling available.
Garuba is a very good rebounder and active on the defensive end of the floor. He has a good IQ which is great for being only 19. Garuba will have to develop an offensive game and will mostly make an impact as a rim runner and shot-blocker early in his career.
This is a nice value for OKC this late in the first round.
. Point Guard. New Orleans Pelicans. Chris Duarte. 17. player. 69
Besides Davion Mitchell, I think Chris Duarte is the best guy in this draft who will help you from day one. Duarte is already an excellent shooter and shot 42% from three last year at Oregon. From working his way up from a JUCO school, Duarte is going to make the 50/50 plays for your team and will play hard on the defensive end of the floor.
Duarte is the oldest player in the draft and there are questions about high his ceiling will be. But New Orleans needs guys who can help them win now with all-stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson entering their prime.
Ziaire Williams. 16. player. 149. . Small Forward. Oklahoma City Thunder
Zaire Williams has shot up draft boards just on his upside alone and in some mock drafts entering the lottery.
On my mock, though he has moved from the late first round to up to No.16. Williams has a steady handle and has the potential to become a go-to scorer with his length. He must work on making his shot mechanics smoother and finishing through contact at the rim.
Williams will be a project for OKC, but he has the tools to be a solid scorer in the NBA