NBA Draft 2021: Grades for all 30 draft picks from the first round

16. Houston Rockets: Alperen Sengun, Center, Turkey

Grade: A-

Houston sent two future first-round picks to Oklahoma City to take Sengun after he fell a bit in the draft. He’s an analytics machine, destroying the Turkish League using his low-post game. I was lower on Sengun on my board, but this felt like a good spot to take him at. The Rockets are in a complete rebuild, and after taking the electrifying Jalen Green at No. 2, Sengun helps in the frontcourt.

I actually love his pairing with Christian Wood. Wood can stretch the floor offensively, and protect the rim a bit defensively, two areas Sengun is weaker at. If they weren’t opposed to taking a big, I’m not exactly sure why they didn’t just take Evan Mobley at No. 2. Regardless, Houston got two very good players in the top 16.

17. New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy, Forward, Virginia

Grade: A

The Pelicans have to feel great after unloading two bad contracts to move back seven spots, and they got a player who fits them perfectly. Murphy is a 6’9 sniper, who also had some impressive team defense moments. His catch-and-shoot ability will blend perfectly with Zion Williamson. He’ll be a big help to New Orleans’ suspect defense. The Pelicans’ have length, shooting, and isolation scoring in ability on the wing in Murphy, Williamson, and Brandon Ingram.

18. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tre Mann, Guard, Florida

Grade: B

The Thunder got some more self-creation ability in Mann, who excelled off the bounce for the Gators last season. Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should create looks for him and he should see on-ball reps early. I thought Oklahoma City could have gone with a higher upside guard, or someone to aid them defensively in the backcourt. But Mann blends in well offensively, and I don’t project him to be a superstar, he should be a rotational piece in the rebuild.