It's official. The Detroit Pistons will have the first pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Most experts believe the franchise will take Cade Cunningham with that pick, but more on that in a minute.
The organization definitely deserves it. After dealing with all the Blake Griffin drama in the regular season, the Pistons can now gladly move forward and rebuild. And what better way to start than to have first dibs at this year's prospects.
The first overall pick is usually the most obvious choice. The Pistons don't have to rattle their brains like crazy to decide on who to pick. However, NBA history has shown us how the lower picks have overtaken the first overall. And this fact has to be in the back of the minds of the Pistons front office. As such, they shouldn't just select the player heavily touted by analysts, but the player who can fit right into their system. These are some of the players the Pistons should consider for the first overall pick.
4.) Jalen Suggs (guard)
Gonzaga standout Jalen Suggs is also one of those prospects who have caught the attention of scouts, not so much for his athleticism or special gifts, but for the different things he could bring to the floor. He averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He also shot 50.3 percent from the field which is pretty good for a guard.
The Pistons won't likely pick him. Teams with the first pick usually select a player they know can transform their team in a season or two. Analysts believe Suggs doesn't possess that star potential. Rather he's the type of player who can become a foundational piece. Besides, the Pistons boast a good amount of young guards like Killian Hayes, Frank Jackson, Dennis Smith Jr., among others. However, the fact that Suggs possesses better playmaking skills than those aforementioned should give the Pistons something to think about.
3.) Scottie Barnes (forward)
In most 2021 NBA Mock Drafts, the Florida State standout isn't included in the top three picks. It's easy to see why. Barnes doesn't have the smoothest stroke from deep (27.5 percent), which pretty much makes him a liability in today's 3-point heavy playstyle. In reality, it's too much to expect for incoming rookies to already have a confident stroke right from the get-go. Besides, Barnes has caught the eye of scouts for his elite defensive and playmaking abilities.
This makes him a Draymond Green clone, albeit much more athletic. He stands 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. Highlights reveal he has a penchant for getting the chase-down block — a testament to his timing and hustle. In terms of playmaking, he led the ACC with a 31.7 assist rate — something that Casey can utilize in his motion-heavy offense. Indeed, there's a lot to be worked on in his offensive game. But Barnes already possesses the skills that one cannot simply teach.
2.) Evan Mobley (center)
USC center Evan Mobley has been on top of most NBA Mock Drafts. A quick look at his highlights would reveal a very mobile center with elite defensive abilities. He stands 7'0 tall with a 7'4 wingspan. Apart from averaging 2.9 blocks last season, Mobley showed off his ability to switch off smaller and much quicker guards. This already makes him an asset. One of the fundamentals of running an offense is to spot the mismatch and abuse it. With Mobley in the fold, the Pistons already have the advantage on defense by default.
His offense is pretty good. Not the best in this draft class but he does have a stroke from deep which can be worked on. He may seem to be hesitant on offense, often relying on pick and rolls and putbacks (which is a testament to his good hands) rather than beating people up in the post. However, Mobley's quickness in relation to his length gives him the inherent advantage over most centers. Over time, it'll be easy for the Pistons to integrate an offensive package into his game.
1.) Cade Cunningham (guard)
Fans will be caught off guard if the Pistons select the aforementioned players in the list. But if the Pistons select Cade Cunningham as their first overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, then Pistons fans will gladly take out their pre-made Cunningham jerseys and start celebrating. The 6-foot-8 Oklahoma State guard has been the favorite by analysts to be the first overall selection.
Cade Cunnigham possesses the physique and abilities required of a modern-day scoring point guard. The man has a smooth stroke from practically anywhere. He shot 43.8 percent from the field, 40.0 percent from deep, and 84.6 percent from the free-throw line. This makes him the most NBA-ready among all prospects. If the Pistons select him, fans should not be surprised if he immediately becomes the second option behind Jerami Grant. Some even say he'll overtake Grant in just a season's time.
Some have compared him to Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, particularly for how much they can do despite seeming lack of athleticism In reality, apart from their killer instincts on the offensive end, that's the only thing similar between them. Cade Cunningham is much more of a defensive asset as he complements his 7-foot wingspan with active hands. Cunningham may need to work on his playmaking abilities. But other than that, Cunningham has star player written all over him.