• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Cold Wire

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About

The Cold Wire

A go to source for trending sports news covering the NFL, MLB, NBA, college football, entertainment, and much more.

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About
You are here: Home / Sports / NBA / 2 2021 NBA Second-Round Picks Turning Heads So Far

2 2021 NBA Second-Round Picks Turning Heads So Far

December 7, 2021
By Brian Haedrich
@HaedrichBrian
Leave a Comment
Follow Brian Haedrich on Google News Follow Us

A general view of the board after the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on July 29, 2021 in New York City.
(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

 

Quality NBA talent can be found at any pick throughout the two-round draft.

There is a higher chance of finding a future star in the lottery, but stars are not exclusively found early on.

Just ask Tony Parker or Nikola Jokic, selected 28th and 41st overall in their respective drafts.

Finding a star in the second round is quite hard to do.

However, there are typically plenty of quality supporting players to be had.

The depth of a class varies year to year but the 2021 NBA Draft has some intriguing talent already shining through.

Two prominent second-round picks who have shown flashes early this year will be discussed in depth later.

But a few players deserved an honorable mention.

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is learning each game and appears to be blossoming into a two-way wing for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Dalano Banton has provided high-energy play off the bench for the Toronto Raptors.

And Charles Bassey appears to be the answer at backup center for the Philadelphia 76ers.

All three players appear primed to develop into supporting pieces on winning basketball teams in the future.

But the following two players stand out just a bit more.

 

2. Ayo Dosunmu

Ayo Dosunmu is the sole draft choice from the Chicago Bulls’ 2021 draft.

The Illinois product was selected 38th overall after winning the National Player of the Year Award by USA Today.

Billy Donovan informed Ayo Dosunmu about 1 hour before tip-off that he would make his first NBA start and "play a lot."

"I need you to be who you are," Donovan told Dosunmu.

"He was unfazed," Donovan adds.

— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) December 7, 2021

Dosunmu does not have the gaudiest numbers but has carved out a decent role on the 16-8 Bulls.

Second-round picks rarely get significant minutes on playoff teams, which is why it is noteworthy Dosunmu averages 16.1 minutes per game this year.

He scores 5.8 points per game while shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 41 percent from three.

Coach Billy Donovan said of Dosunmu:

“I think his decision-making as we’ve gone forward [is getting] better. There are times he’s a very aggressive driver to the basket. But he also has to recognize who’s at the basket.”

The game is starting to slow down for the rookie on not only offense but on defense, too.

His tenacity, aggression, and physicality allow him to play solid perimeter defense.

Ayo is earning significant minutes on a playoff-caliber team just 23 games into his career.

 

1. Herbert Jones

The potential steal of the second round is Herbert Jones.

Selected 35th overall out of Alabama, Jones is already an impactful two-way wing for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Watch Herb Jones 🔒 pic.twitter.com/PB68rhRnQg

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 3, 2021

He was inserted into the starting lineup for the second time starting November 24 and has remained a starter the past seven games.

Over those seven games, the Pelicans have gone 4-3 with Jones averaging 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game across nearly 30 minutes.

Not outstanding but also noticeable considering the Pelicans are 7-19 on the season.

Jones does not have the bold numbers but clearly impacts winning.

Of the seven five-man lineups that have greater than 30 minutes for New Orleans, two of them have a positive net rating.

Jones is on both.

He is stronger than his 6-foot-8, 210-pound frame would imply, allowing him to defend across multiple positions.

Jones’ energy, activity, and versatility on the defensive end all point to loads of potential moving forward.

Herbert has also been working with Pelicans’ assistant Fred Vinson.

Vinson has been credited with helping turn Lonzo Ball into a dangerous perimeter shooter.

Jones has a long way to go but clearly can blossom into a future potential star.

Just the potential to become an NBA star is all you can hope for your second-round picks.

    Get ALL the latest NBA news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cold Wire NBA newsletter here!    

Filed Under: NBA Tagged With: nba

About Brian Haedrich

Philly fan writing for The Cold Wire. Terp Alumn #TrustTheProcess

Suggest a correction

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow The Cold Wire!

More nba News

Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates his three point shot during the second half at Madison Square Garden on January 16, 2023 in New York City. The Toronto Raptors defeated the New York Knicks 123-121 in overtime.

Fred VanVleet’s Career Move Has Fans Talking

23 hours ago

Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks talks with Reggie Bullock #25 during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on January 26, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 99-95.

The Knicks Are Reportedly Eyeing A Mavericks Veteran

23 hours ago

NBA commissioner Adam Silver announces a pick by the Houston Rockets during the 2021 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on July 29, 2021 in New York City.

The Rockets Are Reportedly Hoping To Make Big Moves

23 hours ago

DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls is closely guarded by Gordon Hayward #20 and LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of the game at Spectrum Center on January 26, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Bulls Had A Very Bad Week

23 hours ago

Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 14, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

Luka Doncic Is Getting Into Dangerous Territory

23 hours ago

Paul George #13 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers runs back on defense in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game one of the Western Conference first round series at Staples Center on May 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

Kawhi Leonard And Paul George Remain Red Hot

23 hours ago

Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns is called for a technical-foul from referee Tre Maddox #23 after reacting to a three-point shot during the second half of the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Footprint Center on January 26, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 99-95.

Suns Star Got Called Out For Taunting On Thursday

23 hours ago

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden on January 09, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Bulls 107-99.

Jayson Tatum Gets Honest About Latest Celtics Loss

23 hours ago

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 04: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on November 4, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph,

The NBA Eastern Conference Is Getting Tight

24 hours ago

Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls talks with Alex Caruso #6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at United Center on January 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

The Bulls Might Send Away A Beloved Star

1 day ago

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 29, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.

NBA Analyst Calls Out Controversial Load Management Tactics

1 day ago

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks to the bench against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on January 12, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Thunder defeated the 76ers 133-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

NBA Star Is Shocked By All-Star Snub

1 day ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a score during the second half of a game against the Washington Wizards at Fiserv Forum on January 03, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

New NBA All-Star Teams Are Turning Heads This Week

1 day ago

Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets walks off the bench after being ejected during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 19, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona.

NBA Writer Pleads For Change With The Nets

1 day ago

Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks scrambles for the ball against Christian Wood #35 of the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at American Airlines Center on January 18, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.

The Mavericks May Say Goodbye To A New Favorite

1 day ago

Nic Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets dunks during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Video Proves The Continued Dominance Of Nic Claxton

1 day ago

Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 25, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Zion Williamson Proves He Is Already A Massive Fan Favorite

1 day ago

Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 14, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

The Mavericks Wait On An Urgent Luka Doncic Update

1 day ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during play against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on January 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Charles Barkley Pokes Fun At LeBron James Being Named All-Star Captain

1 day ago

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 23, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Trail Blazers 114-96.

Donovan Mitchell Has Made Personal History With Latest News

1 day ago

Los Angeles Lakers general manager, Rob Pelinka, smiles as he speaks to the press during Los Angeles Laker media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 27, 2019 in El Segundo, California.

NBA Analyst Says 1 Player Is The 'Missing Link' For The Lakers

1 day ago

Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 16, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Steve Kerr Comments On Rumors Of Bob Myers' Future

1 day ago

Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat reacts during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on January 06, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Heat defeated the Suns 104-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

The Heat Have Made Huge Advances In The East

2 days ago

Head coach Jacque Vaughn of the Brooklyn Nets reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on January 04, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

The Nets Are Looking To Make Big Upgrades

2 days ago

Primary Sidebar

Search The Cold Wire

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Editorial Guidelines

Contact Us

Sitemap

Advertise

Follow us on

Copyright © 2023  ColdWireMedia · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ·TheColdWire.com

Suggest a Correction

2 2021 NBA Second-Round Picks Turning Heads So Far

1000 characters remaining