The NBA draft order has been set and now the fun begins.
We get to analyze who is going where as we try to figure out what a team is thinking.
A top three pick is very important for a franchise and their future outlook.
The wrong guy can derail a franchise for years.
However, the correct pick can set you up for success.
The first three picks of the draft will be held by the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
There is a great group of players in this draft, but there are three that completely stand out.
Let us project who will be the top three picks in this year’s draft.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Selection: Evan Mobley, Center, USC
Evan Mobley has the potential to be a great player in this league.
The seven-footer is extremely mobile and has the ability to be an elite rim protector as soon as he enters the league.
He averaged 2.2 blocks per game in his lone season at USC.
His instincts and leaping ability help him out so much as a help defender.
In addition, his athleticism and quick feet help him when he is switched onto a perimeter player.
Evan Mobley pick-and-roll defense — playing the middle ground in drop: containing ball handler, threatening presence vs. floater/PU2 or lob to dive man. Can force bad decisions, awkward passes. So many tools: footwork, length, processing speed, awareness. pic.twitter.com/ySZKhLPdXX
— Brian Geisinger (@bgeis_bird) January 9, 2021
Rolling to the lane after screens is his best way of scoring.
He shot 57.8 percent from the field as most of his shots were around the rim.
However, he is very thin and might have a hard time holding his own against bigger bodies.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a choice on whether they want to sign Jarrett Allen to a big extension or not.
If they are able to grab Mobley, look out for that storyline.
2. Houston Rockets
Selection: Jalen Green, Guard/Forward, G-League
The former number one player in his high school class, Jalen Green, is destined to be a top three selection.
Before the lottery, it was thought that Green would be the third pick, but the Houston Rockets have changed that notion.
Will we see Jalen Green in a Rockets uniform next season? 👀 pic.twitter.com/GBQZTRicKW
— Rockets Nation (@RocketsNationCP) June 29, 2021
Green is an athletic freak of nature.
We have seen tons of highlight reels of the guy jumping out of the gym.
He will enter the league ready to score in bunches.
The Rockets are a team in need of a star that can try and be their next James Harden.
Green has the star potential and offensive arsenal to be the face of the franchise.
He is very slight in build and can sometimes be a streaky shooter.
There were some games where his shot was simply not falling.
However, his scoring prowess and athletic ability should make him the second pick of the draft.
1. Detroit Pistons
Selection: Cade Cunningham, Guard, Oklahoma State
The consensus first pick in this year’s draft is by far Cade Cunningham.
The @DetroitPistons get the No. 1 overall pick in the draft lottery.
Will they take Cade Cunningham? 👀 pic.twitter.com/wIQTuZF8en
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 23, 2021
This kid was electric in his freshman year at Oklahoma State.
He averaged 20 points per game with six rebounds and three assists.
Cunningham was an All-American in his lone season and was even a Wooden Award finalist.
Standing at 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Cunningham is huge for a point guard.
That is a big advantage he will have on the rest of the NBA.
He showcased that his jump shot is NBA-ready and that he can create his own show, or for others.
There are not many weaknesses that he possesses.
His defense can improve and his athleticism is not top tier.
Nonetheless, Cunningham is the easy selection with the first pick.
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