Just imagine the hype surrounding Cade Cunningham, the 19-year-old phenom standing at 6'8". With stats like his, it’s no surprise everyone expects him to be one of the top picks. He's been an absolute force at Oklahoma State, averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. NBA scouts can't stop raving about his exceptional ball-handling skills and his uncanny ability to create plays in high-pressure situations. This kid's court vision and leadership qualities are just off the charts, reminiscent of a young LeBron James. Magic Johnson even mentioned he sees a lot of himself in Cade, which is no small compliment.
Next up, we have Jalen Green, a sharpshooter with a vertical leap that seems to defy gravity. At 6'5" and weighing around 180 pounds, Green spent the last year playing for the G League Ignite team, where he honed his skills against older, more experienced players. He averaged 17.9 points per game, which is impressive considering the competitive nature of the G League. His ability to score from virtually anywhere on the court has drawn comparisons to Paul George. Not to mention, his shooting percentage from beyond the arc stands at a solid 37%, making him a deadly threat on offense.
Evan Mobley is another name that keeps coming up in conversations about top draft picks. Standing at a towering 7 feet, Mobley has the kind of defensive prowess that coaches dream of. He played college ball at USC and has shown incredible versatility on the court. Averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, Mobley has been compared to players like Anthony Davis. Analysts love his ability to guard multiple positions and his impressive shot-blocking skills. The kid’s athleticism and mobility for someone his size are almost unparalleled. Imagine the kind of impact he could have on a team's defensive strategy.
And then there's Jalen Suggs, a 6'4" guard out of Gonzaga who captured the nation's attention with his clutch performances in the NCAA tournament. His last-second, banked-in three-pointer to win the game against UCLA will go down in March Madness history. Suggs averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. His athleticism, combined with a high basketball IQ, makes him a well-rounded player. Plus, he’s known for his tough defense and ability to make crucial plays, qualities that will serve him well in the NBA.
One can't forget Jonathan Kuminga, another standout from the G League Ignite team. At 6'8" and weighing 220 pounds, Kuminga is a physical specimen with immense potential. He's been averaging 15.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His raw athleticism and ability to drive to the basket make him a tantalizing prospect for teams looking to beef up their forward positions. Some scouts have said that he has the potential to be as effective as Jaylen Brown once he polishes his skills.
Moses Moody from Arkansas is also creating quite the buzz. At 6'6", he’s known for his scoring ability and his knack for finding open shots. Moody averaged 16.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. His proficiency in knocking down three-pointers, with a shooting percentage of 35.8%, makes him an appealing choice for teams in need of a reliable perimeter shooter. Analysts have compared Moody's game to that of Klay Thompson, particularly praising his off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot capabilities.
Scottie Barnes from Florida State offers a unique blend of size and skill. This 6'9" forward can play multiple positions, thanks to his versatility and high basketball IQ. Barnes put up averages of 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His defensive abilities are what set him apart, often being compared to Draymond Green. Barnes' energy on the court and his capability to guard positions 1 through 5 make him a unique asset for any team.
Last but certainly not least, Franz Wagner from Michigan deserves a mention. Standing at 6'9", Wagner has a well-rounded game and a high basketball IQ. He averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game during his last season with the Wolverines. His defensive versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor are aspects that NBA teams find incredibly appealing.
With the NBA Draft around the corner, all eyes will be on where these young talents land. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and high potential, making them highly sought after by teams looking to bolster their rosters. It’s going to be interesting to see how everything unfolds on the nba draft 2021 date, and which teams will end up with these budding superstars. The future of the NBA looks bright with these young talents ready to make their mark.