Before I get started with the mock draft, let me lay out some ground rules. First and foremost, do not take this mock draft too seriously. If I have a guy landing somewhere that you don't, I am not calling that player bad by any means, I am simply saying I prefer they go at a certain spot. Also, my reasoning for a player going at a particular spot may have motivations other than basketball, meaning a location, front office, or other non-basketball factors will be taken into consideration. Anyways, let's get started with my official lottery mock draft.
1. Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State, PG/SG, Freshman)
One pick is certain in this draft, and it is the first overall pick. Cade Cunningham was the first overall selection for this draft before he even left high school. The Pistons are in such a bad place right now, but one thing they can rely on is their youth. Guys like Killian Hayes and Isaiah Stewart are the headliners of potential in Detroit, but now they will be joined by a potential future superstar in Cunningham. Unless Cade comes in right away and is so good that they move far in the standings, they will continue to get good draft selections, giving them a very good future for years to come.
His ability to not only score, but also create for his teammates, will be a perfect fit in Detroit. There really is no reason the Pistons select anyone but Cunningham, as he is both the best player on the board and the best fit for the Pistons.
pc: via OSU Website
2. Houston Rockets: Evan Mobley (USC, PF/C, Freshman)
Some people have slid Mobley to the third spot, but I firmly believe he belongs at the second spot in the draft. The 7-footer who can handle and move like a guard is always one of the best builds for a prospect. He has an incredibly advanced defensive game, basically being a Rudy Gobert who can match up with quick guards on the perimeter. His upside on both sides of the floor may be the highest in the entire draft, giving him possibly the highest ceiling out of all of this years prospects.
Whether he ends up playing power forward or the center, he makes a great front court partner for the up and coming Christian Wood. Like Cunningham, Mobley will be the best player on the board come time for the second pick. While he and a few other guys could be considered the best fit for Houston, I think he is worth the risk for the Rockets.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jalen Green (G-League Ignite, SG)
I have seen Green play in person, and man this kid can play. He dominated in high school and moved straight to professional ball. He did get less screen-time due to this decision, but that really hasn't changed that he is a bonafide top three selection. He is explosive and quick with a solid handle and good shot making ability. He is 6'5", and assuming that the Cavs want to solve their issue with small guards, they will draft a guy who has good size such as Green. They will likely deal Sexton away in the off-season, leaving an open spot for Green, who I believe will be their best bet in this draft.
4. Toronto Raptors: Jalen Suggs (Gonzaga, PG, Freshman)
Suggs showed his dominance as one of the top players in the NCAA this season. His Gonzaga Bulldogs made a run to the NCAA championship game, led by Suggs who had a fantastic season. He probably has the highest basketball IQ in this draft, and may be the best choice for a team who wants to win-now. That is why he is perfect for the Raptors, who have retained a large portion of their championship squad from just a few years ago. Many believe Kyle Lowry won't be in Toronto next year too, leaving that point guard slot open for Suggs to fall in line. He will play alongside a solid guard in Fred VanVleet in the backcourt, and former all-star Pascal Siakam in the frontcourt. I personally think Suggs will be the frontrunner for rookie of the year, and will be an excellent pick for the Raptors.
5. Orlando Magic: Scottie Barnes (FSU, SF/PF, Freshman)
Orlando may be in the worst spot in the entire league. No real direction, no real high level youth, and they aren't a notable free-agent destination. Which is why I don't think they should take Scottie Barnes. Barnes had a disappointing season with FSU, especially offensively. He is an elite defender, a trait that isn't usually valued by a team that desperately needs an offensive first option. However, I think Barnes' upside will be too tempting for the Magic to pass up. He definitely has one of the higher ceilings in this draft, but his floor may be the lowest of the major lottery picks as well. Either way, I think the Magic select him fifth.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jonathan Kuminga (G-League Ignite, SF/PF)
Just a few weeks ago Kuminga was considered the clear fifth pick in this draft. However, some mock drafts since then have slid him all the way down to eight or nine. I think this is preposterous, as his scoring ability should be incredibly enticing to any team in the lottery. He may be the best physical specimen in the lottery, and his ability to create his own shot and make said shot gives him the potential to be an excellent scorer on all three levels. His build also gives him a high defensive upside. The Thunder will continue to draft in the lottery for years to come, so it is important for them to draft guys with as much potential as possible, and in my opinion Kuminga has the highest ceiling of any of the guys remaining on the board.
7. Golden State Warriors: Moses Moody (Arkansas, SG/SF, Freshman)
No other team values a player's ability to shoot more than the Golden State Warriors. The best trait for Moody at this moment is his shooting and scoring ability. He also has shown his ability to be an elite three-and-d player, which is sure to help out the Warriors who may have an opening at the small forward position. Assuming Steph and Klay are back and playing great basketball together again, Moody can slot in as a really good young role player as he learns from the two best shooters in the world. In the grand scheme of things, there is no reason why the Warriors don't take Moody when they are given the chance.
8. Orlando Magic: James Bouknight (Connecticut, SG, Sophomore)
Assuming that I am correct about the Magic selecting Barnes with the fifth pick, they have already filled their need for defense. Now they need to focus on the offense, and they can pick up a very solid offensive contributor with Bouknight with the eighth pick. Bouknight has shown his ability to score on all three levels, and while his shot from deep is raw, his mechanics are good enough to develop a solid jumper. I think Bouknight will eventually be the more valuable player for the Magic, as he joins Cole Anthony for a very young backcourt who both have very high offensive ceilings.
9. Sacramento Kings: Franz Wagner (Michigan, SF/PF, Sophomore)
While Wagner had a weak tournament run with Michigan during March Madness, he is ripe with potential. The best stretch forward in this draft, he is much more than a shooter, showing his shot creating and play making potential throughout this season. Despite his thin frame for a 6'9" forward, he is a good defender with a high upside on both sides of the court. The Kings could use a jack of all trades like Wagner, and I doubt he falls past the ninth spot when it comes time for Sacramento to make their selection.
10. New Orleans Pelicans: Josh Giddey (Adelaide 36ers, PG)
Giddey could very well be the steal of this draft, as he has been an absolute sensation playing professionally in Australia. Imagine a guy with the offensive abilities of Ben Simmons, who can actually shoot. While his defense hasn't shown to be on a Simmons level, he has the size and talent to have one of the highest offensive ceilings in this draft. A pure-playmaker who can make and create his own shot, he would be a big help for Zion in New Orleans as the Pelicans likely unload Lonzo Ball. I think he likely goes down as one of the better players from this draft class, and could prove to be one of the best international players we have seen come through our league.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Kai Jones (Texas, PF/C, Sophomore)
The Hornets are in desperate need of a solid center to play alongside their decent core. Their clear missing position is the five, and at this point in the draft Jones is the best pick to fit their needs. Jones is an electric scorer for a big man, really showing dominance around the rim. His wingspan proves to be a valuable trait for a possible defensive surge down the line in his career. He is a raw prospect, struggling in both rebounding and passing, but behind an NBA level training staff I believe Jones can develop into a very good center and/or forward in this league.
12. San Antonio Spurs: Keon Johnson (Tennessee, SG, Freshman)
A hyper-athletic defender and high potential scorer in Johnson could be just the risk the Spurs need to take to escape the limbo they find themselves in. The wing has good size at the 2, and could fit into the system in San Antonio even if he doesn't fully reach his potential. If he can smooth out his shooting mechanics he could turn into a seriously good second option wing in the league, and I think the Spurs are willing to go with Johnson and see how much of his potential he can fulfill.
13. Indiana Pacers: Davion Mitchell (Baylor, PG, Junior)
Coming off of a NCAA championship run with the Baylor Bears, Mitchell proved to be one of the most NBA-ready players in the entire 2021 draft class. He is likely to come in and be an immediate impact player for the team who drafts him, and for a team that fell off this year in the Pacers, that may be his best case scenario. He is a good scorer, defender, and playmaker, and while he isn't considered a super high ceiling player, he is likely going to have a very long career in the league. The Pacers may be the closest to playoff contention in all of the lottery, so a guy like Mitchell fits their trajectory as soon as he gets there.
There ya go, the top 13 picks. I can't tell you I am a draft expert, but I think I will get a good amount of these right. I will see you on draft night.