The ping-pong balls have fallen in favor of the Detroit Pistons, and they are the winners of the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery. After enduring a tough couple of seasons, the lottery gods have offered Detroit a glimmer of hope with the first selection in this year\u2019s upcoming draft. With the draft order finally set, here is a projection of how the top 5 picks will shake out.<\/p>\n
Cade Cunningham<\/strong><\/a> would likely go No.1 regardless of who won the lottery. Cunningham\u2019s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him the obvious top prospect in this year\u2019s draft, and the ideal selection for the Detroit Pistons.<\/p>\n The 19-year-old\u2019s strengths include a feel for the game that is far beyond his years. Cunningham is an elite-level decision-maker. His passing along with his ability to read the floor and create easy looks has garnered him lofty comparisons to Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n At 6\u20197 with a seven-foot wingspan, Cunningham has the potential to carry a heavy offensive load as soon as he steps foot into the league. His ability to orchestrate and be the engine of an offense, suggests that Cunningham has the upside to skyrocket the trajectory of a middling Pistons franchise.<\/p>\n Though Cunningham has drawn comparisons to Doncic, he doesn\u2019t lean on scoring as much as the Slovenian. Cunningham\u2019s heavy reliance on passing is sometimes a weakness, however, as he\u2019s prone to forcing passes through tight spaces, which result in turnovers.<\/p>\n Like any rookie, Cunningham will have to take his lumps. But if Detroit puts the ball in his hands and surrounds him with shooting, Cunningham will be a star guard at the NBA level.<\/p>\n NBA Player Comparison: Luka Doncic<\/strong><\/p>\n Evan Mobley<\/strong><\/a> is a versatile two-way prospect and without a doubt the best big man in this year\u2019s class. Standing at seven feet with a 7\u20195 wingspan, Mobley has the tools to blossom into an elite defender. He has the quickness to stick with guards on the perimeter, whilst having the length to block shots and be an interior presence.<\/p>\n Mobley has also showcased a level of scoring touch that suggests a pathway towards becoming a reliable go-to scorer at an NBA level. Mobley can score on the interior and though he isn\u2019t a reliable outside shooter yet, the freshman out of USC has demonstrated he that can knock down open looks from behind the three-point arc. Additionally, his eye for a pass and ability to handle the ball has seen him compared to Miami Heat big man, Bam Adebayo<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n The next step in Mobley\u2019s development is bulking up on his somewhat skinny frame. This will allow him to better combat the physicality of seasoned big men like Joel Embiid<\/strong><\/a> or Nikola Jokic<\/strong><\/a>. However, if Houston selects Mobley at No. 2, they will be landing a player talented enough to be the first pick in most drafts.<\/p>\n NBA Player Comparison: Deandre Ayton<\/a>, Bam Adebayo<\/strong><\/p>\n Jalen Green<\/strong><\/a> is the most explosive athlete in the draft. The 6\u20195 guard possesses a tantalizing package of skills that will fit seamlessly in the modern NBA.<\/p>\n His polished offensive skillset coupled with freakish athleticism means that Green has potentially the highest upside in this draft. However, whilst Green is a confident shooter, he can sometimes be streaky. The environment in Cleveland is an ideal landing spot for Green to hone his skills and grow alongside fellow young guards, Collin Sexton<\/strong><\/a> and Darius Garland<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n With a knack for the spectacular and an electrifying leaping ability, Green will enter the league as a walking highlight reel. It wouldn\u2019t surprise me if Green takes LaMelo Ball<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s place like House of Highlight\u2019s favorite rookie. In fact, I can\u2019t wait to scroll through Instagram and witness a sea of angry comments that read \u2018House of Jalen\u2019 or \u2018JalenReport\u2019.<\/p>\n NBA Player Comparison: Zach Lavine<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Jalen Suggs<\/strong><\/a> is arguably the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft. The 6\u20194 guard out of Gonzaga possesses an impressive blend of skill, athleticism, and intelligence that makes him a perfect fit for the Raptors.<\/p>\n Suggs is an unselfish floor general that makes others around him better. In Toronto, Suggs will be under the tutelage of veteran point guard, Kyle Lowry<\/strong><\/a>. He will have the opportunity to closely study one of the game\u2019s best floor generals before he one day eventually takes the reigns himself.<\/p>\n Suggs will add defensive toughness, leadership, and a winning mentality that fits well with Toronto\u2019s culture. He has also shown that he\u2019s not shy of the big moment. His clutch game-winning buzzer-beater in the Final Four of this year\u2019s NCAA tournament demonstrated this. However, Suggs will have to improve as a shot creator if he is going to be a lead scoring option.<\/p>\n NBA Player Comparison: Dejounte Murray<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Jonathan Kuminga<\/strong><\/a> is the most versatile defender in this year\u2019s draft class. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward has an NBA-ready body. His combination of size, athleticism, and quickness provide him with the tools to defend both guards and wings in the NBA.<\/p>\n The 19-year-old forward averaged 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks per game in the G-League bubble. He also impressed with his defensive expertise.<\/p>\n Kuminga is, however, the rawest out of the top five prospects. His offensive game needs polishing if he is to be a consistent scorer in the league. Which makes the rebuilding Orlando Magic the ideal destination for him. Kuminga will be afforded the time and patience to develop into an impactful NBA player.<\/p>\n NBA Player Comparison: Jaylen Brown<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Main Photo2. Houston Rockets – Evan Mobley, USC<\/h3>\n
3. Cleveland Cavaliers – Jalen Green, G League Ignite<\/h3>\n
4. Toronto Raptors – Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga<\/h3>\n
5. Orlando Magic – Jonathan Kuminga, G League Ignite<\/h3>\n
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>