Ameer Tyree’s Lottery Mock Draft: Cade goes No. 1 to Pistons, Suggs third to Cavaliers

The lottery for the 2021 NBA Draft has been decided. The Detroit Pistons came out on top and several other rebuilding teams trail them inside the top five. Let’s take a look at who each team could select come draft day in July.

2021 NBA Mock Draft Post-Lottery

1. Detroit Pistons — Cade Cunningham, PG Oklahoma State
2. Houston Rockets — Evan Mobley, C, USC
3. Cleveland Cavaliers — Jalen Suggs, PG/SG, Gonzaga
4. Toronto Raptors — Jalen Green, SG, G League Ignite
5. Orlando Magic — Jonathan Kuminga, SF/PF, G League Ignite
6. Oklahoma City Thunder —Josh Giddey, PG Adelaide 36ers
7. Golden State Warriors (via Minnesota Timberwolves) — Franz Wagner, PF, Michigan
8. Orlando Magic (via Chicago Bulls) — Jalen Johnson, PF, Duke
9. Sacramento Kings — Scottie Barnes, SF, Florida State
10. New Orleans Pelicans — Davion Mitchell, PG, Baylor
11. Charlotte Hornets — Alperen Sengun, C, Besitkas
12. San Antonio Spurs — Corey Kispert, SF, Gonzaga
13. Indiana Pacers — Isaiah Jackson, PF, Kentucky
14. Golden State Warriors — Moses Moody, SG, Arkansas

The Pistons just selected a point guard in Killian Hayes with their first pick in last year’s draft, but can’t afford to pass up a generational talent like Cunningham despite their crowded backcourt.

The Rockets can secure a frontcourt partner for Christian Wood in Mobley, and both can provide quality rim protection and stretch the floor as Houston looks to rebuild following the James Harden Trade.

Cleveland has two shot creators in Collin Sexton and Darius Garland and both are below-average defenders. Adding a downhill, two-way guard like Suggs can help the Cavs prepare to move one of its current backcourt starters and improve their perimeter defense.

Toronto, unfortunately, fell outside of the top five and could use a quality backcourt partner for FredVanVleet. Kyle Lowry is likely headed out the door, and Green can flourish on a team that prides itself on excellent player development.

Orlando has Jonathan Kuminga coming back next season but can snag another quality two-way forward with Kuminga ahead of his return.