NEWSLETTER
As we stand a handful of hours outside the 2021 NBA Draft, the first several picks have started to fall into place.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has tweeted that the Detroit Pistons will pick Cade Cunningham if they hold onto the No. 1 pick later today. While this was always the expected outcome, Wojnarowski did stir up some question marks earlier this week with reports that the franchise was considering prospects Jalen Green and Evan Mobley. However, after reportedly traveling to New York to meet with Cunningham on Wednesday, the decision has become final.
With Cade Cunningham a solid No. 1 to Detroit now, Houston and Cleveland continue to trend toward Jalen Green and Evan Mobley with the second and third picks, respectively, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 29, 2021
Trade offers to move up the board — including to No. 1 — continue to come, so there's always the possibility that a proposal could blow the Pistons away. But if they're taking the pick for themselves at No. 1 tonight, they're taking Cade Cunningham, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/qYbIEvOeTL
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 29, 2021
Poor, Cade. Hope he at least shakes hands!
Meanwhile, Jalen Green and Evan Mobley are the two players most believe will go in the No. 2 and No. 3 spot. Wojnarowski basically confirmed as much in his tweet above.
Green has been connected far more to the Houston Rockets, as the organization invested in big man Christian Wood one offseason ago and seems to prefer Green’s athletic perimeter play. However, viewed widely as the second-best prospect in this class, I don’t think anyone would be surprised to see Houston grab the best player on the board. Except … maybe the Cavs.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland dot com, the Cavaliers “seem set on Mobley.” The organization has received plenty of calls about potentially trading the pick, but Fedor said the front office would likely need a “godfather” offer to move down.
At the end of the day, we all know anything can happen on draft night, but it is becoming more and more clear that things will not really heat up until No. 4 hits. Will it be Jalen Suggs? Scottie Barnes? Jonathan Kuminga (probably not)? Could we see our first trade? Only time will tell. I hope the Bulls are ready to … patiently watch!
