NBA Draft Notes: Mobley, Cavs, Mintz, Griffin, Wolves

Originally posted on FortyEightMinutes | By Chris Crouse | Last updated 5/3/21

Cade Cunningham is essentially a lock to go No. 1 in the upcoming draft regardless of which team wins the lottery and if we knew which team was picking No. 2, USC Evan Mobley might be a lock right behind him.

The Rockets, Pistons, and Wolves currently own the three worst records in the league and not one is a perfect fit for the 7-footer. Minnesota, of course, has Karl-Anthony Towns while Detroit has youngster Isaiah Stewart and Houston has Christian Wood in the frontcourt (there were rumblings that the Rockets would be alright with the Wood-Mobley pairing, though it’s hard to envision them taking that route if they land the No. 2 pick).

The two ensuing lottery teams behind that trio (Orlando and Oklahoma City) would be much better fits for Mobley as the athletic big man could anchor either club’s frontcourt for years to come. Behind them, lies the Cavaliers, though with the franchise reportedly committed to Jarrett Allen as their long-term center, Cleveland moving up to No. 2 would likely mean a slide down the draft for Mobley.

The 2021 draft is considered loaded and Evan Mobley has a legit to be the best player out of the class. However, his draft pick might not represent that, depending on how the lottery shakes out.

More NBA Draft Notes

Kentucky guard Davion Mintz has entered the draft, though he has yet to hire an agent. The 6-foot-3 guard has until July 7 to make a final decision on whether he’ll sign with an agent or return to John Calipari’s squad.
Syracuse wing Alan Griffin is leaving the university in hopes of playing in the NBA. Griffin’s father, Adrian, played in the NBA for nine years and is now an assistant coach with the Raptors. “You have all the tools and the talent to be an NBA player,” the elder Griffin said in a video to his son. “But talent alone doesn’t get you there.”
The Wolves will send the Warriors their 2021 first-round pick if it doesn’t land in the top-three and Scott Davis of Insider.com breaks down what each scenario would mean for the pair of Western Conference teams. Golden State acquired the asset via the D’Angelo Russell trade.

This article first appeared on FortyEightMinutes and was syndicated with permission.

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