The Detroit Pistons claimed the number one overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft following Tuesday’s draft lottery. The Pistons, as well as the Rockets and Magic, entered the night tied for the highest odds for the number one pick at 14%.
The Pistons had an impressive draft in 2020, selecting All-Rookie players Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart. Pistons’ top pick Killian Hayes showed strong potential prior to a season-ending hip injury. With a number one overall talent joining the squad soon, Pistons fans have a lot to be excited about.
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The second pick was awarded to the Houston Rockets, who are deep in a rebuild following the departure of James Harden and Russell Westbrook. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors managed to leapfrog the Magic, Thunder, and Timberwolves into the top four. The Magic hold the fifth pick in the draft, as well as the 8th pick as a result of the Nikola Vucevic trade to Chicago.
The ultimate prize in this year’s draft is believed to be Oklahoma State’s star guard, Cade Cunningham. The 6’8” Texas native averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists without much help around him. His elite playmaking, three level scoring, and versatile defense leave many convinced he’s the number one pick.
But Cade isn’t quite in a tier of his own. Many NBA evaluators see this as potentially being a historic top five picks. Collegiate studs Evan Mobley (C, USC) and Jalen Suggs (PG, Gonzaga) showed out during March Madness. G-Leaguers Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga are both dynamic wing players built for the modern NBA.
Find out where the next generation of NBA stars is headed when the draft goes down on Thursday, July 29th.
Let us know your NBA Draft predictions in the comments below! For more sports news from WavyPack, check out the unveiling of Jordan Brand’s largest female roster.
