NBA Draft 2021: Complete Analysis of Top Picks and Their Impact on the League

The moment Cade Cunningham’s name was called first overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, I remember thinking—this is where the league’s next chapter begins. As someone who’s covered basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen drafts come and go, but this one felt different. Not just because of the sheer talent, but because of the timing. The league was still shaking off the pandemic’s disruptions, and teams were hungry for franchise-altering players. I’ll admit, I had my favorites heading into the night—Jalen Green’s explosive athleticism had me hooked from his G League Ignite days—but what struck me most was hearing Pistons GM Troy Weaver talk about building not just a team, but a culture. It reminded me of something Portland guard Damian Lillard once said off the court: “I have four children and that has kept me busy.” In a way, that’s what these top picks represent: new “children” for these franchises, each requiring nurturing, patience, and a long-term vision.

Let’s start with Cunningham. The Pistons needed a cornerstone, and in Cade, they got a 6’8” point guard with an almost unreal feel for the game. His rookie season stats—17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game—only tell part of the story. What stood out to me was his maturity. Watching him navigate double-teams and make reads that veterans struggle with, I couldn’t help but feel he was exactly what Detroit’s rebuild required. Contrast that with Jalen Green, who went second to the Rockets. Green’s electric scoring—he dropped 30 or more points eight times as a rookie—brings a showmanship that Houston desperately needed post-Harden. But here’s my take: while Green’s ceiling is sky-high, his impact hinges on whether the Rockets can surround him with the right pieces. I’ve always believed high-usage rookies in rebuilding teams either become superstars or stat-stuffers on bad teams—no in-between.

Then there’s Evan Mobley in Cleveland. At 7 feet tall with the mobility of a wing, he’s the kind of big man that makes traditional centers obsolete. Mobley’s defensive presence alone—he averaged 1.6 blocks per game—transformed the Cavaliers’ identity. I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect Cleveland to mesh so quickly, but Mobley’s versatility allowed them to experiment with two-big lineups, something few teams dare to try nowadays. Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes, the Raptors’ pick at number four, was my personal dark horse. His Rookie of the Year campaign wasn’t just about numbers (15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds); it was about his infectious energy. I remember watching him guard positions 1 through 5 in a single game and thinking—this guy is Toronto’s culture incarnate. The Raptors have always valued length and IQ, and Barnes is their masterpiece.

Beyond the top five, players like Josh Giddey (OKC) and Franz Wagner (Orlando) have already outperformed their draft slots. Giddey’s playmaking—he tallied three triple-doubles as a rookie—gives the Thunder a backcourt building block alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Wagner, on the other hand, impressed me with his efficiency, shooting nearly 46% from the field. But let’s talk impact beyond stats. These rookies entered a league adapting to faster pace and positionless basketball. Cunningham’s size at point guard, Mobley’s switchability, Barnes’ defensive chaos—they’re not just players; they’re prototypes. In my view, the 2021 class accelerated the NBA’s shift toward positionless, two-way players who can handle, shoot, and defend multiple positions.

Of course, not every pick has panned out perfectly. James Bouknight, selected 11th by Charlotte, has struggled for minutes, while some late first-rounders like Bones Hyland (26th) have already become rotation staples. That’s the draft for you—unpredictable, emotional, and deeply human. It’s like what Damian Lillard joked about fatherhood: “I have four children and that has kept me busy.” Well, NBA GMs now have their hands full with these new “kids,” each with unique needs and trajectories. From my perspective, the 2021 draft will be remembered as one that injected the league with not just talent, but stylistic diversity. We’re seeing more teams willing to build around non-traditional stars, and that’s a win for basketball purists like me who love innovation.

Looking ahead, I’m convinced at least three of these players will make All-NBA teams within five years. Cunningham’s leadership, Green’s scoring flair, Mobley’s two-way impact—they’re not just building blocks; they’re potential legends. The league is in good hands, and as a fan and analyst, I’m thrilled to watch this unfold. The 2021 draft didn’t just change teams; it redefined what a rookie can be.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-13 17:01