2021 NBA redraft: Cade still No. 1? Who made biggest move?
The 2021 NBA Draft was stacked.
And not just with All-Star-caliber players like Scottie Barnes, Franz Wagner, and Alperen Sengun, either. Both rounds are littered with names that have carved out respectable NBA careers, making for one of the most talent-rich drafts in recent history.
Here's a re-examination of the first round with the benefit of hindsight, weighted more on the respective players' careers to date than the team-specific needs at the time of the draft.
Stats reflect NBA career regular-season totals.
2021 draft: 1st pick (DET)
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 164 | 43.6 | 33.7 | 84.4 | 5.4 | 7.0 | 20.6 |
Cunningham's potential is shining through now that he's healthy. The former No. 1 overall pick is one of five players in the NBA averaging at least 20 points, seven boards, and seven assists. His elite size at the point provides more playmaking opportunities, while his 220-pound frame helps him power through defenders on drives to the basket. He's been an impact defender as well, using his length to create deflections and contest shots.
2021 draft: 4th pick (TOR)
Actual 2nd pick: Jalen Green
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 228 | 47.1 | 30.7 | 75.9 | 7.4 | 4.9 | 16.8 |
The 2022 Rookie of the Year overcame a relatively underwhelming second campaign with the Raptors to earn an All-Star nod in 2023-24 - the only player in the class with that distinction - and has continued that growth this season despite missing 13 games due to injury. Barnes has improved his playmaking skills and seemingly matured as an on-court leader for a team that views him as a franchise cornerstone.
2021 draft: 8th pick (ORL)
Actual 3rd pick: Evan Mobley
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 256 | 47.7 | 33 | 85.4 | 4.7 | 3.6 | 18.4 |
The younger Wagner bro has been a revelation for the Magic this season, especially in Paolo Banchero's absence, and would have been a lock to make his first All-Star Game had he not suffered a torn oblique muscle at the beginning of December. Wagner has lived near the rim this season: His 12.3 points per game in the paint is the 12th-best mark in the league.
2021 draft: 3rd pick (CLE)
Actual 4th pick: Scottie Barnes
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 226 | 54.7 | 29.6 | 69.4 | 8.9 | 2.8 | 16.0 |
A foundational piece for the Cavaliers' league-best start this season, Mobley was the right prospect on the board for the franchise to select after the Rockets picked Green. An All-Defensive first-team selection in his second campaign, the 23-year-old has flashed defensive versatility from the perimeter to the paint. While his offensive attack can be inconsistent, Mobley has increased his scoring (18.5) and efficiency (60.8% eFG) to new heights.
2021 draft: 16th pick (OKC, rights traded to HOU)
Actual 5th pick: Jalen Suggs
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 239 | 52.1 | 28.0 | 71.4 | 8.2 | 3.9 | 15.4 |
Sengun's rapidly become one of the league's best offensive bigs under the age of 25. A nightly double-double threat, he's also a pivotal facilitator in the Rockets' system; they're shooting 48.4% on twos (8.4 attempts per game) set up by the Turkish center this year. The Magic did well taking Wagner, but a big-man tandem of Sengun and Banchero would also have been fun to watch.
2021 draft: 20th pick (ATL)
Actual 6th pick: Josh Giddey
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 176 | 50.4 | 33.0 | 71.1 | 6.1 | 2.5 | 10.7 |
Johnson has looked like a future All-Star at times on a frisky Hawks squad. In an offense geared toward Trae Young, Johnson has been able to pick his spots and show growth as an offensive creator. The uber-athletic 6-foot-9 wing has a career-high usage rate (22.3%) and assist rate (22.7%) while maintaining his efficiency from the floor (54.5 eFG). His 2.5 stocks (steals plus blocks) also show his high-level activity on the defensive end.
2021 draft: 2nd pick (HOU)
Actual 7th pick: Jonathan Kuminga
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 254 | 41.9 | 33.4 | 80.2 | 4.2 | 3.2 | 19.7 |
Green has shown flashes of the go-to scorer the Rockets envisioned. The California native can blow by defenders with his explosive first step, create separation on step-backs, and has the athleticism to finish the most acrobatic attempts at the rim. He just hasn't been able to put it all together consistently. Green's 3-point shooting and playmaking haven't progressed, either, and he hasn't found a way to be as effective playing off the ball.
2021 draft: 5th (ORL)
Actual 8th pick: Franz Wagner
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205 | 41.9 | 32.8 | 78.1 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 12.2 |
Suggs has blossomed into an elite defender, averaging 1.5 steals and a stingy 105.1 defensive rating this season. The Gonzaga product is also one of just four guards to average one or more blocks this year and has ranked top-three in deflections per game every season among the class of 2021. But his offense is lacking, as he never eclipsed 15 points per game before this season and is a career 41.9% shooter.
2021 draft: 7th pick (GSW)
Actual 9th pick: Davion Mitchell
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 237 | 51.1 | 34.0 | 69.1 | 4.0 | 1.7 | 12.3 |
The Warriors hoped Kuminga's athleticism and physical tools would help him develop into a foundational two-way piece. He's had long stretches of consistent scoring and shown versatility as a small-ball five, but his jumper and playmaking haven't improved since entering the NBA. There's still time for Kuminga to reach his potential, but it may not happen in Golden State with the team trying to maximize Stephen Curry's final seasons.
2021 draft: 17th pick (MEM, rights traded to NOP)
Actual 10th pick: Ziaire Williams (rights traded to MEM)
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 215 | 45.4 | 38.7 | 86.9 | 3.7 | 1.5 | 12.3 |
Murphy may be one of the most underrated players to come out of the 2021 draft. The 6-foot-8 wing was touted for his shooting coming out of his junior year at Virginia and has more than lived up to that billing; of all players drafted in 2021 with at least 50 career 3-point attempts, he owns the highest true-shooting percentage (61.7%). That's even more impressive when you realize Murphy's attempted 1,265 threes in the NBA.
2021 draft: 27th pick (BKN)
Actual 11th pick: James Bouknight
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 207 | 44.2 | 35.1 | 85.7 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 14.9 |
Thomas slid to No. 27 in the draft despite leading all freshmen in scoring (23 PPG) in his one season at LSU. After a maiden NBA campaign split between the Nets and their G League affiliate, Thomas broke out in the second half of his second season, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 or more points in three straight games. He's never seen a shot that he didn't like.
2021 draft: UDFA (LAL)
Actual 12th pick: Josh Primo
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 231 | 48.5 | 36.3 | 84.8 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 12.9 |
The Lakers unearthed a diamond in the rough, as Reaves has developed into a steady perimeter option. The 26-year-old has steadily improved his scoring and playmaking each season, averaging a career-best 17.0 points per game this year. His real breakout came in the 2023 playoffs, contributing 16.9 points during the Lakers' unlikely run to the West finals.
2021 draft: 6th pick (OKC)
Actual 13th pick: Chris Duarte
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 237 | 46.3 | 31.2 | 74.6 | 7.2 | 5.9 | 13.7 |
Giddey was the centerpiece of a deal this past offseason that sent two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City. The Australian is 12th in the league with a 35.3% assist rate this season but has struggled to become an effective scorer, averaging a career-low 11.9 points per game in his fourth campaign.
2021 draft: 35th pick (NOP)
Actual 14th pick: Moses Moody
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 232 | 47.8 | 36.7 | 82 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 10.2 |
There was no chance Jones would fall out of the first round again if teams had the benefit of hindsight. The former Alabama talent has been more than just one of the Pelicans' best defenders every season; he's been among the league's elite perimeter stoppers since his rookie campaign.
2021 draft: 30th pick (UTA, rights traded to MEM)
Actual 15th pick: Corey Kispert
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 45.9 | 34.3 | 70.3 | 5.2 | 1.7 | 9.4 |
The Spaniard Aldama - who is second on the Grizzlies in rebounds (7.4) and is fourth in scoring (13.3) and minutes played (26.4) - has emerged as one of the league's top bench players. Not too shabby for the last pick of the first round in 2021.
2021 draft: 38th pick
Actual 16th pick: Alperen Sengun (rights traded to HOU)
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 263 | 50.2 | 36.2 | 77.4 | 2.9 | 3.2 | 10.1 |
There hasn't been much to cheer about the Bulls in recent years, but Dosunmu's steady rise for his hometown team has been a nice story. The Illinois product has carved out a role with his continued improvement as a scorer and playmaker.
2021 draft: 18th pick
Actual 17th pick: Trey Murphy III (rights traded to NOP)
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 181 | 41.1 | 35.0 | 78.8 | 2.9 | 2.3 | 9.4 |
Mann broke out with the Hornets after a few forgettable seasons with the Thunder. He's averaged 12.6 points, 4.5 assists, four rebounds, and 1.3 steals since landing in Charlotte.
2021 draft: 15th pick
Actual 18th pick: Tre Mann
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 253 | 47.6 | 38.3 | 79.6 | 2.8 | 1.4 | 10.9 |
Kispert has been one of the main contributors off of the Wizards' bench since joining the league, including scoring the second-most points among Washington reserves this season. The Washington native also holds a 38.3% career mark from three.
2021 draft: UDFA (BOS)
Actual 19th pick: Kai Jones (rights traded to CHA)
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 207 | 44.8 | 41.5 | 81.6 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 7.1 |
From going undrafted to earning a three-year, $6-million deal to becoming an instrumental part of the Celtics' 2023-24 title-winning team, Hauser has emerged as a vital frontcourt option and reliable perimeter threat for Joe Mazzulla's squad.
2021 draft: 36th (OKC, rights traded to NYK)
Actual 20th pick: Jalen Johnson
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 196 | 41.3 | 36.7 | 77.1 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 5.7 |
McBride has hit his stride this year, averaging career highs in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and 3-point percentage. He's one of just three players on the Knicks to hold a 3PT% over 40 while shooting five or more attempts per game.
2021 draft: 55th pick (OKC)
Actual 21st pick: Keon Johnson (rights traded to LAC)
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 226 | 50.3 | 39.3 | 78.0 | 2.9 | 1.2 | 7.4 |
Wiggins has quietly been a critical member of the second unit on a Thunder squad whose starting five deservingly attracts so much attention. The former Maryland standout boasts OKC's fourth-highest usage rate (among players with at least 200 minutes) at 18.6%.
2021 draft: 25th pick (LAC, rights traded to NYK)
Actual 22nd pick: Isaiah Jackson (rights traded to IND)
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 195 | 43.5 | 37.5 | 75.9 | 2.7 | 1.5 | 8.6 |
Grimes has struggled to find his footing, and a knee injury held him to just 51 games in 2023-24. Now on his third team in four seasons, the 24-year-old has stayed healthy and is shooting a career-best percentage from the field and from three.
2021 draft: 14th pick (GSW)
Actual 23rd pick: Usman Garuba
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205 | 45.4 | 36.2 | 75.1 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 6.0 |
Moody was one of the Warriors' two lottery picks in the 2021 class. The Arkansas product has yet to break out, but he's proven to be an effective 3-point shooter and defender at times.
2021 draft: UDFA (NOP)
Actual 24th pick: Josh Christopher
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182 | 41.8 | 34.8 | 74.3 | 2.2 | 2.8 | 7.7 |
Like his trademark knack for sneaking up on unsuspecting ball-handlers from behind to snatch a steal, "Grand Theft Alvarado" was largely overlooked during the draft only to grow into the role of a scrappy nuisance off the Pelicans' bench.
2021 draft: 22nd (LAL, rights traded to IND)
Actual 25th pick: Quentin Grimes (rights traded to NYK)
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | BLK | REB | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 163 | 59.5 | 20.6 | 67.1 | 1.3 | 4.3 | 7.2 |
Jackson was cementing himself as the Pacers' first-choice backup center before an Achilles tear cut short his 2024-25 campaign after five games. His 66.5% field-goal percentage led Indiana last season, and he looked on course to do it again this year at 60.9%.
2021 draft: 46th pick (TOR)
Actual 26th pick: Bones Hyland
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 174 | 41.1 | 30.4 | 71.3 | 2.3 | 1.9 | 6.6 |
Fun fact: Banton has the second-highest plus-minus with a minimum of 200 minutes played (plus-22), trailing only three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. At the very least, Banton is capable of running a second unit with some efficiency.
2021 draft: 9th pick (SAC)
Actual 27th pick: Cam Thomas
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 255 | 43.1 | 32.5 | 69.8 | 1.7 | 3.0 | 7.4 |
While his rookie year with the Kings might have been his best scoring season, Mitchell has been a better distributor in his first campaign with the Raptors - averaging a career-high five assists. He's also remained a disruptive defender.
2021 draft: 10th pick (NOP, rights traded to MEM)
Actual 28th pick: Jaden Springer
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 171 | 42.3 | 29.8 | 80.1 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 7.7 |
Williams has found a niche as an energy wing off the bench with the Nets. The 23-year-old has been a positive on offense for the first time in his career; Brooklyn is 2.1 points better per 100 possessions on offense when he's on the floor.
2021 draft: 21st pick (NYK, rights traded to LAC)
Actual 29th pick: Day'Ron Sharpe (rights traded to BKN)
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 109 | 35.7 | 32.3 | 75.8 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 6.0 |
Now on his third team, it seems Johnson has finally found a place to stay. However, he continues to struggle as a scorer, shooting just 28.4% from three this campaign while never averaging double-digit points per game in a season.
2021 draft: 29th pick (PHO, rights traded to BKN)
Actual 30th pick: Santi Aldama (rights traded to MEM)
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 149 | 55.4 | 31.8 | 63.1 | 5.3 | 1.0 | 6.0 |
Originally the second-to-last pick of the first round, Sharpe has carved out a dependable role as a backup center for the Nets. The former UNC product is averaging a career-best 7.6 points in less than 16 minutes a night.