Top NBA Draft Prospects Still Playing In March Madness
Without a doubt, the Cleveland Cavaliers will land a top prospect during the 2021 NBA Draft. Where they will select in the draft won’t be known until NBA Draft Lottery night, but remember those odds are different in the draft lottery format that was introduced in 2019.
Teams that finish in slots six through nine - certainly a possibility for the Cavs - own a 20-37 percent chance of sliding up into the top five during the lottery. In the prior format, that chance was limited to between six and 22 percent.
According to data crunched by ESPN, the Cavs show a 12.5 percent chance of landing the top pick. They have a 36.5 percent chance of landing in the top three and a 63.2 percent likelihood of holding a top-five selection. Cleveland’s chances of making the play-in round for the NBA playoffs are a dismal 0.4 percent.
It’s entirely possible that while you’re doing your March Madness betting on which schools will survive to play on following the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, you might be watching a future Cav in action. There are still several likely first-round picks still playing in the tournament.
Let’s take a look at who those prospects are and see what they have to offer an NBA team.
Evan Mobley, USC
Strengths: A modern-day big man, the 7-foot Mobley is fast and agile on his feet. He’ll crash the boards at both ends and is a reliable defender, an uncommon trait in a college player.
Weaknesses: At just 192 pounds, Mobley doesn’t have the type of body frame that’s likely to add more weight as he matures. Will always need to get by on finesse rather than power.
Chance of Being A Cav: Very slim. It will be stunning if Mobley isn’t gone as one of the first three picks of the draft.
Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga
Strengths: Suggs possesses elite levels of size, quickness, vision and basketball IQ. He’s a classic point guard and a natural-born leader.
Weaknesses: Might have trouble scoring against players with length in the NBA.
Chance of Being A Cav: Projected as a top-three pick, Cleveland’s best hope of landing Suggs would be if he slid a bit down the draft board. But that’s unlikely to happen.
Moses Moody, Arkansas
Strengths: Can score the basketball in a variety of ways and is an excellent rebounder even though he’s just 6-foot-6.
Weaknesses: His ballhandling could use an uptick. Also can play too passively on the attack.
Chance of Being A Cav: Moody is projected to go in the 6-7 range, so there’s certainly the likelihood he’ll be on the board when Cleveland picks.
Franz Wagner, Michigan
Strengths: Mo’s little brother is an excellent shooter and plays a physical game.
Weaknesses: Not the most athletic player. Tends to lose focus.
Chance of Being A Cav: Should be available when Cleveland picks. Projected as a late top-10 selection.
Scottie Barnes, Florida State
Strengths: Aggressive and athletic, Barnes plays with fire in his eyes and is a stout defender.
Weaknesses: His outside shot, especially from 3-point range, needs work.
Chance of Being A Cav: Another who will be there when Cleveland is on the clock. But will the Cavs want what Barnes offers?
Corey Kispert, Gonzaga
Strengths: The only college senior who’s likely to go in the first round of the NBA Draft, Kispert is a smart and smooth player with an outstanding long-range shot.
Weaknesses: His athleticism could be better. Quick players can prove challenging for him to defend.
Chance of Being A Cav: There are a number of talented wings available in this draft. If Cleveland wants one, they’ll have their pick of many. Moody, Barnes and Wagner all probably rater higher as prospects than Kispert.
Jared Butler, Baylor
Strengths: A prolific scorer with an above average shot. Finds very creative methods to get the ball to the hoop.
Weaknesses: Can play an undisciplined, careless game at times.
Chance of Being A Cav: Butler is projected to be a very late first round selection. It would be an awfully big reach for Cleveland to take him when they pick.