2021 NBA Re-Draft: Rockets Opt For Future DPOY Over Jalen Green

The 2021 NBA Draft was billed as one of the deepest and most talented classes in recent memory, and four years later, it’s clear that the hype was justified. Yet, as with every draft, hindsight paints a different picture than draft night did. Some players have exceeded expectations while others have struggled to find their footing.

In this re-draft, we revisit the lottery to see who got it right and who missed the mark. Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, and Franz Wagner headline the reshuffled order as their early NBA careers have taken very different trajectories compared to their original draft positions. Others, such as Alperen Sengun, have surprised us with how well they have done as franchise players, so without further ado, let’s commence with the re-draft.

1. Detroit Pistons

Original Pick: Cade Cunningham

Re-Draft Pick: Cade Cunningham

The Pistons got this one right. Despite injuries slowing his start, Cade Cunningham has proven to be the kind of versatile playmaker and scorer Detroit envisioned when they took him No. 1 overall. Cade is on the path to superstardom after making the All-NBA Third Team by averaging 26.1 PPG and 9.1 APG while leading the Pistons to the playoffs. His leadership, size at the guard spot, and ability to control the tempo of games still make him the clear-cut franchise cornerstone in this re-draft.

2. Houston Rockets

Original Pick: Jalen Green

Re-Draft Pick: Evan Mobley

Houston’s rebuild would look dramatically different with Evan Mobley anchoring the defense. The 6’11 big man has shown elite rim protection, switchability, and offensive flashes that make him one of the most valuable young big men in the league. Whether he would have been an upgrade over Sengun offensively would be something tricky to predict, but in this re-draft, the Rockets lock in their long-term defensive anchor, who ended up winning Defensive Player of the Year last season. No doubt, Mobley is a perfect Ime Udoka-type of player as well.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

Original Pick: Evan Mobley

Re-Draft Pick: Scottie Barnes

Instead of Mobley, the Cavaliers walk away with All-Star Scottie Barnes, who brings similar versatility with a more advanced offensive playmaking package. Barnes’ ability to facilitate as a point-forward, defend multiple positions, and push the pace would have made him a dynamic fit next to Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen. Having him alongside Mitchell would have also been very interesting. Cleveland would still be a playoff-level team with him as their foundational piece instead of Mobley, although we think they made the slightly better choice at the time.

4. Toronto Raptors

Original Pick: Scottie Barnes

Re-Draft Pick: Franz Wagner

Toronto might not land Barnes this time, but Franz Wagner has become a surefire building block for any team. His combination of size, shooting, and slashing has made him one of the best two-way wings from this class. Wagner’s scoring efficiency and ability to play within a system would have fit perfectly into the Raptors’ developmental culture, especially as he continues to improve and approach All-Star status. We think Barnes is a slightly better franchise player than Wagner due to his all-around play, but Wagner would not have been a bad choice either.

5. Orlando Magic

Original Pick: Jalen Suggs

Re-Draft Pick: Alperen Sengun

Instead of the defensive-minded Suggs, the Magic grab Alperen Sengun, who has blossomed into one of the best bigs in the NBA. His passing vision, touch around the rim, and ability to operate as a hub in the halfcourt would have given Orlando a completely different offensive identity from day one. A duo of Paolo Banchero and Alperen Sengun would be very interesting to witness, and while they would be happy with Suggs, Sengun would have been a better choice overall.

6. Oklahoma City Thunder

Original Pick: Josh Giddey

Re-Draft Pick: Jalen Johnson

The Thunder are known for stockpiling versatile forwards, and Jalen Johnson would be another gem in their treasure chest. Johnson has emerged as a multi-dimensional forward who can defend, rebound, and score in transition. Paired with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, Johnson’s versatility would add another layer to OKC’s dominant roster. The rest of the league should be happy OKC never got their hands on Johnson because they would probably be close to superteam status right now. OKC ended up moving on from Josh Giddey to acquire Alex Caruso, who helped them win a championship, but we don’t think the result would have been different with Johnson on the roster.

7. Golden State Warriors

Original Pick: Jonathan Kuminga

Re-Draft Pick: Jalen Green

Golden State’s dynasty timeline always balanced the present with the future, and Jalen Green would give them a high-upside scoring guard to develop behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson at the time. Though streaky, Green’s explosive athleticism and shot-creation could have been nurtured more slowly within Golden State’s system, potentially unlocking a more efficient version of his game. Out of all the destinations that could have developed Green best, Golden State would be number one. Steve Kerr’s dedication to playing the right way would have helped Green tremendously, especially without the bad habits he picked up playing on a tanking Rockets team for years.

8. Orlando Magic

Original Pick: Franz Wagner

Re-Draft Pick: Herb Jones

Instead of Wagner, the Magic add Herb Jones, one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders. Considering Orlando’s defensive style of play, Jones would have been a perfect fit and would have risen in the rankings because of that. The player’s ability to guard multiple positions and bring energy every possession would’ve instantly elevated Orlando’s defensive ceiling. His offensive limitations are well-documented, but his intangibles and winning impact make him worthy of a top-10 selection.

9. Sacramento Kings

Original Pick: Davion Mitchell

Re-Draft Pick: Jalen Suggs

Sacramento swings for upside here by taking Jalen Suggs. While he hasn’t lived up to top-five expectations in Orlando just yet, Suggs’ defensive toughness and developing three-point shot suggest he still has the tools to be a starting-caliber guard. On the Kings, he would have served as a defensive backcourt partner to De’Aaron Fox before taking over that role by now considering Fox was recently traded. Suggs would have also been a stronger choice than Davion Mitchell, who was also moved.

10. New Orleans Pelicans

Original Pick: Ziaire Williams

Re-Draft Pick: Austin Reaves

The Pelicans land one of the best undrafted steals in modern memory in this re-draft. Austin Reaves has proven to be a reliable scorer, playmaker, and clutch shot-maker on the biggest stages. His steady game and ability to adapt to any role would have given New Orleans the perfect glue guy alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram at the time. Considering the way the Pelicans have gone about business (trading Ingram, likely looking to trade Zion), perhaps Reaves wouldn’t have become the player he is today if he hadn’t gone undrafted.

11. Charlotte Hornets

Original Pick: James Bouknight

Re-Draft Pick: Trey Murphy III

This is the ultimate what-if for Charlotte, as Trey Murphy III was sitting there later in the real draft but slipped away. A 6’9 sharpshooter with defensive upside, Murphy would have slotted perfectly next to LaMelo Ball as a floor-spacer and versatile wing defender. His actual breakout in New Orleans makes this pick a no-brainer, and the Hornets would have loved a Ball-Murphy-Brandon Miller trio to guide them moving forward.

12. San Antonio Spurs

Original Pick: Josh Primo

Re-Draft Pick: Jonathan Kuminga

Instead of the ill-fated Josh Primo pick, San Antonio takes Jonathan Kuminga, whose athleticism and defensive ceiling remain intriguing. Though raw offensively, Kuminga’s ability to slash and defend could have flourished under the Spurs’ development system, potentially unlocking the consistency he’s still searching for. Out of all the destinations that would have served Kuminga best, San Antonio would probably be at the top.

13. Indiana Pacers

Original Pick: Chris Duarte

Re-Draft Pick: Cam Thomas

Rather than the older and role-playing Duarte, Indiana gets instant offense in Cam Thomas. The Brooklyn guard has already showcased his ability to score in bunches, sometimes single-handedly keeping his team in games. His scoring instincts would have made him an exciting backcourt weapon alongside Tyrese Haliburton, or an energizer bunny off the bench. Considering the Pacers made the NBA Finals last season, Thomas would have been a perfect option to throw on in games where immediate scoring is needed.

14. Golden State Warriors

Original Pick: Moses Moody

Re-Draft Pick: Josh Giddey

Golden State doubles down with Josh Giddey here, landing one of the best passers in the class. His playmaking, size, and rebounding would have made him a unique chess piece for Steve Kerr’s offense. While his shooting remains a concern, the Warriors’ spacing would have helped mask his weaknesses, and the point guard would have been the near-perfect backup for Curry in that sense. Curry can shoot but can’t defend; Giddey provides the opposite.

15. Washington Wizards

Original Pick: Corey Kispert

Re-Draft Pick: Quentin Grimes

Instead of Kispert, Washington takes Quentin Grimes, who developed into a strong 3-and-D wing with the Knicks and is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. His toughness and defensive versatility would be a welcome addition to a Wizards team that has long needed perimeter stability, and there is no doubt that Grimes would have blossomed into the player he is becoming by getting reps on a bad team. Without shade to Corey Kispert, Grimes would have been the obvious answer looking back.

16. Oklahoma City Thunder

Original Pick: Alperen Sengun

Re-Draft Pick: Aaron Wiggins

This time, OKC doesn’t let Aaron Wiggins slip to the second round. The versatile wing has proven to be a reliable role player who can defend and hit threes at an efficient clip. In a re-draft, his steady two-way play earns him a well-deserved first-round nod. Wiggins helped the Thunder win the NBA championship last season, and his skill set fits perfectly in the modern league, where spacing and defense on the perimeter are key.

17. Memphis Grizzlies

Original Pick: Trey Murphy III

Re-Draft Pick: Moses Moody

The Grizzlies add depth with Moses Moody, a young wing who still carries 3-and-D upside. Memphis’ developmental environment could have helped him carve out a larger role, and his size and shooting potential would have complemented Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr, and Desmond Bane at the time. Moody was fortunate to have ended up in a championship-winning setting in Golden State because he was learning a team-first philosophy instead of dealing with constant distractions in Memphis.

18. Oklahoma City Thunder

Original Pick: Tre Mann

Re-Draft Pick: Davion Mitchell

Instead of Tre Mann, the Thunder bring in Davion Mitchell, one of the toughest perimeter defenders in the draft. His relentless on-ball defense would align perfectly with OKC’s defensive identity, and his veteran-like intensity could’ve provided immediate rotation minutes. The Thunder went on to win a title with a defensive pitbull in Alex Caruso, so Mitchell would have taken on that mold perfectly well.

19. New York Knicks

Original Pick: Kai Jones

Re-Draft Pick: Santi Aldama

The Knicks grab Santi Aldama, a skilled big man who has emerged as a versatile stretch-four in Memphis. His ability to knock down threes, handle the ball, and play within a team concept would have provided the Knicks with a unique frontcourt weapon. The Grizzlies will be proud of their decision to take the underrated Spaniard, who ended up being taken No. 30 overall, because he deserved a major jump when looking at what he brings to the game.

20. Atlanta Hawks

Original Pick: Jalen Johnson

Re-Draft Pick: Miles McBride

Atlanta selects Miles “Deuce” McBride, a defensive-minded guard who has developed into a solid role player for the Knicks. His toughness, work ethic, and ability to hit shots in spurts make him a safe and steady contributor off the bench. McBride would have been the instant offense the Hawks would need behind Trae Young to relieve pressure off their heavy-usage point guard.

21. New York Knicks

Original Pick: Keon Johnson

Re-Draft Pick: Ayo Dosunmu

Staying local again, the Knicks land Ayo Dosunmu, who has carved out a steady role in Chicago as a defensive-minded guard with size. His slashing ability and versatility would have made him a useful complementary piece behind Jalen Brunson. Dosunmu has shown growth on both ends of the court, and at only 25 years old, seems to be heading in the right direction in terms of providing winning intangibles.

22. Los Angeles Lakers

Original Pick: Isaiah Jackson

Re-Draft Pick: Sam Hauser

Few teams could use a lights-out shooter more than the Lakers, and Sam Hauser has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most reliable snipers. Plugging him next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis in 2021 would have solved many of L.A.’s spacing issues. Hauser is averaging 42.0% from three over his career so far, and instead of wearing purple and gold, he currently sports the Celtics green.

23. Houston Rockets

Original Pick: Usman Garuba

Re-Draft Pick: Corey Kispert

The Rockets grab a floor-spacer in Corey Kispert, who has become one of the better movement shooters in the league. His ability to run off screens and knock down threes would have fit neatly into Houston’s young core and especially under Ime Udoka’s system. Usman Garuba seemed to be a promising pick, considering the player’s athleticism, but it never materialized as expected, with the player only lasting three seasons in the NBA.

24. Houston Rockets

Original Pick: Josh Cristopher

Re-Draft Pick: Jose Alvarado

Instead of Christopher, who has only appeared in 152 games, Houston adds “Grand Theft Alvarado.” The undrafted spark plug has earned a reputation as one of the most disruptive defensive guards in basketball. His relentless energy would have given the Rockets’ rebuild an edge on both ends of the floor. Not to mention, Alvarado would have ended up being the prototype “Udoka” defender in terms of hounding ball-handlers.

25. Los Angeles Clippers

Original Pick: Quentin Grimes

Re-Draft Pick: Ziaire Williams

Ziaire Williams hasn’t blossomed yet, but his size, athleticism, and shooting upside still warrant a first-round slot. For the Clippers, he’d be a long-term project who could develop under the guidance of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Any player who is 6’9″ with athletic gifts on the wing can have a job in the NBA, and the 24-year-old is only getting better with time.

26. Denver Nuggets

Original Pick: Bones Hyland

Re-Draft Pick: Tre Mann

Considering the need for sufficient point guard cover, Denver pivots from Bones Hyland to Tre Mann, another scoring guard with strong on-ball creation skills. His ability to generate instant offense would still give Denver a valuable bench piece behind Jamal Murray. Would Mann have lasted in Mike Malone’s system long enough, considering his size and lack of defensive prowess? Probably not, but he wouldn’t have been a bad choice at No. 26 overall.

27. Brooklyn Nets

Original Pick: Cam Thomas

Re-Draft Pick: Isaiah Jackson

Brooklyn opts for frontcourt depth with Isaiah Jackson, a high-energy rim protector. His rebounding and shot-blocking would provide a defensive boost to a team that has long struggled with interior presence. The Nets have had to endure a failed superteam and then a rather frustrating rebuild, so that likely wouldn’t have helped the 23-year-old Jackson develop.

28. Philadelphia 76ers

Original Pick: Jaden Springer

Re-Draft Pick: Jay Huff

In need of size, Philadelphia goes with Jay Huff, a shot-blocking big man who has shown flashes as a rim protector. While still looking to develop his game at 27 years old, Huff’s defensive instincts make him an intriguing late-first-round gamble. At 7’1″ and 240 lbs, at least he provides a similar imposing presence as Joel Embiid.

29. Phoenix Suns

Original Pick: Day’Ron Sharpe

Re-Draft Pick: Justin Champagnie

The Suns take a flyer on Justin Champagnie, who has shown flashes of defensive versatility and rebounding from the wing. While not a star, his energy and hustle would have added depth to Phoenix’s rotation during their Finals run. Champagnie is only 24 years old and is coming off somewhat of a career year last season, so perhaps he would have been influenced by Phoenix’s winning ways at the time.

30. Utah Jazz

Original Pick: Santi Aldama

Re-Draft Pick: Day’Ron Sharpe

Big man Day’Ron Sharpe slips to the last pick of the first round but still lands in Utah. His rebounding and physicality inside give him value as a backup big. On a Jazz team transitioning into a rebuild, Sharpe could have carved out meaningful minutes because he moves well for being 6’11” and 265 lbs, although the three-point shot still evades him.