The Athletic NBA Daily ReDrafting the 2021 NBA Draft | Morning Shoot Around
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Nov 27, 2025 The discussion dives into the 2021 NBA Draft, exploring how players have evolved and impacted the league. A redraft of the top 15 picks reveals surprising insights, especially with Cade Cunningham being the top choice. Controversies spark over Scottie Barnes vs. Evan Mobley, with arguments for each player's unique strengths. The emergence of undrafted players like Austin Reaves adds an exciting twist, while the hosts reflect on the depth of the draft class and their Thanksgiving favorites to wrap up.
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2021 Draft Depth Surprised Everyone
- The 2021 draft class has far more depth than initially thought and many players are now impactful in the NBA.
- Several early evaluations (e.g., only Mobley and Wagner matter) look wrong four years later.
Context Shapes Player Ceilings
- Context matters hugely for ceiling: many 2021 prospects flourished only in the right system and with complementary teammates.
- The hosts repeatedly note players like Cade, Mobley, Scottie and Shai required specific surrounds to reach peaks.
Thunder Lottery Party Letdown
- Andrew shares a memory of the Thunder's lottery party during their early tanking and the fans' emotional drop when picks didn't land.
- The story highlights how high draft hopes can quickly deflate fan expectations.