Complete 2021 NBA Draft List: Every Pick From First to Final Selection

I remember sitting in my living room on that July evening, watching the 2021 NBA Draft unfold with the same anticipation I'd felt for years as both a basketball analyst and lifelong fan. The draft represents more than just player selection—it's the foundation upon which franchises build their future, and that 2021 class has proven particularly fascinating to track. While we're discussing basketball drafts today, I can't help but draw parallels to another sport I've been closely following—volleyball—where teams like Petro Gazz recently demonstrated absolute dominance in their quarterfinal match, sweeping Hong Kong's Hip Hing with scores of 25-8, 25-12, 25-12. That kind of decisive victory reminds me of how certain NBA teams approach the draft with similar precision and strategic clarity.

The Detroit Pistons kicked things off by selecting Cade Cunningham as the first overall pick, a decision that felt both predictable and perfectly logical. Having watched Cunningham dominate at Oklahoma State, I was convinced he'd translate well to the NBA, and honestly, I've been impressed with his development despite the Pistons' ongoing rebuild. What many casual observers might not realize is how much deliberation goes into that first selection—teams aren't just choosing a player, they're making a statement about their organizational direction for the next decade. The Houston Rockets followed by picking Jalen Green second, and personally, I thought this was one of the most exciting selections of the night. Green's athleticism was undeniable, and having watched his G League Ignite footage extensively, I believed he had superstar potential written all over him.

When the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Evan Mobley at number three, I remember thinking this might be the steal of the draft. Mobley's defensive instincts and modern big-man skills seemed perfectly suited for today's NBA, and I've got to say, watching him develop into one of the league's premier defenders has been incredibly satisfying. The Toronto Raptors picked Scottie Barnes fourth, a choice that surprised many analysts at the time, but honestly, I've come to appreciate Toronto's front office brilliance in identifying versatile players who fit their system perfectly. Barnes' Rookie of the Year season proved that sometimes the consensus isn't always right about player projections.

Orlando Magic selected Jalen Suggs at five, which felt appropriate given their need for backcourt leadership, though I've always wondered how different his development might have been in a different situation. The Oklahoma City Thunder took Josh Giddey at six, a pick that demonstrated their commitment to unique talent identification—Giddey's passing vision at his size was something special, and I've enjoyed watching his game evolve. The Golden State Warriors picked Jonathan Kuminga at seven, which felt like typical Warriors value—selecting a high-upside player who'd benefit from their development system. The Orlando Magic came back at eight to select Franz Wagner, who has arguably become one of the most underrated players from this class, in my opinion.

The Sacramento Kings selected Davion Mitchell at nine, a pick that addressed their defensive needs immediately. The Memphis Grizzlies took Ziaire Williams at ten, continuing their trend of identifying and developing young talent perfectly. The Charlotte Hornets selected James Bouknight at eleven, the San Antonio Spurs took Joshua Primo at twelve, and the Indiana Pacers selected Chris Duarte at thirteen. I have to admit, the Primo selection surprised me at the time, and unfortunately, that situation didn't develop as anyone had hoped. The Golden State Warriors picked Moses Moody at fourteen, another selection that demonstrated their draft philosophy of taking players who fit their culture and system.

As the draft continued into the later picks, we saw some incredible value emerge. The Houston Rockets selected Alperen Şengün at sixteen, who I believe might be one of the biggest steals in recent draft history—his post skills and passing feel are extraordinary for his age. The Memphis Grizzlies took Santi Aldama at thirty, another example of their exceptional scouting department finding value where others don't. The Denver Nuggets selected Bones Hyland at twenty-six, who provided immediate offensive spark before his eventual trade. The Chicago Bulls took Ayo Dosunmu at thirty-eight, proving that second-round picks can become legitimate rotation players when properly evaluated.

What struck me about this draft class, reflecting on it now, is how many impact players emerged beyond the lottery picks. Herbert Jones selected at thirty-five by the New Orleans Pelicans has become one of the league's premier defenders—something I don't think anyone fully anticipated. Austin Reaves went undrafted entirely before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers and developing into a crucial rotation piece. This unpredictability is what makes the draft so compelling year after year. Just like in volleyball where Petro Gazz's systematic dismantling of their opponent required precise planning and execution, NBA teams approach the draft with similar strategic intensity, though the outcomes can sometimes surprise even the most experienced analysts.

Looking back at the complete 2021 NBA draft list, from Cade Cunningham's first selection to the final picks like undrafted players who eventually found homes, what stands out to me is how this class has already reshaped several franchises. The top picks have largely lived up to their billing, while the depth of talent throughout has provided incredible value. Having studied draft patterns for over fifteen years, I can confidently say the 2021 class will be remembered as particularly deep and transformative. The lessons from this draft—about valuing fit over consensus, identifying developmental potential, and recognizing that talent exists throughout the entire draft—continue to inform how teams and analysts like myself evaluate prospects today. Just as Petro Gazz's recent victory demonstrated the importance of preparation meeting opportunity, the success stories from the 2021 NBA draft remind us that player development doesn't end with selection—it only just begins.