What Happened to the Top 10 Picks of the 2021 NBA Draft ?
The 2021 NBA Draft’s top 10 delivered rising stars, solid team players and a few disappointments. Their journey shows that how unpredictable careers can be for the players in NBA.
- Rajat Srivastava
- 4 min read

The career path of the 2021 NBA Draft class has uncertain as a whole. While a few names quickly rose to become stars and the faces of their franchises, others continue to search for consistency and stable role in the league. Some players turned into dependable starters, while others still fight for minutes off the bench. Overall, the class reflects both potential and the challenges of playing in today’s competitive NBA.
10. James Bouknight - Charlotte Hornets
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James Bouknight was drafted by Charlotte, but his early years were difficult. Injuries and inconsistency limited his growth, and he is still struggling to secure a steady role, now with Washington. Though Bouknight has shown glimpses of shot creation ability, but questions remain about his long term future in NBA. With good health and consistency, he still has a chance to secure a stable career as a scorer.
9. Moses Moody - Golden State Warriors
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Moses Moody was drafted by Golden State with a reputation as a 3-and-D wing, and since then, he has grown into that role. While not a star, he provides steady shooting and defense off the bench. His minutes vary, but his reliability and willingness to do the little things for the team make him a valuable player. Moody’s might have more opportunity in future as he continues to improve and stay consistent.
8. Franz Wagner - Orlando Magic
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Franz Wagner has slowly become one of the steals of the draft. A smooth scorer with good size and defensive instincts, he has developed into Orlando’s most reliable player. He is averaging strong numbers as a versatile forward who can shoot, drive and defend. His steady growth alongside Paolo Banchero has turned the Magic into one of the league’s most promising young teams.
7. Jonathan Kuminga - Golden State Warriors
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Jonathan Kuminga joined Golden State as a raw, athletic forward with star potential. His career till now has been mixed bag. He has shown glimpses of explosive talent along with inconsistency. While he has improved as a defender and scorer, his long term fitness is doubtful. Still just 23, Kuminga’s future rests on earning a bigger role and finding consistency to unlock his potential in the NBA.
6. Josh Giddey - Oklahoma City Thunder
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Josh Giddey was a surprise high pick, but the Thunders struck gold. His size, vision, and passing have made him one of the best young playmakers in the league. Giddey is a triple-double threat, complementing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perfectly. While he needs to work on his shooting, his ability to rebound, create, and control pace gives the thunders a highly talented guard.
5. Jalen Suggs - Orlando Magic
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Jalen Suggs was signed by Orlando as a hyped two-way guard, but injuries have hampered his early career. He is finally finding his rhythm, emerging as a defensive stopper with a good scoring ability. While he hasn’t fully lived up to his top five reputation, Suggs’s toughness and playmaking make him a valuable part of Orlando’s young team. If he stays healthy, his performance could be a key to Magic’s playoff push.
4. Scottie Barnes - Toronto Raptors
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Scottie Barnes was a surprise pick at No. 4, but he made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year. He has further established himself as an excellent forward with defensive toughness and passing ability. While his shooting still needs to improve, his energy and leadership make him Toronto’s centerpiece for the future. As Barnes’ game continues to develop, he will be at the heart of the Raptors’ rebuilding journey.
3. Evan Mobley - Cleveland Cavaliers
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Evan Mobley has been impressive due to his size and defensive instincts, helping Cleveland in their rebuilding process. He is being considered as one of the NBA’s premier young defenders, protecting the rim and guarding multiple positions. On offense, he has slowly improved as a scorer and passer. Mobley has a great potential and looks like a franchise player for a Cavaliers team aiming for long term playoff success.
2. Jalen Green - Houston Rockets
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Jalen Green bypassed college to join the NBA with Houston, bringing athleticism and explosive scoring ability. He has become a solid offensive force, capable of lighting up the court. Still, his efficiency and defense remain inconsistent, leaving room to improve. Recently he has joined the Suns in a trade deal. To achieve greatness, he needs to balance flashy scoring with steady performances in the years ahead.
1. Cade Cunningham - Detroit Pistons
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Cade Cunningham was drafted by Detroit with high expectations, and he is living up to the hype. A tall, skilled guard with top level playmaking and scoring, he quickly became the Pistons’ franchise centerpiece. After battling early injuries, Cade led Detroit back to the playoffs. His maturity, leadership and well-rounded game have made him one of the most important young stars in the league. He was awarded with NBA All-Star honors for his brilliant performance.