I really like Cunningham, Suggs, and Green.
With March Madness right around the corner, America will have an opportunity to watch NBA stars of the future. And I can confidently say two can’t-miss starts will be on display in Madness ’21–Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham and Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs. And another future star, playing currently in the G-league, is Jalen Green.
The NBA has transitioned to drafting freshmen early and often. This year looks to be no different. The raw talent is obvious, and the transition to the NBA should be smooth. It’s a well-worn path, too, walked recently by guys like Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, and Lamelo Ball. This Draft will be no different.
The Great Cade! (photo, Cowboys Ride for Free)
Cade Cunningham: Getting the starting point guard spot at Oklahoma State was a given when Cunningham committed. But modest expectations were the norm as OSU went into the season. After all, Cunningham was only a freshman. But, man, he stepped it up and led the ‘Boys to the Big 12 Tournament Finals and a 4-seed in The Big Dance. Along the way, Cunningham made all the players around him better. He had a 40-point game along the way, too. Make no mistake about it: A natural leader, Cunningham’s basketball IQ is off-the-charts. Kudos to the NBA team that gets him.
Jalen Suggs: The pressure was on Suggs from day one. With college stars Drew Timme and Corey Kispert as teammates, Gonzaga was the clear-cut #1 team in the nation, and that elusive national crown was on the line. But it didn’t take much time for fans to know who Suggs was. That’s because he delivered with athleticism and defense skills that are through the roof. And confidence is not an issue for this kid, as we saw last week in the ‘Zags comeback win over BYU. But here’s the thing. Even though he may have the highest ceiling of any player in this year’s Draft, I’m not convinced that the entire NBA is sold on him. Because of that, he may slip in the draft order. But even if he does, the winner will be the franchise that picks him.
Jalen Green: Jalen Green may be the first star to take the G-league path and find success. Although playing in the G-league may have hurt his draft stock a bit, he has not been forgotten. He tore it up in the G-league, and his game got better as the season progressed. And not to be minimized is that he was playing against many former NCAA stars. There’s an x-factor in his game, too–the ability to play well with very little rest, which an important attribute for any player with NBA aspirations. Green will be the first big-name rookie to come from the G-league.
Before I go, let me add a fourth prospect on which to keep an eye–but with a twist. He’s USC’s Evan Mobley. A big man, Mobley’s on team watchlists.
The NBA has a penchant for drafting big men high–passing on other talent–and learning to regret that call. The 2003 Draft is an example. The Detroit Pistons took Darko Milicic over Dwayne Wade.
Only time will tell how things will turn out. But no matter where it settles, 2021-22 will welcome new stars to the NBA hardwood.
