I remember sitting courtside during a crucial playoff game last season, watching how a simple halftime speech could transform an entire team's performance. TNT center Poy Erram shared something that stuck with me: "Kanina nung halftime, sabi lang niya na be accountable and don't look at the score." That mentality—being accountable regardless of circumstances—perfectly captures what made the 2021 NBA Draft class so special. These weren't just talented athletes; they were young men who understood the weight of responsibility from day one.
The night of July 29, 2021, felt different from previous drafts. Maybe it was the lingering effects of the pandemic or the unusual summer timing, but there was this palpable sense that franchises were betting on character as much as talent. I've covered the draft for over a decade now, and what struck me most was how many teams prioritized players with proven leadership qualities over pure statistical standouts. When the Detroit Pistons selected Cade Cunningham first overall, they weren't just getting a 6'8" point guard who averaged 20.1 points at Oklahoma State—they were investing in someone who'd shown he could elevate everyone around him, much like that halftime philosophy Erram described.
What made this draft class particularly fascinating was the international flavor mixed with solid NCAA foundations. I remember arguing with colleagues about Evan Mobley versus Jalen Green for months leading up to the draft. Mobley went third to Cleveland, bringing that rare combination of 7-foot size and guard-like skills that had him blocking 2.9 shots per game at USC while handling the ball in transition. Green, selected second by Houston, represented the G League Ignite experiment—averaging 17.9 points against professional competition rather than college kids. Both paths felt revolutionary in their own ways, challenging traditional development models.
The draft's middle section revealed some absolute steals that I'm still surprised slipped through. Josh Giddey going sixth to Oklahoma City raised eyebrows at the time, but watching the Australian teenager nearly average a triple-double in his first month showed why Sam Presti continues to be one of the league's savviest executives. Then there was Franz Wagner to Orlando at eighth—a pick many initially questioned but now looks brilliant given his two-way versatility. I've always believed the mark of a great draft isn't just the top picks but finding value throughout, and 2021 delivered that in spades.
What really stood out to me was how many second-round selections immediately contributed. The Knicks finding Miles McBride at 36th, the Pelicans grabbing Herbert Jones at 35th—these weren't just depth pieces but genuine rotation players from day one. Jones particularly impressed me with his defensive versatility, often guarding positions 1 through 4 despite being a second-round pick. It speaks to the depth of this class that teams were finding starting-caliber talent well into the 40s.
The international contingent beyond Giddey demonstrated the NBA's continuing globalization. Alperen Şengün going 16th to Houston represented Turkey's growing pipeline, while Usman Garuba at 23rd to Houston gave Spain another first-round representative. Having scouted European tournaments before, I can tell you the quality of international prospects keeps improving yearly, with many now arriving more fundamentally sound than their American counterparts.
What made analyzing this draft particularly challenging was the unusual evaluation period. Limited in-person viewings, condensed schedules, and COVID protocols meant teams were often working with incomplete information. Yet somehow, this might end up being one of the stronger classes in recent memory. The top-5 picks alone—Cunningham, Green, Mobley, Scottie Barnes, and Jalen Suggs—all look like future All-Stars, something we haven't seen since the legendary 2003 draft.
The Warriors selecting Jonathan Kuminga seventh overall perfectly illustrated how championship teams maintain success. Instead of trading the pick for immediate help, they invested in development—a strategy that paid dividends when Kuminga emerged as a key contributor during their 2022 championship run. It's that kind of long-term thinking that separates perennial contenders from the rest.
Looking back two years later, what impresses me most about the 2021 class is how quickly they've adapted. Within their first 18 months, we saw multiple players become franchise cornerstones, several make All-Rookie teams, and a few already appearing in playoff moments. The accountability Erram mentioned—that willingness to take ownership regardless of score—has manifested throughout this group, from Cunningham leading Detroit's rebuild to Barnes becoming Toronto's primary option.
The true test for any draft class comes years later, but if early returns are any indication, 2021 might eventually rank among the all-time great groups. The combination of high-end talent, remarkable depth, and professional readiness we've witnessed suggests this wasn't just another draft—it was a potential league-altering event that could shape the NBA's landscape for the next decade. And honestly? I can't wait to watch it unfold.