2021 NBA Mock Draft: Introducing high school, international prospects

With the NBA trade deadline approaching, there may be some swaps of picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, which is considered to be a strong class.

Picks: 1 – 5 | Picks: 6 – 10 | Picks: 11 – 15 | Picks: 16 – 20 | Picks: 21 – 30 | Picks: 31 – 50 |

16. Isaiah Jackson, Kentucky (Committed)

Forward, 6-foot-9, 18 years old, Waterford Mott High School (Michigan)

Isaiah Jackson is currently the third-highest rated commit to Kentucky for next season, trailing BJ Boston and Terence Clarke. But he is still ranked in the Top 30 for ESPN as well as 247 Sports. He will be a developmental project in the NCAA as he has largely underperformed offensively thus far. Yet with a wingspan spanning seven-feet, he will be a name to watch as he is already an above-average rim protector. He recorded 35 blocks in ten games, third-best on the 17U Nike EYBL circuit in 2018-19.

17. Caleb Love, North Carolina (Committed)

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Guard, 6-foot-3, 18 years old, Christian Brothers (Missouri)

Caleb Love put up 16.1 points per game for his AAU team Brad Beal Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit, leading his team with 22 three-pointers. The guard added 5.6 assists per game, though it is worth noting that turnovers were a very big problem for him. On the defensive end of the floor, meanwhile, he averaged an impressive mark of 1.9 steals per game. He is a bit undersized for playing off-ball in the NBA but if his facilitating improves or shows as a reliable option for the Tar Heels, there is 3-and-D written all over Love.

18. Daishen Nix, UCLA (Committed)

Guard, 6-foot-4, 18 years old, Trinity International (Nevada) 

Daishen Nix, the No. 1 rated point guard in the nation, was born and raised in Alaska. He is actually from the same part of Alaska as NCAA champion and two-time NBA champion Mario Chalmers. While his AAU squad Simply Fundamental was not featured on any of the sneaker circuits, he has gotten more exposure playing for Trinity International. One college coach told CBS Sports analyst Matt Norlander that Nix has the type of passing vision that top point guard prospects like Lonzo Ball and Jason Kidd possessed at this stage of their development.

19. Makur Maker, Uncommitted

Big, 6-foot-11, 19 years old, Hillcrest Prep (Arizona)

Makur Maker is the cousin of 2016 No. 10 overall pick Thon Maker and is an above-average playmaker for someone his size. He reclassified to be eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft but is still looking at playing in the NCAA or even going overseas. His draft stock has been slipping lately and may instead be in the 2021 NBA Draft. The big man transferred to Hillcrest Prep after playing at Pacific Prep in California earlier this year. It may take him a few years to figure it all out but if he does, there are few in basketball history to have his potential skill set as a ballhandler at his size.

20. Nimari Burnett, Texas Tech (Committed)

Guard, 6-foot-3, 18 years old, Prolific Prep (California) 

Nimari Burnett has done a fantastic job playing alongside projected top pick Jalen Green at Prolific Prep. Their high school squad is ranked No. 13 in the nation by MaxPreps. He has also played alongside Green on the same AAU team on the EYBL circuit. It was surprising to see Burnett choose Texas Tech over Oregon, Michigan and Alabama. But head coach Chris Beard has gotten the most out of his guards during his time with the Red Raiders. Zhaire Smith as well as Jarrett Culver and now Jahm’ius Ramsey have all exceeded their expectations during their time under Beard.

Picks: 1 – 5 | Picks: 6 – 10 | Picks: 11 – 15 | Picks: 16 – 20 | Picks: 31 – 50 |

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