Since the end of the 2021 NCAA basketball season, most people have assumed that Oklahoma State University’s Cade Cunningham would be the No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA Draft. According to a new report, though, that much isn’t set in stone.
In a tweet he posted on Monday (July 26), ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Detroit Pistons, who own the No. 1 pick for this year’s draft, are still debating whether they’ll take Cunningham with the top selection.
“Detroit’s internal meetings are still revolving around three players for the No. 1 pick on Thursday night — Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green and Evan Mobley, sources tell ESPN,” reads one part of the tweet. “Detroit isn’t fully there yet on committing to Cunningham with their first overall choice.”
Now, there is always a chance that the Pistons themselves have leaked some false information for strategic reasons. After all, Cunningham, with his blend of size, a solid jumper, playmaking ability and defensive upside, is in the mold of the wings who’ve dominated the league for years now. He’s been compared to wings like Paul George. Cunningham would be a very hard player to pass up. But then again, the other two perceived top prospects, Green and Mobley, have their own tantalizing upside.
Green is a shooting guard with an electric combination of all-around athleticism and a well-rounded scoring skillset. Scouts and people in the NBA media sphere have compared him to all-stars like Bradley Beal and Zach Lavine. Meanwhile, Mobley is a mobile big man with the potential to be a defensive anchor and the skillset to eventually be a potent scorer. He’s been compared to Chris Bosh.
When it comes down to it, fans will just have to wait until the the 2021 NBA Draft unfolds this Thursday at 8 p.m. EST to learn what decisions the Pistons arrive at. See the tweet about the Detroit Pistons and their upcoming decision—one that can decide their basketball future—for yourself below.