2021 NBA Redraft: Does Evan Mobley go first overall this time?

Franz Wagner makes a massive leap in this redraft, from his original spot at eight all the way up to second. Wagner has built on his game in nearly every way, improving as a scorer, playmaker and shooter this season. He is averaging 18.8 points per game, second only to Jalen Green among this class this season (plus Cade Cunningham if he were healthy enough to qualify). The Orlando Magic have amassed an elite frontcourt and Wagner has been right there with rookie Paolo Banchero as their best player.

The Houston Rockets originally drafted Jalen Green, and while he has shown plenty of scoring pop he is still an inefficient offensive player and a trainwreck on defense. Wagner is not Scottie Pippen (or Scottie Barnes) out there, but he is a solid defender and has been a much better all-around player thus far. Still just 21 years old, he has plenty of room to grow. The Rockets could build around Wagner and their picks later in this redraft and have a much more balanced group of players.

Cade Cunningham doesn’t fall far in our redraft, swapping places with Evan Mobley to land at No. 3 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the season lost to injury is not a boon for his development, it shouldn’t have a lasting effect on him either. Cade’s poor shooting to start his career — 30.9 percent from 3-point range, just 47.1 percent from 2 — is a concern, but his free-throw shooting is strong and he still projects as a strong shooter.

Cunningham is an excellent passer and at 6’6″ has the size to cause matchup issues. He is not only capable defensively but plays hard on that end, an unexpected boon in a player with his offensive role. Here in this redraft, the Cavaliers could pair Cade with Darius Garland, giving them two high-level on-ball creators who can both shoot.