Looking ahead: Michigan basketball players in 2021 NBA Draft
You get picked in two rounds or sit in limbo for a UDFA contract. Who on the current or future Michigan basketball roster will get selected in the 2021 NBA draft?
As we sit and wait for Isaiah Livers and Nojel Eastern to either let the NBA combine come and go and continue down the NBA path or recall their name from consideration, let’s take a sneak peek at the bounty of talent that Michigan basketball is producing for future drafts.
The categories for the potential 2021 draftees are broken down by their likelihood to leave the UM next year and declare for the NBA
Certain
These guys will undoubtedly leave for the draft
Transfer Chaundee Brown, if he is declared eligible which he has a strong case for, has everything an NBA team needs: He’s tall, he’s quick, and he’s a problem on both ends of the court. During his third and final season with the Demon Deacons, Brown averaged 12.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Even if he had a year of eligibility left, Brown would be NBA bound in 2021.
It’s a no brainer here for the German sensation. Had there been a season complete with a conference and national tournament, Wagner might not be back for year two. He’s can score at all levels and he will become an elite defender in year two for Michigan basketball.
The grad transfer from Columbia is a bucket master. He averaged 22.8 ppg and on seven occasions he scored over 30 points. His NBA aspirations will largely depend on how he performs in the Big Ten with the upgraded competition.
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Big Country doesn’t have a choice. He must leave.
With the heralded recruit Hunter Dickinson heading into town, it doesn’t seem like Davis will have a shot on as an NBA prospect. But then again, you never know. His progression during 2019-20 was unmatched and he could surprise some this season.
As with Davis, Eli must have a phenomenal final campaign if he wants a million-dollar contract next June.
Nojel Eastern might never dawn a Michigan basketball uniform, but if he does, he’s gone after year one in Ann Arbor. The transfer from Purdue never established himself on the offensive end, but he’s an elite defender. If he can muster some sort of consistent scoring game, Nojel could certainly become a lottery pick.
Likely
This is the 60/40 category
As Michigan basketball’s top recruit, all Dickinson needs to do is show NBA scouts that he can compete at the next level. He’s a massive man at 7-foot-2 and, according to his coach, Hunter is shooting 40% from beyond the arc. A modern center with a touch of the old school.
Should Livers return to school, Johns Jr. drops to the unlikely category, but if Isaiah sticks it out, Brandon should play enough minutes to show off his skill set as an agile big man that can defend and is a matchup issue on offense.
Unlikely
Not going to happen
Nunez tried to become a reliable scorer and a capable defender for Michigan basketball and he seems like he’s right there, just not quite yet. He’s following the same path he did in high school (as a multi-year backup that needed more time post-HS to develop) and while he’s got the potential to make the leap, he just hasn’t found his niche.
Juwan’s second-highest recruit and the third highest-ranked recruit for the Wolverines 2020 class is a man of many talents. He’s a bruiser with range and a rim protector that can defend the arc. And he’ll need another season before he gets the exposure required.
light. Related Story. 3 Things to expect for Wolverines 2020-21 season
Juwan’s son is a top talent for his class and will eventually make waves in college, just not in year one. Wait for year three or four for us to witness Jace’s leadership and unselfishness on the court.