Translation:
The NBA Draft is always a grand event that captures the attention of many, with young rookies often exploding onto the scene, quickly rising to become promising stars. For instance, players like Wenyen Gabriel and Josh Huestis are breaking out and becoming core members of teams like the Spurs and Thunder. Sometimes, when the overall talent of the rookies isn't particularly outstanding, that year is referred to as a "draft down year." The 2021 NBA Draft was considered a down year, but these young players have been impressive, each breaking through their own talent ceilings. Averaging 28+4+4, the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 draft picks are all setting new highs, who says this year's draft quality isn't good?
Experts and journalists from ESPN in the United States have summarized the first half of the NBA season, selecting the most surprising players of the season. Knicks center Towns ranked first, Pistons Cunningham second, and Spurs Wenyen Gabriel third. Cunningham has always been a relatively low-profile No. 1 pick. He plays for the rebuilding and tanking Pistons, so he hasn't received much attention. However, Cunningham has made tremendous progress this season, not only improving his personal statistics comprehensively but also significantly enhancing his leadership abilities, impressing everyone.
Cunningham is the No. 1 pick of the 2021 draft. This season, he averages 24.3 points + 6.5 rebounds + 9.4 assists (third in the league) + 0.9 steals, with a shooting percentage of 45%, a three-point percentage of 36.8%, and a free-throw percentage of 80.5%. Not only can Cunningham score steadily, but he also excels at passing and organizing, with his average assist numbers ranking among the top three in the league, which is surprising. Additionally, under the leadership of Cunningham and Ivey and other young players, the Pistons have achieved the ninth ranking in the East, with a chance to compete for the playoffs.
The No. 2 pick of the 2021 draft is Jalen Green, who has also made significant strides this season. Previously, Jalen Green had some mediocre performances. However, after entering 2025, Jalen Green completely exploded. According to NBA data experts, Jalen Green averaged 28.1 points + 4.2 rebounds + 4.3 assists + 1.2 steals in January, with a shooting percentage of 52.8%, a three-point percentage of 49.4%, and a free-throw percentage of 92.7%. Jalen Green's combined shooting percentages reached 194.9%, the only player averaging over 20 points. The Rockets have achieved the second-best record in the West this season, with significant contributions from young players like Jalen Green, Shen Jing, and Amen Thompson.
The Cavaliers selected Mobley as the No. 3 pick in 2021, and Little Mobley averages 18.6 points + 8.8 rebounds + 2.9 assists + 0.9 steals + 1.4 blocks this season, with a shooting percentage of 57.3%, a three-point percentage of 42.1%, and a free-throw percentage of 77.4%. Mobley has set multiple career highs this season, especially with a significant increase in his three-point shooting percentage. His mid-to-long-range shooting and defensive capabilities are getting stronger, giving him a bit of a Garnett feel. This season, the Cavaliers' Mitchell + Mobley + Garland + Jarrett Allen led the team to the best record in the league.
The No. 1 pick of the 2021 draft, Cunningham, the No. 2 pick, Jalen Green, and the No. 3 pick, Mobley, are all playing the best statistics and performances of their careers, repeatedly setting new highs, which is surprising. Moreover, this year's No. 4 pick, Barnes, No. 5 pick, Suggs, No. 7 pick, Kuminga, No. 8 pick, Little Wagner, No. 16 pick, Shen Jing, No. 17 pick, Trey Murphy (averaging 21.5 points), No. 20 pick, Jalen Johnson (averaging 19.7 points + 10.2 rebounds + 5.2 assists), and No. 27 pick, Cameron Thomas (averaging 24.7 points), these rookies are all creating career highs, very sharp. The quality of these young rookies is very good, who says they're not capable?
