The 2021 NBA Draft class is proving to be one of the most stacked in recent memory - a group that’s not just loaded with talent, but already reshaping the league. We’re talking about a draft that’s delivered franchise cornerstones, All-Star-level production, and in some cases, players already flirting with superstardom.
Evan Mobley has been at the heart of that conversation since day one. The Cleveland Cavaliers big man entered the league with a rare blend of defensive instincts, fluid mobility, and offensive upside.
For a while, it felt like Mobley was quietly pulling ahead in the race to be the best player from his class. But here we are, closing in on the end of 2025, and that race is anything but decided.
The competition? It's not just catching up - it’s pushing Mobley to elevate or risk falling behind.
The 2021 Class Is Deep - and Dangerous
Let’s start by acknowledging just how deep this class runs. Even the guys outside the top tier are making noise.
Jalen Suggs, Trey Murphy III, and Josh Giddey may not be dominating headlines every night, but they’re high-level starters who’ve carved out significant roles on their respective teams. Giddey, in particular, is knocking on the door of stardom with a breakout campaign that’s caught the attention of plenty around the league.
But the real intrigue starts with players who’ve recently been thrust into bigger roles - and thrived. Take Franz Wagner in Orlando.
With Paolo Banchero sidelined, Wagner has stepped up as the Magic’s go-to option, leading them to a 7-2 record while putting up strong numbers. It’s not just a hot streak - it’s a glimpse at what Wagner could be if the Magic fully leaned into him as their primary offensive engine.
Then there’s Jalen Johnson in Atlanta. With Trae Young out since late October, Johnson has taken the reins and run with them - averaging 23.9 points on efficient shooting (53/44/77), along with 10.8 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game.
That’s not just filling in - that’s leading. Johnson’s emergence is one of the most compelling developments of the season, and it’s forcing a re-evaluation of where he fits in the 2021 hierarchy.
The Heavy Hitters: Sengun, Barnes, Cunningham
Still, the conversation about the top of this class really gets interesting when you talk about Alperen Sengun, Scottie Barnes, and Cade Cunningham. These three are no longer just “promising young players.” They’re shaping the identity of their teams and making serious cases to be considered the best from this draft.
Sengun, like Mobley, is the second-best player on a team with championship aspirations. His skill set - a rare mix of post scoring, playmaking, and touch - has made him a central figure in his team’s success. If the Cavaliers are still seen as legit contenders, then Sengun’s Rockets deserve that same respect - and Sengun deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Mobley.
Scottie Barnes, meanwhile, has taken over as the face of a resurgent Raptors squad. He’s the best player on a team that’s clawed its way back into playoff relevance, and he’s doing it on both ends of the floor. Barnes has always had a versatile game, but now he’s putting it all together in a way that’s translating to wins - and that matters.
And then there’s Cade Cunningham. If there’s one player who might be pulling away from the pack, it’s him.
The Pistons are sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference, and Cunningham is the engine behind it all. He’s not just producing - he’s leading, orchestrating, and elevating everyone around him.
That’s the kind of impact that defines a franchise player - and in some eyes, the best player from the 2021 class.
Where Does That Leave Mobley?
Mobley’s still in the conversation, no doubt. His defensive presence remains elite, and his offensive game continues to develop.
But in a class this loaded, standing still feels like falling behind. The bar has been raised - not just by one or two players, but by half a dozen who are all making their case in real time.
In most draft classes, Mobley’s combination of size, skill, and defensive versatility would make him the clear-cut leader of the group. But the 2021 class isn’t most draft classes. It’s a battlefield of rising stars, each with a compelling case, and no obvious frontrunner.
As we head into the heart of the 2025-26 season, the race to be the best from this class is wide open - and it’s only getting more competitive.