2020 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

The time has finally come! The NBA draft is only a few days away, so I've decided to put out a mock draft for the second straight year. There have been numerous trade rumours swirling around the NBA so this probably won't be my final version before heading into the draft.

Through video and statistical analysis, I believe I have created a mock draft that not only properly assesses the NBA prospects, but also matches players with team needs. Although I could have gone much further into detail, I have decided to make the explanations rather concise and direct. Enjoy.

Here is my Mock Draft 1.0:

MOCK DRAFT 

1.    Minnesota Timberwolves: Lamelo Ball, PG, Intl. (Illwara)

With the first pick in the 2020 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select… Lamelo Ball!

Yes, I think that the Timberwolves will elect to play DeAngelo Russell off the ball and give Lamelo the keys to the offense.

Lamelo is a 6 foot 8 facilitating guard with a 7 foot 3 wingspan. He has excellent court vision and feel for the game. Lamelo can shoot the three, but needs to improve his efficiency.

Lamelo struggles defensively, and will need to improve at the professional level. If he does not, that backcourt may be one of the worst defensive backcourts in the NBA. 

This pick makes sense for two reasons. First, Lamelo has the most potential in this draft. His frame alone for a point guard is incredible, combine that with his playmaking ability and you have a potential superstar on your hands.

Drafting Lamelo also moves D’Angelo Russell to shooting guard where he is even more effective. Moving DLO to the two forces him to play off the ball and convert on more catch and shoot opportunities instead of creating shots off the dribble. 

This would add another element to the Timberwolves roster and give them three legitimate centrepieces with some nice surrounding pieces as well.

 Lamelo is playing his rookie season in Minnesota. 

2.    Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman, C, Memphis

This one is a bit of a no-brainer. Assuming that the Warriors don’t trade out of their #2 spot, James Wiseman is definitely the right pick for them.

Wiseman is a 7 footer who loves to get out and run in transition. Although his mobility is impressive for his size, Wiseman's scoring ability from anywhere on the floor is what truly makes him special.

Wiseman can put the ball down and beat you off the dribble, he can take you down low and beat you in the post, and if you don’t contest him enough, he’ll knock down a jump shot right in your face. 

Wiseman averaged 1.405 PPP (Points per possession) which is absolutely outstanding. To put this into perspective, it ranks in the 100th percentile, it is almost impossible to be any better. The NBA average is around 1 PPP.

Wiseman also has a rebounding percentage over 20% and converts in transition in the 92nd percentile (1.364 PPP).

 The Warriors adding Wiseman completes their roster and puts them in contention to be one of the most elite teams in the NBA just one year after finishing with the worst record in the NBA.  

3.    Charlotte Hornets: Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia

Hornets fans may be upset that I have them taking a shooting guard at 3, but this makes the most sense for Charlotte.

With Wiseman off the board, there isn’t a Center worth taking this high in the draft. PJ Washington had a solid rookie season at power forward and Miles Bridges also had a nice season at small forward. Devonte Graham and Terry Rozier both play point guard, so shooting guard makes the most sense. 

Anthony Edwards is an explosive two-way wing player who finishes above the rim. Way, way above the rim. Although Edwards is a spectacle when he makes incredible athletic plays, he needs to improve on his shooting efficiency at the next level. 

Edwards shot only 40% from the field and 29% from the three. He also had the lowest Score % among the shooting guards projected to be drafted in the first round (40%). His True Shooting Percentage was only 52% (also the lowest among first round shooting guards), and he ranked only in the 61st percentile in PPP (0.906).

Georgia also only went 16-16 last season and were ineligible for the March Madness tournament. I understand that one player can’t carry a team completely, but as a top ranked player in the draft there are expectations for stats to turn into wins at some point.

Regardless of Georgia’s struggles, Edwards would immediately become Charlotte’s number one scoring option on offense and could be the game changer that they need to become relevant again.

4.    Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija, SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv

The Bulls are most likely going to take a small forward in this draft and at pick 4, Deni Avdija is the perfect option.

Avdija is a versatile forward who can play positions four through one and in some instances even the five. The versatile youngster averaged 9 PPG and 4 RPG for Maccabi Tel Aviv last year, with a TS% of 59.1%!

Avdija probably has the highest IQ in the draft and has exceptional playmaking skills from the forward position. Avdija can even play the five and create from the post. Avdija’s versatility also stretches to the defensive side of the ball. Avdija has a defensive PPP of 0.861 which lands him in the 60th percentile.

Playing overseas against grown men could be an easier transition in terms of pace of play and competition, especially on the defensive end. Avdija joins Lavine, Coby White, Wendell Carter and Lauri Markkannen on a young, talented Bulls team.  

 5.    Cleveland Cavaliers: Obi Toppin, PF, Dayton

The Cavaliers have taken back to back guards the last two years so I doubt that they go with a guard at pick five. Kevin Porter Jr is a young small forward for the team, so that leaves the Cavs taking a big.

Dayton superstar, Obi Toppin, would be a great pick for Cleveland here.

I know the Cavs already have Kevin Love, but it’s not a secret that they’re in rebuild mode; an aging power forward with a thirty-million-dollar contract isn’t a great piece for the future. Drafting Obi Toppin allows the Cavs to open the door for trade offers for Love.

Toppin had an incredible sophomore year with Dayton averaging 20 PPG, 7.5 RPG, shooting 63.3% from the field and almost 40% from three! Toppin also ranks in the 99th percentile in offensive points per possession (1.197 PPP), and in the 95th percentile in transition (1.436 PPP).

Toppin is only 6 foot 9, but his 7 foot 4 wingspan makes up for his lack of height for a big. Toppin is a perfect modern era big. He likes to play in the pick and roll, he can finish above the rim, and he can stretch the floor with his shooting.

Toppin does need to improve on his offensive rebounding. His offensive rebound rate is only 5.4%. No other power forwards or centers projected to go in the first round had an offensive rebound rate less than 8.4%. Most bigs actually have OREB% above 10%.

 Regardless of his troubles on his offensive glass, Toppin projects as a very good professional. The Cavs add an athletic, exciting player in Obi Toppin.

6.    Atlanta Hawks: Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG, Iowa State

The Hawks have done a nice job surrounding Trae Young with young talent. Clint Capela, John Collins and Deandre Hunter are all very good players. Kevin Huerter and Cam Reddish could complete the lineup at shooting guard, but neither of those guys compliment the rest of this starting lineup like Haliburton does.

Haliburton is a long, combo guard who plays best off the ball. Haliburton doesn’t execute many pick and rolls, but does a really nice job in the half court when it comes to spacing the floor and creating drive and kick opportunities for shooters along the perimeter.

The ability for Haliburton to play effectively off-ball makes him a perfect fit in Atlanta. Trae Young is a ball demanding guard, who creates most of the offense himself. Having Haliburton on the floor not only gives the Hawks a secondary playmaker in the half court, but also provides them with an excellent spot up shooter. Haliburton ranked in the 99th percentile in the spot up and shot 42% from three last year at Iowa State. His shot may look unorthodox, but it goes in.

Haliburton also excels in transition. Having a secondary ball-handler as skilled as Haliburton on the floor with Trae Young gives the Hawks even more opportunity to push the ball in transition. Haliburton, who is an excellent rebounding guard, would be able to push the ball and find even Trae Young spotting up for an open look on the fast break.

Haliburton fits very well in Atlanta, I think this would be an excellent pick.

7.    Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes, PG/SG, Intl. (Ratiopharm ULM)

Detroit could really go plenty of different ways here at 7. The only bright spots on their team are budding power forward, Christian Wood and former all-star, Blake Griffin. Aside from Wood and Griffin, the Pistons don’t have much stability in any other position. Here, they take the best player available with the most upside. That player is Killian Hayes.

Hayes played in the German BBL last season for Ratiopharm ULM where he showed some real growth as a professional. Hayes put up respectable numbers, with 12.8 PPG and over 6 APG, shooting the ball efficiently.

Hayes has all of the physical measurables to be an effective point guard in today’s NBA. Hayes is 6 foot 4, with a 6 foot 8 wingspan and is already built like a pro standing at 220 lbs.

Hayes is a very well rounded guard who can definitely become the primary facilitator in the offense. Hayes may not be an elite scorer yet, but possesses all of the tools to develop into one in the future.  

He will need to play more in the pick and roll in the NBA and push the ball more in transition. Especially playing with Blake Griffin and Christian Wood in the front court. He also needs to protect the ball more than he did in Germany, where his turnover rate was over 20%.

The Pistons get their point guard of the future in Killian Hayes at 7.

8.    New York Knicks: Aaron Nesmith, SG/SF, Vanderbilt

This is my first surprise of the draft, but let me tell you why.

The Knicks have plenty of areas that they should address through the draft. They’re pretty solid at Center with Mitchell Robinson, and Julius Randle and Bobby Portis are starting caliber Power Forwards. RJ Barrett takes on the role as the primary facilitator as a two-guard, leaving the point guard and the small forward open for business with the 8th overall pick. 

The Knicks could very well take a point guard here and draft Tyrell Terry or Cole Anthony, but both of those players demand the ball in their hands similar to RJ Barrett.

Aaron Nesmith, on the other hand, plays completely off the ball, and has the ability to play the small forward as well. Nesmith is a better fit on this team and he actually provides the Knicks with exactly what they need.

Last season, the Knicks ranked 29th in offensive rating, 29th in points per game, 27th in three point percentage, and dead last in three pointers made per game. They were statistically one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA, and that is mostly because of their inability to shoot the ball. 

Nesmith is probably the best pure shooter in this draft class. Last season at Vanderbilt, Nesmith averaged 23 PPG, shooting 52% from three with a TS% of 68%! To show you how well that ranks, Duncan Robinson, one of the league’s best sharpshooters, had a TS% of 67%. Elite shooting from Nesmith.

Nesmith can do more than just shoot from deep, however. He is effective attacking the basket, and uses his dribble to create separation and get open looks off the dribble. He ranked in the 99th percentile in offensive points per possession (1.24) and had a score % of over 50%! That means 50% of the time Nesmith scored at least one point when taking a field goal attempt. Incredible.

Nesmith would definitely help the Knicks shooting woes and give them a reliable number one scoring option. I think that Nesmith has the potential to be the best player from this draft, the Knicks steal a stud here at 8.

9.    Washington Wizards: Onyeka Okongwu, PF/C, USC

 Okongwu magically falls to the Wizards at pick 9 and what a blessing that is for them. The Wizards are obviously stacked at the guard position and with Bertans likely on his way out, the power forward is something that the Wizards could really use. 

If the Wizards move Rui to small forward and keep Thomas Bryant at Center, adding Okongwu would make this front court one of the most long and athletic front courts in the entire league. Okongwu stands at 6 foot 9, but has a 7 foot 1 wingspan. He does a good job finishing in transition, ranking in the 72nd percentile in terms of converting fast break attempts.

Defensively, Okongwu is a two-way power forward with very good shot blocking instincts and a nice touch around the rim. Offensively, Okongwu is still pretty raw and has lots of room to grow. Fundamentally, however, he’s solid. His footwork down low is good and he became a really nice pick and roll player near the end of the season for USC. 

Statistically, Okongwu is one of the most efficient players in this class. He has an offensive PPP of 1.126, ranking him in the 97th percentile. He averaged 16 & 8 for USC this past year and shot over 60% from the field.

Okongwu’s jump shot is still hit or miss. He’ll need to at least be able to knock down a mid-range consistently in the NBA if he wants to be effective in the pick and roll offense. 

With John Wall and Bradley Beal pushing the tempo, a mobile, athletic, big like Okongwu would be a nice fit in Washington.

10. Phoenix Suns: Tyrell Terry, PG/SG, Stanford

 Every year I think ‘This is the year that the Suns finally take a point guard’, and every year I’m disappointed. This year, I think that things are bound to change. 

That’s not to say that Ricky Rubio isn’t an adequate NBA point guard, he’s been solid for Phoenix. But when you’re trying to build around Booker and Ayton, a thirty year old Rubio isn’t the answer. Tyrell Terry just might be though. 

Terry is higher on my mock than he is on pretty much every other mock and I don’t really understand why. It could be that Terry stands only at 6 foot 1, but it’s not like we haven’t seen shorter guards make an impact in the NBA before?

Terry is a ball-dominant point guard who makes good decisions and can be this team’s primary facilitator. Terry can also score from anywhere on the court. He is a knock down shooter who can create his own shot using his dribble. Watching Terry, you see many similarities to Trae Young and Steph Curry, both of whom have had incredible success in the NBA.

Giving Terry the keys to the offense allows Booker to play off the ball and takes some of the stress away from him as the only perimeter scoring option. Terry’s success in the pick and roll also allows Deandre Ayton to be a major part of the offense.

Terry averaged 14 PPG and 3 APG as a freshman for Stanford where he scored high in pretty much every significant offensive analytic for a guard. He ranked in the 81st percentile in points per possession and is one of the best pick and roll guards in this class. 

Terry will definitely need to bulk up entering the NBA at only 180 lbs. The added strength should also help him be stronger with the ball and turn it over less, which was also a problem for him at Stanford.

Suns complete their lineup with Tyrell Terry.

11. San Anthonio Spurs: Saddiq Bey, SF, Villanova

The Spurs are an aging team that is looking to rebuild starting this year. The best way to do that is to draft the best player available, which at this point is Saddiq Bey. 

Bey is a 6 foot 8 small forward with a 6 foot 11 wingspan that plays on both ends, and can do pretty much anything you need him too offensively. 

Last season at Villanova, Bey averaged 16 points and 4 rebounds per contest, shooting 47% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc. Bey had a true shooting percentage of 60.8% which truly outlines his efficiency as a scorer. Bey finished his sophomore season at Villanova with a 1.099 PPP, which ranked in the 95th percentile.

Furthermore, Bey showed how effective he can he in the half court where he ranked in the 98th percentile in the spot up, yielding 1.314 PPP. Considering that the Spurs ranked 28th in three pointers attempted last season, Bey’s shooting will definitely help the Spurs offense. 

The Spurs are also notorious for producing defensive minded teams, even more reason to select Bey. Bey ranked in the 69th percentile in defensive efficiency allowing a PPP of only 0.773 to opponents. He does a nice job using his length to contest shots along the perimeter and dominate against smaller guards.

Saddiq Bey is the real deal and is one of the most underrated prospects in this draft. The Spurs somehow, land another diamond in the rough.

12. Sacramento Kings: Jalen Smith, PF/C, Maryland

The Kings backcourt is pretty solid as is with Fox and Hield, but starting Bjelica at Center is not going to win you games in the Western Conference. That’s why the Kings draft Jalen Smith at pick 12. 

Smith is 6 10 with a 7 foot 2 wingspan. He has fantastic mobility for a big and ranks in the 99th percentile in transition with 1.649 PPP. This alone would make him a great fit in Sacramento. The Kings offense is predicated mainly on Fox’s speed in the open floor and Buddy Hield’s ability to shoot the ball from the outside. Adding a rim-running big into the mix would make this team even more dangerous on the fast break.  

In addition to his mobility, Smith is one of the best defensive bigs in this class. He allows a PPP of only 0.728 which ranks him in the 81st percentile. His mobility at his size allows him to defend multiple positions anywhere on the floor.

Smith compliments Bagley nicely in the front court and adds another element of offense to this team. 

13. New Orleans Pelicans: Vernon Carey, PF/C, Duke 

With Derrick Favors hitting free agency, the Pelicans are a little weak at the Center position. Seeing as though they are young and deep at every other position, I think they go with a big here at 13.

Vernon Carey is a skilled big who brings rebounding and offensive firepower to the frontcourt. Vernon Carey is more of a traditional big, but he compliments the Pelicans current roster. They already have a high-flying mobile center in Jaxson Hayes. Carey is far more refined down low than Hayes is, and gives the Pelicans an interior scoring  option.

The Duke big-man was solid in his freshman year, averaging 17.8 PPG and 8.8 RPG on 57% shooting. Carey ranked in the 95th percentile in offensive efficiency with a PPP of 1.093. Carey also had an offensive rebounding rate of 12% last year, one of the highest rates in this class.

The Pelicans drafting Carey would make their entire front court Duke graduates. What a bright future there would be in New Orleans. Coach K would be proud.

14. Boston Celtics: Precious Achiuwa, PF, Memphis 

This is the first of three first round picks by the Celtics this draft. They address their number one problem at pick fourteen by taking an athletic, two-way big: Precious Achiuwa.

Achiuwa has the potential to be the steal of the draft at pick 14, and there aren’t many better landing spots for a rookie looking to make a splash. Coming to a playoff team only a few games away from the finals, Achiuwa will be thrown right into a winning culture. He won’t be asked to do more than he’s capable of, and can really just focus on excelling in his role with the Celtics.

Achiuwa was solid in his freshman campaign last season at Memphis, averaging 16 PPG and 11 RPG. The Memphis forward showed his offensive versatility being able to play in transition, spot up from the outside, and crash the offensive glass.

Achiuwa shows a lot of great potential as a modern NBA big. He’d be exactly what Boston needs moving forward. 

15. Orlando Magic: Cole Anthony, PG, UNC

The Orlando Magic have had a hole at point guard for the last few years and Cole Anthony would effectively solve that.

The crafty point guard from UNC is a skilled scorer, and would be Orlando’s primary ball handler and primary facilitator. At 6 foot 1, Anthony is a little bit undersized- similar to their current starting point guard, DJ Augustin. Despite this, he is one of the more polished guards in this class. He would be able to step into the starting role for Orlando almost immediately. 

Anthony averaged 18.5 PPG and 4 APG for the Tar Heels in his freshman campaign. He’ll need to improve his shooting efficiency, but has potential to be a starter in the NBA for years to come. 

16. Portland Trail Blazers: Jaden McDaniels, PF, Washington

The Trail Blazers have a very strong back court and the Center position locked down with Nurkic. Rodney Hood, Nasir Little, and Trevor Ariza are all adequate small forwards, so it’s likely that the Blazers draft a power forward here.

 Jaden McDaniels is one of the rawest prospects in this draft but has potential to be an excellent player in this league.

McDaniels is a mobile, athletic, forward with guard skills. He’s 6 foot 9 but has a 7 foot wingspan. He plays mostly on the perimeter where he creates his own shot off the dribble. McDaniels can shoot it from the outside but struggles with shot selection and efficiency. 

McDaniels will need to become more efficient on the offensive end if he wants to be an impact player but has the potential to be a star.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Patrick Williams, SF, Florida State

At pick 17, Minnesota fills their void at small forward by taking Florida State product, Patrick Williams.

Williams is 6 foot 8 with a 7 foot wingspan. He can shoot the ball from the outside efficiently off catch and shoot opportunities and showed great potential as a 3 and D player in the NBA. Williams had a true shooting percentage of 55.3%, and ranked in the 59th percentile in defensive points per possession (0.806).

Patrick Williams has the versatility to either play small forward or the stretch four in small ball lineups. He would add speed and shooting to this Timberwolves roster. He is the best remaining versatile forward in the draft and makes perfect sense for the Timberwolves at 17.

18. Dallas Mavericks: Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG, Kentucky

Tyrese Maxey falls to Dallas at 18 and what a blessing that would be for the Mavs. Maxey is a combo guard who can facilitate and play off ball, a perfect complement to the ball dominant Luka Doncic.

The Mavericks had the NBA’s highest offensive rating last season but ranked 22nd in the NBA in transition points. Maxey does a great job pushing the pace in transition and ranked in the 84th percentile in transition efficiency (1.234 PPP). Adding Maxey to the mix gives the Mavericks another element to this offense making them even more dynamic. 

Mavericks get really lucky as Tyrese Maxey falls in their lap at 18.

 19. Brooklyn Nets: Devin Vassell, SG/SF, Florida St.

The Nets have arguably the best roster from top to bottom, so they will probably go best player available here at pick 19. That player is definitely Devin Vassell.

Vassell is a two-way shooting guard with great length and shooting ability. Vassell is 6 foot 6 but has a 6 foot 10 wingspan and uses it to be dominant on the defensive end. Vasell has the speed of a guard, but the size of a wing. He poses as a matchup nightmare for smaller guards.

Offensively, Vassell thrives in the catch and shoot, making him an excellent fit in Brooklyn. Vassell ranked in the 94th percentile in Offensive PPP (1.083) and ranked in 80th percentile in the spot up, yielding a PPP of 1.039.

Vassell improved drastically from his freshman to sophomore year as a shooter and is especially efficient in the corners. If Vassell takes on a 3 and D role as a corner three specialist, he would be an excellent fit in Brooklyn.

20. Miami Heat: Theo Maledon, PG, Intl. (ASVEL)

The Miami Heat are one of the deepest teams in the draft, so they pick the player with the most upside here at 20.  The Heat go with French league point guard, Theo Maledon.

 Maledon is a long, high-iq point guard who has the potential to be a very good pro. At 6 foot 5, Maledon is already a big guard, but his 6 foot 9 wingspan is what really separates him from the other guards. Maledon uses his length to finish up and over guards when attacking the rim 

Although long and athletic, Maledon only weighs 175 lbs and doesn’t have enough strength to effectively defend opposing guards. Luckily, being drafted by Miami means there is no pressure for him to rush onto the floor. With Goran Dragic and Kendrick Nunn ahead of him on the depth chart, he will have the time he needs to put on some muscle and develop.  

21. Philadelphia 76ers: Isaac Okoro, SG/SF, Auburn

Whether the 76ers had the 10th pick or the 21st pick, they were looking at drafting Isaac Okoro. They end up getting him here in my mock draft.

 Okoro is a defensive minded wing who had an excellent season with Auburn in 2019. He averaged 12.9 PPG with a TS% of 58%, second behind Nesmith for the best at his position among draft prospects. Okoro showcased his efficiency as well, ranking in the 86th percentile in points per possession (1.008) and having a score percentage close to 50%!

Okoro’s real talent, however, comes from his defensive abilities. On the defensive end, Okoro has excellent defensive instincts and some of the most active hands I’ve ever seen. He’s a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions as well. Individually his hip-turn is quicker than most, and he possesses some impressive lateral quickness. Strength and positioning also allows him to defend bigger forwards without it being too much of a problem. 

Okoro projects to be a very solid professional. Philadelphia gets a new starting shooting guard at 21.

22. Denver Nuggets: Reggie Perry, PF, Mississippi St. 

The Nuggets have one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, but lack youth and firepower from the power forward position. That’s where Reggie Perry comes in.

 Funny enough, Perry’s game reminds me a lot of Paul Millsapp’s. He’s a smart forward with an enormous wingspan that rebounds the ball well. He likes to play in pick and roll/ pick and pop, and he has the ability to space the floor with his shooting.

 Last season with Mississippi State, Perry averaged 17.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game on 50% shooting. He ranks in the 80th percentile in offensive points per possession (0.98) and is exceptional in the spot up.

Perry’s ability to stretch the floor and rebound the ball will make this Nuggets offense even more dynamic than it already is. Love this for Denver at 22.

23. Utah Jazz: Nico Mannion, PG, Arizona

 When the Jazz acquired Mike Conley, there were some big expectations for the Jazz to finally get over the hump. Unfortunately, Conley was rather underwhelming, and the Jazz lost in the first round of the playoffs. Nico Mannion could be the answer they were looking for in Conley.

Mannion is an explosive guard with high IQ and playmaking ability. Mannion averaged 14 PPG and 5 APG in his freshman year at Arizona. Despite these solid offensive numbers, Mannion’s strength comes on the defensive end.

Mannion has very good defensive instincts and uses his athleticism to jump passing lanes and force turnovers. Mannion ranked in 87th percentile in defensive PPP allowed at only 0.691. That is the highest among any player other than James Wiseman that is projected to be a first rounder. Very impressive. 

Mannion will transition nicely into Utah’s defensive focused system, however, will need to improve on shot selection and shot efficiency if he wants to see the court. Mannion shot under 40% from the field last year and it was mostly because of his decision making. Quinn Snyder should fix that, and Mannion could be a nice piece in Utah.

24. Milwaukee Bucks: Kira Lewis, PG, Alabama

The Milwaukee Bucks finally address their issue at point guard and take the Alabama product, Kira Lewis, at 24. 

Lewis is a score first point guard who averaged 18.5 PPG and over 5 APG at Alabama last season while shooting 46% from the field and 37% from three.

Weighing in at only 165 lbs, Lewis will definitely need to add some strength if he wants to be able to contend at the NBA level. Lewis’ strengths, however, lies more in his quickness on the offensive end. Lewis has an exceptionally quick first step, and will give the Bucks another shot creator in the half-court.

The Bucks haven’t had much production from their point guard spot for a while now. Eric Bledsoe may be a solid defender but lacks the offensive tools to complete this offense. Lewis’ outside shooting should help the Bucks get over the hump.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tyler Bey, PF/SF, Colorado

With a miniscule chance of making the playoffs, the Thunder willed their way into the five seed in the Western Conference and almost knocked off the Houston Rockets in round one. With a plethora of draft picks over the next few years, the Thunder select a versatile forward that has the potential to start for them for years to come. That guy is Tyler Bey.

Bey is a long, rangey, forward who can play both small forward and power forward on offense, and can defend multiple positions on defense. Although only 6 foot 7, Bey has a 7 foot 1 wingspan, which allows him to defend bigs just as efficiently as wing players.

Bey averaged 13.1 PPG last season in Colorado, shooting 53% from the field and 41% from three. He ranked in the 85th percentile in offensive PPP and in the 79th percentile in defensive PPP, illustrating his ability to be effective on both ends.

Bey’s versatility makes him an extremely intriguing prospect with untapped potential. OKC only has Darius Bazley under contract at power forward and pairing him with Bey could be a potentially lethal 1-2 punch in the front court. 

I really like Tyler Bey to the Thunder if he’s still on the board at 25.

26. Boston Celtics: RJ Hampton, PG, Intl. (New Zealand)

 The Celtics somehow have three first round picks in the 2020 draft, and with the 27th selection, they are in ‘BPA’ mode. They take RJ Hampton. 

Hampton is a 6 foot 5 point guard with a 6 foot 8 wingspan, giving him the physical tools to become a dominant two-way guard in the NBA.

Hampton elected not to play in the NCAA last season, and instead, showcased his talents in the Australian league for New Zealand. In the Australian NBL, Hampton struggled- averaging only 8.8 PPG and 2.4 APG on 40% shooting.

Struggle is expected from 19-year old’s playing professionally anywhere, but Hampton struggled more than what you’d like to see from a first round prospect. He scored in only the 17th percentile in offensive points per possession (0.824) and ranked in the 8th percentile in defensive points per possession allowed (1.226). 

Hampton does show tremendous upside when it comes to becoming a dominant two-way guard in the NBA. He is one of the most athletic guards in this draft and with improved shooting, could be very effective on both ends.

The good thing about Hampton to the Celtics is, he’ll have at least a few years of development before making a real impact on the court. With Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart and Carsen Edwards, Hampton will get the time he needs to improve his shooting and become a more efficient player. 

27. New York Knicks: Jahmius Ramsey, PG/SG, Texas Tech

 The Knicks go with Nesmith with their first pick and decide to complete their back court by adding a scoring guard in Jahmius Ramsey.

With RJ Barrett handling the duties of being a primary facilitator, the Knicks are able to surround him with scorers and create an effective offense. 

Ramsey is a very talented scoring combo guard who can knock it down from outside. He does a great job creating separation using the dribble and shooting the ball off the dribble.

 He averaged 15 PPG and 4 RPG, shooting 43% from three. Ramsey also had one of the lowest turnover rates among the point guards in this class at only 12%.

Ramsey doesn’t play very much in the pick and roll but plays well off ball which is why he’d be such a good fit in New York. Furthermore, Ramsey is a talented secondary playmaker, and can assume the playmaking guard role when Barrett is not on the floor.

 28. LA Lakers: Zeke Nnaji, PF/C, Arizona

The Lakers are most likely going to lose Dwight Howard in free agency and could really use a mobile big to replace him. Zeke Nnaji is the best running big man on the board, and that’s who the Lakers will take at 28.

 Nnaji is 6 foot 11 with a 7 foot 1 wingspan. He may not be as athletic as Howard, but Nnaji does an excellent job moving without the ball, playing in the pick and roll and cutting to the open spaces on the floor. 

Nnaji averaged 16 points and almost 9 rebounds per game with Arizona as a freshman last season and he did it with incredible efficiency. Nnaji ranked in the 93rd percentile in offensive points per possession with 1.064 PPP. He also ranked in the 96th percentile in terms of his efficiency in transition (1.444 PPP) showing his ability to make an impact in the open floor.

Defensively, Nnaji is also rock solid. He had a defensive PPP of 0.751 which ranked him in the 75th percentile. 

Nnaji is exactly what the Lakers are looking for in a big. He’s mobile, long, can finish above the rim, and only gets the ball when he has open looks right at the rim. Nnaji fills in nicely for Dwight Howard.

29. Toronto Raptors: Udoka Azubuike, C, Kansas

With Marc Gasol off to Barcelona and Serge Ibaka rumored to be on the move, the Raptors need to desperately address the hole in their front court. The best way to do that is to draft someone who can make an immediate impact. That’s why I have them taking Udoka Azubuike.

Azubuike is an enormous traditional center who is the best rebounder and shot blocker in this class. He is a 7 footer with a 7 foot 7 wingspan (largest in this class). He is excellent in the low post and takes most of his shot attempts from down low.

He averaged 13.7 PPG and 10.5 RPG on 73% shooting! Azubuike ranked in the 97th percentile in offensive points per possession with a score of 1.123. He also ranked in the 91st percentile in pick and roll’s as the roll man (1.333 PPP) which is great for the Raptors who use pick and roll offense quite frequently. 

Azubuike gives the Raptors an interior presence that they desperately need. He makes the most sense for the Raptors at 29.

30. Boston Celtics: Josh Green, SG/SF, Arizona

With the last pick in the first round, the Celtics are on the clock yet again, and they go with the best player available here by taking the freshman wing player from Arizona, Josh Green.

Green is a 6 foot 6 shooting guard/small forward with a wingspan that reaches 6 foot 11. He is a two-way wing player who looks like will translate into a nice ‘3 & D’ player in the NBA. 

Green averaged 12 points and just under 5 rebounds per game last season with the Wildcats. Although his production was solid, his efficiency was lacking. Green only shot 42% from the field and had a TS% of 52.8% which is the second lowest of all wing players projected to get drafted in the first round.

 Regardless of percentages, Green has the athletic tools to be a star player. He possesses the speed of a point guard with the leaping ability of a wing player. Although laterally he still has room to improve, Green’s athleticism gives him the potential to be a solid NBA player.

 Similar to RJ Hampton, Green will be able to take his time to develop in Boston before seeing significant minutes. Green will have to shoot the ball better and make better decisions with the ball if he wants to be in the Celtics rotation. 

Here are some notable 2nd round selections:

#1. Aleksej Pokusevski, C, International

#2. Cassius Stanley, SG, Duke

#3. Isaiah Stewart, PF/C, Washington

#4. Malachi Flynn, PG, San Diego St.

#5. Immanuel Quickley, PG, Kentucky

#6. Leandro Bolmaro, PG, International

#7. Paul Reed, PF, Purdue

#8. Mamadi Diakite, PF, Virginia

#9. Devon Dotson, PG, Kansas

#10. Desmond Bane, SG, TCU

The NBA draft is on November 18th, 2020 at 8 PM EST. Be sure to tune in and follow along with my mock draft so you can get an immediate analysis of what these prospects can bring to the table.