Raps 2020 Picks (Prospect Watch, Update: Vecenie Mock Released)

[Sir-Swish-A-Lot]

Bleacher Report https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2892554-2020-nba-mock-draft-full-predictions-for-1st-round-prospects

Notable Selections

20. Brooklyn Nets (from Philadelphia): Jaden McDaniels, SF, Washington

26. Boston Celtics: Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington

28. Toronto Raptors: Paul Reed, PF, DePaul

[casual_raps_fan]

Not really a fan of a Stewart, at least not at 58.

Undersized Center (about the Size of Body Portis), bad vertical athlete, nothing special movement-wise, not particularly smart or skilled.

I do like the jumper I think he will probably shoot and seems to have a great personality, but don't really buy him doing much at an NBA level. Wouldn't draft him in the first imo.

Bobby Portis? Portis' wingspan is 7'1 where as Stewart is 7'4. Stewart is already 250 pounds at 19 years old. I don't think it's very similar.

I understand not being a fan of him with our first round pick though. He doesn't have a jumper, not explosive, and is not a giant so he will likely have offensive limitations. Defensively he is likely to not defend well in space.

I'm not really a fan of the centers in our range and centers can be attained relatively cheaply so I hope we go for another position.

[Sir-Swish-A-Lot]

But Isaiah Stewart does have a very solid jumper. Stewart doesn't have NBA 3 point range on his jumper but it is consistent from 12-15 feet.

In the Pac-12 tournament against Arizona his jumper was on full display for all to see as this game highlight video shows:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

As well as Stewart has all the athletic intangibles (attitude, effort, and communication) to be an effective defender is space on the NBA level.

[casual_raps_fan]

But Isaiah Stewart does have a very solid jumper. Stewart doesn't have NBA 3 point range on his jumper but it is consistent from 12-15 feet.

In the Pac-12 tournament against Arizona his jumper was on full display for all to see as this game highlight video shows:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

As well as Stewart has all the athletic intangibles (attitude, effort, and communication) to be an effective defender is space on the NBA level.

Sorry. When I said jumper, I meant 3. A solid midrange jumper is nice and shows promise for more improvements as a shooter but there's no proof that he can extend his range.

edit: I watched that video and realizing he's 250 pounds, I'm pretty impressed with how mobile he is. Maybe you are right and he might be able to defend in space.

[HeadtopChunes]

Not really a fan of a Stewart, at least not at 58.

Undersized Center (about the Size of Body Portis), bad vertical athlete, nothing special movement-wise, not particularly smart or skilled.

I do like the jumper I think he will probably shoot and seems to have a great personality, but don't really buy him doing much at an NBA level. Wouldn't draft him in the first imo.

Bobby Portis? Portis' wingspan is 7'1 where as Stewart is 7'4. Stewart is already 250 pounds at 19 years old. I don't think it's very similar.

I understand not being a fan of him with our first round pick though. He doesn't have a jumper, not explosive, and is not a giant so he will likely have offensive limitations. Defensively he is likely to not defend well in space.

I'm not really a fan of the centers in our range and centers can be attained relatively cheaply so I hope we go for another position.

Portis is also a little taller so their standing reach is about the same. Which is my preferred measurement due to it’s functionality (you don’t protect the rim with your forehead)

Strength should be a significant difference between the Portis but it wasn’t really a 1:1 comparison just trying to illustrate his size for a center.

I do think he will be able to shoot 3s just dont see him as a great finisher/rim protector due to his limited vertical explosiveness. Think he can move well for his weight (didn’t see it much since they ran a zone) but not enough to be a defensive difference maker imo. Offensively he’s not getting post ups in the NBA, limited vert/passing skills hurts him as a roll man.

Just not sure what he does well enough to be a starter now or long term.

I agree with you, just not a fan of many bigs in this class. I am actually a big fan of big men too its just very uninspiring to me.

[Psubs]

I still like Malachi Flynn at 28. 2-way player, can shoot and run offence, good d. Yes he is slightly undersize at 6-1, but his BBIQ can overcome that. I know you would argue we already have FVV and Kyle, and maybe in even TDII. But by then we can flip them for different needs, who knows if they walk or injured?

Why not Payton Pritchard over Flynn? Shot better from 3. Similar A/T. PP did it at Oregon who also lead their respective conference, but PP had a tougher one. I guess there's also Dotson, Tre Jones. Philly should draft Terry at #20.

This is a crazy a back half for PG's as the 2006 draft.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2006.html

19 Quincy Douby
21 Rajon Rondo
22 Marcus Williams
24 Kyle Lowry
26 Jordan Farmar
27 Sergio Rodriguez

How to find the Rondo and Lowry of this draft?

[Mark_83]

Imo Tillman is the best big likely to be available at 28 for us. The guy is a plug and play C/PF right now. Definitely, needs to improve his shooting, especially from distance, but this guy is a really good defender both off the ball and in the post, and his passing and shooting potential would allow him to play a quasi-Gasol role on offense. Last time I checked Gasol was never an above the rim guy, which is one of the complaints about Tillman.

I also don't really get the critique of his size for a C. There aren't a lot of old school centres left and at 6'9 250lbs, with a 7'1 wingspan, he has the exact same measurements as Al Horford, who is one of the best centers in the league.

http://www.tankathon.com/players/al-horford

[nabbs]

This year there are a few Bigs that I think mock in our range that I have zeroed in on because I think they have high motors, good IQ and I think are obvious long-term guys in the NBA.

Isaiah Stewart
+length
+rebounding
+physicality
+shot-blocking

Scouting vid:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

;t=537s

Toronto would want him because he adds a strong screener and rebounder that is missing off the bench. Catch would be that our bench struggled to score last year and this guy is not a dynamic post option. I think he is a lot like Montrezl Harrell coming from college.

Xavier Tillman
+defense IQ
+passing
+pick and pop game

Scouting Vid:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

;t=8s

Can work a role a bit similar to Marc Gasol: playmaking, outside shooting, and strong team defense. A bit too small for C, but could be passable in a bench role.

Jalen Smith
+Rebounding
+shotblocking

Scouting vid:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

;t=104s

Is he the next Serge Ibaka? You can see some of the attributes of Serge, with less of the inside scoring.

Despite the others shooting it better and looking more like modern NBA bigs, I lean towards Toronto zagging while other zig and they draft Isaiah Stewart. He is just turning 19, is built like a tank, and replicates nothing on Toronto's roster. He just seems like the boring, high character worker that Toronto loves.

Isaiah Stewart: His ft% on high volume and young age makes me wonder if he could learn to make his open jumpers consistently. I had overlooked him but he looks nice. I'll take a deeper look.

edit: Looks like he would be a project but I definitely like what I see. He's got a motor, very tough, plays bigger than his height, rebounds well, blocks well, long wingspan, young. His touch looks good and his ft% is good.

You're definitely right about the zagging. He is the opposite of what the trendy NBA center is (3 point shooting, quick feet). His build reminds me of Antonio Davis.

He is definitely a throwback C like Davis. I live the toughness. I think Montrezl Harrell is the guy he reminds me of from present day.

At 18, Stewart is pretty far ahead on the role player development as an energy big. In a couple years I can see him adding better passing and stretching out his game. He is one to watch.

This is where no workouts hurt in the evaluation process. If Stewart can show some passing chops and feel in read and react situations then considering his age and physical profile, I take him in a heart beat. After having Marc, I’m really big I’m having big men that can pass. We also lack the physicality at the 5 that he brings. He would be perfect

[Psubs]

I'd be happy with Paul Reed at #28 and Kofie Cockburn at #58.

[Dalek]

Not really a fan of a Stewart, at least not at 58.

Undersized Center (about the Size of Body Portis), bad vertical athlete, nothing special movement-wise, not particularly smart or skilled.

I do like the jumper I think he will probably shoot and seems to have a great personality, but don't really buy him doing much at an NBA level. Wouldn't draft him in the first imo.

Bobby Portis? Portis' wingspan is 7'1 where as Stewart is 7'4. Stewart is already 250 pounds at 19 years old. I don't think it's very similar.

I understand not being a fan of him with our first round pick though. He doesn't have a jumper, not explosive, and is not a giant so he will likely have offensive limitations. Defensively he is likely to not defend well in space.

I'm not really a fan of the centers in our range and centers can be attained relatively cheaply so I hope we go for another position.

Portis is also a little taller so their standing reach is about the same. Which is my preferred measurement due to it’s functionality (you don’t protect the rim with your forehead)

Strength should be a significant difference between the Portis but it wasn’t really a 1:1 comparison just trying to illustrate his size for a center.

I do think he will be able to shoot 3s just dont see him as a great finisher/rim protector due to his limited vertical explosiveness. Think he can move well for his weight (didn’t see it much since they ran a zone) but not enough to be a defensive difference maker imo. Offensively he’s not getting post ups in the NBA, limited vert/passing skills hurts him as a roll man.

Just not sure what he does well enough to be a starter now or long term.

I agree with you, just not a fan of many bigs in this class. I am actually a big fan of big men too its just very uninspiring to me.

I think the best comparison for Isaiah Stewart is Wendell Carter Jr. who is about an inch taller and has a similar wingspan. Similar type of athlete who despite not being a big leaper can block shots and has a positive on DRPM. Now two years into the NBA, Carter is averaging 11 and 9 and almost 1 block per game. Where Stewart needs to improve to catch up to Carter is his passing and face-up game. He is still only 19 so there is room to grow.

Even a guy like Montrezl Harrell is a similar comp. He came into the league a bit later, but his college numbers were similar. He translated well to Pros because he outworks people.

Stewart is not a sexy pick, he would be the equivalent of when Toronto drafted Jakob Poeltl. You are getting a good bench big, which may be an effective starter in time.

[Dalek]

This is where no workouts hurt in the evaluation process. If Stewart can show some passing chops and feel in read and react situations then considering his age and physical profile, I take him in a heart beat. After having Marc, I’m really big I’m having big men that can pass. We also lack the physicality at the 5 that he brings. He would be perfect

Stewart does check a lot of boxes, but his passing numbers are not good from this past year. He has a negative assist to turnover ratio.

If you want a better passing big, Xavier Tillman is the guy who stands out to me. The only issue is his age, as he is already 21 and there isn't likely a ton of development left.

[Mark_83]

This is where no workouts hurt in the evaluation process. If Stewart can show some passing chops and feel in read and react situations then considering his age and physical profile, I take him in a heart beat. After having Marc, I’m really big I’m having big men that can pass. We also lack the physicality at the 5 that he brings. He would be perfect

Stewart does check a lot of boxes, but his passing numbers are not good from this past year. He has a negative assist to turnover ratio.

If you want a better passing big, Xavier Tillman is the guy who stands out to me. The only issue is his age, as he is already 21 and there isn't likely a ton of development left.

I wouldn't say it isn't likely if his work ethic is what they say it is. He dropped 30 pounds from his freshman and sophomore years. Pascal and Norm were both older draftees and have added quite a bit to their games.

What more does Tillman really have to add other than shooting and maybe a few more post moves? Those seem like things that are the easiest to add with professional coaching. Meanwhile, his passing and defense instincts are things that you can't really teach.

[Indeed]

I still like Malachi Flynn at 28. 2-way player, can shoot and run offence, good d. Yes he is slightly undersize at 6-1, but his BBIQ can overcome that. I know you would argue we already have FVV and Kyle, and maybe in even TDII. But by then we can flip them for different needs, who knows if they walk or injured?

Why not Payton Pritchard over Flynn? Shot better from 3. Similar A/T. PP did it at Oregon who also lead their respective conference, but PP had a tougher one. I guess there's also Dotson, Tre Jones. Philly should draft Terry at #20.

This is a crazy a back half for PG's as the 2006 draft.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2006.html

19 Quincy Douby
21 Rajon Rondo
22 Marcus Williams
24 Kyle Lowry
26 Jordan Farmar
27 Sergio Rodriguez

How to find the Rondo and Lowry of this draft?

Rondo has a 6'9 wingspan. Theo Maldeon would be close with 6'8.5, while Powell would be having the similar length

[Dalek]

This is where no workouts hurt in the evaluation process. If Stewart can show some passing chops and feel in read and react situations then considering his age and physical profile, I take him in a heart beat. After having Marc, I’m really big I’m having big men that can pass. We also lack the physicality at the 5 that he brings. He would be perfect

Stewart does check a lot of boxes, but his passing numbers are not good from this past year. He has a negative assist to turnover ratio.

If you want a better passing big, Xavier Tillman is the guy who stands out to me. The only issue is his age, as he is already 21 and there isn't likely a ton of development left.

I wouldn't say it isn't likely if his work ethic is what they say it is. He dropped 30 pounds from his freshman and sophomore years. Pascal and Norm were both older draftees and have added quite a bit to their games.

What more does Tillman really have to add other than shooting and maybe a few more post moves? Those seem like things that are the easiest to add with professional coaching. Meanwhile, his passing and defense instincts are things that you can't really teach.

I think Tillman is really good and I look at him as someone you could take over Stewart if you are looking at bigs. I totally see the Al Horford comp.

It is just the age thing for me. Stewart will have two+ years on Tillman developing under the Toronto system. Imagine Stewart at 21, where he should be able to add to his game and work with the Raptors staff.

To me Tillman is nearly the finished product. He is married, has a kid, is already kind of at his potential. Michigan State is a great program, and guys like Draymond Green have done well, but I think Tillman is already close to his ceiling.

Stewart has the size and physicality edge to me. Stewart had more freethrow attempts and shot his freethrows better.

It just really depends on what Toronto is looking for, the accomplished guy versus a raw talent which they may perceive to have greater upside.

[HeadtopChunes]

Bobby Portis? Portis' wingspan is 7'1 where as Stewart is 7'4. Stewart is already 250 pounds at 19 years old. I don't think it's very similar.

I understand not being a fan of him with our first round pick though. He doesn't have a jumper, not explosive, and is not a giant so he will likely have offensive limitations. Defensively he is likely to not defend well in space.

I'm not really a fan of the centers in our range and centers can be attained relatively cheaply so I hope we go for another position.

Portis is also a little taller so their standing reach is about the same. Which is my preferred measurement due to it’s functionality (you don’t protect the rim with your forehead)

Strength should be a significant difference between the Portis but it wasn’t really a 1:1 comparison just trying to illustrate his size for a center.

I do think he will be able to shoot 3s just dont see him as a great finisher/rim protector due to his limited vertical explosiveness. Think he can move well for his weight (didn’t see it much since they ran a zone) but not enough to be a defensive difference maker imo. Offensively he’s not getting post ups in the NBA, limited vert/passing skills hurts him as a roll man.

Just not sure what he does well enough to be a starter now or long term.

I agree with you, just not a fan of many bigs in this class. I am actually a big fan of big men too its just very uninspiring to me.

I think the best comparison for Isaiah Stewart is Wendell Carter Jr. who is about an inch taller and has a similar wingspan. Similar type of athlete who despite not being a big leaper can block shots and has a positive on DRPM. Now two years into the NBA, Carter is averaging 11 and 9 and almost 1 block per game. Where Stewart needs to improve to catch up to Carter is his passing and face-up game. He is still only 19 so there is room to grow.

Even a guy like Montrezl Harrell is a similar comp. He came into the league a bit later, but his college numbers were similar. He translated well to Pros because he outworks people.

Stewart is not a sexy pick, he would be the equivalent of when Toronto drafted Jakob Poeltl. You are getting a good bench big, which may be an effective starter in time.

I don't agree with those comps really. If I thought he could be as good as Wendell I'd have him top 10.

Wendell is significantly smarter, more skilled IMO and a better athlete/bigger.

Trezz translated because he outworks people sure but is also a great athlete.

I'm not really a fan of comps because no 2 players are usually that similar, but i'd guess Stewart is closer to Caleb Swanigan than those two

I think right now he's probably a 3rd big whos maybe a decent bench big down the line.

[Psubs]

I don't agree with those comps really. If I thought he could be as good as Wendell I'd have him top 10.

Wendell is significantly smarter, more skilled IMO and a better athlete/bigger.

Trezz translated because he outworks people sure but is also a great athlete.

I'm not really a fan of comps because no 2 players are usually that similar, but i'd guess Stewart is closer to Caleb Swanigan than those two

I think right now he's probably a 3rd big whos maybe a decent bench big down the line.

Stewart is like Biyombo with some range.

[Dalek]

I don't agree with those comps really. If I thought he could be as good as Wendell I'd have him top 10.

Wendell is significantly smarter, more skilled IMO and a better athlete/bigger.

Trezz translated because he outworks people sure but is also a great athlete.

I'm not really a fan of comps because no 2 players are usually that similar, but i'd guess Stewart is closer to Caleb Swanigan than those two

I think right now he's probably a 3rd big whos maybe a decent bench big down the line.

I can see that scenario for Stewart and being a third big is actually pretty ideal for him being so young. I think it is something Masai/Bobby will have to evaluate as to whether he is the right pick/BPA.

Regarding the comps, I think Wendell is someone he should aspire to become. My case with Harrell is that you have a guy who can't really shoot but makes high percentage plays and knows his role. If Harrell, who is mainly a energy big, can play on a contender, then there is a case to be made for Stewart also. They are not that different.

[HeadtopChunes]

I don't agree with those comps really. If I thought he could be as good as Wendell I'd have him top 10.

Wendell is significantly smarter, more skilled IMO and a better athlete/bigger.

Trezz translated because he outworks people sure but is also a great athlete.

I'm not really a fan of comps because no 2 players are usually that similar, but i'd guess Stewart is closer to Caleb Swanigan than those two

I think right now he's probably a 3rd big whos maybe a decent bench big down the line.

I can see that scenario for Stewart and being a third big is actually pretty ideal for him being so young. I think it is something Masai/Bobby will have to evaluate as to whether he is the right pick/BPA.

Regarding the comps, I think Wendell is someone he should aspire to become. My case with Harrell is that you have a guy who can't really shoot but makes high percentage plays and knows his role. If Harrell, who is mainly a energy big, can play on a contender, then there is a case to be made for Stewart also. They are not that different.

I get what you are saying that they are similar maybe in the role they can play. But as players besides their size they look starkly different to me. If you are going to be an energy big it usually requires top-shelf athleticism, which Harell has and Stewart doesn't.

Like watch these videos next to each other and you have significantly different players.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Stewart is much more of a plodding halfcourt player, but what does he do at a high level without the ball in his hands?
I just wouldn't draft Stewart in the first is all, I'm not convinced he has the skills or athleticism to be worth it as a difference maker on either end of the court.

[Sir-Swish-A-Lot]

But Isaiah Stewart does have a very solid jumper. Stewart doesn't have NBA 3 point range on his jumper but it is consistent from 12-15 feet.

In the Pac-12 tournament against Arizona his jumper was on full display for all to see as this game highlight video shows:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

As well as Stewart has all the athletic intangibles (attitude, effort, and communication) to be an effective defender is space on the NBA level.

Sorry. When I said jumper, I meant 3. A solid midrange jumper is nice and shows promise for more improvements as a shooter but there's no proof that he can extend his range.

edit: I watched that video and realizing he's 250 pounds, I'm pretty impressed with how mobile he is. Maybe you are right and he might be able to defend in space.

Yes, he needs to work on his three point shot. He may never be a great three point shooter but I believe he can become more efficient through hard work and repetition. Time will tell.

But he would help the Raptors in another area that they do really need some help in and that is with rebounding. He is a relentless rebounder on both ends of the court.

[Mark_83]

Stewart does check a lot of boxes, but his passing numbers are not good from this past year. He has a negative assist to turnover ratio.

If you want a better passing big, Xavier Tillman is the guy who stands out to me. The only issue is his age, as he is already 21 and there isn't likely a ton of development left.

I wouldn't say it isn't likely if his work ethic is what they say it is. He dropped 30 pounds from his freshman and sophomore years. Pascal and Norm were both older draftees and have added quite a bit to their games.

What more does Tillman really have to add other than shooting and maybe a few more post moves? Those seem like things that are the easiest to add with professional coaching. Meanwhile, his passing and defense instincts are things that you can't really teach.

I think Tillman is really good and I look at him as someone you could take over Stewart if you are looking at bigs. I totally see the Al Horford comp.

It is just the age thing for me. Stewart will have two+ years on Tillman developing under the Toronto system. Imagine Stewart at 21, where he should be able to add to his game and work with the Raptors staff.

To me Tillman is nearly the finished product. He is married, has a kid, is already kind of at his potential. Michigan State is a great program, and guys like Draymond Green have done well, but I think Tillman is already close to his ceiling.

Stewart has the size and physicality edge to me. Stewart had more freethrow attempts and shot his freethrows better.

It just really depends on what Toronto is looking for, the accomplished guy versus a raw talent which they may perceive to have greater upside.

I got no problem with picking Stewart I've been stumping for him as well if we go big. A guy who can rebound, block shots, and potentially shoot from deep would be very valuable. The numbers he put up at his age look really good analytically.