2020 NBA Draft Prospects: Thread III

[Domejandro]

Continued from here.

[theGreatRC]

Read on Twitter

This was the last tweet posted in the other thread and I wanted to comment on it.

Who's to say Edwards won't be "locked in" once he gets the bag and gets a taste of NBA life?? He already wasn't locked in before his NBA dreams came true, this is very concerning. He's creating his own red flags every time I see him in the media

[minimus]

https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro/?dir=1&sort=WEIGHT

Xavier Tillman is listed as the heaviest participant of Draft Combine. 266 lbs. In fact, he looked a bit slow (albeit efficient) during that shooting drill.

Read on Twitter

266 lbs. Is that bad conditioning? Or added muscles? I'd expect him to shed weight once he starts playing NBA season. So he will be around 250-255lbs. If that is functional muscles, I have no worries about him. As expected, at 255lbs + low center of gravity and improved strength he can defend opponent bigs, but I was hoping that he shed weight down to 240-245lbs, so he can guard some wings. Anyway, I'd seriously consider him at #17, this guy can bring physicality that we lack.

[UnFadeable21]

ESPN Draft Express Mock Draft

1. Minnesota Timberwolves


LaMelo Ball
Illawarra
G
Age: 19.2

Trade talks are ongoing for this pick, with several suitors emerging, but many around the NBA are operating under the assumption that Ball will be the selection here. A second meeting between Ball and the Timberwolves is expected to happen soon and could include basketball activity, which will certainly influence Minnesota's direction at No. 1. There are scenarios in which the Wolves could trade down to No. 3 and still end up with Ball, picking up additional pieces such as Miles Bridges and a future pick from the Charlotte Hornets.

Full Ball scouting report

2. Golden State Warriors


James Wiseman
Memphis
C
Age: 19.6

The Warriors actively have been discussing trades, including scenarios that would net them a starting-caliber frontcourt player along with a pick in the top 10. The Bulls, Pistons and Knicks are among the candidates to trade up to No. 2. But if the Warriors keep this pick, most executives around the league expect them to end up selecting Wiseman, who would fill an immediate need at the center position while still possessing considerable upside.

Full Wiseman scouting report

3. Charlotte Hornets


Anthony Edwards
Georgia
G
Age: 19.2

A somewhat disappointing showing during his recent televised pro day -- at least from a conditioning and shooting consistency standpoint -- might have hurt Edwards' chances of being the No. 1 pick, but there is still considerable intrigue around his talent and long-term potential. The Hornets could definitely use an explosive wing in Edwards' mold to shoulder shot-creation duties and give them some of the star power they lack.

Full Edwards scouting report

4. Chicago Bulls


Deni Avdija
Maccabi
G/F
Age: 19.8

The draft starts here in the view of some NBA executives, after that first tier of prospects is off the board. While active in trade discussions, the Bulls already have several interesting young pieces that the new front office probably will want to learn more about firsthand. Avdija's size, versatility, feel for the game and role-playing potential make him a good fit anywhere, while also offering another playmaking option as he develops.

Full Avdija scouting report

5. Cleveland Cavaliers


Obi Toppin
Dayton
F
Age: 22.6

There are several reasons for the Cavs to be attracted to Toppin, who played a couple of hours down the road at Dayton and would bring considerable enthusiasm with his explosive style of play. The best player in college basketball last season, Toppin is older than Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Kevin Porter Jr., making him a fit with the team's timeline.


6. Atlanta Hawks


Isaac Okoro
Auburn
G/F
Age: 19.7

Okoro is the type of wing stopper who can go a long way in masking Trae Young's deficiencies on the defensive end, with his ability to guard point guards and power forwards alike. He has significant upside to grow into as well thanks to his budding passing and ballhandling ability while bringing the type of competitiveness and physicality the Hawks lacked at times last season. There's also buzz about the Hawks potentially trading down to the teens while adding another young yet more proven player to the roster.

Full Okoro scouting report

7. Detroit Pistons


Patrick Williams
Florida State
F
Age: 19.2

The big winner of the pre-draft process thus far, Williams rocketed into the top 10 as NBA teams gained a comfort level with his film and watched combo forwards in his mold make a significant impact in the playoffs. His defensive versatility is coveted in today's NBA, and the flashes he showed as a playmaker and shooter are areas that can theoretically be honed into consistent weapons with a strong player development infrastructure.

Full Williams scouting report

8. New York Knicks


Tyrese Haliburton
Iowa State
G
Age: 20.6

This is the low end of Haliburton's draft range. He is also getting looks from Minnesota, Golden State, Chicago and Detroit. Haliburton brings the type of defensive versatility, unselfishness and shooting range the Knicks were lacking at times last season, making him a strong fit in a backcourt with RJ Barrett, who is at his best with the ball in his hands.

Full Haliburton scouting report

9. Washington Wizards


Onyeka Okongwu
USC
F/C
Age: 19.9

Okongwu is considered by some people around the league to be the best big man in this draft. His defensive versatility as a switch-all, rim-protecting center with a strong feel for the game makes him an excellent fit in the modern game, and he has significant upside to grow into offensively as well thanks to his reliable hands and soft touch.

Full Okongwu scouting report

10. Phoenix Suns


Devin Vassell
Florida State
G/F
Age: 20.2

The Suns are looking heavily at point guards and wings, particularly those who complement Devin Booker. Vassell is the type of strong 3-and-D role player every NBA team is looking for. A late bloomer physically who showed significant versatility both on and off the ball at Florida State, Vassell has some offensive upside to grow into thanks to his above-average passing and ability to shoot off the dribble.

Full Vassell scouting report

[UnFadeable21]

Part 2

11. San Antonio Spurs


Aaron Nesmith
Vanderbilt
G/F
Age: 21.0

The Spurs are exploring both wings and bigs, as they have several positions of need in an aging frontcourt. Nesmith is one of the best shooters in the draft and has some multipositional versatility thanks to his excellent size, length and frame.

Full Nesmith scouting report

12. Sacramento Kings


Killian Hayes
Ulm
G
Age: 19.2

Hayes has one of the wider draft ranges of any of the players in this tier of prospects, as he's getting looks from as high as Chicago (No. 4) and Detroit (No. 7). The glut of guards might ultimately push him down the board to Sacramento, which could use a solidly sized combo guard who can play alongside De'Aaron Fox while also taking over the backup point guard minutes.

Full Hayes scouting report

13. New Orleans Pelicans


Saddiq Bey
Villanova
F
Age: 21.5

New Orleans has an outstanding core of talent to build around and probably will look for pieces that complement its existing group. Adding shooting, strong on-court decision-making and defensive versatility probably will be a priority, and Bey ticks all of those boxes very well at 6-foot-8.

Full Bey scouting report

14. Boston Celtics (via MEM)


Kira Lewis Jr.
Alabama
G
Age: 19.6

Protecting the health of Kemba Walker, who has quite a few miles on his odometer, probably will be a priority as the Celtics try to position themselves for another deep playoff run. A young, speedy guard in Kira Lewis, who can both shoot and distribute, makes a lot of sense.

Full Lewis scouting report

15. Orlando Magic


RJ Hampton
New Zealand
G
Age: 19.7

Finding a guard who complements Markelle Fultz is probably a priority with D.J. Augustin and potentially Evan Fournier entering free agency. Enter Hampton, who has excellent size and speed with considerable room to grow on both ends of the floor and no glaring flaws that can't be overcome in time.

Full Hampton scouting report

16. Portland Trail Blazers


Tyrese Maxey
Kentucky
G
Age: 20.0

The Blazers' starting backcourt logged a ton of minutes this past season, something the team probably will look to address either in free agency or on draft night. A versatile combo guard like Maxey could make a lot of sense with his ability to defend multiple positions and play pick-and-roll.

Full Maxey scouting report

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via BKN)


Precious Achiuwa
Memphis
F/C
Age: 21.1

This is probably the lower end of Achiuwa's range. Minnesota could certainly stand to add some depth at the power forward and center positions, as Achiuwa's versatility defensively and rim-running ability makes him an interesting fit alongside Karl-Anthony Towns.

Full Achiuwa scouting report

18. Dallas Mavericks


Aleksej Pokusevski
Olympiacos
F
Age: 18.8

GM Donnie Nelson has had considerable success with international prospects and could very well be intrigued by the upside of Pokusevski, the youngest player in the draft and arguably the most distinctive. A 7-footer who can dribble, pass and shoot, Pokusevski is several years away physically but has impressive versatility on both ends of the floor.

Full Pokusevski scouting report

19. Brooklyn Nets (via PHI)


Cole Anthony
North Carolina
G
Age: 20.4

The Nets are flush with ball handlers but have been active exploring backcourt options regardless, which makes sense considering it's the strength of this class. Anthony, a New York native who started the season projected in the top five, is an interesting buy-low candidate with proven scoring credentials and competitiveness.

Full Anthony scouting report

20. Miami Heat


Jalen Smith
Maryland
F
Age: 20.6

Like many big men in this draft, Smith has a fairly wide range, starting in the lottery and extending all the way to the mid-20s. His length, shooting range and rim-protection prowess should make him a fairly seamless fit on most NBA rosters as a modern stretch big man option, and his fit alongside a player like Bam Adebayo is particularly interesting.

Full Smith scouting report

[UnFadeable21]

Part 3

21. Philadelphia 76ers (via OKC)


Malachi Flynn
SDSU
G
Age: 22.5

Flynn has moved up draft boards rapidly as NBA teams have gotten more exposure to him in the workout hotspot of Las Vegas, where he has spent the pre-draft process. That has helped validate the outstanding season he had as one of the best players in college basketball, as well as his fit in today's NBA as a prolific pick-and-roll player with deep shooting range, strong decision-making and competitiveness defensively.

Full Flynn scouting report

22. Denver Nuggets (via HOU)


Josh Green
Arizona
G/F
Age: 19.9

Green will be a popular target in the Nos. 15-25 range as probably the top wing prospect still on the board. The Nuggets could certainly use an athletic, multipositional defender who can pass and shoot, and Green fits that criteria well.

Full Green scouting report

23. Utah Jazz


Theo Maledon
ASVEL
G
Age: 19.4

Maledon started the year projected much higher, but a somewhat disappointing season combined with the glut of point guards could cause him to drop to the latter part of the first round. The Jazz probably would appreciate the versatility, unselfishness and feel the young French guard offers, as he possesses considerable experience at the highest levels of European basketball.

Full Maledon scouting report

24. Milwaukee Bucks (via IND)


Desmond Bane
TCU
G
Age: 22.3

Bane's deep shooting range -- converting 43% of his 3-pointers over his college career -- and strong feel have helped elevate his stock into the first round. The Bucks are in win-now mode and will want to add more shooting, passing and toughness surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Full Bane scouting report

25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via DEN)


Jaden McDaniels
Washington
F
Age: 20.1

McDaniels is getting a lot of buzz lately from teams in the late lottery and could end up being long gone at this stage. The long, fluid and tantalizing wing started the season projected in the top 10 but saw his stock crater in the midst of a disappointing season.

Full McDaniels scouting report

26. Boston Celtics


Leandro Bolmaro
FC Barcelona
G/F
Age: 20.1

Most teams expect the Celtics -- with three first-round picks and few roster spots -- to end up trading at least one of their selections. Bolmaro's situation as a rotation player in the ACB could make him an attractive stash option. His ballhandling and passing creativity at 6-7 stands out, along with his defensive intensity.

Full Bolmaro scouting report

27. New York Knicks (via LAC)


Isaiah Stewart
Washington
C
Age: 19.4

Stewart came into college with a tremendous résumé as the national player of the year, but he wasn't able to help Washington avoid a disappointing season. Still, his length, toughness and motor will serve him well in carving out a role at the NBA level, and there's reason to believe he can expand his shooting range eventually as well.

Full Stewart scouting report

28. Los Angeles Lakers


Tyrell Terry
Stanford
G
Age: 20.1

While many assume the defending champions will look toward more NBA-ready players, the Lakers seem to like Terry, who is getting looks as high as the late teens. His pure shooting stroke and creativity operating out of pick-and-roll is intriguing considering his youth.

Full Terry scouting report

29. Toronto Raptors


Zeke Nnaji
Arizona
C
Age: 19.8

It's easy to see Nnaji developing into a capable big man rotation option thanks to his high activity level and potential as a floor spacer. He's jockeying for position in the first round with several other capable big men, giving him a fairly wide range starting in the early 20s and extending into the second round.

Full Nnaji scouting report

30. Boston Celtics (via MIL)


Xavier Tillman Sr.
MSU
PF
Age: 21.8

This pick depends heavily on what happens with the Celtics' two previous first-rounders, but many around the league expect them to select a big man if they have not done so already. Tillman stands out as a tough big man with defensive versatility who has shown some flashes as both a passer and shooter.

Full Tillman scouting report

Second round

31. Mavericks (via GSW)

Robert Woodard II | Mississippi State | F | Age: 21.1

32. Hornets (via CLE)

Jordan Nwora | Louisville | F | Age: 22.1

33. Timberwolves

Tyler Bey | Colorado | F | Age: 22.7

[shangrila]

I think every single mock draft writer has had us taking Achiuwa at 17 at one point or another.

[Neeva]

Achiuwa’s measurements are pretty disappointing and he seems like a small ball center to me.

[thinktank]

No need to post a full mock, please. Maybe a mod can trim that down to just the Wolves picks only.

[shrink]

For those that don’t have time for podcast:

Wolfson: As of Nov 5, the Wolves have interviewed Ball, Edwards, Halliburton, Killian Hayes, RJ Hampton, Scrubb (no workout, as reported on Twitter). They want interviews with Toppin (may have happened) and Wiseman. They may want interviews with Avdija and Okoro.

Lowe’s podcast: The ESPN draft experts (Givony and Schmitz) think LaMelo is far better than anyone in this draft class. Other teams do too.

Givony: “if you talk to the teams in the top ten, they are very excited about LaMelo. I’m hearing some of the offers to Minnesota, and they’re pretty good, relative to what you think is a bad #1 pick, and it doesn’t sound like they are going to make that move. So far, they are rebuffing those offers, and there’s going to be a second meeting with LaMelo. I expect he’ll have to get on the basketball court and show some stuff, but that might be enough for them to say,”we’re not trading the pick, and we’re committing to him.”

[urinesane]

For those that don’t have time for podcast:

Wolfson: As of Nov 5, the Wolves have interviewed Ball, Edwards, Halliburton, Killian Hayes, RJ Hampton, Scrubb (no workout, as reported on Twitter). They want interviews with Toppin (may have happened) and Wiseman. They may want interviews with Avdija and Okoro.

Lowe’s podcast: The ESPN draft experts (Givony and Schmitz) think LaMelo is far better than anyone in this draft class. Other teams do too.

Givony: “if you talk to the teams in the top ten, they are very excited about LaMelo. I’m hearing some of the offers to Minnesota, and they’re pretty good, relative to what you think is a bad #1 pick, and it doesn’t sound like they are going to make that move. So far, they are rebuffing those offers, and there’s going to be a second meeting with LaMelo. I expect he’ll have to get on the basketball court and show some stuff, but that might be enough for them to say,”we’re not trading the pick, and we’re committing to him.”

The underlined part all depends on his view of "pretty good relative to what you think is a bad pick". That could be all sorts of offers based on what his opinion is.

As far as Edwards goes, he has the exact same knock on him as Wiggins did (which they highlighted pre-draft) with not as out of this world athleticism. Let's not expect a tiger to change it's stripes.

[minimus]

Read on Twitter

[thinktank]

Read on Twitter

I just watched that video and he isn’t anywhere near 18/20.

Wtf.

Our forum is sucking today. Full articles being posted in three parts and erroneous tweets.

[UnFadeable21]

I didn’t realize ThinkTank is rude everywhere He posts smh

[Baseline81]

Something to consider if you are hoping for Toppin:

Read on Twitter

[thinktank]

I didn’t realize ThinkTank is rude everywhere He posts smh

How am I being rude? The rules are don’t post full articles. Follow the rules.

[Neeva]

Rosas likes Tyrese Haliburton? I think he will be good but not quite a star. His shot is weird.

[Norseman79]

I have been on Achiuwa at 17 for a bit as I like his pairing with Kat, but if we go Wiseman or Okongwu, I am really starting to like Woodard at 17. Yes, it's a bit high, but man would he check boxes at the SF spot, especially if his shot continues to improve at his current pace

[jpatrick]

Rosas likes Tyrese Haliburton? I think he will be good but not quite a star. His shot is weird.

Super smart player, great BBIQ, and player love playing with him. Shot is funky, causing some
concern it won’t translate to longer NBA range or have any versatility (off movement, etc). But not a huge red flag to me.

The bigger concern is just an inability to beat anyone one on one. Like none. Somehow, even though he has the ball in his hands the majority of the game, he only went to the foul line something like 71 times in 60 college game. Barely shot one FT per game despite having the ball that much? Seems almost impossible.

[moonpie]

Read on Twitter

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