NBA Mock Draft after the NCAA season suddenly comes to a close
Mid March is usually when NBA mock draft season heats up, but this is no ordinary year. The Coronavirus has taken the sports world by storm, with the NBA, NHL and MLB all suspending their seasons.
Although initially set to play the game without fans in attendance, the NCAA cancelled March Madness in response to the growing fear. It ends the season of every team and the collegiate career of seniors, and underclassmen declaring for the NBA.
It’s obviously better to be safe than sorry, especially with two NBA players already testing positive for COVID-19. Still, it’s a bummer that we’ll be missing out on one of the best sporting events of the year.
In terms of draft stock, there’s always 3-4 players that shoot up big boards with strong tourney runs, and we won’t see that kind of movement this season. The NCAA season is over, and if the NBA doesn’t resume, the draft is next up.
This is just our NBA mock draft 2.0, but very well could be our last given the lack of player and team movement.
Without further to say, let’s get going with our NBA mock draft:
Draft positioning based on records as of 3/12/20.
Preseason mock drafts had Wiseman going #1 to whatever team won the Lottery. Now, he’s only likely to be the first pick if the Warriors are there.
The Warriors are stacked with guards Steph Curry and Klay Thompson re-joining forwards Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green next year. They’ll likely fill the bench with ring-chasing veterans, and while they could trade this pick to add another stud (somehow), Wiseman could be their starting center from day one.
The 7’1 teenager blocked 5.5 shots per game as a senior in high school, and could be the rim-protecting, glass-cleaning, traditional big man the Dubs never had during their peak.
His lack of outside (or even mid range) shooting could actually be a good fit for the Warriors’ 4-out, 1-in brand of basketball. Wiseman’s offense as a whole will under a microscope in the league, but his athleticism, rebounding and defense should translate seamlessly.
Perhaps no prospect has helped their draft stock more this year than Advija, whose production for Maccabi Tel Aviv has improved significantly in his second season. The International forward was in the late lottery in most preseason mocks, and now seems locked into a top-five selection.
He’s shooting over 50 percent from the field, providing good impact on both defense and on the boards. He has a great, soft touch at and above the rim, although his jumper could use some work. His 52 percent free throw percentage jumps off the page in a bad way.
Advija can play three — possibly four positions in the NBA with a 6’9 frame and smart ball-handling capabilities. With the Cavs having two young guards in Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, Avdija would likely play alongside them at the three, and would compliment their games nicely.
His defense should also turn heads across the NBA, and he has a chance to be the best perimeter defender in the draft.
With D’Angelo Russell at point guard and Karl-Anthony Towns at center, Minnesota has their lineup bookends for the future. They just need to fill in everywhere in between.
With Edwards, they’d be potentially be getting the best two-way player in the draft, although there would be question marks after a lackluster freshman season in Athens.
The 6’5 two guard struggled with efficiency, scoring nearly 20 points per game but shooting just 40 percent from the field and 29 percent from three. His collegiate career ended with a whimper as well, with Edwards scoring just six points in Georgia’s first and only SEC Tournament game.
Minny would hope that surrounding him with other offensive threats like D’lo and KAT would take pressure of the 18-year-old, allowing for more open shots. In the backcourt defensively, he’d do a lot to offset Russell’s downfalls on that end.
Edwards’ ceiling is incredibly high, and with the third pick, Minnesota can’t ask for much more.
Measurements for the 19-year-old guard vary, with some having him at 6’6 and others 6’7, but either way he brings great length as a ball-handler. He averaged nearly eight rebounds in his 12 games with the Illawarra Hawks this season, and can be a do-it-all player from day one.
He doesn’t have the same hitch in his jumper that brother Lonzo had, but LaMelo’s isn’t exactly clean looking either. He shot just 25 percent from three in the NBL, and wasn’t shy about it. He attempted 6.7 threes per game.
Anyone the Hawks draft will be accessed not only on their talent, but their fit with Trae Young and John Collins. Ball is an interesting fit, and with his size can play both with and behind Young. Both are fantastic play-makers, and would make the Hawks’ offense a very tough cover. Young’s dynamic three-point shooting could offset Ball’s struggles from deep, while his tight defense would help disguise Trae’s on that end.
Ball’s a top tier prospect mostly thanks to his elite passing abilities, and could be able to compete with Trae for the team’s assist crown as a rookie. He’d be a fun piece to add to the Hawks’ roster already full of young studs.
The Pistons have a near blank slate as they start a rebuild in the post-Drummond era. Onyeka Okongwu and Obi Toppin are intriguing options, but with Christian Wood (upcoming free agent) and Blake Griffin, power forward is probably the only position they don’t need.
There are other names on the board, but one of the “safest” left is Killian Hayes. The French point guard has a smooth shot and glides with the ball in his hands. He averaged 5.4 assists in less than 25 minutes per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.
His turnovers need to drop, and that might be something that takes a couple NBA seasons to do. The 2020 draft class is a deep one for point guards, and not of them don’t shoot especially well from deep. Hayes is no exception, and shot just 29 percent on 3.1 attempts per game last season.
If he’s able to clean up a couple of things Hayes could be the best true point in the class. He’ll be just 18 on draft night and will have a long time to improve.
The Knicks take a chance on yet another point guard, although Anthony is more of a shooting guard stuck in a point guard’s body.
Anthony had a disappointing season with UNC after being a top high school recruit, and his 18.5 points per game look worse next to his 38/34/75 shooting splits. The New York native also averaged nearly as many turnovers (3.5) as assists (4.0).
Still, he brings tremendous potential as a scorer, and ended his career with UNC on a high note. His Tar Heels won three of their final four regular season games and saw Anthony score 25-plus twice.
He’ll probably never be a premier defender in the league, but can hold is own there depending on effort. His explosive athleticism will translate the NBA right away, but he’ll need to add more polish to his offense to compliment that jump.
At the very least, he’ll be fun to watch in the Big Apple.
It’s officially a run on point guards, with Chicago taking the fourth straight. Although picked last of the four, Haliburton certainly could have the best career of them all.
The sophomore Cyclone had his season cut short with a hand injury, posting good numbers before. He averaged 15.2 points 6.5 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent from the field, 42 percent from three.
He also averaged over two steals per game, and has quick hands and shifty feet on defense. Even if his scoring doesn’t translate right away, he’ll be a frustrating perimeter defender from day one.
The Bulls have a few nice young guards in Coby White and Zach LaVine, and Haliburton could come in off the bench to provide good numbers across the board as a rook.
The Hornets get a nice option of two power forwards in Obi Toppin and Onyeka Okongwu, and they side with the younger of the two here.
The 6’9 Okongwu can play the both four and five, and provide elite interior defense. He’s swatted away 2.7 blocks per game as a freshman, adding 8.6 boards.
He’s yet to add a three to his game, but with his paint offense being so efficient, you can’t blame him. Okongwu shot 61 percent from the field on the year which was good for 16.2 points per contest. He’s a talented, athletic rim-runner that throws down lobs in his sleep.
Okongwu will play more like a center in the NBA, and his elite leaping ability should be able to make up for his semi-short stature for that position.
Getting someone who’s already elite at some with the #8 pick is a huge win for any team, and the Hornets will no doubt be happy to add the lockdown defender from USC.
I don’t love the fit here, especially if the Wiz keep both John Wall and Bradley Beal. But without a true center expected to go before the early-to-mid-20’s, Washington will have to settle here for the best player available.
Hampton played just 15 games in the NBL this year after deciding to forgo the NCAA, and his play in those 15 was up-and-down. He shot less than than 30 percent from three, and wasn’t much better getting to the rim.
The short-lived season abroad hurt Hampton’s draft stock. Whoever picks the 6’5 guard will be doing so based on the potential he showed in high school, when he was a five-star recruit.
Coming off the bench for a few seasons and learning behind backcourt volume scorers Wall and Beal might be a nice blessing in disguise for Hampton.
I could see the Suns attempting to trade up a few spots to get a top point guard, but for now I’ll sent Obi Toppin their way.
The Suns are (hopefully) nearing the end of a long rebuild, and showed some promise as a future contender earlier this season. The 22-year-old Toppin would provide instant impact in the desert.
Toppin didn’t get the chance to play the in Tourney after likely leading his Dayton Flyers to a #1 seed, but he is the front-runner for the Naismith award. He’s an athletic freak that will likely be in the dunk contest for years to come.
Toppin averaged over 20 points per game as a sophomore, making 63 percent of his shots. He has a three-point shot that he keeps close to his chest, which he could develop into a true floor-spacing weapon. His defense is probably the biggest question mark, although he’ll have the speed to stay with anyone in front of him.
Okoro’s draft stock has fallen off a bit after a ho-hum end to his otherwise fantastic freshman campaign. The high energy forward likely will never become an elite scorer in the NBA, but can do just about everything else at a high level.
He’s incredibly gifted defender, who uses his length and athleticism to get under his opponents’ skin. Okoro made the SEC All-defensive team by averaging nearly (0.9 for each) a block and a steal per game.
He never gives up on a play and with catch-up-from-behind speed, is never really beat.
Related, Okoro has a nice feel for the court for a 6’6 forward, and handles himself like a point guard, even if he doesn’t handle the ball like one. He’ll be a good role player in the league, and if he can add a more consistent jumper could be more than just that.
Although the roster they currently have may not show it, the Kings’ mindset is win-now. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2006, but before the virus suspended the NBA season, were just a few games behind Memphis for the 8th seed.
They’ll likely want a ‘win-now’ player, which you don’t usually get with the 12th pick in the draft. Enter Saddiq Bey.
The 3-and-D wing is a marksman from deep, shooting 45 percent on 5.6 attempts per game as a sophomore. In his 31 games for ‘Nova this season, Bey went without a three-pointer made just twice. On January 11th vs. Georgetown, Bey literally shot up NBA mock draft boards with a 8-10 shooting night from three.
He’ll be a tremendous spot-up shooter in the league, and with his 6’8 frame, can guard 1-4 on the other end. Bey may never be anything more than a role player in the league, but with elite talent on both ends of the court, the Kings get exactly what they need.
With loads of young talent already on the team, the Pelicans have the luxury of taking a chance on somebody here. Nico Mannion is another of those top freshman recruits who had a disappointing college season, but still flashes potential from time to time.
The Arizona guard shot just 39 percent from the field after being labeled an offense threat out of high school, but still has plays that make the highlight rounds. He should be asked to shoot the ball less in the pros, and that’ll take some pressure off Mannnion, who did his best in college while passing.
His 5.3 assists per game ranked second in the Pac-12, and he dished out 2.06 assists per turnover. He’ll have the court vision to set Zion, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo, or whoever it may be up in the Big Easy.
Mannion’s defense is a bigger question mark than his shooting, and while have to be disguised by any team that drafts him. his 6’3, 180 frame makes him a bully-target on that end of the court, and that’ll probably never change during his time in the pros.
The Trail Blazers need a big man, and with the draft board being cluttered with guards, will have to reach for one. Isaiah Stewart ends the Lottery here, and the Washington Husky will stay in the Northwest.
The 6’9 power forward can also slide down to the center spot with his knack for rebounding and blocking shots, and will be a threat down low right away. He blocked over two shots per game for Washington, adding 8.8 rebounds.
Stewart was inconsistent offensively, and will rarely make his own shot in the post. Most of his looks come on lobs and put-backs, which makes him a bit of a hard choice with the 14th pick.
Still, the defensive and rebounding presence will be nice for Portland, who allow an average of 15.5 second chance points per game, worst in the league.
Picks 15-20:
The Magic take a chance on Maledon, the best point guard left on the board. The French guard will turn 19 just days before the draft, and will bring a play-making, pass-first mentality to Orlando. Maledon struggled as a pro in Europe, but showed enough promise on both ends of the court to potentially sneak into the Lottery, which he just misses here.
The Wolves already added Anthony Edwards in this mock, and grab another guard who can get hot quick offensively. Maxey is great at getting to the rim, using lightning-fast moves to blow past defenders. He needs to work on his three to be a true offensive threat, which he’ll have time to do. He is undersized at 6’3, and will never be a top player on D.
I’m still confident Boston will look to shop this and/or one of the other two first-rounders they currently own, but if they don’t they can get a good role player with the pick. Vassel from Florida State fits that bill, and could play solid minutes as a rookie, even with the Celtics’ talented roster. It’s hard to label him as simply a 3-and-D prospect, as he did much more in college with assists, rebounds and steals.
McDaniels dropped steadily down draft boards throughout his underwhelming freshman season, and never had the breakout that many were expecting. He showed so much potential as a dynamic scorer in high school for him to slide too far however, and Dallas can take and groom him into a nice two-way forward.
Like Devin Vassell taken a few spots before, Josh Green can come into a winning team and play right away. The 6’6 two-guard has a pretty stroke from three, but makes his money on the defensive side of things. The Bucks are already the best defensive team in the league, and adding Green would only help protect that status.
The ACC sixth man of the year could slide into a similar role with Brooklyn, who will be looking to fill their roster behind Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant this summer. Williams won’t turn 19 until August, and could look to be a nice paint scorer in the league. He needs to work on his rebounding, and his average of 4.0 per game doesn’t look great next to his listed height of 6’8.
Picks 21-25:
Tre Jones’ two year career with Duke ended prematurely, and he could have became a fringe Lottery pick with a good Tournament showing. The 6’2 point guard is a fantastic perimeter defender, a good fit behind Jamal Murray in Denver.
Nesmith was one of the nation’s best scorers before a injury ended his season early. He averaged 23 points per game on 51 percent shooting, shooting 52 percent from three. If even just some of that production comes to the NBA, he’ll be a nice pick for Philly who need more offensive options.
With Goran Dragic headed to free agency, the Heat take a chance on a young point guard who had a great end to his college career. In his final 16 games for ‘Bama, he averaged 20.6 points, 5.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 49 percent from the field. He can be a dynamic shot-creator in South Beach.
With a 7’2.5 wingspan, Achiuwa is a wiry forward who had a great defensive season for Memphis. A potential pairing with two-time defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert should have Jazz fans and defense-heads drooling.
The Greece big man will likely rise or fall on NBA mock draft boards based on the combine and pre-draft workouts, as he rarely played for Olympiacos B this year. In nine games he showed shot-blocking potential, as well as a floor-spacing three on the other end. Did I mention he’s 7-foot tall?
Picks 26-30:
Boston needs a big man, and while they’re more likely to look at free agency to fill that need, they can always take a flier on one in the draft. With Oturu they get an offensive-minded center who averaged over 20 points per game as a sophomore in Minnesota. He’s no slouch on the other end either, averaging 2.5 blocks per contest.
The first upperclassmen comes off the board here, with the Knicks taking Colorado junior Tyler Bey. Bey’s season’s came to a bit of a disappointing end, but still put up nice stats. He filled the stat sheet with 9.0 rebounds, 13.8 points and 1.5 steals per game. At 22, he’ll be ready to play right away in New York.
Ramsey slips in this mock, and the Raptors gladly take the 3-and-D guard. The freshman averaged 15.0 points per game while shooting 42 percent from three, playing tough D on the other end. A few weeks in the G-League could really polish him into a nice role player for the ever-competing Raptors.
LeBron James has a history of not playing with rookies, so maybe if they team drafts 22-year-old Cassius Winston, he won’t notice that he’s a rook. Winston could provide meaningful minutes from the get in L.A, especially if they move on from Rajon Rondo. He’s a feisty, hard-working guard who can drain threes like nothing.
Boston ends the first round by taking defensive stud Paul Reed. The 6’9 power forward blocked 2.6 shots and stole 1.9 balls per game as a junior, putting up 15.1 points per game on the other end. He could end up being the best rim-protector in the class.
Stay tuned for future more news surrounding the draft, Coronavirus and NBA mock draft coverage.