NBA Draft 2020: An updated mock ahead of the new year

NBA Draft 2020: An updated mock draft prior to the new year

PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 12: James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers and Anthony Mathis #32 of the Oregon Ducks battle for position during the second half of the game at Moda Center on November 12, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. Oregon won the game 82-74. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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WALTHAM, MA – SEPTEMBER 26: General manager Danny Ainge of the Boston Celtics (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

No. 9 Boston Celtics – Onyeka Okungwu, USC Forward

The Boston Celtics pick up another lottery pick courtesy of their trade with the Memphis Grizzles and they use it to nab USC freshman Onyeka Okungwu.

Another year, another Celtics lottery pick. Similar to the Warriors, this just doesn’t feel right. The Celtics already nailed prior picks with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, but here they are in the lottery again courtesy of a trade with the Grizzlies.

The Celtics, as they so often do in the draft, can set their eyes on one of the draft’s premier potential defensive prospects: Onyeka Okungwu. The USC freshman might be one of the more versatile players in the draft.

Okungwu offers value in his ability to contest shots at the rim using his length and bounce, but he is also graceful at staying with guards and containing them on the perimeter.

The versatility and switchability that Okungwu provides is something that NBA Front Offices desperately crave with the new spaced-out style of play. To boot, Okungwu is not a negative on offense, currently averaging 17.7 points per game for the Trojans.

The Celtics glaring need is a presence at the center position, and they could have it at No. 9 in Okungwu.

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