NBA Draft 2020: Lottery shakeups highlight new mock draft
By Brian Rauf
66. . PG. Phoenix Suns. Killian Hayes. 11. player
Ricky Rubio isn’t anything more than a temporary starter in Phoenix so they could take a flier on Hayes in a point guard-heavy draft class. He’s a 6-5 pass-first guard with an improving jump shot, and he already has a few years of professional experience playing in Germany.
Devin Vassell. 12. player. 69. . SF. New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans doesn’t need another scorer – Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have that covered. What they do need is more shooting and more perimeter defense (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t). Enter Vassell, perhaps the best 3-and-D prospect in this class, to help fill both needs.
13. player. 29. . PF. San Antonio Spurs. Precious Achiuwa
San Antonio has a history of taking some very talented, yet raw, players and developing them into quality NBA guys (Dejounte Murray and Kawhi Leonard, for example). Achiuwa has all the raw ability in the world as an uber-athletic four-man, but his skill set is still undefined. The Spurs could get that out of him and have a potential gem on their hands.
SF. Portland Trail Blazers. Saddiq Bey. 14. player. 34.
Speaking of 3-and-D prospects, Bey is quickly rising up draft boards because of his perimeter shooting (45.1 percent), ball skills, and defense. Carmelo Anthony has been a needed addition for Portland, but Bey is more of a long-term answer at the three who can contribute without taking the ball out of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum’s hands.
38. . SG. Orlando Magic. Tyrese Maxey. 15. player
Maxey may slide on draft night like Malik Monk, another Kentucky guard, did because of his lack of ideal size for a scoring two-guard and his inconsistency. Still, when on, he’s a dynamite scorer who can create his own shot, finish inside, and shoot with the range you need in today’s NBA. He would be a welcome addition to a Magic team that needs more of that.