NBA Draft 2020: Change abound under unique circumstances
No. 10 Phoenix Suns – Obi Toppin, 6’9″ 220lbs, PF, Dayton
Phoenix can snap their trend of power forward busts and build one of the leagues most athletic frontcourts by adding Toppin to the mix.
Obi Toppin has become known in the college hoops world for his highlight-reel dunks, but beyond that, he’s a very talented basketball player. Toppin can move extremely well for his size, he can stretch the floor a bit, and he has the tools to be a useful defensive player. He gets added to a dynamic young core in Phoenix that only looks brighter with each passing day.
No. 11 San Antonio Spurs – Tyrese Maxey, 6’3″ 198lbs, SG, Kentucky
Picking in the lottery for the first time in forever, the Spurs add a much-needed scoring boost with Maxey.
I actually believe that Tyrese Maxey has the talent to warrant either a higher selection than this, but I’m guessing he might slide a bit on draft day to concerns over his size and how he transfers to the league. Maxey is a dynamo scorer who can heat up in a hurry. The keys for him will be establishing consistency and finding ways to get buckets despite his undersized frame for his position. If there’s a team that can teach him those things best, it’s the Spurs.
No. 12 Sacramento Kings – Devin Vassell, 6’7″ 194lbs, SG/SF, Florida State
Sacramento picks up one of the drafts more intriguing players and a prototypical ‘3 and D’ player in Vassell.
Devin Vassell quietly played his way into the lottery conversation this season with the Florida State Seminoles. At six-seven with a developing shooting stroke and oozing tools for the defensive end (1.4 steals, 1.0 blocks per game) Vassell looks as though he may be the best two-way guy in the draft. He’s a perfect fit for the modern game and could be one of the bigger steals of this draft down the road. He’d be a steal for Sacramento or anyone else at No. 12.
No. 13 New Orleans Pelicans – Aaron Nesmith, 6’6″ 213lbs, SF, Vanderbilt
The Pelicans add perhaps the best pure shooter in the draft to their dynamic young core.
Aaron Nesmith is one of, if not the most prolific shooter in the entire draft class. When you shoot 52 percent on eight (!) three-point attempts per game, that’s what you become known for. Now, Nesmith is not perfect as a prospect. He needs to add strength, improve his defense, and become more than just a shooter, but next to Lonzo Ball-Brandon Ingram-Zion Williamson, that matters a whole lot less. His shooting could open up a ton for New Orleans and he’s the perfect replacement for J.J. Reddick in the near future.
No. 14 Portland Trail Blazers – Saddiq Bey, 6’8″ 216lbs, SF, Villanova
Eternally in need of a productive wing player, the Blazers grab the best one still available in Bey to close out the lottery.
In his second season at Villanova, Saddiq Bey has doubled his scoring total from eight points a game up to 16 and he’s improved across the board. His efficiency is up, his playmaking is improved, and his overall impact is much greater. Bey offers terrific size for his position and it’s clear that he is willing to work to get better. The Trailblazers are constantly searching for production from the wings and Bey can give it to them.