NBA Draft 2020: Change abound under unique circumstances
No. 15 Orlando Magic – Isaiah Stewart, 6’9″ 245lbs, PF, Washington
Orlando has a treasure trove of long, defensive-minded prospects, it’s time they add some scoring punch in the form of Stewart.
Isaiah Stewart is a throwback player. The big-bodied forward is bruiser on the block and in the paint and he knows how to use his frame and different angles to score the ball inside. Stewart does not do much in terms of shooting the ball and he isn’t much of a playmaker or defender right now, but his value will come from getting buckets inside. He’d be a welcomed addition to an Orlando team filled with long, defensive-minded players.
No. 16 Minnesota Timberwolves – Jaden McDaniels, 6’10” 184lbs, SF/PF, Washington
One pick after his college teammate is selected, McDaniel’s heads to Minnesota to try to realize his full potential.
Jaden McDaniels is one of the more polarizing players in this class. At six-ten with speed and guard skills, he should be a force on the court. Yet McDaniels scored only 13 points a game and struggled with efficiency. The first thing he needs to do to improve is add strength to his frame, and from there he can fill out other holes. The Wolves can afford to develop McDaniels with their second pick of round one and hope he pays off later on.
No. 17 Boston Celtics – Aleksej Pokusevski, 7’0″ 201lbs, C, Interntaional
Boston plugs their roster need with the sweet-shooting international man in Pokusevskil, another piece in an already versatile lineup.
It’s long been thought by both fans of the NBA and college game that the Boston Celtics have a hole at center. Yet this season Daniel Theis has quietly played extremely well for Boston and filled that role well. Still, Boston does need more depth inside and they can get in the little known Pokusevski. The seven-footer is a shooter by trade and while he needs to get stronger, his size suggests he can impact the game on defense and inside too. Giving the Celtics more versatility is like sticking a kid in a candy shop with no parent, but I’m sure Brad Stevens would enjoy this pick.
No. 18 Dallas Mavericks – Vernon Carey Jr., 6’10 265lbs, PF/C, Duke
One of the leagues most dangerous offenses becomes even more prolific with the addition of Carey Jr. to the roster.
Vernon Carey Jr. has been excellent this season for the Duke Blue Devils. Although it came to an early end, Carey exerted his force on both ends of the court to the tune of 18 points and eight boards a game and nearly 60 percent shooting. Carey won’t offer much outside the paint or defensively, but he’s a devastating roller and can improve in other areas of his game. He’d been a fun target to have on the court next to Luke Doncic.
No. 19 Milwaukee Bucks – Nico Mannion, 6’3″ 179lbs, PG, Arizona
The Bucks are one of the best teams in the league and they pick up more high-level talent outside of the lottery in Mannion.
Mannion, who had a stellar freshman season for Arizona, is another guy who might see his name called higher in this draft. He’s a solid playmaker, reliable with the ball in his hands, and he offers a consistent stroke from deep. He’ll need to play catch up on the defensive end and get stronger, but he could learn from a lot of really talented guys in Milwaukee and become a member of what might be the league’s best bench unit.
No. 20 Brooklyn Nets – R.J. Hampton, 6’5″ 188lbs, PG/SG, New Zealand Breakers (Australia)
Hampton’s draft-day slide comes to an end at No. 20 where the Nets can afford to go with a long-term pick with an already crowded roster next season.
Similar to LaMelo Ball, R.J. Hampton took the international approach and decided to play internationally in Australia rather than play college hoops. Also like Ball, Hampton suffered an injury mid-way through the year. Still, Hampton is an intriguing prospect with plus size for his position and loads of scoring and defensive potential. More of a question mark than a sure thing at this point, the Nets still get great value here for a guy who was once thought of as a top-five pick. They have the time necessary to develop him behind the scenes while they chase titles.