Busting Brackets
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NBA Draft 2020: Change abound under unique circumstances

By Daniel Priest

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Tyrese Maxey #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats is introduced before a game against the Utah Utes during the annual Neon Hoops Showcase benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at T-Mobile Arena on December 18, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Utes defeated the Wildcats 69-66. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Tyrese Maxey #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats is introduced before a game against the Utah Utes during the annual Neon Hoops Showcase benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at T-Mobile Arena on December 18, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Utes defeated the Wildcats 69-66. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 08: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 08: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

No. 21 Denver Nuggets – Precious Achiuwa – 6’9″ 22lbs, PF, Memphis

Denver nabs a talented player who will need time to develop and sharpen his skills, similar to their approach last June.

Last year, the Nuggets saved NBA and Draft twitter’s minds when they ended Bol Bol’s free fall and grabbed him with the No. 44 pick as part of a deal with Miami. This year, Denver can again grab a lottery talent guy and give him a year to improve with no pressure. Precious Achiuwa unexpectedly became the man at Memphis this year and he played well, but he’s still raw as a prospect. Denver can give him a place to sharper his skills and get better in hopes for a big payoff down the road.

No. 22 Philadelphia 76ers – Tre Jones, 6’2″ 185lbs, PG, Duke

Philly gets a legit backup to run their second unit, ending their long-standing search for a quality backup guard.

Tre Jones decided to return to Duke for his sophomore season and he ended up playing really well. He doesn’t project as anything more than a backup at the NBA level, but he has the potential and play style to be one of the best backups in the league. Jones is smart with the ball, makes plays for others, and competes hard on the defensive end. He would be a welcomed addition to a dire bench situation in Philly.

No. 23 Miami Heat – Patrick Williams, 6’8″ 225lbs, PF, Florida State

The Heat keeps Williams in the state of Florida and add another versatile playmaker to their already diverse lineup.

Patrick Williams numbers in his freshman season at Florida State don’t jump off the page by any means. Just nine points, four rebounds, and average shooting splits across the board. Still, Williams offers intrigue for his potential as he continues to age and develop. He’s a player who should be able to do a bit of everything and play both ends of the floor. Miami has one of the best player development situations in the league and the fit would be hand in glove for both sides.

No. 24 Utah Jazz – Theo Maledon, 6’4″ 174lbs, PG, International

Maledon is going to need some time to develop, but he can learn a lot from Mike Conley as his career winds down in Utah.

The second French point guard to come off the board in this draft is a little less polished than the first. Theo Maledon has good size for his position, but other than that, much of his game is question marks right now. A good mentor in the form of Mike Conley would go a long way towards making this a successful pick for both the Jazz and Maledon himself.

No. 25 Oklahoma City Thunder – Scottie Lewis – 6’5″ 185lbs, SG/SF, Florida

OKC can continue their trend of developing high upside athletes by picking Lewis, who struggled in one season at Florida but is loaded with potential.

The Thunder have a penchant for drafting high-flying guys who cannot really shoot the ball with much consistency (Terrence Furgeson, Hamidou Diallo). Scottie Lewis is one of the best pure athletes and leapers in the class, but inconsistency and shooting struggles held him back in his first season in Gainesville. The Thunder have approximately a million first-round picks in the upcoming draft, so they can afford to take a swing for the fences here with Lewis.

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