NBA Draft 2020: 10 biggest pending decisions that affects 2020-21 season

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: The first round draft board is seen during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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COLLEGE PARK, MD – DECEMBER 07: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

9. Kofi Cockburn – Illinois Illini

The Illini have another big decision to deal with in sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu. But between the two, the big man is more difficult to replace for next season. Cockburn averaged 13.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg and had a team-leading 44 blocks. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year was a defensive menace who also showed signs of an offensive game that makes Cockburn more than an athletic rim protector.

A decade ago, he’d be a first-round pick without question, just by his defense alone. But in today’s game, Cockburn’s inability to spread the floor and take shots outside of the paint is a detriment in the modern NBA game. Unless you’re Rudy Gobert or Clint Capela, it’s hard being just a defensive anchor at the next level, let alone getting drafted in the first round.

Cockburn’s draft range is in the 2nd-round to undrafted range and unless he changes his offensive game completely. But if he develops a consistent post-game inside combined with already elite athleticism, the big man can find himself eventually in the first round of the 2021 or 2022 NBA Draft. On the other hand, the frontcourt portion of this year’s draft is very week, with a number of potential draftable bigs already staying in school.

Cockburn’s stock may be at his highest this offseason but without workouts, he won’t have the best opportunity to succeed. From a pure developmental standpoint, it would be best for the Illinois center to come back for one more season.

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