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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WACO, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 22: Jared Butler #12 of the Baylor Bears (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. Jared Butler – Baylor Bears

The catalyst for Baylor’s historic past season, Butler averaged a team-leading 16 ppg on 42% shooting (38% 3PT) from the field. The 6’3 guard had a breakout campaign and became an All-American caliber athlete. He started off the season with a career-high 30 points against Central Arkansas and scored in double figures in 25 out of 30 games.

After such big seasons, including being ranked No. 1 in the country, it makes sense for both Butler and MaCio Teague to enter their names in the NBA Draft. In the case of Butler, he has an issue of playing more like an undersized shooting than a point guard, his more natural position. He was second on the team with 3.1 apg, very low for an NBA-hopeful distributor.

Butler also is a streaky shooter overall, capable of going 4/6 from deep in one game to 1/6 in the next. That makes him a “tweener” of sorts, a guard who isn’t a great enough passer or consist shooter at either the 1 or 2 positions. And with leading passer Davion Mitchell and transfer Adam Flager on the team for next season, it’s hard to see how Butler can improve his stock, outside of just being a better shooter. But unless he averages 6.0 apg, it’s hard to see him being a top-60 draft selection at some point.

It certainly wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if Butler comes back, as a fully equipped Bears squad would be a preseason top-10 team and a Final Four contender once again. And considering how this past season ended for the presumptive No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, having one more year could have plenty of benefits for all.

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