Busting Brackets
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NBA Draft 2020: Best-case scenarios for all 30 franchises

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: (L-R) NBA Draft prospects Kevin Porter Jr., Nicolas Claxton, Sekou Doumbouya, Goga Bitazde, Keldon Johnson, Nassir Little, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Rui Hachimuri, Jarrett Culver, Cam Reddish, Coby White, Zion Williamson, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Ja Morant, De'Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, Brandon Clarke, Romeo Langford, Jaxson Hayes, Tyler Herro, Bol Bol, PJ Washington, Matisse Thybulle and Mfiondu Kabengele stand on stage with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver before the start of 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: (L-R) NBA Draft prospects Kevin Porter Jr., Nicolas Claxton, Sekou Doumbouya, Goga Bitazde, Keldon Johnson, Nassir Little, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Rui Hachimuri, Jarrett Culver, Cam Reddish, Coby White, Zion Williamson, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Ja Morant, De'Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, Brandon Clarke, Romeo Langford, Jaxson Hayes, Tyler Herro, Bol Bol, PJ Washington, Matisse Thybulle and Mfiondu Kabengele stand on stage with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver before the start of 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: Jalen Smith #25 of the Maryland Terrapins (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – DECEMBER 07: Jalen Smith #25 of the Maryland Terrapins (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Dallas Mavericks – Land a defensive key piece at 18 and 33

Dallas had literally a historic offensive season in terms of scoring and overall analytics, led by superstar Luka Doncic. But in order to become a true contender in the western conference, they’ll have to get better on the defensive end, both inside and out. Seth Curry, Trey Burke, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are good scorers but not great individual defenders, along with being relatively small.

With Doncic essentially a point guard, a bigger guard/wing that’s a “3 and D” prototype would be best. Saddiq Bey and Tyrell Terry should be available on the perimeter, while Jalen Smith, Reggie Perry, and Zeke Nnaji should be considered with the first pick in the second round.

Denver Nuggets – Draft Jalen Smith at No. 22

Next to the Miami Heat, no team served themselves well in the bubble than the Nuggets. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic are officially superstars in the league, while the rest of the cast proved to be effective as well. Even with forward Jeremi Grant likely gone as a free agent, Michael Porter Jr. can replace him as he’s healthy enough to play a full season.

The big weakness that showed against both the Utah Jazz and LA Lakers was inside whenever Jokic wasn’t on the court. Paul Millsap could be gone after this season and Mason Plumlee is limited when it comes to rebounding. The player who can fit best is Smith from Maryland, who averaged 13.4 rpg per 40 last season at Maryland. The 6’11 big can be a great bench player for the Nuggets, who are just one piece away from winning a title.

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