Mid-Major Basketball: Ranking of top 20 prospects for 2020 NBA Draft

15. Sha’markus Kennedy, F, McNeese State

DOB:

• June 27, 1998 (22)

SIZE:

• 6’8″, 220 lbs

PROS:

• Excellent rebounder
• Good rim protector
• Above-average finisher around the rim

CONS:

• Can’t score outside the paint
• Poor shooter all around

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

Sha’markus Kennedy is a flat out machine when it comes to crashing the glass, as one could argue he is one of the best rebounders in this draft class. Kennedy is also quite the shot contester, as he averaged 2.6 BPG this past season with McNeese State.

The main issue with Kennedy is that he can only score in the paint, which is much more difficult when going up against the size, strength, and speed of NBA bigs. I’m not convinced Kennedy is selected in the 2020 NBA Draft, however, I can pretty well guarantee he gets a good look from every team as an undrafted free agent.

14. Justinian Jessup, G/F, Boise State

DOB:

• May 23, 1998 (22)

SIZE:

• 6’7″, 202 lbs

PROS:

• Good shooter from both mid and three-point range
• Incredible from the free throw line
• Gives effort on the defensive end

CONS:

• Struggles when creating space/own shot
• Lacks athleticism

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

Justinian Jessup has the potential to be a very serviceable rotation piece in the NBA, as he is a legitimate catch and shoot threat who gives effort on the defensive end. Where his game lacks is strictly due to his athleticism, as he struggles to create space and/or his own shot and often can’t keep up with really quick or strong players on the defensive end.

While his potential may be limited, all and all I believe a team will take a late second-round flyer on Jessup, as shooters are coveted more than ever at the NBA level.

13. Jordan Ford, G, Saint Mary’s

DOB:

•  May 26, 1998 (22)

SIZE:

• 6’1″ 175 lbs

PROS:

• Shoots the three well
• Can create his own shot even with a lack of athleticism
• Overall an effective scorer

CONS:

• Needs to improve playmaking ability at the next level
• Combo guard who doesn’t have combo guard size
• Not the greatest athlete, so he struggles on the defensive end at times

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

As much as I am a fan of Jordan Ford and what he has done for the Saint Mary’s basketball program, I can’t see a team spending a draft pick on him. Even though he is a consistent bucket-getter, outside of his solid shooting the rest of his game and lack of athleticism just don’t translate well to the NBA. Ford will surely get a tryout as an undrafted free agent, and I can see him spending a year or two in the G-League.

12. Anthony Lamb, F, Vermont

DOB:

• January 20, 1998 (22)

SIZE: 

• 6’6″, 227 lbs

PROS:

• Scoring off the dribble
• Above-average rebounding for his position
• Good inside defender for a wing player due to his strength
• Leadership and desire to always get better

CONS:

• Streaky shooter who struggles from three
• Not the quickest defender on the perimeter
• Weak playmaking ability

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

While Anthony Lamb‘s potential may be limited, he still does certain things well enough to get a serious look in the late second round of the 2020 NBA Draft. After scoring 30 points in a loss to Virginia, Lamb showcased that he can score against top defenses.

However, the offensive consistency isn’t there to be a sure-fire second-round pick, and his lack of foot speed on the perimeter could push him into undrafted territory. With all that being said, Lamb has a skillset that can mold him into a very solid NBA rotational player.

11. Malik Fitts, F, Saint Mary’s

DOB:

• July 4, 1997 (23)

SIZE:

• 6’8″, 230 lbs

PROS:

• Serious stretch big potential
• Good three-point shooter
• Average athleticism

CONS:

• Doesn’t score well in traffic
• Often finds himself lost on the defensive end
• Forces too many shots

DRAFT GRADE:

• Late 2nd Round – Undrafted

As someone who has watched a lot of Malik Fitts over the past three years, I can confidently say that Fitts is someone who has the potential to be a difference-maker in the NBA. While he struggles with mental lapses and forces the agenda on offense a little too much, the talent and skillset are definitely evident.

When an NBA front office sees a 6’8″, 230 lb. player who can stretch the floor with his shooting, gambles are often taken in hopes the team can develop the rest of the player’s game both physically and mentally. While he probably goes undrafted, don’t be surprised if a team takes a shot on Fitts towards the end of round two.