NBA Draft 2020: Updated first-round mock with a month to go

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo obliterated Boston’s frontcourt in the Eastern Conference Finals, averaging 21.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.7 stocks on 60.8% shooting from the field, tossing around whatever Celtics center was thrown at him.

Danny Ainge probably can’t expect to find a starting-caliber center without packaging his three first-rounders for a trade-up (which is possible, if he wants to go all in on Onyeka Okongwu), but there are some players who could be thrown in as frontcourt depth, especially with Enes Kanter potentially opting out of his contract and Vincent Poirier expected to be dumped elsewhere.

Xavier Tillman is one of the strongest and smartest players in the class, and his powerful screening and gorgeous passing on the short roll make him a picturesque fit in Boston’s P&R-heavy offense.

Toronto may have some significant holes to fill this offseason, as Fred VanVleet (17.6 points, 6.6 assists), Serge Ibaka (15.4 points, 8.2 rebounds) and Marc Gasol (7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists) all heading into free agency with an extensive list of playoff teams looking to attain their services.

Masai Ujiri has Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2021 free agency in mind, which will certainly affect his willingness to bring the trio back for another playoff run, but both VanVleet and Ibaka seem probable to return.

Rumors suggest that Gasol could finish his professional career back home in Spain, leaving the Raptors with an opening in their frontcourt rotation. After a strong freshman campaign at Arizona, with averages of 16.1 points and 8.6 rebounds, Zeke Nnaji fits the billing as an upside-play to throw into Toronto’s strong development system. He moves well out on the perimeter, is a consistent finisher around the basket, and has flashed some shooting upside, too.

Fresh off an NBA championship, the Lakers and their esteemed scouting department will likely select an experienced upperclassman who can theoretically contribute right away, much like they did with the likes of Larry Nance Jr., Mo Wagner, Svi Mykhailiuk, Josh Hart, and Kyle Kuzma in the past. Mississippi State wing Robert Woodard II offers a blend of prototypical wing size (6’7, 230 lbs), length (7’1 wingspan), and 3-and-D potential after shooting 42.9% from 3 as a sophomore.

Guards like Cassius Winston and Malachi Flynn would be great fits in Los Angeles as well, but with so many backcourt contributors on the roster (Rajon Rondo, Alex Caruso, Avery Bradley, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope), the Lakers may be pressed to find a wing with this pick.