NBA Draft 2020 Big Board: Updated top 60 player rankings

6. Isaac Okoro – Auburn – 6’6, 225lbs, – January (2001)

Okoro is a sturdy and powerful wing that should have an impact from day one, particularly on the defensive end. He’s got quick feet, flexible hips, and strength that allows him to guard multiple positions.

Offensively, Okoro is an intelligent player. He excels going downhill and can finish with either hand. He’s a very good passer, especially for a wing. Shooting will be the most important developmental piece for Okoro. He shot 28.6% from three and his 67.2 free throw % is not an encouraging sign. But his good touch and mechanically pleasing form are positive indicators.

Whether he shoots proficiently or not, there’s enough of a base to go off with Okoro. His defensive versatility and ancillary make him a safe bet to be a somewhat valuable NBA player. If he does learn to shoot, he can be a plus starter in the NBA.

7. Devin Vassell – Florida State –  6’7, 180 lbs – August 2000

Vassell owned his larger role for the Seminoles this past season, becoming one of the ACC’s best players. Vassell is your prototypical three-and-D wing. He’s a very good defender on and off the ball. He’s still a bit skinny but with added bulk, he should be able to guard 2-4 in the NBA.

Offensively is where Vassell took the most strides last season. He’s been a consistent threat from behind the arc (41% in each season), but last year he was much improved at attacking closeouts. He’s developed a nice pull-up shot and got better at finishing around the rim.

Vassell’s lack of handle and creation ability limit his upside to a likely role player. But I still think he can be the fourth or fifth starter on a good team. Wings are a desired commodity and Vassell can fill that role from day one.

8. Onyeka Okongwu – USC – 6’9, 245 lbs – December 2000

After a dominant freshman season by all metric, Okongwu is primed to be a lottery selection. He’s one of the smartest bigs in the draft. He uses his combination of length, strength, and quick-leaping ability to disrupt plays around the rim.

Offensively, Okongwu is primarily a rim-running, lob catcher right now. He’s got good hands and is a good screener. He’s showed passing flashes but isn’t quite a playmaker. His back to the basket game isn’t bad, but he’s a ways away from being an offensive focal point.

Regardless, Okongwu brings too much to the table with his defense to fail. Teams in need of a contributing center in the lottery should and will target him.

9. Patrick Williams – Florida State – 6’8, 225 lbs – August 2001

With every Florida State watch, I become a little more enchanted by Williams. He’s got a great mix of size and athleticism. Williams was limited in his role at Florida State, but he showed he can do a little bit of everything. With his wide frame and quick feet, he should be a multi-positional defender. At Florida State, he provided some solid rim protection.

Offensively, Williams shot only 32% from three, but 83% from the free throw line. He flashed some ability to shoot off the dribble as well. He’s not an advanced passer but you could see his feel for the game get better throughout the year.

Williams isn’t really elite at any one skill right now. However, he’s the youngest American prospect in this draft and that combined with his size, warrants upside. He’ll do enough things well to stick and if as long as he continues to improve across the board, Williams could be a very good player

10. Aaron Nesmith – Vanderbilt – 6’6, 213 lbs – October 1999

Nesmith’s season ended early due to a right-foot injury. But in the 14 games he played, Nesmith was the best shooter in the country, making an absurd 52.2% of his shots from deep. Nesmith’s other skills certainly need improvement. He had a negative assist to turnover ratio and is nothing special on defense.

That being said, Nesmith still has good size for a two-guard. He’s by no means a bad athlete, and if he can continue to shoot at a high-level, that should open up his games. I’m not comparing him to the Miami Heat’s Duncan Robinson, but seeing how much defensive gravity a sharpshooter requires, makes me feel better about Nesmith long-term. You can never have too much shooting and at worst, that’s what Nesmith provides.