NBA Draft 2020 Big Board: Updated top 60 player rankings
11. Obi Toppin – Dayton – 6’9, 220 lbs – March 1998
The best player in college basketball last season, Toppin should provide instant offense at the next level. He is a terrific leaper, dunking the ball 107 times in 31 games. He can also stretch the floor, shooting 39% from three on 2.6 attempts. Getting defenses to fully respect his shot will be the key, but I buy he’ll be able to shoot.
Despite being a safe bet to be a good offensive player, Toppin is pretty rough on defense. He lacks the height and strength to guard centers and he’s not agile enough on the perimeter to guard fours. His pick-and-roll coverage is tough to watch, as his high center of gravity makes it hard for him to turn. Toppin’s upside is limited given he’s already 22 years old. Toppin will come in and help teams on the offensive end from the go, but the lack of defensive potential is what has me a bit lower on him.
12. Tyrese Maxey – Kentucky – 6’3, 198 lbs – November 2000
Maxey is definitely more of an eye test guy, after a moderate season statistically. Maxey is a traditional combo guard. He showed promise as a creator, but likely won’t be able to run an NBA offense. Maxey will have to improve as a shooter, considering he shot only 29% from three last year, but he’s got great touch around the rim and shot a great percentage from the line.
Maxey should stick defensively. He’s got deceptively long arms and is quick. He should be able to switch onto both guard spots. Ultimately, I’m betting on Maxey’s pedigree and his IQ to go along with an offensive game that should adjust well to the NBA.
13. Kira Lewis – Alabama – 6’3, 170 lbs – April 2001
Lewis took exponential strides in his sophomore season at Alabama. He’s one of the fastest guards in the draft, with a legitimate burst. He greatly improved as a passer, averaging over 5 per game last year. Lewis’ thin frame will hurt him on both ends. And he still needs to iron out his decision-making and jump shooting. Despite being a sophomore, Lewis is still relatively young for this draft and his speed is one of the best among guards. Lewis may ultimately best as a backup guard, but for teams in the late lottery that need guard depth, the speedster would be a good fit.
14. Deni Avdija- Maccabi Tel Aviv – 6’8, 210 lbs, – January 2001
This is, admittedly, much lower on Avdika who projects to go anywhere from 4-8. Those who are fans of him would point to his high feel and passing ability for a forward. He’s added much-needed strength, which should help him bang with NBA bigs. In order for Avdija to use his handle and passing ability to their fullest capacity, the Israeli native will have to shoot. When he played over the summer, he shot better but the form is still so rigid. Per Real GM, Avdija shot 56% on 363 free throw attempts since 2017.
If Avdija shoots efficiently, then I see plenty of outcomes where he is a productive role player. But I don’t buy the shot, and with a lack of foot speed, I don’t see him ever being a plus perimeter defender.
15. Saddiq Bey – Villanova – 6’8, 216 lbs – April 1999
The Villanova product is another high-floor player who should help an NBA team right away. Bey is in the top tier of shooters in this draft after shooting 45% on high volume. He played in a terrific team context at Villanova that certainly enhanced his game, but Bey still made impressive reads as a passer and had a good assist to turnover rate.
He’s a bit older for this class and not a plus athlete, limiting his upside. He lacks elite foot speed, which will hinder him on the defensive end. Bey should be a guy teams plugin at the three or four and he will provide instant spacing and high-IQ, even if he’s not a complete positive on defense.