NBA Draft 2020 Big Board: Updated top 60 player rankings
16. Leandro Bolmaro – FC Barcelona – 6’7, 180lbs – September 2000
One of the more fun players to watch in this class, Bolmaro has an outstanding handle and passing ability to go with his size. He’s also a plus defender, especially on the ball. The biggest thing holding Bolmaro back is his jumper. He shot 26% from three and 66% from the free throw line in his euro career. Teams can go under ball-screens with Bolmaro and he won’t provide much value off the ball if that doesn’t improve.
Even if Bolmaro doesn’t shoot efficiently, he can still fulfill a bench role. Playmakers with his size and defensive instincts are a rarity. It’s also been reported Bolmaro will play overseas again next year, making him a stash candidate for a team with limited roster space.
17. Nico Mannion – Arizona – 6’3, 190 lbs – March 2001
This is high for the former top-ten recruit, but I remain high on Mannion. As the Wildcats faltered during conference play, so did Mannion. But I don’t think his team context was any good, without any other creators and a lack of shooting. Mannion still flashed some incredible passing, averaging over 5 assists per game. His three-point percentage was just okay (32%), but he was tasked with a lot of tough shots. He still showed the ability to off dribble and movement.
There are still issues with Mannion that have dropped his stock. He struggled to finish around the rim and was not nearly as athletic as some had hoped. His lack of size will prevent him from being elite on defense. I still believe he could be a low-end starting point guard, or help a good team at the end of the lottery as a backup.
18. Tyrell Terry – Stanford – 6’1, 160 lbs – September 2001
After reportedly adding weight during the predraft process, Terry has skyrocketed up draft boards on the mainstream. He’s an intriguing lead guard, who can shoot, and finish with either hand. His lack of height makes it harder to see over defenders, but he still makes smart decisions. The added strength should help him on the defensive side, but he’ll still probably be neutral at best.
In Terry, you’re getting a player that can play on or off the ball with his shooting. He’s known as a high-character, low-maintenance guy, who will be a positive locker room presence. I’d love to see him next to a jumbo-creator like Lebron James, Luka Doncic, or Ben Simmons. I’m not sure he’ll be able to run a starting offense, but his shooting and finishing should make him a valuable bench piece.
19. Cole Anthony – North Carolina – 6’3, 190 lbs – May 2000
Over the past calendar year, nobody’s stock has fallen as much as Anthony’s. A rough season at UNC, highlighted by inefficient shooting and a lack of team spacing, has Anthony well out of the lottery now. There are still plenty of things to like about Anthony. He flashed some very good pull-up shooting. He was hampered by a lack of space, but he has a good handle and can finish around the rim at a reasonable level.
Ultimately, Anthony is not a true lead guard. But, he could be a dynamic bench scorer in the right scenario. He isn’t a complete negative on defense, and while injuries hampered him last season, he is not the athlete we once thought he was. Regardless, he still has value in an off-ball, scoring guard, role.
20. Jaden McDaniels – Washington – 6’9, 200 lbs- September 2000
There’s no denying McDaniels talent. He’s a 6’9 forward with terrific leaping ability, speed, and outside shooting touch. When he’s locked in, McDaniels made some amazing defensive clips. His speed and length make rotations easy, and he provided some weakside rim protection as well.
As gifted as he is, McDaniels is a really low feel player. His shot selection, at times, was utterly atrocious. He had a 1:1.5 assist to turnover ratio. Defensively, he suffered some lapses in Washington’s 2-3 zones. In a weak draft with limited high-upside guys, Mcdaniel’s potential is worth a selection in this range. The mental make up is concerning, but within a good structure and development program, he’s got a chance to be a positive NBA player.