NBA Draft 2020 Big Board: Updated top 60 player rankings

21. Malachi Flynn – San Diego State – 6’1, 185 lbs – May 1998

After a breakout season where he was one of the best guards in college basketball, Flynn has supplanted himself in the first-round conversation. Flynn showed his ability to shoot from deep, shoot off the dribble, and he was one of the best pick-and-roll players in the country. Given his size, he’ll likely never be an elite defender, but he’s got quick hands and instincts. He averaged 1.8 steals per game last year and had a plus defensive Box Plus/Minus at 4.1

Flynn’s already 23 years old, limiting his upside, but he should be one of the more NBA ready guards. A good team in the 20’s could plug him in right away and get immediate on-court production. He can play on the ball, off the ball, or thrive in a pick-and-roll heavy offense.

22. Aleksej Pokusevski – Olympiacos – 7’0, 200 lbs – December 2001

Coming from the Greece B division, Pokusevski is probably the biggest unknown in this draft. His variability of outcomes ranges from plus starter to a non-NBA player. Despite being seven feet tall, Pokusevski flashes the skills and fluidity of a guard. He can shoot from deep, handle a bit, and is already a very good passer. He’s also the youngest prospect in the entire draft so there is certainly room to grow.

But Pokusevski played in a poor league and was not overly dominant. In FIBA competition, he shot under 30% from three. He needs to add a ton of strength and it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to bang inside. I could see a team taking a chance on that potential and offensive prowess relatively early in the draft. It could pan out, but his strength may never get there and the flashes of guard skill may all be a facade.

23. Xavier Tillman – Michigan State – 6’8, 245 lbs – January 1999

After putting together two of the most impactful seasons in college basketball history, Tillman has become one of my favorite prospects. I’ve seen him live multiple times throughout his college career, and his improvements were noticeable. Despite being undersized for a center, he’s one of the best defensive bigs in the draft. He was a genius on that end of the floor, making smart rotations and communicating constantly. He’s got a plus wingspan that should help him protect the rim.

Offensively, Tillman is the best passing big in the draft, particularly in the pick-and-roll. Despite a lack of athleticism, he knows how to finish around the rim. He hasn’t shot it particularly well, but if he could develop a corner three, then Tillman’s value would go way up. Regardless, Tillman has too many positive skills to fail. He could play legit minutes on a title contender.

24. Isaiah Stewart – Washington – 6’9, 250 lbs – May 2001

Despite Washington’s struggles, Stewart was one of the most productive freshmen in the country. He’s got an old-school, back to the basket game, punishing opposing bigs with his strength and footwork. He’s got a plus wingspan that should help him on defense. He’s not overly tall or mobile but he plays hard enough.

Stewart will probably not be someone that stretches the floor, and he is an elementary passer right now, but the background on him is very good. He’s been described as a hard-worker and a good guy that wants to keep improving. The strong interior game with his high-motor should allow him to be a solid role player.

25. RJ Hampton – New Zealand Breakers – 6’5, 188 lbs – February 2001

Hampton entered the season as a consensus lottery player, but an unimpressive season in Australia has tempered my expectations on Hampton. I don’t think he can be a point guard in the NBA and is much more of a combo. Hampton is still a very good athlete, with legitimate burst and leaping ability. However, I’m not sure he has any translatable NBA skills right now. He shot 29.5% from three and a poor 40% from the field. He has the theoretical tools to be a good defender, but his instincts and motor on that end are below average right now.

Hampton is still a good passer and if he can iron out the jumper, he does have some upside given his athletic tools and young age. I could see a team taking a gamble on him at any point starting in the late lottery. But for me, the lack of feel and bankable skills has me skeptical.