NBA Draft 2020 Big Board: Updated top 60 player rankings
26. Isaiah Joe – Arkansas – 6’5, 200 lbs – July 1999
Joe is another top tier shooter. His three-point percentage wasn’t amazing, but Joe’s volume is ridiculous (over 10 attempts per game last year). Joe can hit catch-and-shoot shots, but he’s very good coming off of movement. He hit some absurd threes off the dribble, having a plus step-back three.
The question for Joe is what can he provide besides shooting? He’s a solid team defender, but he lacks strength. He can attack closeouts fairly well but is not a good finisher around the rim. His passing is fine, netting a 1:1 assist to turnover ratio. The strength may never improve, but his shooting gives him enough of an offense base. If the ancillary skills develop, Joe can be a weapon on offense.
27. Josh Green – Arizona – 6’6, 210 lbs – November 2000
In theory, Green is a perfect modern NBA wing. His defense is already at an NBA level. He makes super smart rotations and can use his length and quickness to close out. He’s also a good on-ball defender. The concerns with Green stem from the offensive end.
Despite his plus athleticism, Green struggled to finish on the rim. He’s got virtually no left-hand when there. He shot 36% from three, but his knee bend and rotation on his shot did not look good at all. Green has room to grow, but should be an impactful defender from day one and is someone worth betting on in the first round.
28. Desmond Bane – TCU – 6’6, 215 lbs – June 1998
Bane has seen his stock rise since the season ended. The sharpshooting wing turned in a productive four-year career at TCU. He’s got a strong frame to go with his mechanically sound jumpshot. Bane also showed great progress as a passer from his junior to senior season, averaging just under four per game.
Bane isn’t a plus athlete but makes up for it by being a smart team defender. That lack of athleticism and older age (22 years old) limit his ceiling. But for a team that needs a wing that can help immediately, Bane should fulfill a role.
29. Grant Riller – Charleston – 6’1, 190 lbs – February 1997
Riller was one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball last season, dominating the CAA. He’s a creative dribbler with some shake and burst. Riller was masterful in pick-and-roll scenarios (98th percentile) as well as attacking spot-ups (96th percentile). Riller’s lack of size will make defense an uphill battle for him, but as long as he’s not a complete negative, he should bring value because of his offensive skill set.
30. Theo Maldeon – LDCL ASVEL – 6’3, 175 lbs, – June 2001
If Maledon falls this far, he’d be a good value/upside pick in this range. He’s a combo guard, who is best in pick-and-roll situations. He’s good at getting downhill and while not overly quick, he’s got a good change of direction dribble and pace to his game.
My biggest concern with Maledon at this stage is the lack of concrete skills. He does a lot of things well and has room for growth, but has nothing to bank on today. He’ll have to continue to improve his jumper and stay healthy if he wants to make an impact from day one.