NBA Draft 2020: Final mock draft and predictions for all 60 picks
. Forward. Memphis Grizzlies. Paul Reed. 40. player. 211
DePaul’s very poor play in the Big East took away Reed’s All-Conference campaign on the national radar, going for 15.1 ppg and 10.7 rpg. The 2.6 blocks per game solidifying his standing as a very good defensive prospect, even if he’s only 6’9. The concern is that his lack of shooting limits his potential production on offense but he can find a spot on most team’s benches.
"Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered a torn meniscus last season that cut a stellar year short, and Memphis would love to add a player that allows them to bring JJJ along slowly. – Michael Walton"
That would include Memphis, with Reed being a solid backup behind All-Rookie forward Brandon Clarke. He’d have to compete with Jontay Porter for minutes in the frontcourt but for a team still rebuilding, Reed would be a solid roster addition with little risk.
Center. New Orleans Pelicans. Vernon Carey Jr.. 39. player. 69.
Carey had lottery pick potential after the NCAA Basketball season concluded but based on the mock draft, guards are being coveted much more than big men. However, the former All-American freshman put up 17.8 ppg and 8.8 rpg at Duke and was a strong post player. The issue is whether he’s good enough at anything else to guarantee that the 6’10 center can translate to the next level.
"I was very surprised that Vernon Carey fell all the way to 39… he won’t help the defensive problems, but Carey was by far the best prospect available. – Karl Heiser"
It would be amazing for the Pelicans to land the best Duke player in the past couple of seasons but there’s a way that both Carey and Zion Williamson can play on the court. That would be a great offensive lineup but would probably give up over 130 ppg per 40 mpg. Still, without likely Derrick Favors, New Orleans can take a chance on another Duke star with a first-round grade.
27. . Forward. New York Knicks. Zeke Nnaji. 38. player
Arguably the best of that freshmen trio at Arizona, Nnaji produced 16.1 ppg and 8.6 rpg last season. He had a number of great outings and his energy and physicality were some of his best traits. The 6’10 forward will have to improve on his floor spacing and defense but had high long-term potential at the right spot.
"Nnaji is an explosive athlete and has NBA-level attributes, touting a 7-0+ wingspan, good post footwork, and the energy to work in the PNR. – Joe Casey"
The Knicks have plenty of power forwards on their roster but none of them are currently long-term pieces. Adding Nnaji would allow them to move on from some of them and give playing time to Nnaji, who has first-round potential in his own right.
37. player. 142. . Point guard. Washington Wizards. Yam Madar
While Avdija is the Israeli prospect with the most pre-draft attention, Madar is a good talent in his own right. The 6’3 point guard is a sound facilitator and defender, and with an improved jump shot, will find his way over to the states in no time.
"Yam Madar is a feisty Israeli guard and an annoying pest at the point of attack, bringing plenty of intensity to Washington’s backcourt, whether he’s brought over this year or sometime in the future. – Trevor Marks"
Starting point guard John Wall is back but there’s no telling how long he’ll be in prime condition for the Wizards. And most of the reserve ball-handlers on the roster are up as free agents. While Madar is likely staying overseas for another year, the franchise would do well in having one of their picks be a point guard to add depth for the future.