NBA Draft 2020: Mock Draft 1.0

Anthony Edwards | 2020 NBA Draft prospect (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Anthony Edwards | 2020 NBA Draft prospect (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

A powerful 6-foot-8 athlete, Patrick Williams is a clean fit in Brooklyn. The Nets need more size and defense at the four spot — Taurean Prince and Wilson Chandler aren’t cutting it on a contender. Williams is a limited scorer, but Brooklyn has plenty of punch on that side of the ball.

Williams is a standout athlete on screen, even if his role in Florida State is relegated to hustle plays and clean-up duty on offense. He can soar for weak-side blocks, he’s a valiant rebounder, and his athleticism leads to easy points at the rim. Brooklyn is a good spot to maximize his upside as a cutter and off-ball finisher.

The Nets have the potential to jump into contention next season. Kevin Durant is still Kevin Durant — one would hope, at least — and Kyrie Irving, no matter how off-putting the Instagram metatext, is a top-20 player. Williams can fill a role and play effectively within said role.