NBA Draft 2020: Mock Draft 5.0

This is probably the floor for James Wiseman on draft night. The Pistons recently opened up a hole at center by trading Andre Drummond, and while Christian Wood is a sterling replacement, it’s too early for Detroit to prioritize fit over talent in a rebuild. Scouts are mostly in on Wiseman, it seems.

While I’m more skeptical than most, there’s a reason Wiseman was the consensus No. 1 prospect before the season. He’s a hulking 7-footer — the kind of physical specimen that makes you forget the NBA no longer values old-school centers. Wiseman, of course, is not fully “old school.” He has shown flashes of an expanded jump shot. He’s also a fairly mobile athlete.

In the end, Wiseman should develop into a reliable rim protector who can inhabit a meaningful role on offense. He’s probably never the top option on a playoff contender, but as an ultra-talented roll man and rim-runner, there’s a lot to like. If he buys in, this could be strong value for Detroit as they build from the ground up.