A fresh look at the first 30 picks in the 2020 NBA Draft.
The 2020 NBA Draft is slated for October 16. As the date gradually creeps closer, the picture becomes clearer. This is a strange rookie class — one short on top-end talent, but not so short on depth and intrigue. How the top of this draft shakes out is still largely undecided. Even the No. 1 pick is still up in the air.
A lot of how this draft plays out — at least in the lottery — will depend on, you know, the lottery. The order could determine which prospects get picked as high as No. 1 and 2, which isn’t normally the case. So, of course, we followed recent tradition and ran a Tankathon simulation to determine the order.
Congrats to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have won the lottery in two consecutive simulations. The Knicks are bumped to No. 2, and the Kings come in at No. 3 — the second time in five simulations that Sacramento has jumped into the top-four.
This is a mock draft — not a big board. These picks are predictions and take into account team needs. These are not the picks I would personally make, nor is this an outline of my personal top 30. If you would like to read my most recent big board, you can do so here.
And, with the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select…
The Cavs have innumerable holes to plug, but at No. 1, best player available is likely the decision. While Anthony Edwards isn’t my personal No. 1, he’s the top prospect on most mainstream boards. He gives Cleveland another scoring outlet next to Collin Sexton and Darius Garland on the perimeter.
At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Edwards has the size and length to hold up at small forward defensively. On offense, he’d immediately become Cleveland’s top option on the perimeter — a bullish slasher who can hit difficult shots at every level. He has a tendency to settle for contested jumpers, but his shot-making gene is strong. If he can polish his decision-making, Edwards should become a reliable go-to threat on the wing.
While not consistently engaged on defense at UGA, Edwards’ athleticism and physical tools bode well for his development long term. The Cavs will not compete any time soon, and while defense is a big reason why, it’s not as though Cleveland can’t afford to suffer through another defensively questionable rookie campaign.
The Knicks strike gold on my personal No. 1 — a prospect who has had Knicks prematurely plastered over his name for years. New York is a draw for big names, and there is no bigger name than LaMelo Ball in this year’s draft.
As luck would have it, the Knicks also need a point guard. Ball is a generational playmaking talent — a once-in-a-lifetime floor general who can spray passes across the court from every angle imaginable. He has tremendous size to peer over defenders at 6-foot-7, he thrives in the open court, and unlike his older brother, LaMelo has tight handles and a silky in-between game to complement his passing repertoire.
Defense is the big question mark for Ball. He has great tools, and the family pedigree is postivie. Lonzo is a brilliant defender. However, LaMelo has never been one to consistently try on defense, and while it’s easy to blame his curious basketball upbringing, it’s difficult to expect a switch-flip when we have never seen the “on” version of Ball defensively.
The Kings have considerable resources invested in the frontcourt. Marvin Bagley, Harry Giles, Richaun Holmes, Nemanja Bjelica, and Harrison Barnes are all rotation pieces. It’s difficult for me to imagine the Kings picking another true center, so the pick here is Obi Toppin. A bit of a tweener, Toppin has the versatility to fit into Sacramento’s sprawling frontcourt.
Toppin is the reigning National Player of the Year after leading Dayton to NCAA prominence. He’s arguably the most ready-made offensive talent in the draft — a dynamic roll man, a smooth 3-point shooter, and a savvy face-up scorer. Toppin can contribute all over the floor on offense. He’s probably a natural four, but Toppin can realistically play small-ball center for stretches, or even move up to the three.
Concerns for Toppin lie on defense. He’s a great vertical athlete, but he lacks lateral quickness and has a thin lower body. He will struggle to contain stronger athletes in the paint, and he’s a mess when asked to defend in space. He can fit all over the floor on offense, but his fit on defense is far less malleable. In fact, it’s unclear where exactly he fits on that end of the floor.
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.
The Warriors have four of five spots in the rotation locked down. The center position remains more ambiguous. Kevon Looney has been a serviceable starting five for a couple years now, but it’s not unwise for Golden State to reinvest in the position. For my money, Onyeka Okongwu is the best center in this year’s draft.
He’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-9, but Okongwu is a top-shelf athlete and one of the most efficient weapons from the college basketball ranks. He doesn’t need the ball to succeed, which is perfect for a stacked Warriors team. He can come in and set screens, catch lobs, and run the floor. He will do the little things to help Golden State’s high-powered offense run smoothly.
On defense, Okongwu is a smart and measured rim protector who makes good use of his 7-foot-1 wingspan. He would have the blessing of playing next to Draymond Green, who is one of the smartest and most vocal frontcourt defenders in basketball. Okongwu can also defend switches, handle his business on the perimeter, and battle bigger centers with vigor.
The Timberwolves have two offensive cornerstones in Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell who have a reputation for lackluster defense. While Minnesota’s wing depth is no joke, it makes sense to invest in a versatile defender who doesn’t need the ball to succeed offensively. Enter Isaac Okoro.
There’s a credible argument to label Okoro as the top defender in this year’s draft. He can suffocate the point of attack or roam passing lanes. At 6-foot-7, he’s agile enough to defend point guards and strong enough to body up power forwards. Okoro was one of the best defenders in college basketball as an 18-year-old, which is no small feat.
Okoro’s offensive projection is less idyllic. He’s a poor 3-point shooter and a sub-70 percent shooter at the charity stripe. If defenses don’t respect his jumper, then his upside as a secondary playmaker is potentially moot. He is, however, a selfless ball-mover and an active cutter, which could be enough next to Towns, Russell, and the Wolves’ talented offensive core.
The Hawks are on the verge of a breakthrough. Trae Young, John Collins, Clint Capela, and Cam Reddish is a core to bank on. With plenty of cap space and another lottery pick, the Hawks could make noise as soon as next season. It therefore makes sense to target a prospect who can contribute immediately.
Deni Avdija was a major contributor for Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of the premier franchises in Europe. He finished the season strong in Israel and is riding a compelling wave of hype as the October draft edges closer. At 6-foot-8, Avdija is an advanced playmaker — the kind of big secondary ball-handler who could develop into a nice pressure-release valve for Young.
The issue for Avdija is his 3-point shot. He finished the season on a strong shooting note, but the broader context of his career breeds questions about his ability to space the floor. His mechanics look fine, however, and if you buy his skill package, odds are you buy his shooting. Count me among the believers.
The Bulls are at a crossroads. A very complex, somewhat unsolvable crossroads spurred on by incompetent ownership and a toxic coach, who ownership will not remove due to financial “concerns,” because the Chicago Bulls are, in fact, the Chicago Bulls.
When you look at the roster, however, the bare bones of a playoff contender are there. It makes sense to add a prospect who can expedite Chicago’s competitive aspirations — a prospect who can help win games as a rookie. Tyrese Haliburton is one of the smartest, most polished players on the board. And though he’s a natural point guard, at 6-foot-5, Haliburton has enough size to squeeze into various lineup combinations.
Haliburton is a highly poised facilitator. He knows how to play within himself, and the result is typically high assist numbers and low turnover numbers. He doesn’t pose much of a scoring threat off the dribble, but he’s a potent spot-up shooter. Chicago has talented live-dribble creators a la Zach LaVine and Coby White who can help cover for Haliburton’s shortcomings.
The Hornets could use a solid 3-and-D presence on the wing, as could most NBA teams. Devin Vassell has been a steady riser all season, impressing scouts with his defensive acumen and smooth 3-point stroke. He’s strong value in the second half of the lottery.
Charlotte’s defense is full of holes. While P.J. Washington is a solid foundational piece, he’s not Vassell — a wing who can cover a lot of ground, create havoc in passing lanes, and intelligently protect the weak side. Vassell will rack up defensive counting stats, and in turn create transition opportunities for the Hornets’ offensively-inclined core.
There are questions about Vassell’s ability to develop into anything more than a complementary piece on offense, but his ability to spot-up is plenty valuable. The Hornets have already invested heavily in shot creators, so Vassell would simply need to come in, space the floor, and pick his spots.
The Wizards expect to have John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Davis Bertans next season. The expectation is presumably to compete for a playoff spot, which is feasible if Wall is even 60-70 percent of his pre-injury self. Washington has the chance to outscore a lot of teams in 2021.
Aaron Nesmith makes a great deal of sense here. He’s arguably the best 3-point shooter in the draft — a flat-out gunslinger. He will need to provide a clean bill of health to NBA front offices, but Nesmith is already great at moving and relocating off the ball. He gravitates to open space and is comfortable letting it fly from any angle. His mechanics are tight and compact. Eye candy.
Washington needs a player who won’t dominate touches — who doesn’t need the ball to succeed. Nesmith can throw defenses into disarray with gravity alone. He pulls defenders with him, and is the type of high-level shooter who commands constant attention. Put him next to Davis Bertans and two high-level creators, and the Wizards become really difficult to guard. They can figure out the defense later.
The Suns grab the No. 2 prospect on my big board, and in the process grab a point guard to develop next to Devin Booker long term. The presence of a capable point guard in Ricky Rubio has dramatically improved Phoenix’s offense this season. If Hayes can capitalize on his potential, the Suns’ backcourt is set for the next decade.
Hayes is maybe the most exciting on-ball creator in this year’s draft. He can create his own shots comfortably on the perimeter — his smooth lefty step-back is sure to attract fans and scouts alike. As a playmaker, Hayes thrives in the pick-and-roll, manipulating defenses with his handles before spaying passes of every variety around the court.
He has the basic tenets of most star point guards in the NBA. He’s a deadly pull-up threat, a visionary passer, and a plus athlete at 6-foot-5. He will need to improve his productivity without the ball — especially next to Booker, who will frequently command the basketball — but from a talent perspective, this is an absolute steal.
The Spurs have oodles of talent in the backcourt, but with DeMar DeRozan’s future in question, some size in the three/four slot could do them good. Patrick Williams is one of the slickest offensive prospects in this year’s draft — a fluid 6-foot-8 athlete who can score effortlessly at all three levels.
Though not an elite athlete, Williams is built like a tank. He has a strong frame, and a 6-foot-11 wingspan that bodes well for his ability to defend up a position if necessary. On offense, Williams is crafty in getting to his jumper. He can handle in the pick-and-roll, slyly work his way to the rim, or space the floor. His 3-point volume was a bit lower at Florida State, but his mechanics project well.
San Antonio is on the precipice of a rebuild. It will happen sooner than later, no matter how ardently Gregg Popovich pushes against it. The Spurs simply lack the top-end talent or free agent draw to avoid it. Williams is a solid building block at a position of need.
There’s some ambiguity around the Pelicans entering this offseason, but one thing is clear — the goal is to build a contender around Zion Williamson sooner than later. It therefore makes sense to grab a prospect who can contribute to winning, something Tyrese Maxey has shown himself capable of.
Maxey’s freshman campaign at Kentucky was underwhelming, but he still profiles as a reliable NBA two-guard. He has a sterling reputation in the locker room, is a hound on defense, and can function comfortably as a secondary creator. The Pelicans already have three high-profile guards garnering minutes, but Maxey slipping into the back end of the rotation as a high-energy glue guy is fully possible.
New Orleans has the framework of an elite defense, especially if Williamson can find his step on that end. Maxey would contribute to the cause. He’s not the biggest guard at 6-foot-3, but he suffocates the point of attack, fights hard over screens, and does his best to infuse energy into the D. He’s not hard to root for.
The Blazers have developed a reputation for banking on undeveloped talent and untapped potential. Rarely does Portland select a prospect with the intention of handing that prospect heavy minutes in year one. Case and point: Anfernee Simons, who continues to work his voodoo in short spurts from the back of the bench.
So the pick here is Precious Achiuwa, a raw athletic specimen who gives Portland some long-term depth in the frontcourt. Jusuf Nurkic is a borderline star, and the combined efforts of Zach Collins and Hassan Whiteside are enough to buoy the Blazers’ frontcourt in the short term. In a few seasons time, however, it’s feasible for Achiuwa to inhabit a valuable archetype in the modern NBA.
At 6-foot-9, Achiuwa is shorter than the average NBA center. He makes up for it with strength and foot speed. He’s a versatile athlete who can defend in space and run the floor. He’s a Mack truck in transition, and while his skill set is still a work in progress, it’s not hard to see the potential on tape. Someone with Achiuwa’s upside is a decent bet to end the lottery.
The Wolves double down on defensive wings in the first round, a wise decision to complement the Towns-Russell core. Saddiq Bey is much bigger than Okoro — a bulky 6-foot-8 wing who can potentially slide up to the four in small-ball rotations. He’s not an elite athlete, but he understands how to use his frame on defense.
Bey can defend up and down the positional spectrum, and offensively, he was one of the best shooters in college basketball this season. He doesn’t have a ton of variety to his game — he’s mostly a spot-up shooter, but can attack closeouts and hit one or two-dribble pull-ups — but a rangy defend who can fill it up from deep typically has a spot in the league.
The Wolves, again, don’t need players who dominate the ball. Towns and Russell is enough offense for two teams. Okoro and Bey can step in, fill specific roles, and provide support on the margins. Bey happens to come from a premier college-to-NBA program in Villanova.
The Celtics could use depth in the backcourt. Cole Anthony is far and away the best prospect available, and someone who could provide instant offense off the bench for a contender. This is an absolute no-brainer for Boston.
Anthony was the top prospect on many boards before the season. He struggled with injuries and inconsistency as a freshman, and advanced age (in comparison to other freshmen) may scare away some teams. But at the end of the day, he’s a twitchy athlete who looks the part of this year’s most dynamic on-ball shot creator.
There’s no one with more star potential this late in the draft. Boston has a lot invested in the point guard position, but Anthony is one heck of a backup — and someone who could learn a lot by spending a few seasons behind Walker before stepping into the spotlight. The Celtics getting tremendous value in the middle of the first round is nothing new.
The Magic have been pleasantly surprised by a Markelle Fultz resurgence this season, but there are still lingering questions about Fultz’s future. He still doesn’t space the floor, and his relaxed demeanor sometimes bleeds too egregiously into his on-court performance.
On the whole, I’m a fan of Fultz. But Orlando may look for insurance in the backcourt. Plus the Magic simply need to balance out the roster. They have invested countless resources in building up the frontcourt. R.J. Hampton can help even things out, providing Orlando with a twitchy shot-maker off the bench.
Some are hesitant to label Hampton a pure point guard, but he’s a slippery ball-handler who has lead guard upside. In Orlando, the luxury of playing next to other creators in the Fultz/Evan Fournier vein could help him. Injuries cut an underwhelming season short for Hampton, but he was playing against pros, which is challenging for any 18-year-old. The raw talent is there.
This is the most Dallas Mavericks pick possible, and you know what — I freakin’ love it. Aleksej Pokusevski is a lottery talent in this humble writer’s opinion, and his skill package as a 7-footer is only made more enticing by Dallas’ current investment in Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic.
Pokusevski is a home-run swing I fully endorse for Dallas. He’s one of the smoothest shooters on the board, with the length to shoot over most defenders and the speed to run sets normally reserved for wings. He moves and relocates effectively without the ball, and on the ball, he’s comfortable attacking closeouts and finishing with touch at the rim.
On top of his scoring, Pokusevski has high upside as a passer. He can handle the rock and pass on the move, and given his size, it’s not hard for him to peer over defenders to make advanced reads. There is on-tape evidence of Pokusevski handling in the pick-and-roll, and if he ever fills out his frame, there’s a lot to love about the stretchiness of a Pokusevski-Porzingis duo.
The Nets’ immediate future rests on the shoulders of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Whoever they select here is unlikely to carry a significant weight in year one, but on paper, Josh Green could settle into a 3-and-D role (with more emphasis on the D) for a Nets team that’s set to lose depth in free agency.
Green is arguably the best athlete in the draft. He’s bouncy, strong, and exceedingly versatile at 6-foot-7. He can capably defend three or four positions, and he has tremendous upside as an on-ball defender. Brooklyn doesn’t have much perimeter defense on the roster right now, and Green has the potential to undertake difficult assignments while Durant plays to his strengths as a roamer.
The offensive picture is less clear for Green, who will need to prove his consistency as a 3-point shooter in the NBA. He’s a smart, willing ball-mover and a generally aware player, but Green’s skill package needs development. The Nets, again, won’t need him to carry a big load right away.
The Bucks are the best team in basketball — a well-oiled machine devoid of glaring weaknesses. They should use this pick on the best player available. Theo Maledon would spend the first few seasons of his career behind Eric Bledsoe, but there are worse fates to suffer.
Maledon has made waves in Europe for his development under the tutelage of Tony Parker. He’s not Tony Parker — don’t let the haphazard comparisons fool you — but he does have a tantalizing mixture of physical tools and skills. His 6-foot-9 wingspan, combined with a money 3-point stroke and ample poise, should tempt Milwaukee.
At worst, Maledon is a competent, measured playmaker who can initiate the offense and space the floor next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. At best, his 6-foot-9 wingspan becomes another invaluable defensive tool in the Bucks’ stacked rotation, and he develops into a more dynamic finisher.
The Sixers have committed to Ben Simmons at power forward. While Shake Milton seems to have the starting point guard spot on lock (for now, at least), it would make sense for Philadelphia to invest in a more natural lead guard who can help run the offense, either behind Simmons or alongside him.
Many pegged Nico Mannion as a top-10 prospect before the season. He underwhelmed as a freshman at Arizona, but Mannion is one of the smartest playmakers on the board. Unselfish and quick-witted, he doesn’t let the ball stick. Philadelphia needs more players who can pass on the move to loosen up the offense. Mannion is also a good enough shooter to spend time off-ball as necessary.
Concerns for Mannion are rooted in his lackluster athletic profile. He struggles to turn the corner and get dribble penetration, which is a severe limitation at point guard. Still, the Sixers have a few elite screen-setters and a nifty transition attack to integrate Mannion into. His intelligence and skill is hard to pass up in the 20s.
The Heat are built on character and culture. By all indications, Kira Lewis is a tremendous person and teammate. He’s also one of the most criminally underrated prospects on the board, and someone who can give Miami and immediate facelift at point guard.
Goran Dragic continues to age and Kendrick Nunn, albeit a Rookie of the Year finalist, is severely overrated and potentially unreliable. Lewis is one of the most well-rounded guards in this draft — a creative passer, an exhilarating athlete, and a capable three-level scorer.
Lewis is the fastest end-to-end player on the board. He can get out a run for a Heat team designed to thrive in transition. Miami has tons of shooters on the roster, as well as multiple quality playmakers to take pressure off Lewis’ shoulders. Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro — all solid creators. It’s a fluid and well-oiled machine. Lewis doesn’t have a ton of crippling weaknesses. He can straight-up play. This is a steal for Miami.
The Jazz two bucket-getters on the perimeter in Donovan Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson, but you can never have too much bucket-getting (this is debatable). Jahmi’us Ramsey isn’t the cleanest fit, but he’s arguably the most talented guard left on the board. After a surprising freshman campaign at Texas Tech, he looks every bit the part of a first-round pick.
Utah cannot invest long-term in Mike Conley or Jordan Clarkson. Ramsey is a gifted scorer who is already comfortable creating his offense. He has pull-up range out to the NBA 3-point line, and his ability to hit difficult shots — if relied on too heavily at times — bodes well for the future. If he can channel his shot selection and embrace more of a facilitation role, it’s not hard to envision him and Donovan Mitchell forming a productive backcourt tandem.
Ramsey doesn’t have the best defensive reputation, but he’s a bulky 6-foot-4 with good length and the ability to get better. He wasn’t on most draft radars before the season, so it’s clear he can improve drastically in a short time frame. He’s on the upswing.
The Nuggets have taken two consecutive home-run swings in the form of Michael Porter Jr. and Bol Bol — infinitely talented prospects draped in red flags. Jaden McDaniels is similar, even if his concerns are tethered more to on-court production than injuries or off-court persona, as they were for Porter and Bol. McDaniels is a hit or miss prospect, and the Nuggets can afford to swing for the fences once more.
It’s uncommon to find someone like McDaniels this late in the draft. He came into the season as a consensus top-10 prospect — a fluid 6-foot-10 wing who with buttery shot creation off the dribble. The Kevin Durant comparisons were always an unforgivable stretch, but even so, it’s difficult to find guys players who move as well as McDaniels does at his size.
Unfortunately for McDaniels, his freshman campaign was mostly a bust. He was inefficient, at times unengaged, and often invisible on the court. His commitment has been a question mark since high school. McDaniels will need to prove he can play hard enough consistently enough to make it in the NBA. For Denver, he’s another upside-laden prospect worth gambling on.
This is an OKC special. Robert Woodard is an explosive athlete on the wing who will need time to round into form at the next level. In recent years, the Thunder have dipped into the pool of athletic wing specimens to varying degrees of success. Luguentz Dort is a prime example of what OKC hopes to get out of a draft (even if he, himself, was undrafted). Woodard feels like a Thunder pick.
At 6-foot-7, Woodard is one of the most impressive vertical athletes on the board. He can defend multiple positions, his 3-point shot came a long way as a sophomore, and there’s considerable optimism about his upward trajectory. Woodard has a bankable work ethic.
On the other hand, he doesn’t create his own offense, and his 3-point success came on notably low volume. Woodard will need to prove he can contribute as a shooter before he can tap into his upside as a cutter. Even so, the defensive profile is appealing enough late in the first round.
The Celtics have been gifted with a strong Daniel Theis season, but the overall integrity of the frontcourt is still a concern. The Celtics lack size and should use one of three first-round picks to address their most immediate concern. Jalen Smith checks a lot of boxes for the Celtics.
While Smith has definite concerns on defense — a thin lower body and somewhat rigid athleticism are hurdles he will need to clear — he was one of the most productive two-way centers in college basketball this season. At 6-foot-10, he can shoot 3s, protect the rim, and do the little things in between. That carries a lot of value in the modern NBA.
With Theis best used situationally and Enes Kanter’s future in limbo, the Celtics could hand Smith playing time as soon as next season. He’s not a starter in the NBA — not as a rookie, at least — but addresses a clear area of need and could spend 15-20 minutes coming off the bench as a rookie.
The Knicks’ frontcourt* is a mess outside of Mitchell Robinson. It would make sense for New York to invest in someone who can split the workload at center, especially with Robinson’s foul-prone nature. Isaiah Stewart is the best center left on the board.
While it’s fair to doubt Stewart’s ability to hold up defensively, his physicality and work ethic are traits New York would be wise to bank on. Stewart gets up and down the floor, he’s a bucket in the paint, and he can aptly defend the rim. Even if he doesn’t move well in space, Stewart can do enough in drop coverage to carve out a role at the next level.
New York addresses two sizable needs with Ball and Stewart. For a Knicks team that has struggled to add quality talent via the draft, this is a solid haul. Both are prospects who can feasibly contribute significant minutes in year one — maybe even both as starters, depending on how New York handles Robinson’s unique developmental track.
(*franchise)
The Raptors are unafraid to think long-term on draft night. Leandro Bolmaro isn’t a year-one contributor — in fact, he’s a very likely draft-and-stash candidate — but he’s also one of the best prospects available, and someone who carries a great deal of potential in the grand scheme of things. Toronto gets tremendous value here.
At 6-foot-8, Bolmaro has serious upside as an on-ball playmaker. He needs to iron out his jumper — one of the biggest swing skills in the draft — but his slippery ball-handling and court vision are superb. He’s not the wittiest decision-maker yet, but the ability to read the floor and make advanced passes is there.
On defense, Bolmaro is a fairly underrated athlete. He moves his feet well and has the strength to handle bigger matchups. He can defend switches, position himself smartly inside, or poke his way into passing lanes. There’s a lot of upside for the Raptors to invest in. He’s an easy pick for a contender not in need of immediate assistance.
This is quite possibly the steal of this mock draft. I’ve moved Tyrell Terry into the top-10 on my personal board, and for whatever reason, the national consensus still lags behind. As a result, the Lakers get a flamethrower and a potential solution to their point guard woes.
Terry is the perfect complement to the Lakers’ current core. He can fly around screens and wreak havoc as an off-ball spacer, a la J.J. Redick, or he can run the pick-and-roll, initiate the halfcourt offense, and provide some relief in the non-LeBron minutes. There are valid concerns about Terry’s thin frame, but his skill package is too well suited to modern basketball.
L.A. has the defensive personnel to cover his backside, the offensive personnel to maximize his shooting, and the competitive disposition to get the most out of anyone who earns playing time. I’m a big believer in Terry, and it’s difficult to imagine a better spot for him than next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
If the Celtics keep all three picks, you can expect at least one to be a stash. That being the case, Abdoulaye N’Doye sneaks into the back end of the first round. This is a bit of a stretch, but there’s a lot to like about N’Doye. He’s a long, athletic 6-foot-7 guard with immense potential on defense.
The Celtics boosted the offense with Anthony, then addressed the frontcourt with Smith. N’Doye is a long-term play — another defensive savant to develop in the shadow of Marcus Smart. How N’Doye’s offensive game will translate and evolve at the next level is still murky, but his 7-foot-2 wingspan pops off the screen. It’s not difficult to peruse the tape and bask in the upside.
If he can develop into a bare-minimum shooter, N’Doye has the feel, aggressiveness, and athleticism to carve out a role in the NBA. He’s on the older side for a stash — he’s 22 years old — but the Celtics don’t need to keep him in Europe forever. This isn’t a bad pick.