NBA Draft 2020: Big Board 4.0
A final update on the best prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft.
The 2020 NBA Draft is fast approaching. On Nov. 18, a new class of rookies will hear their names called by commissioner Adam Silver. The Philadelphia 76ers have five picks, including the 21st overall pick in the first round.
It has been a while since I last updated my big board, and this is the final iteration ahead of next week’s draft. For a breakdown of what teams should do, you can read our latest mock draft. If you want strict projections, you can read this mock draft.
You can expect a new mock draft — as well as a Sixers Draft Guide — between now and the 18th. Stay tuned!
Here are the 60 best prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft.
60. Kenyon Martin Jr., forward, IMG Academy
A freak athlete who skipped college for a prep year at IMG, Martin still has a long way to go before he contributes to winning in the NBA. That said, his physical tools and pedigree will surely garner interest in the second round.
59. Kaleb Wesson, big, Ohio State
A skilled offensive big who put up strong numbers at Ohio State, the concern for Wesson isn’t his ability to score. It’s not his ability to benefit teammates, either. It’s defense. How well he defends in space will determine if he sticks around or not.
58. Sam Merrill, guard, Utah State
24-year-olds naturally lack appeal on draft night, but Merrill has the size and skill set to contribute at the next level. He doesn’t have much in terms of upside, but a capable shooter and smart playmaker normally gets his shot in the NBA.
57. Markus Howard, guard, Marquette
One of college basketball’s most prolific scorers, Markus Howard was given free reign at Marquette. He’s 5-foot-11 and will probably never defend well, but late in the second round, a net-scorcher of Howard’s variety could be plenty valuable.
56. Mason Jones, wing, Arkansas
Jones led the SEC in scoring and did so rather efficiently. He isn’t a great athlete and will need to prove his jumper is consistent enough by NBA standards, but his penchant for points won’t go overlooked.
55. Nick Richards, big, Kentucky
A former five-star recruit who stumbled out of the gates at Kentucky, it took Richards a few seasons to establish himself on the NBA radar. Now he has, and as a rangy 7-footer with hops, it’s easy to see a team taking a flyer on him in the second round.
54. Jordan Nwora, wing, Louisville
Thought limited all-around, Nwora is a knockdown shooter at 6-foot-7. Wings who can hit 3s at a high enough volume typically have a chance at the next level.
53. Grant Riller, guard, Charleston
A diminutive 23-year-old, Riller spent four productive years at Charleston. His lack of experience against high-level competition is a concern, but he scored with a volume and efficiency rivaled by very few in college basketball. He has spark-plug potential.
52. Udoka Azubuike, big, Kansas
A hulking center — standing seven feet tall with a 7-foot-7 wingspan — Azubuike’s appeal lies in plain sight. His physical tools, efficiency, and rim protection will get him looks in the second round, even if his future in the ever-evolving NBA is dubious at best.
51. Daniel Oturu, big, Minnesota
Another outdated archetype, Oturu is a powerful, wide-framed center whose two-way numbers at Minnesota are hard to ignore. If he can grow as a decision-maker and survive the nuances of modern NBA defense, he could have a role.