Cassius Stanley has been a very pleasant surprise for the Duke Blue Devils and NBA fans alike. Although a high-profile recruit out of high school, the 6-foot-6 shooting guard was thought of as an unlikely one-and-done candidate. However, impressive averages of 14.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks have made Stanley a very hot candidate to shoot up draft boards in the coming months leading up to the draft.
Houston is a natural fit for Stanley due to the fact that they lack any significant pieces at the small forward position. In addition, Stanley would provide a solid defensive presence for Houston that they so desperately need. On the other hand, Stanley would need to improve his three point shooting in order to fit in Mike D’Antoni’s system.
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The Miami Heat continue to roll through the Eastern Conference to the surprise of many, which drastically changes the way they will draft come the Spring. Keeping this in mind, the best fit in the 24th slot would have to be Trendon Watford of LSU. Watford was a five-star recruit in the high school class of 2019 who would serve as a filler at a positional need for the Heat.
In his freshman season in Baton Rouge, Watford is averaging 12.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 46.6 percent shooting from the field and 35.7 percent from range. His defense is not exactly where it needs to be, however, this should be easily masked in a Miami defense anchored by Jimmy Butler. Adding another stretch 4 to the lineup is crucial for any squad competing for a championship, and Miami is no exception.
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The backcourt partner of projected lottery pick Nico Mannion, Josh Green has been a bit underwhelming in his short time at Arizona. An exceptional mid-range shooter, Green could provide a nice compliment to Lou Williams on the Los Angeles bench. Green’s defensive ability also matches the Clipper’s identity and could further compliment the offensive-minded Williams.
This season, Green is averaging 11.8 points, 4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 steals with a .4 field goal percentage and a .25 three point percentage. His scoring efficiency from both the field as a whole and from range must improve, however, he will still end up being taken in the first round due to his defensive ability.
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Isaiah Joe was a completely under the radar prospect in high school who has put together a solid two seasons at Arkansas. A pure sharpshooter, Joe is able to knock down shots seemingly at will. A team such as a Toronto that is competing for an NBA title could certainly use as much shooting as they can get. Coupled with a positional need at the two, Joe seems like an ideal fit for the Raptors.
In his sophomore season at Arkansas, Joe has tallied averages of 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.2 steals on shooting splits 38% from the field and 36 percent from three. Efficiency is certainly something that the Razorback should look to improve on. However, his shooting splits can be a bit deceiving considering that he is putting up over 9 three point attempts per game.
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Killian Tillie of Gonzaga is a very interesting prospect in the 2020 NBA Class. In only 23 minutes of action per game, Tillie is averaging 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.5 steals on 53 percent shooting from the field and 67 percent from three. Although receiving limited minutes so far this season, Tillie has played extremely well and efficiently.
Boston could greatly benefit from a player such as Tillie due to the fact that Danny Ainge has always prided himself on creating a roster that is deep at all positions. With a scarcity of players at the four, adding an efficient all-around player to the mix. In addition, Boston could benefit from the size Tille provides at 6-foot-10.