2020 NBA Mock Draft Version 2.0: How things changed 20 games in
Guard. LaMelo Ball. player. Scouting Report. Australia. 5. 211. Pick Analysis
The hype around the youngest Ball brother is still very well alive, as many feel very confidently that Ball will be the first pick in this year’s draft. Although LaMelo Ball has infiltrated social media with numerous highlight-reel plays and confident interviews, he still has a lot to work on. Defensively, LaMelo is a legitimate liability, while he also shows little discipline when selecting shots.
To defend Ball, however, he has improved his efficiency in the three weeks that have passed since my last mock draft. He is currently averaging 16.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game on 38 percent shooting from the field. His low three point percentage is also a surprise at under 30 percent, but this is unlikely to be a permanent problem for Ball.
A backcourt pairing of Ball and Ja Morant could be extremely enticing for the Memphis Grizzlies, as the two would provide an athletic duo that can shoot and dribble well. To be frank, I am not a fan of Ball’s whatsoever and do not think he is a top-two lead guard in this draft. However, with the hype around him, there is no way he doesn’t go very high.
Draft Stock Trend: +/- 0
Scouting Report. Isaiah Stewart. 6. player. 29. Pick Analysis. Center. Washington
Isaiah Stewart has played pretty much exactly as he projected out of high school in the early stages of his NCAA career. Currently averaging 17.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks on 58 percent shooting from the field, the big man is an elite rebounder and paint protector who is able to play above the rim. In addition to his solid numbers, NBA rosters will be intrigued by the fact that he has been able to post these alongside a fellow likely lottery selection in Jaden McDaniels.
Stewart’s old-school style of play may be a turnoff to many NBA teams, but the Spurs are not likely one of them, as LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan are considered NBA dinosaurs given their “outdated” style of play. Given his potential and Pop’s history with back-to-the-basket bigs, Stewart could be on the fast track to a successful career in San Antonio.