2020 NBA Mock Draft: Version 3.0 one third through the season
21
Tre Jones Guard, Duke
15.6 Points, 3.8 Rebounds, 7.1 Assists, 2.1 Steals, 42% FG, 33% 3PT, 35 MPG
Pick Via Indiana Pacers
The Milwaukee Bucks are one of basketball’s deepest squads, but adding a point guard to replace the aging George Hill is likely in the cards for the Bucks. Tre Jones is a very skilled defender and passer, which would serve Milwaukee very well off of the bench behind Eric Beldsoe.
Jones has been a workhorse for Coach K and company in his sophomore season with very large minute totals. This combined with tournament experience and lots of meaningful games, the contending Bucks will likely be very drawn to Jones at 21.
Jones will need to improve his three point shooting at the professional level, as he has taken some strides but still is not where a smaller guard should be.
His ability to facilitate for greater players such as Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, Cam Reddish, and Vernon Carey Jr. will also be an attraction for the star-studded Bucks. Jones makes a lot of sense in Wisconsin and could help push the Bucks over the edge to win a title.
Draft Stock Trend: -4
22
Zeke Nnaji Center, Arizona
15.9 Points, 7.6 Rebounds, 1.0 Assists, 1.1 Blocks, 69% FG, 28 MPG
Zeke Nnaji was not a name many expected to hear in mock drafts this season, but his extremely efficient play has earned him a spot in the first round of this mock. Nnaji is an old-school center with a great arsenal of post moves that will likely translate to the NBA. There is not much modern aspect to his game, as the shooting touch is not there.
However, Nnaji has the ability to play in transition that may make up a bit for his lack of range. He will need to put on some weight at the professional level in order to be able to continue to operate out of the post, but this should not be too major of an issue.
Toronto seems to be a good fit for Nnaji in that they need a center to back up/replace the aging Marc Gasol.
He could serve as a solid scorer and rebounder off of the Toronto bench and eventually make the jump to the starting position when Gasol departs or retires. Nnaji is not a high ceiling player, but adding another role player may be the best way to go for the competing Raptors.
Draft Stock Trend: n/a
23
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl Forward, Villanova
12.1 Points, 9.7 Rebounds, 2.0 Assists, 1.2 Steals, 0.7 Blocks, 48% FG, 35% 3PT
Pick Via Denver Nuggets
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is a great value for Oklahoma City at 23, as many believe that he is a lottery talent. The name of the game here for OKC is still to go after the best player available, as they can afford to do so with no championship window in sight and a plethora of future picks to work with down the road.
Robinson-Earl is a solid all-around player who can space the floor and defend at a high level. Although his numbers do not scream volume scorer, his ability to do so is likely inhibited by the Villanova system that he is playing in.
Another added bonus with Robinson-Earl is his ability to distribute from the four spot, which is something that is very valuable in a frontcourt player. Playing alongside solid passers SGA, Chris Paul, and Theo Maledon would allow Robinson-Earl to thrive playing off of the ball as a modern, two-way four.