2020 NBA Mock Draft: Version 3.0 one third through the season
26
Ashton Hagans Guard, Kentucky
13.7 Points, 4.3 Rebounds, 6.9 Assists, 1.8 Steals, 50% FG, 32% 3PT, 31 MPG
Pick Via Philadelphia 76ers From Los Angeles Clippers
If this year’s point guard class was not so stacked, Ashton Hagans would likely be a top-20 selection. Thus, the Brooklyn Nets are getting a great value out of Philadelphia’s 26th overall selection. Hagans is one of college basketball’s top defenders who has made strides in his offensive game this season both as a distributor and scorer.
His three point shooting will need to improve at the NBA level, but he is reluctant to pull deep shots anyway, as he knows his role.
Adding a backcourt partner for Spencer Dinwiddie off of the bench is a wise move for Brooklyn, as Hagans’ defense and distribution skills compliment Dinwiddie greatly. With Hagans on the floor with him, Dinwiddie can focus his efforts on putting the ball in the bucket rather than serving as the catalyst for the reserve group. In addition, Hagans will serve well for the Nets in defensive situations.
Draft Stock Trend: +8
27
Ayo Dosunmu Guard, Illinois
14.8 Points, 3.1 Rebounds, 3.4 Assists, 1.1 Steals, 47% FG, 31% 3PT, 32 MPG
Ayo Dosunmu is yet another point guard who has been lost in the shuffle of ball-dominant players. He has great size and speed at the lead guard spot and is a solid perimeter defender as well who has improved his passing in his time at Illinois. His three point shot is not where he had hoped it would be this year, as this is is biggest weakness in his game.
Adding a point guard to play off of the bench with Lou Williams is something Los Angeles would like to do, as Williams would be better off focusing on scoring at his natural shooting guard position. Dosunmu also serves as an upside play, as the former five star guard flashes the ability to be a solid two-way guard at the professional level.
Draft Stock Trend: -12
28
Jalen Smith Forward, Maryland
13.5 Points, 10.2 Rebounds, 1.1 Assists, 1.0 Steals, 2.5 Blocks, 49% FG, 29% 3PT, 28 MPG
The Miami Heat have a boatload of power forwards on the roster, but none are worthy of being the starter on a team that is trying to contend for a championship. Jalen Smith may not be worth of this either, but it is worth giving him a shot with the 28th overall pick. With Miami’s recent luck with rookies, they will probably nail this pick anyway.
Smith is a very good defender who has made some strides on offense in his sophomore season. His rebounding ability is also enticing, as Miami could use him in late game rebounding and defensive situations. Of the massive number of these forwards on the Miami roster, none are as good of defenders or rebounders as Smith projects to be. He is also a solid value at 28th overall.
Draft Stock Trend: -6
29
Scottie Lewis Guard, Florida
7.9 Points, 4.0 Rebounds, 1.3 Steals, 1.6 Blocks, 38% FG, 24% 3PT, 29 MPG
Scottie Lewis was one of the top prospects in the high school class of 2019. Heading into his freshman season at Florida, Lewis projected to be one of the nation’s top wing defenders and, barring offensive growth, could be a lottery pick in the NBA Draft. However, Lewis has been unable to produce offensively which has undoubtedly hurt his draft stock.
Lewis still has some value in this draft as a defensive specialist, especially on a contending roster such as Los Angeles. Offensively, he is still very much a project, but on the defensive end he can come in right now and play at a high level. Lewis also serves as a big swing in the draft for the Lakers, as they will have a scarcity of draft picks for some time thanks to the Anthony Davis deal, so going after a high ceiling talent like Lewis is a wise move.
Draft Stock Trend: -9
30
Aaron Nesmith Forward, Vanderbilt
22.3 Points, 4.9 Rebounds, 1.2 Steals, 1.0 Blocks, 51% FG, 49% 3PT, 34 MPG
Pick Via Milwaukee Bucks From Phoenix Suns
Just as Boston went with a shooter with their second of three first round picks, they will select another with the final selection of the first round. Aaron Nesmith is extremely hot right now, shooting a blistering 49 percent from range on 8.4 attempts per contest.
He will not wow you with his athleticism, but his stroke is simply magnificent. His defense has been decent to this point, but aside from his shooting he is not a well-rounded player.
The Celtics would come away with a very solid draft in this scenario by adding one of the top bigs in the draft and two knockdown shooters. By adding more spacing and a defensive anchor to round out the frontcourt, Boston can increase their chances of competing with the teams at the top of the Eastern Conference.