2020 NBA Mock Draft: Version 3.0 one third through the season
31
Kahlil Whitney Forward, Kentucky
5.3 Points, 2.7 Rebounds, 41% FG, 33% 3PT, 18 MPG
Pick Via Golden State Warriors
Kahlil Whitney, a Chicago product, was a very highly-sought after high school prospect in the class of 2019. He committed to the University of Kentucky to play alongside fellow five-star Tyrese Maxey, but has been a massive disappointment to this point.
Whitney is more than athletic enough to play in the NBA, but his basketball skills are not where they need to be. Even his defense, which was thought to be his strongest point in high school, has been nothing to write home about so far.
In taking Whitney with the first pick in the second round, the Dallas Mavericks are swinging for the fences and hoping that he can play like a five-star should. If the gamble pays off, the Mavericks could end up with a nice two-way player to put on the wing. A very possible scenario, however, is that Whitney stays a second year in Lexington in order to get more play time and his numbers up.
Draft Stock Trend: -10
32
Isaiah Joe Guard, Arkansas
16.4 Points, 4.4 Rebounds, 2.6 Assists, 1.8 Steals, 38% FG, 35% 3PT, 37 MPG
Pick Via New York Knicks
The Philadelphia 76ers do not have a first round pick in this year’s draft, but own the rights to the New York Knicks second round selection. With this, the Sixers will address floor spacing off of the bench with Isaiah Joe of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Joe is a prolific shooter and solid defender on the perimeter. His 6ft 5 inch frame combined with his skillset makes him the ideal 3-and-D player in the NBA.
Joe’s field goal percentage is a bit deceiving, as nearly all of his attempts are from range. He can be a bit streaky at times, but his ability to knock down shots is undeniable. He will be a very nice bench addition that can help Philadelphia get back to where they want to be with regard to the reserve unit which is so crucial to winning a title.
Draft Stock Trend: -6
33
Paul Reed Forward, DePaul
15.5 Points, 10.9 Rebounds, 2.0 Assists, 1.9 Steals, 3.4 Blocks, 55% FG, 32% 3PT, 32 MPG
The New Orleans Pelicans have an exciting young player at just about every position. With the addition of LaMelo Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. With the last position to be addressed the power forward spot, it is only logical to try to address this.
LaMelo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson will be the three main scoring options long-term, so surrounding these young players with a strong supporting cast will be vital.
Paul Reed is a junior forward from a smaller program in DePaul, but he has been able to put up very good numbers and a great win total in his third season. Reed excels on the defensive end, as he can do virtually anything defensively.
His rebounding is also phenomenal for his size. Offensively, he has put up very good numbers, but this scoring may not transfer quite as well as his defense will. Reed will serve as a solid support player for New Orleans’ young core.
Draft Stock Trend: n/a
34
Landers Nolley II Forward, Virginia Tech
18.5 Points, 5.8 Rebounds, 2.5 Assists, 1.0 Steals, 46% FG, 46% 3PT, 31 MPG
Pick Via Atlanta Hawks
Even more so than the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia is in dire need of shooting off of the bench. After taking Isaiah Joe with their first selection in the second round, they will now address shooting at the forward position. Landers Noley is a 6-foot-7 inch small forward who can absolutely shoot the lights out. Offensively, Nolley is a very gifted player, as he can shoot more than just the triple.
Defensively, the the freshman is not too phenomenal, which is something he will need to work on at the pro level. Perhaps playing off the bench alongside Matisse Thybulle would help mask his liabilities on that end. Nonetheless, the Sixers need shooting and get just that in Nolley.