35
Trendon Watford Forward, Louisiana State
13.1 Points, 5.8 Rebounds, 1.3 Assists, 0.7 Steals, 51% FG, 39% 3PT, 29 MPG
Pick Via Cleveland From Los Angeles Clippers
Trendon Watford is perhaps too good to fall into the second round. The former five-star recruit is having a solid season at LSU, but not exactly what was expected from him. Out of high school, Watford was one of the purest scorers in the nation. Although he is scoring at very efficient marks this season, the 6-foot-9 power forward has not done so at the volume that many expected.
The good news for Watford is that there are much worse problems to have. He is still playing efficient basketball, but he simply needs to be more assertive with his touches. If he is able to do so, he will more than likely get back into the first round. Charlotte would be extremely lucky to get him in the second round, as the rebuilding hornets could use as much talent as they can get.
Draft Stock Trend: -11
36
Jahmi'us Ramsey Guard, Texas Tech
17.3 Points, 5.8 Rebounds, 1.3 Assists, 1.5 Steals, 0.7 Blocks, 49% FG, 46% 3PT, 28 MPG
Pick Via Washington Wizards From Milwaukee Bucks
Jahmi’us Ramsey has only played six basketball games this season, but if he continues to play the way he is now, he will find his way into the first round without a doubt. Ramsey is a very solid two-way guard who has show his ability to get buckets in every way.
Defensively, Ramsey has also been very good. His three point shooting is the most intriguing part of his game right now, as he is shooting a smoldering 46 percent from range on close to 5 attempts per game.
If Ramsey keeps up this pace, he could be the next hot riser in this 2020 class, especially considering how few two guards there are in this group. Here, however, the New Orleans Pelicans will snag him in the second round and use him as a fantastic bench piece to add yet another piece to their young core.
Draft Stock Trend: n/a
37
A.J. Lawson Guard, South Carolina
16.3 Points, 3.3 Rebounds, 2.7 Assists, 1.4 Steals, 45% FG, 36% 3PT, 28 MPG
Pick Via Memphis Grizzlies From Chicago Bulls
A.J. Lawson is another guard who may be a bit too talented to be a second rounder, but with the amount of point guards in this draft he is the one whose stock has plummeted. Lawson possesses great athleticism and size, making him a nice finisher and solid perimeter defender. Lawson has put up very nice numbers this season at South Carolina, improving on his solid freshman season a year ago.
Washington could use a player like Lawson to hold things down until the return of John Wall, and eventually move him to the bench as a key scorer with the reserves. He would be a nice fit with Bradley Beal for the time being in that Beal excels at distributing the basketball while Lawson is more of a score-fist point.
Draft Stock Trend: -6
38
Devin Vassell Guard, Florida State
12.4 Points, 4.8 Rebounds, 0.9 Assists, 1.5 Steals, 0.9 Blocks, 52% FG, 45% 3PT, 27 MPG
With the final pick in this mock, the Chicago Bulls select Florida State’s Devin Vassell. Vassell possesses the size to play both wing positions, which is a major point of attraction for the Bulls, as they could use help at both the two and three.
Vassell is a very stout defender largely thanks to his great athleticism and length. Vassell can also shoot the lights out off of the catch, a his range is certainly NBA-worthy. He is the ideal off-ball, 3-and-D player for modern basketball.
Chandler Hutchison has been a major letdown for Chicago this season. Between injuries and lackluster play, the Bulls could be looking for more options at the three come this summer. Vassell’s shooting and defense could be ideal for a greatly improving bench group.