2020 NBA Mock Draft: 4.0 halfway through the NBA season
18
Precious Achiuwa Forward, Memphis
15.6 Points, 10.2 Rebounds, 0.9 Assists, 1.1 Steals, 2.0 Blocks, 53% FG, 43% 3PT, 28 MPG
Precious has managed to get his numbers back up to where they need to be since the last mock draft, and if he continues to do so he will find his way back into the lottery. Achiuwa’s freak athleticism, rebounding, and defensive instincts are what make him a valuable prospect.
His offensive game is his biggest question mark, particularly his jumper. He has been able to score at a decent volume on a great percentage from the field, but he still seems unwilling to try shooting threes. Even if they are not going in, NBA scouts want to see a willingness to take those difficult shots when he is open.
For Oklahoma City, snagging Achiuwa at 18 is a phenomenal value, as he has been thought of as a top-ten talent before the season. Considering the amount of draft capital that OKC possesses, the name of the game in this draft should be swinging for the fences and hoping that they land their next franchise player. Achiuwa has the talent to be a Kawhi Leonard-type player, but his jump shot must improve before he can get anywhere close to that level.
Draft Stock Trend: -6
19
Tyrese Maxey Guard, Kentucky
13.9 Points, 4.3 Rebounds, 1.3 Assists, 0.7 Steals, 0.4 Blocks, 42% Fg, 28% 3pt, 34 MPG
One of the more disappointing players this year, Tyrese Maxey has struggled mightily to shoot the basketball, which is very odd for a player who came in to college known as a knockdown shooter.
One has to believe that Maxey is simply in a slump, considering how good his stroke looks mechanically and how it has worked in the past. However, his lack of offensive efficiency has certainly hurt his draft stock.
Dallas could capitalize on Maxey’s lackluster play to this point and buy low on him at 19th overall. Maxey was another player who was considered a lottery-level talent before the start of the college basketball season almost solely for his shooting ability.
Perhaps the elite vision and playmaking of Luka Doncic can get Maxey back to his former self. His floor spacing could prove massive for Dallas at the two-guard spot.
Draft Stock Trend: -3
20
Jahmi'us Ramsey Guard, Texas Tech
16.8 Points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.7 blocks, 47% Fg, 47% 3pt, 30 mpg
Pick Via Indiana Pacers
Two things that the Milwaukee Bucks lack are three point shooting and depth at the shooting guard spot. Fortunately for them, the Milwaukee is able to snag Jahmiu’us Ramsey with their pick from the Malcolm Brogdon trade.
Ramsey came out of the gates on fire from range, as evident in his percentage from range. At 6-foot-4, Ramsey is a bit undersized at the two but makes up for this with above-average athleticism and shooting touch. Ramsey’s defensive skills will also prove valuable to Milwaukee down the stretch.
As Wesley Matthews continues to age and approach retirement, the Bucks could utilize Ramsey just as they did Matthews. The two have very similar skillsets and perhaps the Texas Tech product could learn from the long-time NBA veteran. Ramsey has the skills to be a very solid two way player and floor spacer at the next level, and Milwaukee is a great place to get started.