2020 NBA Mock Draft: 4.0 halfway through the NBA season
21
Josh Green Guard, Arizona
12.9 Points, 5.1 Rebounds, 2.3 Assists, 1.6 Steals, 0.4 Blocks, 44% FG, 33% 3pt, 31 mpg
Pick Via Philadelphia 76ers
After a very rocky start to the season, Arizona’s Josh Green has gotten his efficiency back up to where it needs to be. Green’s major selling point for NBA executives is his defensive skill set. He disrupts passing lanes and picks ball handlers pockets with ease, largely in part to his 6-foot-6 inch frame.
His shooting touch has always been in question, but he has done a solid job so far in Tucson. If he is able to maintain these numbers, he could find himself getting drafted in the teens.
Brooklyn already has their superstar players in Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, so adding rotational and support players for these two is key. Green’s defensive abilities are the main attraction here, but he also has a lot of upside. If the former five-star recruit is able to find a consistent jumper, he could without a doubt be a very solid player in this league.
Draft Stock Trend: -1
22
Isaiah Joe Guard, Arkansas
18.2 Points, 4.5 Rebounds, 2.1 Assists, 1.7 Steals, 0.4 blocks, 39% fg, 36% 3pt, 37 mpg
Sticking with the trend of selecting knockdown shooters in the late teens and early twenties, the Toronto Raptors snag Isaiah Joe with their first round pick. Joe is a very good shooter who is used at a fairly high rate at Arkansas.
The shift to the NBA will be a lot different than his time in Fayetteville, as he will more than likely be used as an off-ball player. His defense is also quite solid, giving him some three-and-d value for the Raptors.
Toronto can utilize Joe off of the bench in order to add to their arsenal of shooters. If Fred VanVleet ends up leaving Canada after his contract expires, Toronto could look to Joe for an eventual starting role. For now, however, Joe will strictly be used for his floor spacing and his defensive upside.
Draft Stock Trend: +10
23
Matthew Hurt Forward, Duke
11.2 Points, 3.9 Rebounds, 1.0 Assists, 0.6 steals, 0.8 blocks, 49% FG, 40% 3pt, 22 mpg
Duke’s Matt Hurt has been quite quiet this season in Durham, as the five-star recruit has not exactly stuffed the stat sheet. However, Hurt will likely be a first rounder because he is a commodity in the modern NBA: a stretch forward.
Hurt has been efficient in his freshman season, but just hasn’t seen the minutes and touches that he would want to. His value in the NBA will be almost exclusively in his shooting, as he lacks elite athleticism.
Los Angeles may already be the deepest team in basketball, and adding an off-ball floor spacer in Hurt to work with Lou Williams is just cherry on the cake. The Clippers need to make the most of this year’s draft, as the team has very limited first round picks going forward, thanks to the Paul George deal. Adding shooting and a solid potential guy helps give the Clippers an effective tool for the future and for a championship run now.