2020 NBA Mock Draft: 4.0 halfway through the NBA season
24
Paul Reed Forward, DePaul
15.4 Points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.8 steals, 3.1 blocks, 54% fg, 27% 3pt, 32 mpg
The Houston Rockets get a lot of criticism for whatever reason, but have had a very nice season this point. There starting lineup is one of the better ones in basketball, but James Harden and company could use some help with the bench.
Paul Reed is one of the most NBA-ready players in this draft class. He does not fit the typical Houston Rockets mold, as the DePaul junior is not a prolific shooter. However, he does bring a defensive presence to H-Town that could prove vital for a team that has been known to suffer from defensive troubles.
Reed is also a very good rebounder and inside scorer, which is something that Houston tends to have issues with when Clint Capela is not on the floor.
Adding a player that does the things that a team is generally weak in is always a good idea, even if that individual doesn’t necessarily have great potential. Reed more than likely won’t be anything more than a role player in his career, but he has the potential to be a solid one.
Draft Stock Trend: +9
25
Jordan Nwora Forward, Louisville
20.8 Points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.2 blocks, 49% fg, 44% 3pt, 33 mpg
Power forward is a major need for the Utah Jazz, who otherwise have a very complete starting lineup. Being able to slide Bojan Bogdanovic back to his natural small forward position would allow him to better utilize his skill set.
By taking Jordan Nwora of Louisville, the Jazz would acquire a power forward who is ready to play day one. In fact, he could even find himself in the starting lineup in his rookie season, barring any free agent or trade acquisitions.
Nwora is a very gifted offensive player, though he struggles on the defensive end. This should not be an issue, however, as the Jazz are one of the league’s top defensive units and could certainly mask Nwora’s defensive woes. As an upperclassman on one of the nation’s top teams, his leadership and poise will be very valuable at the NBA level.
Draft Stock Trend: -6
26
Ashton Hagans Guard, Kentucky
13.1 Points, 4.2 Rebounds, 7.3 assists, 2.2 steals, 0.2 blocks, 44% fg, 31% 3pt
After the emergence of Chicago native Kendrick Nunn in Miami, the Heat have found Goran Dragic to be expendable. Given that he is still a solid player, another team will likely offer him a more lucrative deal.
In the event that Dragic is no longer a member of the Miami Heat, there will need to be a player in position to back up Kendrick Nunn. Luckily for Pat Riley, there are an unbelievable amount of lead guards in the 2020 pool.
Ashton Hagans has had a very quiet, but great season at Kentucky. He has always been a stout defender, but has had issues on the offensive end, and in particular his shooting touch. After a sophomore season with Coach K, his offensive efficiency has picked up greatly.
However, his passing and defense are what will have teams interested in him, rather than his ability to put the ball in the bucket.