2020 NBA Mock Draft: 4.0 halfway through the NBA season
39
A.J. Lawson Guard, South Carolina
14.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.1 blocks, 40% fg, 33% 3pt, 28 mpg
Pick Via Charlotte Hornets
A.J. Lawson had hopes of being drafted after his freshman year at South Carolina and put his name in for the 2019 Draft. After realizing that he would get late-second round consideration at best, he wisely withdrew his name from consideration and returned for a second stint as a Gamecock.
With very high expectations for Lawson in year two, he has not taken the step many expected him to. His efficiency has not been good at all and his passing has been lackluster for a lead guard, but the talent is there nonetheless.
With so many failed point guard experiments going on in New York, adding a new face in Lawson to the mix may be a wise idea. In addition, the rebuilding Knicks should draft the best player available in nearly every situation. Lawson’s upside is clear in his athleticism and ball handling, but until he learns how to score efficiently he will be a fringe draft pick.
Draft Stock Trend: -2
40
Joel Ayayi Guard, Gonzaga
10.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.3 blocks, 49% fg, 35% 3pt, 28 mpg
Once again, the Sacramento Kings go against the mold and draft a safer player in the second round rather than a risky one. Joel Ayayi has been a solid facilitator for Gonzaga in his time there, doing a bit of everything for the Bulldogs. His do-it-all style of play will once again catch the eye of Sacramento, who is in desperate need of role players to surround their young pieces.
At 6-foot-5, Ayayi has good size at the point guard spot that lead scouts to believe that he has a lot more potential on the defensive end of the floor than he has shown to this point in his career. His athleticism is also a plus for the Kings, as the team looks to get back to their fast-paced offensive identity. Backup point guard has bee a glaring need for Sacramento this season, and Ayayi may just be the answer.
Draft Stock Trend: n/a
41
Devon Dotson Guard, Kansas
18.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.3 steals, 0.0 blocks, 46% fg, 31% 3pt, 35 mpg
Devin Dotson is having a phenomenal sophomore season at Kansas this season. His scoring has always been a major plus in his game, along with the ability to pick ball handlers’ pockets. His size at just 6-foot-2 is a bit concerning, but players like Trae Young have found success at the NBA level. However, what players such as Young have over Dotson is a three point shot.
Dotson has struggled from three for the entirety of his career, and it is unclear if he will ever develop that range.His scoring instinct, however, is elite. He can get to the basket with ease, largely in thanks to his blazing speed and tight ball handling.
Despite the fact that the Wolves took a point guard in the first round of the draft, the positional need is so great for the franchise that taking two of them seems like the wise thing to do. In addition, Dotson could be a very nice top scorer off of the bench in Minnesota, who is in dire need of depth to get back into the mix out West.
Draft Stock Trend: n/a
42
Markus Howard Guard, Marquette
26.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.1 blocks, 42% fg, 44% 3pt, 31 mpg
Every year, there is a player who shoots up draft boards after the NCAA tournament when people find out about the crazy numbers that individual posts on a team with virtually no help. Last season, it was Carsen Edwards of Purdue, and this year, it will likely be Marquette’s Markus Howard. Somehow, Markus Howard has managed to play four seasons at Marquette, yet he is only 20 years of age.
Portland is far too good to have this poor of a record, as a horrid start to the season put them way back in the standings. Because of their unique situation, taking an offensive spark plug like Howard who can help them win now makes a lot of sense.
Although undersized, Howard can absolutely shoot the lights out, which is always a commodity in the NBA. Perhaps Howard will be used more in Portland than his counterpart, Edwards, is in Boston as well.