2020 NBA Mock Draft: 4.0 halfway through the NBA season
3
Anthony Edwards Guard, Georgia
18.7 Points, 4.8 Rebounds, 3.1 Assists, 1.4 Steals, 0.5 Blocks, 41% FG, 31% 3PT, 30 MPG
If somehow Anthony Edwards were to fall to third overall, the New York Knicks would have to be over the moon. Edwards has made a real case for himself to be the first overall pick in this draft, as his athleticism and frame are absolutely staggering.
The Atlanta native projects to be an elite two-way player in the NBA. He has shown in his time at Georgia that he can be a volume scorer, but he will need to do so more consistently when he gets to the NBA. However, this is unlikely to be an issue for him.
New York would be adding the second cornerstone of their franchise by taking Edwards here, as he and R.J. Barrett‘s future together is likely to be an extremely bright one. The Knicks have done a lot to set themselves back over the past few years, but drafting Edwards could change this.
The Knicks would have two potential franchise players in Barrett and Edwards, and finding two players like these is the hardest part about a rebuild. The Knicks would now be able to build around these two and get back into the mix in a few years in the Eastern Conference.
Draft Stock Trend: -1
4
Deni Avdija Forward, Israel
3.1 Points, 2.4 Rebounds, 1.2 Assists, 0.3 Steals, 0.4 Blocks, 46% FG, 28% 3PT, 12 MPG
Much like Golden State, the Cleveland Cavaliers cannot take a guard in the first round of this year’s draft. The team took Collin Sexton two years ago with the 8th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and felt that Darius Garland was too good to pass on at fifth overall in 2019.
Already having two lead guards on their roster, taking another guard is simply out of the question for the Cavs. Trading back in a situation like this may be the best call for Cleveland, but if they retain this selection, Deni Avdija is a solid solution.
Avdija is a forward who can do a bit of everything for a team. One of his most intriguing skillsets is his ball handling and ability to play point forward, which Cleveland may find enticing considering their apparent affinity for ball handlers.
Avdija needs to improve his three point shot, but this is not of grave concern in that his mid-range game is quite solid. His offensive potential combined with a 6-foot-9 frame could be lethal in the NBA. His stats may not show it playing in the second most competitive league on Earth, but Avdija projects to be a top project piece in this draft.