2020 NBA Mock Draft Version 5.0: Post trade deadline
The deadline had major implications on this year’s draft, meaning that it is time to revisit how it could shake up the 2020 NBA Mock Draft.
With both big and small names on the move Thursday, the NBA certainly looks a little bit different than it did the day before. Some contenders, such as Philadelphia, decided to bolster their roster for a playoff run, while other championship-hopeful teams sat pat at 2:00 PM CT. The Chicago Bulls were one of those teams that didn’t do anything.
On the contrary, some rebuilding squads added some talent to help them win now, such as Atlanta, while teams like the Knicks added pieces for the future. Big names in trades this week include D’Angelo Russell and Andre Drummond, who were both moved in rather unsurprising deals. Moving a star-caliber player is a franchise-changing decision, and all four of these involved teams will have to address some new needs in the 2020 NBA Draft.
As for the Bulls, Gar Forman and John Paxson decided to stay put, which was an interesting decision to say the least, especially considering the fact that the Bulls are still in the mix for a playoff spot yet are clearly stuck in mediocrity.
Perhaps the mass amount of injuries that Chicago has seen this season has deterred the front office’s ability to evaluate the roster, but many fans still expected some sort of move to be made at the deadline. Nonetheless, the team will have to address their needs in the draft and free agency. The team is currently slated to pick 9th and 47th in this year’s draft.
The trade deadline always has major implications on the NBA Draft, and this year’s is no different. Three first round draft picks were moved on Thursday, which affect the draft for very obvious reasons, but player movement alone makes for new needs and wants for both contenders and rebuilders.
With this being said, this slideshow will take fans through picks 1 through 47 in the 2020 NBA Draft in order to predict what draft night may look like this June. Each selection will include the player’s statistical averages, a brief synopsis of their skill set, and why the player is a good fit for the team that selected them.
Each selection and synopsis will be followed by the player’s draft stock trend. Lastly, each pick will be assumed to be retained by the team that currently holds it and the order is based on the current NBA standings.