2020 NBA Mock Draft Version 5.0: Post trade deadline
18
Jahmi'us Ramsey Guard, Texas Tech
15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.7 blocks, 46% fg, 45% 3pt, 31 mpg
As a team in dire need of help on the wing, this draft is not going to do a ton of favors for the Dallas Mavericks. The best available swingman here would be Jahmi’us Ramsey, a high-energy guard who plays well at both ends of the floor.
As a player who excels in catch-and-shoot basketball, Ramsey would be a near ideal fit alongside young star Luka Doncic. Additionally, Ramsey’s defensive upside would help mask Doncic’s flaws on that end.
Ramsey is a good enough athlete and has the skills that make a high-ceiling prospect, but his lack of shot creation for himself and teammates inhibits him from becoming a lottery-level player. Additionally, at 6-foot-4 he does not have great size at the two.
However, Ramsey’s athleticism and skillset will make him a very solid pick in the middle of the first round and a great fit for Dallas.
Draft Stock Trend: +2
19
Isaiah Stewart Center, Washington
17.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.0 blocks, 56% fg, 27% 3pt, 32 mpg
Now 19 selections into the NBA Draft, there have only been three centers taken, with the third being Isaiah Stewart of Washington. Stewart has been an absolute beast this year for the Huskies, as he is seemingly unstoppable when he gets inside.
An elite rebounder and shot blocker as well, Stewart does everything at an elite level inside of the paint. His problem is that outside of 8 feet from the basket, he is not very useful. His jump shot is questionable, although it may not be a completely lost cause.
The Thunder would be wise to roll the dice on a player like Stewart because of the number of first round picks that they have over the course of the next few years. If Stewart’s game does translate to the NBA, he could be a phenomenal pickup with a very high ceiling at 19th overall.
His jumper coming to full fruition would be massive for OKC as well, although the Thunder would also run the risk of wasting a pick on a basketball dinosaur. However, the risk is worth the possible reward here.
Draft Stock Trend: -4
20
Saddiq Bey Forward, Villanova
15.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.5 blocks, 49% fg, 48% 3pt, 34 mpg
Pick Via Philadelphia 76ers
A few mocks back, I had Saddiq Bay going to the Bulls in the second round. His play has been quite consistent throughout the year, but he has finally convinced me that he should be a first round pick. Bey is an absolute knockdown shooter, which is what a lot of teams in the 20’s will be looking for.
Brooklyn would love to have an off-ball player off of the bench like Bey to serve as an outlet for Spencer Dinwiddie. His ceiling is not particularly high, but Brooklyn is not looking for star power, but solid role players.
Bey’s defense is perhaps his biggest downfall, as the forward has an ideal frame for a three-and-d prospect, but for whatever reason he has not been able to find a groove on that end of the floor. This will inhibit him from being drafted much higher than here, but he projects to be a very solid offensive player at the next level.