2020 NBA Mock Draft Version 5.0: Post trade deadline
35
Matthew Hurt Forward, Duke
10.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.8 blocks, 49% fg, 40% 3pt, 22 mpg
With Hurt’s draft stock continuing to drop, there is a very real chance that he ends up back at Duke for his sophomore season, which is a shame. Hurt is probably a first round-level talent, but he has struggled to find significant minutes under Coach K. Hurt is the prototypical modern NBA forward, and as one of the top recruits in last year’s high school graduating class, he is a high-upside player.
If Hurt does declare for the draft, it is very likely that he would be picked higher than this, which means that the Timberwolves would be getting a very good value with their second round pick. Power forward is a major need for the Wolves, and getting a first round-caliber player at this position will pay dividends for Minnesota, especially considering the fact that they will not have a first round pick in next year’s draft.
Draft Stock Trend: -12
36
Trendon Watford Forward, Louisiana State
13.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks, 50% fg, 27% 3pt, 31 mpg
Pick Via Charlotte Hornets
Sticking with the theme of drafting the most talented player on the board, the rebuilding New York Knicks will take a chance on a former five-star recruit in Trendon Watford. Watford is a very skilled offensive four, who was once thought to be a first round talent.
Unfortunately for Watford, he has had a rather quiet season at LSU and has not shot the three ball nearly as well as some expected.
The Knicks are a suitable team to roll the dice on Watford because rebuilding teams should always look to acquire as much first round-level talent as possible. If Watford does come to fruition, the Knicks would gain a nice off-ball four who can get a bucket when needed. However, there is a real chance that the former five-star returns to LSU for his sophomore season.
Draft Stock Trend: +/- 0
37
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl Forward, Villanova
10.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.7 blocks, 43% fg, 28% 3pt, 33 mpg
Pick Via Washington Wizards
Before the start of college basketball, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl was picked by many to be a top-ten pick and was a near consensus lottery pick. Flash forward a few months, Robinson-Earl finds himself contemplating whether another year of school would benefit his draft stock. If he does decide to declare for the draft, picking him up at 37th overall could be a very good value.
Defensively, the 6-foot-9 inch power forward has played okay, but definitely below expectations, meanwhile on the offensive end he has been quite lackluster as well. As a modern NBA big, floor spacing is a near must, and Robinson-Earl has yet to crack that code. Although the Pelicans already have their franchise power forward, but adding a talent like Robinson-Earl is a no-brainer in round two.
Draft Stock Trend: -5
38
Kira Lewis Jr. Guard, Alabama
17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 45% fg, 32% 3pt, 38 mpg
Pick Via Detroit Pistons
Another player who many argue is a first round-type player, Kira Lewis of Alabama has put up a very nice season in Tuscaloosa. The sophomore was a largely unheralded recruit out of the class of 2018, but has put together a very solid 2019-2020 campaign and has earned himself a draft spot. As a skilled two-way player, Lewis excels at creating shots for both himself and his teammates, while also gettin hands in passing lanes at a high rate.
The Kings could certainly use a backup to De’Aaron Fox, as Yogi Ferrell appears to be out of the future plans for Sacramento. After drafting a mainly defensive player in Isaac Okoro, taking a solid scorer like Lewis makes a lot of sense. If his three point shooting can improve at the next level, he will be a very solid NBA player, but until this happens he will be stuck as a second round pick.