2020 NBA Mock Draft Version 5.0: Post trade deadline
13
R.J. Hampton Guard, New Zealand
8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.3 blocks, 41% fg, 30% 3pt, 21 mpg
R.J. Hampton is one of the hardest prospects in this class to get an evaluation on. He has looked solid in his time in New Zealand this year, but this time has been extremely limited. As a gifted athlete, Hampton earns his money by getting into the lane and finishing.
His ball handling and speed make him a threat to score lots inside and get to the line with ease, but his shooting touch must continue to improve. On the defensive end, Hampton shows great promise, largely in thanks to size and athleticism.
As San Antonio decided to ride with what they had at the trade deadline, despite rumors spiraling around the Riverwalk that a rebuild is on the horizon. This ignorance makes drafting here a difficult task. With Hampton, the Spurs receive a prospect with a very high ceiling that can play and guard multiple positions as a combo guard.
This way, a decision does not have to be made to win now or win later, as the New Zealand guard can help with both.
Draft Stock Trend: -4
14
Nico Mannion Guard, Arizona
14.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.0 blocks, 42% fg, 35% 3pt, 31 mpg
As Portland creeps back into the playoff race, their draft position becomes more and more unfavorable. Obi Toppin is a very good fit and is realistically within reach of Portland, but if they keep winning games as they do now he will not be.
Surprisingly, the Blazers decided to stay put at the deadline, despite the teams struggles this season. This draft pick was a very realistic one to be moved in a deal for a forward, but instead Portland will draft a much-needed backup point guard to Damian Lillard.
Nico Mannion is a part of a dying breed of true point guards. His passing skills are very sharp, while he also does well scoring for himself. As one of the better playmakers in college basketball, Mannion could help Portland get the bench jolt needed to compete with some of the deepest squads in the West. Mannion’s lack of athleticism and defensive flaws are cause for concern, but he has continued to find success in college and very well could in the NBA.