21
Isaiah Stewart Center, University of Washington
17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.1 blocks, 57% fg, 35% 3pt, 32 mpg
Pick Via Houston Rockets (Unprotected)
In a surprising move, the Denver Nuggets shipped off multiple bench pieces in exchange for a first round pick. Denver did not have a first round draft pick in 2019 and went with Michael Porter back in 2018. With their second round pick in 2019, the Nuggets took another high-risk player in Bol Bol out of Oregon. With their last two major selections being players who could very well bust, it is likely that they play things safe in 2020.
Isaiah Stewart was a five-star recruit out of high school, but it was quite clear that his skill set does not fit the modern NBA, but he will serve a solid role as a rebounder and paint protector. He put up extremely solid numbers with Washington, but he is unlikely to develop an outside shot, which prevents him from going any higher.
However, rebounding and shot blocking are attributes that nearly always translate from ameture to professional play. The Nuggets could use an elite rebounder off of the bench to allow the rest of their deep arsenal bench to focus on scoring.
Draft Stock Trend: -2
22
Jahmi'us Ramsey Guard, Texas Tech University
15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks, 44% fg, 43% 3pt, 31 mpg
Pick Via Oklahoma City Thunder (Top-20 Protected)
It is no secret what the 76ers will be looking for in the draft: floor spacing. Without many dead-eye shooters left on the board, Philadelphia will opt to go with Jahmi’us Ramsey of Texas Tech. Ramsey is a bit of a loose cannon, but he provides athleticism and shooting off of the bench.
After making moves for players such as Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris, the Sixers bench has become more and more depleted by the year. At this year’s deadline, they went out and got a few bench pieces, but these individuals are on expiring deals.
Philadelphia did well in 2019 by drafting lockdown defender Matisse Thybulle, but he does not help their shooting situation whatsoever. Ramsey could be the pure scorer that Philadelphia so desperately needs off of the bench.
His statistics are a bit inflated due to an extremely hot streak to begin his season, but his former status as a five-star high school recruit gives scouts hope that he can find continued success as a pro. Although he does not project to be much more than a scorer, Philadelphia simply needs someone to create space for their inside scorers.
Draft Stock Trend: -4
23
Vernon Carey Jr. Center, Duke University
17.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.6 blocks, 58% fg, 38% 3pt, 25 mpg
Miami had an extremely good start to the season, but the Heat have come back down to earth. However, Jimmy Butler and company still find themselves competitive in the East, powered by a young roster filled with surprising players. Miami is without a doubt a deep team, but they could certainly use some help at the five, as they currently have Kelly Olynyk as their backup center, who is much better suited as a power forward. Vernon Carey would provide for a more traditional center.
Carey is an old-school center who may never be a threat outside of six feet, but he could end up being an elite rebounding and defensive presence down low. One major flaw in Carey’s draft profile is his horrible motor. In his time at Duke, he put up very solid numbers, but his inability to be on the floor for long periods of time did not allow him to fully showcase his abilities.
Moreso, NBA coaches cannot rely on Carey to play any kind of significant minutes at this point in time, which is a major red flag. However, Carey does have a very high ceiling if he can expand his range and improve his motor.