2020 NBA Mock Draft Version 6.0: Coronavirus halts NBA season
39
Ashton Hagans Guard, University of Kentucky
11.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.2 blocks, 40% fg, 26% 3pt, 33 mpg
Pick Via Washington Wizards (Unprotected)
The New Orleans Pelicans already have their young core intact, and now their focus must shift to adding valuable role players to surround this core with. Ashton Hagans will likely find his role in the NBA as a defensive specialist and perhaps a distributor off of the bench.
His scoring is lackluster to put it nicely, but Hagans is so disruptive on the defensive end that he may just find his way onto an NBA roster.
The Pelicans clearly have an affinity for lockdown point guards, as evident in the team’s two current options being Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball. Hagans’ offensive game, or lack of, could inhibit him from finding NBA success.
However, players like Kris Dunn and Patrick Beverly have embraced their defensive roles and are very solid professionals now. If Hagans can follow suit, he could make himself a useful piece for the Pels.
Draft Stock Trend: -10
40
Trendon Watford Forward, Louisiana State University
13.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.7 blocks, 49% fg, 27% 3pt, 32 mpg
Pick Via Phoenix Suns (Unprotected)
For a rebuilding squad like the Memphis Grizzlies, it is extremely uncommon not to have either of their own picks. However, the Grizzlies well outplayed their expectations in 2019-2020 and could have expedited their rebuild to take just two years.
However, it is important to keep in mind that Memphis is still very much rebuilding and needs to look for the most talented player available here at forty.
Trendon Watford was a five-star recruit in last year’s high school class, but a lack of aggressiveness and a disappointing three ball caused him to fall all the way down to the second round. Once thought of as a player who could play either forward spot as a pro, Watford’s inconsistent shooting from behind the arc has limited him to the four.
His defense is poor, but if he can find more consistency with his jumper, teams will overlook this.
Draft Stock Trend: -4
41
Reggie Perry Forward, Mississippi State University
17.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks, 50% fg, 32% 3pt, 31 mpg
Reggie Perry has had a very good, but quiet season for Mississippi State. He brings great size and rebounding to the four position, although he could see some time at center in the NBA. Although previously thought of as an inside offensive player, he has ventured his game out to the three point line this season and has seen some solid improvements in that area of his game.
Perry should be a better defender for his size, but this is not to say that he cannot hold his own on that end. With LaMarcus Aldridge getting up there in age and rumors of blowing things up circling, looking for a replacement for the former All-Star big is likely in the cards.
Although a second rounder is not going to fill the shoes of Aldridge, Perry could develop into a very solid NBA player behind Aldridge and could help the Spurs win now, if that is what they want to do.
Draft Stock Trend: +2
42
Makur Maker Center, Hillcrest Prep
20.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.0 steals, 3.0 blocks, 55% fg, 60% 3pt
One player who many have not talked about in this class is high schooler Makur Maker, who has decided to forego his college eligibility and attempt to play professional basketball. Maker is still very much learning the game of basketball, but his size and athleticism are extremely enticing attributes that should get him some looks in the second round.
Some time in the G-League is going to be needed, but NBA teams are becoming more and more reluctant to take their time with project pieces, like Maker.
New Orleans, still in the midst of their rebuild, would be wise to take a swing for the fences with one of their second round selections. Jaxson Hayes is likely to be a very solid NBA player, but he does not have a particularly high ceiling. In selecting Maker, the Pelicans could be patient with his development and hope that he can reach his massive potential. Although he could very well bust, using a second round pick to take a chance on him shouldn’t be an issue.