This year's NBA Draft is going to be wild. We have very limited knowledge on many of these prospect due to the pandemic making workouts and the combine virtual. And we still have very little information from team intel, but as we get closer to the draft... I'm sure there will be a Woj Bomb or two.
This is the 1st edition of this years BCMG Mock Draft. Expect updated versions in the coming weeks as we gain more knowledge about the scouting metrics of each team.
Mock Draft 1.0 Consists of breaking down every lottery pick.
1. Anthony Edwards \ Timberwolves
Georgia | Position: G | Height: 6'5"
Anthony Edwards possesses great poise on the offensive end. He has an NBA ready body with almost a 7-foot wingspan. Edwards is extremely athletic and extremely talented. He has everything guiding him to be a star in the league. However, there has been a big question mark about Edward's effort level since he arrived at Georgia, and those questions still remain today. If Edwards comes into the league ready to work and get better everyday, he will be a franchise player.
2. James Wiseman \ Warriors
Memphis | Position: C | Height: 7'1"
James Wiseman is the biggest question mark of this years draft. Because his college season got shut down after just a few games, we have very limited film on Wiseman. What we do know is that Wiseman is a beast in the paint. With his long and athletic frame, he is excellent at altering shots at the rim. Along with his size, he surprisingly has nimble feet and a good leaping ability. Wiseman was known in his high school years as an elite defender of the paint. With the Warriors, Wiseman can make an impact on day one, as they are searching for yet another title.
3. LaMelo Ball \ Hornets
Australia | Position: G | Height 6'7"
LaMelo Ball definitely has some of the most hype around him in this years draft. He has been well known around the world since he was 15. Now, entering the draft, he has set him self up to have a good rookie campaign. Ball has been playing professionally overseas since he was 16, so he has the pro experience needed to make a seamless transition to the NBA. LaMelo possesses a tall frame at 6'7", but has handles and a passing ability just like Chris Paul. One critique of Ball's games would for sure be his shot selection. Ball has not had the best shooting percentages, shooting just 25 percent from behind the arc last season. If he cleans that up, he could be the best player out of the 2020 draft.
4. Deni Avdija \ Bulls
Israel | Position: SF | Height: 6'9"
Deni Avdija has shot up many draft boards in the last couple of months. The 6'9" forward will give defenders fits. Much like Ball, he has been playing professionally since he was around the age of 15. This past season, Avdija played with Amar'e Stoudemire. Stoudemire said in a recent interview with Bleacher Report's Kenny Beecham, "I made sure he is going to be ready for the NBA". Very promising words for the Chicago Bulls. Avdija will fit well in the new Bulls scheme under Billy Donovan.
5. Obi Toppin \ Cavaliers
Dayton | Position: F | Height 6'9"
Toppin led his Dayton team to high ranking in every nation poll last year. With explosive dunks and ability to knock down shots from behind the arc, he earned himself National Player of the Year honors. Many believe that Toppin could potentially move up to the 1st pick if the Wolves decide to trade it. Toppin was nothing short of excellent in his sophomore season at Dayton. His combination of size and skill will translate over to the NBA very well. Playing with the Cavs, Toppin will get the ample amount of minutes needed to progress and develop his game.
6. Onyeka Okongwu \ Hawks
USC | Position: C | Height 6'9"
Okongwu, being an undersized center, has a game that largely resembles Bam Adebayo. He is a raw, athletic big man who has no fear in the paint. His speed and agility make him lethal when attacking the rim and his leaping ability makes him lethal when protecting the rim. Okongwu has a long wingspan as well, making him a great rebounder. Okongwu would gel perfectly with Trae Young and John Collins.
7. Tyrese Haliburton \ Pistons
Iowa State | Position: G | Height: 6'5"
Haliburton was a very solid player for a good Iowa State squad last year. Haliburton already has great size and strength coming into this years draft, which is why teams are willing to gamble on him so early. He is a scoring guard who can play both the PG and SG positions. He shot the ball at an excellent clip last year making over 50 percent of his field goals and over 40 percent of his three point attempts. Haliburton's quickness and wingspan makes him a decent defender as well.
8. Devin Vassell \ Knicks
Florida State | Position: G/F | Height 6'7"
Vassell is a new name among lottery picks. Devin Vassell is coming off a great year at Florida State and has impressed even more scouts this offseason. To me, he is the most versatile player in the draft. He can guard multiple positions, making him a great asset on defense. Vassell is super athletic with a well-rounded game. He has a great leaping ability and explosiveness. He is also a competent shooter from downtown.
9. Killian Hayes \ Wizards
France | Position: G | Height: 6'5"
Hayes is yet another well sized guard in this years draft. The lefty shooter has hit a cold stretch as of late and that is a reason teams might pass on him. On the bright side, Hayes has strong but raw playmaking ability. His great size and athleticism allows him to lock down on defense, which is what the Wizards are in need of. With the uncertain future with John Wall, I think taking Hayes with the 9th pick will be the right move for the organization.
10. Issac Okoro \ Suns
Auburn | Position: F | Height 6'6"
Issac Okoro could be the missing piece for the Suns. They have been looking for a dominant wing player and Okoro is their guy. He is a difference maker on both sides of the ball, with the ability to guard all five positions. His unique skill set makes him a lockdown defender and his speed makes him great when attacking the rim. He is the versatile player the Suns are in need of.
11. Aaron Nesmith \ Spurs
Vanderbilt | Position: G/F | Height 6'6"
Nesmith is most-likely the best shooter out of this draft. He can score in multiple ways. Off the dribble, catch and shoot, behind a screen, you name it. In the right system, Nesmith can become an elite player on both sides of the ball. I think the Spurs and Coach Popovic give him that. Nesmith can make an immediate impact with this team, whether it be starting or off the bench.
12. Patrick Williams \ Kings
Florida State | Position: SF | Height: 6'8"
Williams, as yet another athletic wing in this years draft class, will help out the Sacramento Kings. With plenty of trade rumors surrounding Buddy Hield, Williams can be a guy the team looks to build around. Williams has all the physical tools to become a lockdown defender and he has an improving mid-range game to go along with an already impressive slashing game.
13. Saddiq Bey \ Pelicans
Villanova | Position: G/F | Height: 6'8"
Saddiq Bey is your prototypical 3-and-D role player, making him a perfect pickup for the Pelicans. The New Orleans already has plenty of building blocks, now they just need good role players. Bey can come in to New Orleans and make an impact off the bench from day one. Saddiq Bey has that type of energy to change the course of games off the bench. He could be a future 6th Man of the Year.
14. Precious Achiuwa \ Boston Celtics
Memphis | Position: PF | Height: 6'9"
The Boston Celtics are not coming into this draft looking for a franchise player. But they need to pick up someone who has a high motor and can create energy while on the court. Precious Achiuwa fits that mold perfectly. He is a high energy, athletic defender who has plenty of size and athleticism to guard all five positions. He can get hot on the offensive side of the ball, but still needs to work a little more on his skill set.
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