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2020 NBA Mock Draft: Warriors, Trail Blazers, Spurs benefit from slow start

By Austin Carroll

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks and RJ Hampton of the Breakers during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena on November 30, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks and RJ Hampton of the Breakers during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena on November 30, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /
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2020 NBA Mock Draft, Portland Trail Blazers
2020 NBA Mock Draft – RJ Hampton (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images) /

5. Deni Avdija, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)

Cleveland Cavaliers (6-19)

Although we haven’t gotten to see much of Deni Avdija in the Euroleague, he’s been on everyone’s radar ever since he scored 18.4 points per game en route to leading Israel to the title in under-20 European Championships, and taking home the tournament’s MVP award. With Kevin Love reportedly on the trade block, now looks like the perfect time to swing for the fences and hopefully grab the next hidden gem in Europe.

6. Nico Mannion, G, Arizona

Washington Wizards (7-16)

While Cole Anthony’s stock looks at risk of falling, Nico Mannion appears to be a riser in this year’s draft conversation. Mannion has played the role of floor general and helped guide the team to a strong 10-1 record thus far. He’s posted averages of 15.1 points and 6.2 assists per game, while not forcing his own offense and drilling the shots he does take (currently shooting 41.7 percent from beyond the arc). Mannion looks like a smart insurance policy in case John Wall returns as damaged goods, and should be the type of player that makes his teammates better.

7. RJ Hampton, G, New Zealand Breakers

Boston Celtics via Memphis Grizzlies (8-17)

This pick is suspended in a tricky situation. If the Grizzlies finish in the bottom six, they retain rights to the pick. If they don’t, Boston gets to secure the high first-rounder. Although they currently stand at seventh in these reversed draft lottery standings, common sense says Memphis will do everything in their power to keep this pick — and their suspicious load management policy backs that up. Either way, RJ Hampton is the right pick here. RJ is a jack-of-all trades that can score, pass, rebound, and play defense all at a plus level. Boston has no immediate need, and will take the best player available. Meanwhile, Memphis could use an upgrade at two to pair next to the sensational Ja Morant, Hampton fits the bill perfectly.

8. Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington

Bulls (9-18)

With Otto Porter out indefinitely with a foot injury, the Bulls have been forced to make the decision between either running porous three-guard lineups on the court, or start the untested and unproven sophomore Chandler Hutchison at the wing. McDaniels has shown flashes of being an amazing player in many aspects of the game, but has struggled to put them all together and be consistent on the court. Here at No. 8 overall, Chicago should have no reservations in taking a player with a lot of potential and hopefully enlisting some help on the perimeter.

9. Onyeka Okongwu, F/C, USC

San Antonio Spurs (9-15)

Onyeka Okongwu is a freakishly talented product out of Chino Hills, and could very well be San Antonio’s next big success. He’s averaged 17.4 points on 61.1 percent shooting with an incredible 3.3 blocks per game for the Trojans. Okongwu is a terrific defender who isn’t afraid to move the ball and excels inside the 3-point line. If you don’t like that, then you don’t like Spurs basketball. With the team expected to move away from LaMarcus Aldridge after the 2020-21 season, Okongwu could be the perfect heir to the role.