21. Tyler Bey, F/C, Colorado
Milwaukee Bucks via Indiana Pacers (17-9)
This draft is unusually light on talented small forwards, and Tyler Bey may just prove to be one of the best. While defense doesn’t (usually) sell jerseys, it does win championships. Bey is posting an unreal 10.6 Defensive Box Plus Minus on the year, and holds an incredible 62.5 true shooting percentage. I fully expect Bey’s draft stock to increase as the season progresses and his spotlight grows larger.
22. Precious Achiuwa, F, Memphis
Toronto Raptors (16-8)
A victim of his own hype, many will be disappointed to see Precious Achiuwa failing to make the immediate impact many expected coming out of high school. His game is very raw and unpolished, but if any team has earned their reputation for working out the kinks in project players, it’s Toronto. Let’s see if they can help Achiuwa grow into the player we all wanted him to be.
23. Scottie Lewis, G/F, Florida
Houston Rockets (17-8)
Scottie Lewis hasn’t enjoyed the shooting success he would have like to start the year, but I’m willing to bet he’ll sort it out sooner rather than later. His energy on the court is magnetic, as he’s willing to push the tempo on offense and gamble on passing lanes on defense. The gamble won’t always pay off, but if any team knows how to play the odds, it’s Houston.
24. Isaac Okoro, F, Auburn
Boston Celtics (17-7)
Isaac Okoro has been Auburn’s best player this year, and has further inserted himself into the first-round conversation with each passing game. Okoro possesses an Al-Farouq Aminu-esque skill set of strong defensive intangibles and the ability to finish at the rim. Aminu added a jump shot to his game to become a staple in the NBA, and Okoro will likely look to do the same.
25. Zeke Nnaji, C, Arizona
Dallas Mavericks (17-7)
Zeke Nnaji has been the big surprise of the year for this Wildcats team, clearly demonstrating first-round talent while helping to propel Arizona through their strong start. He has converted a ridiculous 74 percent of his shot attempts within the 3-point line, but has the range to open up his game if allowed. Nnaji is a solid rebounder and should be good enough to supplant Boban Marjanovic off the bench.
26. Jalen Smith, F/C, Maryland
Miami Heat (18-7)
If the Miami Heat have one true weakness, I’d put it on their frontcourt depth. Besides the explosive Bam Adebayo, there’s no one player on that roster I feel confident to have closing games. Insert Jalen Smith, the goggled giant who’s had much success as a defensively oriented rim runner. Smith is averaging 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and one steal per game. He does all the little things a team like Miami needs to win. And it doesn’t have to come at the expense of floor spacing, seen by his two 3-point attempts per game.
27. Aaron Nesmith, F, Vanderbilt
LA Clippers (20-7)
In today’s NBA, you can never have too much shooting. Aaron Nesmith does that better than just about anyone. Drilling a ridiculous 51.5 percent of his 3-point shots (on a huge sample size of 8.5 per game). Nesmith looks to be the next product of a line of recent 3-point specialist draftees like Kevin Huerter and Dylan Windler.
28. Patrick Williams, F, Florida State
Brooklyn Nets via Philadelphia 76ers (20-7)
Patrick Williams may never be a star in the NBA. In fact, he may not even declare for the draft this year. But don’t be mistaken, he’s the type of player that win championships for teams like Brooklyn. Williams is always in the right place at the right time, putting himself in position to make impact plays and help ease the burden off his teammates’ shoulders. The Nets have their stars, now they just have to help him win.
29. Ayo Dosunmu, G, Illinois
Los Angeles Lakers (23-3)
Ayo Dosunmu has struggled to begin the year, but has still managed to put up a respectable 14.9 points and 3.4 assists per game. He finished last year as a high second-round prospect before returning to Illinois, and I fully expect him to improve on that projection once his shot starts falling again.
30. Cassius Stanley, G, Duke
Boston Celtics via Milwaukee Bucks (23-3)
His numbers won’t jump off the page at you, but much like Boston’s own Jaylen Brown, Cassius Stanley is exceptional at finding an open shot and playing stiff defense on the other end. He is currently hitting 42.9 percent of his 3-point attempts and holds a 5.0 DBPM. His value as a 3-and-D talent will be coveted in the late first round.
That wraps up our first mock for the 2020 NBA Draft. The decisions teams make over the next two months leading up to the trade deadline could dramatically alter where these teams will be picking come draft night and the needs they must address. Make sure to check back in here often for more draft coverage and news.