2. Precious Achiuwa
5 Selections
One of the most divisive prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft, Precious Achiuwa’s value swings wildly depending on which experts big board you’re looking at.
After James Wiseman was forced to miss most of last season due to NCAA violations, Achiuwa stepped seamlessly into the role of his team’s leading big man. He averaged over 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks per game all while leading Memphis to a 21-10 record.
Achiuwa is at his best in and around the rim, whether that be grabbing rebounds, throwing down dunks, or swatting shots. He has freakishly long arms and an incredible second jump, making him an animal on the offensive glass and a feared shot blocker. His post finishing got better as the season went along and has proven to be more than reliable at shooting around the rim.
Just as his strength lies around the rim, Achiuwa’s weakness comes from his performance away from the basket. He’s struggled to develop a routine jump shot or any sort of dribble game which is becoming more and more important for power forwards in the modern NBA. Developing at least a semi-reliable mid-range game would go a long way towards him becoming a starter in the NBA.
For Portland, Achiuwa is probably the power forward with the highest ceiling they could draft at 16 who has the added bonus of being able to contribute right away as a hustle rebounder and put back artist off the bench.
1. Saddiq Bey
12 Selections
For months now Saddiq Bey has been atop many Portland Trail Blazers fans and analysts’ 2020 NBA Draft boards and for good reason. He’s a seasoned college player who checks all the boxes for Portland’s needs from the wing position.
On offense, Bey is the definition of a long-range bomber. He shot over five and a half three-pointers per game last year, accounting for nearly half of his shot attempts. On these deep shots, he made an astounding 45 percent, the 4th best in all of college basketball. This was mainly due to his insanely quick release, rarely giving opposing defenders a chance to contest his shots.
While he is not an athletic marvel, Bey is still a gritty and reliable defender who projects to be able to guard the 2-4 in the NBA. Although he doesn’t get a lot of defensive counting stats, he’s very hard to get around and seems glued onto his man at times. The only major criticism of his game is that his lack of elite athleticism may be exploited by more explosive forwards in the NBA.
Bey is the ideal forward for Portland to select in the 2020 NBA draft. He’s a lights-out shooter with the defensive versatility the Portland Trail Blazers desperately need at the wing position. By all accounts, if he’s available he would be a wise selection.