2020 NBA Draft: Mock Draft 2.0 – all 30 first round picks
Vanderbilt. Aaron Nesmith. 15. Scouting Report. Small Forward. 38. Pick Analysis. player
The Orlando Magic are currently in a real bind with their roster situation. With pending extensions for Evan Fournier and young studs Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz, they have serious decisions to make on this team’s future.
They are already $8 million over the cap before any of these decisions are made for the 2021/22 season. Though a guy like Isaac could be a star in the future, the Magic don’t have a clear offensive lynchpin yet. Rather than draft someone to be THE guy, they are better off picking a player who can fit in as an excellent role player.
With one of the worst offenses in the league in the 2019/20 season, I would pick Aaron Nesmith out of Vanderbilt.
Nesmith is an electric shooter who 52 percent from three on around 8 eight attempts a game.
He is a six-foot-six wing with a six-foot-ten wingspan, who played two years at Vanderbilt.
Though he may never be an All-Star, he projects as a great role player who has one of the more versatile shooting games in this year’s NBA. He can hit shots off the dribble, off the catch, or with a step back. He is a great team player who keeps the ball moving, screens well, and cuts with purpose. He is an improving defender and would likely improve that part of his game in a strong Magic system.
Small Forward. Villanova. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 34. Saddiq Bey. 16. player
Note – the Blazers have traded this pick. They still may have to make this pick on draft night though, but instead for the Rockets.
The Portland Trail Blazers seem to be leaning towards two prospects with the 16th pick, Jay Scrubb, and Saddiq Bey out of Villanova.
There hasn’t been a massive amount of rumors coming out of Blazers HQ, but Bey seems like one player they have interest in.
As a six-foot-eight forward, he has enough size to play either the three or four at the NBA level. He doesn’t have great ball-handling ability, so the forward positions suit him best.
As an offensive player though, Bey has a great jump shot. He increased his volume and efficiency from year one to year two. He increased his attempts from 3.0 to 6.2 and his percentage from 37.4 to 45.1.
Bey has nice secondary playmaking skills off the dribble, and though he can’t break opponents down for his own shot, he can assist others well in transition or out of the post.
He plays hard on defense and has a 220-pound frame, which is stronger than it sounds. Because of his length and body type, he can probably put on more lean muscle as well.