By Max Feldman
First, an explanation is needed to show this process goes down. These selections are based on what would be my own decision making process assuming FOG has been handed the keys for each time on draft night. The order is based on current NBA standings. Outside of the top 10 projected teams at this point of the season, the next 20 picks will have an additional “Option” noted as their “Jump Up Option” given the team packages together future draft assets and current roster pieces to slide up and select a prospect. While of course the Lakers or Raptors would love to have LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards, each option outside of the “Jump Up Option” will be more realistic based on their projected draft slot.
Golden State Warriors
LaMelo Ball
There is a ton of speculation with this pairing as Ball projects as a lead guard who needs the ball in his hand to produce making the fit a bit awkward. However, I do think it would be a good spot for Ball to mature but on the Warriors side of this, LaMelo can slot in between the Splash Bro’s infusing more flare, shooting and transition prowess. The current outflow of research explaining why big men have become less valuable and the trend of the Warriors using cheap rim runners at the five spot take Wiseman and Okongwu out of the story here.
Tyrese Haliburton
This pairing continues to gain a lot of steam. Haliburton’s balance of maturity and youth make him a strong fit for the Warriors who are back in ring chasing mode after an injury flurried 2019-20 campaign. The 6-5 ball handler can take some of the load off of Steph using his versatility as a combo guard or be the ring leader for a second unit that has proved to be the difference in multiple of the GSW’s title runs.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Deni Avdija
To preface this, I am a fan of Sexton and Garland. Regardless, the Cavs have put too much stock into getting both guys to give up now. Sexton can be an elite scorer at times but still struggles with shot selection at times, making Anthony Edwards an awkward fit here. Garland has not showed the distribution flashes that we thought he might, but still he’s very young and has had limited experience. Getting on to Deni, my second overall prospect, his playmaking ability, feel for the game and versatility on the wing make him an ideal fit for the Cavs. A lineup of Garland, Sexton, Kevin Porter Jr, Deni and Andre Drummond down the line can provide the optimism that Cleveland has been searching for in the post-Lebron era.
James Wiseman
Kevin Love looks to be on his way out soon and whispers about Andre Drummond’s future have been throw around consistently. If a playmaking wing is not available for the Cavs, a high upside big man with elite athleticism and length can piece in as an anchor down low for the continued rebuild. Drummond’s check and production on the court do not quite match up anymore making Wiseman an increasingly strong fit for the Cavaliers timeline.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards
If I am Scott Layden, adding another narrow visioned three level scorer with an All-Star ceiling has me ecstatic, but also scared beyond belief. Russell, KAT and Edwards all thrive with the ball in their hands and are questionable pieces on the defensive end with an overflow of questions regarding their motor. With all of that, I still would not pass up on slotting Edwards in at the two spot because of guys like Josh Okogie and Jarrett Culver are in the rotation. Building pieces around the three would be absolutely vital but constructing the three creates a formidable, young core.
Tyrese Haliburton
On the other hand, Haliburton would a strong option due to his efficient tendencies between two inefficient stars. He does not need the ball in his hands and can space the floor which allows Russell to run P&R as well as score at all three levels. Consequently, he can control the game as a floor general and infuse energy allowing Russell to improve his efficiency and shot selection. Minnesota is not far off from contention and while best player available is a mentality of mine, selecting players with a high feel for the game and cemented role is higher up on my priority list.
Atlanta Hawks
Tyrese Haliburton
Four teams in and this is already Haliburton’s third appearance. Trae Young and Haliburton have constantly been mentioned by me as an incredible fit. Atlanta has a collection of younger players who have been pegged as go-to scorers but have defensive short-comings in Trae, John Collins and Cam Reddish. The infusion of Clint Capela down low and the maturation of a defensive minded De’Andre Hunter will help their case on that end, but the addition of Haliburton adds another able ball-handler, shooter and capable defender. Playing Trae Young alongside two longer wings in Huerter and Hunter can consistently highlight the All-Star’s ineffectiveness on the defensive end causing repeated matchup issues. Adding another piece who can take care of the ball and guard a one or a two on the other end can optimize the potential of the rest of the young core. The scoring fire power is already in place for Lloyd Pierce.
Isaac Okoro
Not Anthony Edwards! Edwards and the Hawks have been a matchup floated around for months as Edwards is a Georgia native. But, as I mentioned in the last sentence above, the Hawks really are not in need of another scorer with defensive concerns. Now to get into the Okoro case, most who are up to date with FOG content know that I am not the biggest fan of his game. Yet, I do think he’d fit nicely in Atlanta. The Hawks young core has a wealth of shooters and scorers, but what are they missing? Defense and athleticism. Okoro is a premium option in both categories. Again, while I am not the highest on Okoro to say the least, I do think he can max out his potential in ATL more so than anywhere else in the lottery.
Detroit Pistons
LaMelo Ball
Ball to Detroit has been one of my favorite fits for both parties for a long time running now. Ball would have the freedom to be built around but also be given time to grow as his timeline might be a bit longer than other top five projected picks. On the Pistons side of things, Ball is the ideal option because there are few prospects at the top of this draft that truly are capable of giving cornerstone direction for a franchise, and Ball is the premier option.
Killian Hayes
The Frenchman is the second best option to determine organizational direction in this field. An 18 year old with a developed feel for the game and proven growth as a P&R ball handler? A great fit for a team who has been avoiding a rebuild by the skin of their teeth for a few years now. I am not in the boat projecting him to be a 20 point scorer down the line, but building around a decision maker with a high assist to turnover ratio and a solid to advanced jumper from mid-range and beyond the arc makes him a near lock to be a top six selection.
New York Knicks
LaMelo Ball
Ball is the Knicks ideal selection come draft night, but if the previous few years show a trend, they could fall out of the picture considering their slot. Ball has the largest following of just about any prospect entering the league in the last decade next to Zion Williamson, and where could that fit any better than in Madison Square Garden. Outside of the marketing appeal, Ball is a very strong fit in the core the Knicks have in place. They have athletes and scorers on the wings and down low, but lack young players with strong feel for the game and vision. Ball fits the bill to every degree here.
Tyrese Haliburton
While grabbing the big name to pull the Knicks out of the gutter, the gameplay side is all the more important. Keying off the previous point, the Knicks need ball handlers and prospects in general who simply play the game the right way, improving the level of play of the team not just themselves. Haliburton is energetic, extremely intelligent and exciting to watch in transition. Cole Anthony and Killian Hayes could be in the picture, but neither one has proven the ability to elevate their team and efficiently make plays for others, although Hayes would not be the biggest surprise. If Ball is out of the picture, Haliburton makes far more sense than Edwards, Wiseman, Okoro or Toppin.
Chicago Bulls
Deni Avdija
The Bulls NEED playmakers. Arturas Karnisovas LOVES international prospects and built a Nuggets roster around a prospect with a transcendent feel for the game. Avdija would slot in ideally on the wing next to White and Lavine in between Markkanen and Carter. The Bulls core oozes scoring firepower and offensive versatility, but is in need of prospects with cemented passing instincts and defensive versatility. If Avdija is there, he should be the pick for Chicago.
LaMelo Ball
I have brought this combo up previously, specifically in the June Edition Mock Draft where the Bulls vaulted up to the top spot in the randomized lottery. Coby White was the pick last year, but that should not stop the new staff from picking another ball handler in the top 10 this year. White had an impressive rookie season, but appears to more of a gun-slinging scorer than a full blown facilitator. White and LaVine are both capable of being 20+ point per game scorers, but that can not happen without a facilitator. Ball is selfless and routinely sets up his teammates by collapsing defenses with his lightning quick handle and fiery passes with either hand off of live dribbles. If the luck is on Chicago’s side on Lottery night after years of disappointment, the new-era Bull’s would jump star the rebuild by landing LaMelo Ball.
Charlotte Hornets
Cole Anthony
In the recent player comparison drop for 2020 Draft prospects, I had Cole ceiling as Damian Lillard but was awfully close to making it Kemba Walker. Terry Rozier is a good player but is not worth his check and is not going to be the fuel to a rebuild. Devonte Graham impressed everyone but is not a playmaker for others and could thrive off ball as a shooter. For a team desperate for direction, they’re likely to be in an awkward position within the lottery. They’re not too far from Chapel Hill and they’ll certainly do their due diligence on Cole.
Tyrese Maxey
I love Maxey as a two-way gritty scorer and because of the awkward position I mentioned above, the Hornets are better off snatching a bucket-getter with a high ceiling rather than adding a big man who will be put in a bad position early on with the lack of playmakers surrounding him. Maxey would certainly re-energize the organization and give James Borrego a young tool to build an identity around.
Washington Wizards
James Wiseman
If this could happen, the Wiz should not hesitate. The front court in D.C. has been lackluster for years now and with the tools on the perimeter in Bradley Beal, John Wall looking to pickup where he left off, Troy Brown Jr. and Rui Hachimura, Wiseman might put them over the edge in terms of playoff designation in the mediocre Eastern conference. Look at what Scott Brooks did with a raw, athletic big man in Serge Ibaka back in OKC…
Devin Vassell
Going back to the comparisons, I had Vassell’s ceiling as Trevor Ariza. This confused many but I peg Vassell as a lottery pick because he is a guy who is going to stick around the league for a long, long time. The Wizards were one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA and Vassell could certainly help. He fills a two-way role they’re desperate for. Ariza had the second highest scoring output per game in his career where? In D.C in 2012-2013 next to Wall and Beal. For a team on the brink of the playoffs, it would be a great move to go for one of the more mature lottery prospects.
Phoenix Suns
Killian Hayes
Hayes to Phoenix would be exactly what they were looking for when selecting Elie Okobo in the 2018 NBA Draft. Rubio would be an ideal mentor for Hayes as a European-pass first lead guard and down the line would be a strong puzzle piece next to Booker, Ayton and Bridges for the exciting, fast paced Suns.
Tyrese Haliburton
The Suns have not won much as of recent but one thing that is clear is the pace of play that is being instilled by Monty Williams. The Suns are top 10 in the league in pace of play and are first in the league in assist percentage. Both shed extreme optimism on what would be Haliburton’s trajectory if he were to land in Phoenix. Haliburton is at his best while play run and gun showcasing his ability to stuff the stat sheet. D Book and Ayton should be ecstatic if this was the pick.
San Antonio Spurs
Devin Vassell
It sounds all too cliche, but Vassell is a Spurs type of guy. A bit wiry, a bit under the radar carrying all the intangibles. In my eyes, Vassell has a limited ceiling but if he landed in San Antonio, there’d be no doubt he would max out his potential down the line. Adding Vassell to a young core of DeJounte Murray, Lonnie Walker, Derrick White, Keldon Johnson and Luka Samanic makes a ton of sense. Vassell has likely the strongest mid-range game in this draft class making Demar DeRozan mentor matchup very exciting.
Onyeka Okongwu
The Spurs young core was mentioned above, and what is missing the most? Athleticism in the front court. Aldridge can not shake the injury bug as he approaches the end of his career and with Tim Duncan still on staff, Okongwu would be given the opportunity to improve upon his touch and provide necessary burst down low.
Jumping Up? Anthony Edwards
Now outside the top ten, if the Spurs collected some assets to jump up near the top of the draft, it should be for Anthony Edwards. While I am not the highest on him, his fit next to Murray and Walker would create an elite athletic core and would be given the opportunity to refine his offensive shot selection next to DeRozan.
New Orleans Pelicans
Obi Toppin
Toppin and the Pelicans has been mentioned by very few and depending on how the lottery he falls, he might be out of reach. The questions concerning Toppin are his age and his defensive fit, but landing in NOLA would allow him to play the four spot next to Zion which appears to be the Pels best fit and would put less pressure on him defensively. Adding another athletic running mate for Lonzo would make them the most exciting young core, if they aren’t already. Surrounding the perimeter with shooting around these athletes is also a necessity making Toppin a multi-dimensional fit.
Patrick Williams
Williams to NOLA has been an interesting fit in my eyes for some time. Conversely from above, Williams would be a strong fit defensively because of his ability to essentially guard the 1-4 and potentially 5’s at times. He can stretch the floor and provide another athletic burst on the wing. If the Pels are looking to extend their timeline for the post-LeBron era in the Western conference, Williams, as one of the youngest players in the field, would be an incredible pick.
Jumping Up? LaMelo Ball
We can fantasize right? If the Pelicans did choose to package assets and vault up the board, we can all hope it would be for LaMelo. Melo and Zo besides each other would Zion running the floor would be Chino Hills on steroids. The Pels appear to be on a very strong pace with this rebuild, so taking the risk to throw away assets will not be worth it.
Sacramento Kings
Tyrese Maxey
Buddy Hield’s tenure in Sacramento will likely come to an end this off-season as his production and paycheck do not matchup. Maxey enters the picture as the running mate for another Kentucky alum in De’Aaron Fox creating lightning quick, two-way backcourt that can be the glue for a rebuild over the next few seasons. The Kings have a ton to improve but adding young talent should be priority number one.
Jahmi’us Ramsey
As a massive Jahmi’us Ramsey fan, I would love his potential in Sacramento as an off-ball offensive threat who can add to the gritty identity of De’Aaron Fox. It might be a bit early if the consensus on Ramsey is correct, but he certainly does check off more than one box for the Kings.
Jumping Up? Anthony Edwards
If the Kings did manage to package together their limited assets and move up in the 2020 NBA draft, pairing up Fox and Edwards would bring some eyes back to Sacramento again. Two elite athletes with proven scoring ability would allow Fox to improve his effeciency and Edwards to improve his shot selection down the line.
Portland Trailblazers
Aaron Nesmith
The Blazers land in a strong spot within this draft, but landing Nesmith at the back end of the lottery should an ideal scenario. The best shooter in the entire draft field would allow for more space for Dame and C.J. The former Commodore would be a nice fit beside to the talented Nassir Little and Gary Trent Jr in the Blazers youth wing core. The offensive firepower is already in place, but Nesmith would put them over edge.
Isaac Okoro
Why add more offense with two 20 point scorers already in the backcourt? Okoro would add some athleticism on the wing but my only hesitation would be the selection of Nassir Little last draft. They share some similarities as athletic, bouncy defenders with a number of offensive questions. The Blazers had the 4th worst defensive rating in 2019-2020 meaning Okoro can be a strong asset. Putting the former Auburn Tiger on the opponents best player would allow him to display his relentless motor and impressive physicality dually allowing Dame and C.J. to focus on putting the ball in the basket.
Jumping Up? Obi Toppin
A front-court playmaker has been the piece the Blazers have been missing. Toppin would fit in incredibly well next to Dame, C.J., Hood/Little and Whiteside/Zach Collins. If the Blazers do stock up assets to move up in the 2020 Draft, Toppin should be the pick.
Orlando Magic
Devin Vassell
The Magic must find production, consistency and some creativity on the wing to fill a whole between a core of athletes. Fultz, Isaac and Bamba can all be impressive defenders and offensive tools, but the Magic simply need to add skilled players at this point. Vassell would a multi-dimensional scoring attitude and fill a role that is absent in the Magic roster.
Aaron Nesmith
He is the best shooter in the draft, but adding him to the Magic would allow him to potentially be more down the line. When healthy, Nesmith scored at an incredible rate for Vandy. He is another skilled, offensively gifted wing could be a higher end version of Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross put together.
Jumping Up? Deni Avdija
This is another one of my favorite fits if a team were to jump in the draft. I compared Avdija’s ceiling to Gordon Hayward, but was extremely close to making it the former Magic wing, Hedo Turkoglu. Avdija would add playmaking from the wing, creative scoring and slide right in as a beautiful fit next to Fultz, Isaac, Gordon and Bamba eventually.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Precious Achiuwa
With the T-Wolves first pick I certainly see them going for a wing in the top five. When they get down to 17, the priority should be adding a defensive big man to shore up for KAT’s shortcomings. Achiuwa would absolutely be priority number one when searching for a prospect who can switch on screens, block some shots and compete with a relentless motor in the paint. Adding Anthony Edwards or Haliburton in the lottery and then Achiuwa here, the Timberwolves would be in compete mode within a year or two.
Jalen Smith
Slowly but surely, I have fallen in love with Jalen Smith within this field. His ability to stretch the floor, rebound and block shots is incredibly unique and rare in the modern NBA and while his skillset is very different than Achiuwa’s, he would be an ideal option as more of interior focused big allowing Okogie and Culver to develop as wing defenders.
Jumping Up? Onyeka Okongwu
Every area that KAT struggles in is likely classified as a strength for Onyeka Okongwu. Okongwu is a powerful paint body on both ends who can block shots, run the floor and finish effectively around the basket. If the Timberwolves make a move with their second pick or slide back with their first, Okongwu makes plenty of sense.
Boston Celtics
Jalen Smith
Robert Williams has not quite come into his own for the Celtics as of yet, and for one of the most complete rosters in the NBA, one area of need is the front court. Enes Kanter is a good player and strong contributor but does not fit the long term timeline for Boston. Jalen Smith would add another versatile, young body but in a spot where options are limited. A fluid athlete with pick and pop capabilities should be target number one for Danny Ainge, Brad Stevens and Co.
Patrick Williams
Again, adding pieces to a Celtics roster who stockpiled assets over the last few years is a unique case. Jayson Tatum is a future All-Star so adding Williams would allow Tatum to focus his energy on where his stock resides, the offensive end. Finding young pieces with high ceilings in roles that the Celtics do not have will be key and Williams fits the bill.
Jumping Up? James Wiseman
Again, we can dream right? If the Celtics stockpile the vast amount of assets they have to jump in this draft, it has to be for James Wiseman. He’d slot right in as the anchor down low for years to come besides Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Dallas Mavericks
Isaac Okoro
Another ball handler could be an option for Dallas at this pick, but with Luka’s ascension to an MVP-like player, adding defense to the wing should be a key. Dorian Finney-Smith is a great piece for the roster in place and Seth Curry has continued to produce in his role. Okoro might not be here at this pick, but aligning with my rankings as a post-lottery prospect makes the fit in Dallas an ideal fit for both parties.
Jahmi’us Ramsey
Now this one could certainly happen. Ramsey has remained in Texas his whole career thus far and it just so happens that Dallas might be the most fitting destination for his skillset. Ramsey would space the floor for Doncic to create and be a secondary scorer beside him. Dallas has a strong, collective roster which allow for the maturation of Ramsey as a defender and complete scorer. He would add an attitude of toughness and grit but not take away from the finesse and skill already in place for Rick Carlisle.
Jumping Up? Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton has been featured repeatedly in this piece. What’s the commonality among them? All besides scoring wings. Luka might be classified as a lead guard but he does carry a high volume of time with the ball in his hands making Haliburton as a strong fit with his combo-guard prowess. With the Mavs identity in place, Haliburton would be the best fit available in the field as a high IQ decision maker, P&R maestro and transition dynamo.
Milwaukee Bucks
Nico Mannion
The Bucks have the defensive end covered, making Mannion a good fit here with the 19th pick. Mannion was viewed as a potential top ten pick for a long period and his decline was due his lack of defensive energy. With Milwaukee, he would be able to display his offensive firepower with little to no consequences with Giannis, Bledsoe, Connaughton and Hill all as strong defenders. A skilled creator at the point position is the need for the reigning MVP to continue to run rampage on the rest of the NBA.
Kira Lewis Jr
Lewis Jr is extremely young and physically immature but has impressive talent as an athlete and creator. The Bucks currently have the best record in the NBA making it clear that they do not necessarily need any roles to be filled right now. Lewis Jr is very slender and wiry so an extended timeline would allow him to acclimate to the NBA and take over Eric Bledsoe’s role eventually.
Jumping Up? LaMelo Ball
The moveable assets are not there and the future draft picks are not plentiful, but if that Grizzlies pick somehow did fly up the board, LaMelo Ball would slide into the lead guard role as a creative, exciting playmaking for the Bucks.
Brooklyn Nets
Jahmi’us Ramsey
Spencer Dinwiddie is a free agent and Caris Levert has been somewhat inconsistent as a perimeter option. Kyrie’s motor on the defensive end is underwhelming creating a necessity for a gritty, tough running mate. This could be another potential landing spot for Ramsey and his fit between Kyrie and KD could be ideal. He can provide a scoring punch off the bench and energy on both ends as a top wing option. Kyrie was not shy in mentioning that Nets need to add more firepower, and landing FOG’s 9th ranked prospect with the 20th pick should help.
Josh Green or Jaden McDaniels
To preface this, I like where Nets pick for what they should be looking for in the 2020 NBA Draft. Filling in the wings between Kyrie, KD and their front court options in Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Jordan will be the priority. Josh Green is a one and done, but is certainly one of the most physically mature 19 years we’ll see enter the league. His defensive instincts and perimeter shooting flashes shed a ton of optimism. As for McDaniels, my feeling on him has flown up. Wherever he lands must plan for an extended timeline but learning from a mentor like KD has to be the absolutely ideal destination. He wouldn’t fit an urgent need that Kyrie is looking for, but if Free Agency can do that afterwards than taking McDaniels might have massive benefits down the line.
Jumping Up? Anthony Edwards
Again, the assets are not exactly there and using them in this timeline does not make much sense, but every team is getting a jump up option. Placing Anthony Edwards in the off-guard role would create elite offensive firepower and catapult the Nets into contention in the East.
Denver Nuggets
Precious Achiuwa
The Nuggets have a very strong, deep roster so adding youth talent at this point is a cherry on top. Snagging Achiuwa at this point would surely be ideal if he is there. His athletic ability and physical maturity would fill next to Jokic who lacks in the athletic department. I like his ability to handle the ball although Penny Hardaway did a poor job showing it off, making the Nuggets front court extremely unique with two big man who can start the break themselves.
Patrick Williams
Another athletic stretch forward can make his initial production on the defensive end with limited pressure to produce on the offensive end. He could develop nicely into the Jerami Grant role with a bit more physical maturity and similar athleticism. Adding wing or stretch man athletes should be priority number one.
Jumping Up? Killian Hayes
The Nuggets do not lack players with advanced feel for the game, but if the Nuggets were to leap forward using their assets it should be for Killian Hayes. The best pick and roll lead guard in the draft pairing up with the best roll and pop man in the NBA? Dangerous.
Philadelphia 76er’s
Precious Achiuwa
Philly could go a lot of different directions with this pick, and while many do think it’ll be a lead guard to take a load off of Simmons, I do think they need front court athletes. Tobias Harris plays more of a stretch four role in the 6er’s optimal lineup but with the loss of Robert Covington, I think more of a load would come off Simmons if Philly added a versatile defender so he is not consistently guarding the opponents best player and handling the major volume on ball on the offensive end. However you shake it, Simmons’ role must be sharpened up and narrowed down if Philadelphia wants to compete with the Bucks in the Eastern conference for the next few years.
Nico Mannion
Mannion has dropped on most boards including mine but because of the presence of Josh Richardson, I would feel very comfortable taking the skilled offensive lead guard to provide another playmaking option. Nico was a consensus lottery pick entering the season for a reason, so while yes the drop is for due reason, his offensive firepower and P&R prowess is valid.
Jumping Up? Cole Anthony
This might not be as large of a stretch as most jump up options due to stock concerns on Anthony and the wealth of assets in Philly, but it would surely would be an incredible fit for both parties. Anthony brings exactly what Simmons lacks in terms of a lead guard scorer which has become all the more common around the NBA. It would be very unique and certainly a new look, but I do love what this would look like.
Miami Heat
Jaden McDaniels
Opting for more of a mature prospect who’s ready to contribute is the likely move for a Heat organization in a salary cap crunch. If they’re going to compete, it is going to be now. With all that, I do think they might be better off planning for the future around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro instead of Jimmy Butler’s lack of winning credibility and massive check. Perimeter firepower is needed, and those who keep up with my content, McDaniels two-way upside is among the highest in the field.
Desmond Bane
From one prospect with one of the highest ceilings to a wing with one of the highest floors. Bane is ready to contribute day one and while I am normally very critical of high volume collegiate players on teams that do not win a ton, Bane really does not have weaknesses to his game. He’s a better athlete than most think, can shoot off of pulls ups and spot ups and can be a strong secondary ball-handler.
Jumping Up? Killian Hayes
If the Heat managed to fly up the board by trading some assets, taking Killian Hayes not only fits their timeline extremely but also their offensive tendencies. Bam’s multi-tool ability on P&R’s would play off Hayes extremely well with Herro and Robinson spacing the floor. My ceiling comparison for Hayes is Prime Goran Dragic, making this even more intriguing. It is unlikely due to the crunch that Pat Riley has put himself in, but I love the idea of it.
Utah Jazz
Kira Lewis Jr
Mike Conley’s value continues to diminish and Donovan Mitchell certainly belongs off ball. An athletic playmaker with a ceiling like Kira Lewis’ makes a ton of sense here. He could go much higher than this but his tier and the current spot for the Jazz create an enticing image for what the future could like for Utah’s back court.
Ayo Dosunmu
Dosunmu would be a bit more of a unique fit than Lewis, but his productivity in the mid-range and plus length next to Mitchell certainly make him an option. Theo Maledon could be another option, but I like Dosunmu’s ability to control tempo, defend multiple positions, create an identity and bring a relentless motor in this Utah roster.
Jumping Up? LaMelo Ball
Ball’s feel for the game, energy and unique playmaking ability would be a dream fit next to Donovan Mitchell. If the Jazz stocked up enough assets to make a move up like this, perhaps with a move including Rudy Gobert, it should be for a talent like Ball who can allow Mitchell to create shots and run in transition which would make him an All-Star within just a few seasons. A ton of teams could use a prospect like Ball, but Quinn Snyder and the Jazz are among my favorite fits.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Saddiq Bey
OKC surprised everyone in season one in the CP3 era. As well as Paul performed along with SGA, questions remain on what the future under Sam Presti will look like. As a big supporter of Presti and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander respectively, it is not difficult to imagine abandoning the Paul project and his $40 million contract in order to add more tools for the future. With that, pressure will likely be on to keep Paul in OKC and add more wing tools to try and compete atop the West next season. Saddiq Bey is another older prospect who is ready to contribute immediately. Athletic wing tools are already in place with Ferguson, Dort and Diallo so bringing in Bey should allow him to knock down perimeter shots, be a secondary scorer and defend multiple wing spots.
Jaden McDaniels
There are two directional options that were mentioned above, and the opposing path would make McDaniels an extremely good fit in the mid-twenties. McDaniels measurements, touch and upside are eerily similar to Kevin Durant, who began his legendary career for the Thunder organization. Presti has done a phenomenal job stacking up assets for the future with the Paul George trade, and with all of those picks upcoming, it is worth taking a shot on McDaniels because what he could in a few seasons.
Jumping Up? Devin Vassell
Vassell’s finesse, two-way ability and fluid athletic ability make him a target for the Thunder if they choose to package together their assets in the 2020 NBA draft. The field is labeled as weak by most, in combination with the looming Chris Paul situation, making a packaged move with their draft picks more likely in the 2021 Draft which has incredibly high hopes. With all of that, if Presti and Co. are going to fall in love with a lottery prospect in this field, it should be Devin Vassell.
Boston Celtics
Tyrell Terry
The Celtics have three picks and are unlikely to use all of them in this draft. While a trade using this pick or the 30th pick is likely, if they do keep one or both it should be add more shooting and wing upside. Terry might not be the best fit because of the backcourt depth in place, but his shooting, flare and unique fluidity would be too much to pass up this late.
Isaiah Joe
Joe is one of my favorite underrated shooting options and would give the Celtics something they do not have. Spot up shooting would only continue to help space the floor for Tatum, Kemba and Jaylen Brown making a Joe a strong rotational fit. He’s young, confident and has natural shooting ability. The Celitcs must continue to fill up the roster with cemented roles like Isaiah Joe.
Jumping Up? Aaron Nesmith
The high end version of Isaiah Joe is Aaron Nesmith. After adding more front court depth, priority number one should be adding shooters. If the Celtics packaged these picks to jump up, Nesmith should be a top choice outside of big man options.
New York Knicks
Josh Green
Green is a very strong prospect in my eyes, but he continues to get lost within this field. A plus athlete with a fluid shooting ability and toughness on the defensive end. As I have mentioned multiple times, outside of a lead guard in the lottery, the Knicks have to add more young prospects who do not need the ball in their hands to contribute. While Green is getting glossed over in the pre-draft process, come draft night I think he goes higher. If he does, Tyler Bey can be another option who serves a different role but equally does not need the ball in his hands in addition to a great motor and high athletic ability.
Jordan Nwora
Wing shooting. Nwora is ready to contribute and can help space the floor on a Knicks roster desperate for consistency. With so much untapped youth potential in Knox, Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr, it might be time to change the script and add some older prospects who have more credible production.
Jumping Up? Patrick Williams
The higher upside, more polished Tyler Bey. Williams mostly opposes the idea of grabbing more proven, credible wings but if you are searching for a high motor, elite athlete to fill the three or stretch four role, Williams is a premium option. If the Knicks move up into the lottery in addition to their own pick, Williams should be a top candidate as a versatile defensive athlete on the wing.
Toronto Raptors
Theo Maledon
Planning for life after Kyle Lowry and Fred Van Vleet should be priority number one for Masai Ujiri. Maledon brings the international feel that the Raptors love. I don’t see his floor being up to par as most others see, but I do like his ability to handle the ball and make the right play. He has room to grow and is not physically mature, but his timeline does create a nice match with the Raptors.
Tyrell Terry
There is a lot of Fred Van Vleet in Tyrell Terry’s game. His upside is incredibly enticing and would create some optimism in the Raptors backcourt which is undeniably aging & expensive.
Jumping Up? Killian Hayes
This won’t happen as the risk is likely not worth the reward for the reigning champions, although Hayes’ upside running the P&R next to Pascal Siakam is outstanding.
Los Angeles Lakers
Immanuel Quickley
Cheap shooting is always a premium for LeBron teams who are in constant contention. Quickley is among the best shooting options in the 2020 NBA draft and can bring some secondary ball handling to LA.
Malachi Flynn
Flynn is an elite decision maker and has proved to be one of the most credible and productive pick and roll ball handling options in the draft. Learning from Rajon Rondo would only add to the attraction of Flynn as a guy who is extremely like to produce and stick around the NBA for many years.
Jumping Up? LaMelo Ball
We can dream right? Ball in LA would be incredible. Throwing lobs to AD and running the transition next to LeBron… I’ll leave it at that.
Boston Celtics
Jay Scrubb
As previously mentioned at 27, both these late first round picks are unlikely to be retained. Assuming they are as trades are so hard to project, the Celtics should go with the upside route. Jay Scrubb is a wiry wing athlete with iso capabilities, but comes with a ton of risk. With that, risk is a luxury that Danny Ainge can take at this point.
Cassius Stanley
More upside. A high flying athlete with spot up shooting flashes fits the bill. If Stanley does end up in the first round, it should be to an already established roster who is taking a shot on the future.
Jumping Up? Saddiq Bey
If the Celtics slide up to the 15-20 range, Bey should be a premium option assuming he is there. A versatile three or four man with a polished offensive game and an undeniably high floor.
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