Detroit Pistons: 2020 first round NBA mock draft 2.0
Jaden McDaniels. 16. player. 86. . SF/PF. Minnesota Timberwolves
With Minnesota having the chance to make an earlier selection in the draft, McDaniels will prove to be a nice secondary prize.
Jaden’s quick release on his shot and overall potential as a jump shooter would allow the Timberwolves to play as fast as they’d like. His ability to get above the rim is effortless at times, and once he gets to that point it’s an automatic bucket.
He can facilitate well and rebounds well on both ends of the floor.
PG . Boston Celtics. Theo Maledon . 17. player. 18.
Theo Maledon arguably has the best court vision in the entire draft, and some of the purest shooting mechanics as well. He’s able to stop on a dime and pull up from the perimeter in an instant.
His reluctance to shoot the ball can sometimes impact him negatively, but under the right system he could thrive. When surrounded by playmakers like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, his assists would be off the charts.
Under the wing of Kemba Walker, this could be a dream scenario for all parties involved.
Dallas Mavericks. Josh Green . 18. player. 79. . SG/SF
Josh Green is the quintessential embodiment of a “3 & D” player. Seemingly everything else about his game is underdeveloped and needs refining.
He’s not a strong passer or finisher, but has potential to become a top three or four scoring option if he’s able to hit his three-pointers with more consistency.
19. player. 89. . SF/PF . Milwaukee Bucks. Saddiq Bey
Saddiq Bey is a 6-foot-8 three-point specialist that once he’s better acclimated to the NBA could be a legitimate third scoring option for whoever drafts him. He knocked down 45.1 percent of his threes this season, and scored 16.1 points per game.
He’s a solid defender and possesses a high basketball IQ. His understanding of the game has gotten better with every game that he’s played, and it’ll translate well at the next level.
Brooklyn Nets. Nico Mannion . 20. player. 147. . PG
There’s a legitimate chance that the Nets could trade away Spencer Dinwiddie this summer in return for a third star to pair with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Considering that player likely wouldn’t be a point guard, it’d be in Brooklyn’s best interest to bulk up on the position while they can.
Nico Mannion is a low risk/high reward point guard whose off the ball movement is reminiscent of Stephen Curry, it’s incredible. His ability to find the soft spot in the defense and create an open look for himself is tremendous.
He’d provide quality spacing for a team that may find themselves isolating a bit, but his ability to score at the next level is often questioned.