Mock Draft 8.0: Final mock draft as 2020 NBA Draft approaches

3. Charlotte Hornets: Anthony Edwards, Guard, Georgia. Edwards is projected to be the top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The San Antonio Spurs will be picking 11th.

Our final prediction of how the 2020 NBA Draft will go for the San Antonio Spurs

We’re only a few days away from the 2020 NBA Draft and the speculation is at an all-time high. Between the draft itself and free agency shortly afterward there’s no shortage of topics to wonder about. And, for once, the San Antonio Spurs have taken center stage in it all.

They’re not considered to be players in the Russell Westbrook sweepstakes but that hasn’t stopped the Spurs from sending the imagination of NBA fans running wild. Much of the speculation is centered around a proposed deal that would send LaMarcus Aldridge to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for the 2nd overall pick.

That’s not the only move that’s being talked about though. The Wolves are still taking calls for the number one pick, the Warriors are surely weighing their other options outside of what San Antonio can provide, and Danny Ainge is almost certainly looking for a way to turn his three first-round picks into an established star.

All of this tells us that the draft order could look drastically different a few days from now. But, until then, we’re stuck speculating who will go where in the current order. So, without further ado, our final mock draft for the 2020 NBA Draft.

Next: Pick #1

They’re still a strong candidate to trade this pick – the Charlotte Hornets have reportedly expressed interest in moving up so they can take James Wiseman – but if Minnesota holds on they should make the smart, easy decision and select Anthony Edwards with the first pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Wiseman and LaMelo Ball could also be in play here but I don’t see either of them fitting in quite as seamlessly as Edwards will. The Wolves already have their franchise big man in Karl-Anthony Towns and a franchise point guard in D’Angelo Russell. They could make it work with Ball and Russell but the fit between Edwards and Russell is easier.

Plus, they can always pick up a second point guard later in the draft. There should be someone available for them when they’re up at 17.

Edwards is a proven scorer who should have no problem translating his game to the next level. He had to carry a heavy load at Georgia and should benefit from playing alongside other dangerous options like Towns and Russell.

His defensive isn’t spectacular right now but he’s got the physical tools to become an imposing defender in a few years.

Next: #2

Memphis Tigers center James Wiseman checks out of the game against the Oregon Ducks at the Moda Center in Portland, Ore. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019.W 23744

Frankly, I’ll be surprised if the Warriors hold on to this pick. Whether they trade it before draft night or after is up in the air but it seems unlikely that they’d want to bring an unproven talent into their team if they can flip this pick for an established high-end player.

That said, if they do hold onto the pick James Wiseman is the guy who makes the most sense for them. They have been rumored to be fond of Deni Avdija but with the Lakers’ dominant frontcourt, they’re going to need big men. Wiseman could be the man for the job.

Wiseman is one of the most physically imposing big men to enter the league in years. He’s got a condor-like wingspan and is already adding weight to his frame. He’s not scrawny by any means but after a few years in an NBA weight program, he should be a real force down low.

Wiseman’s game has a lot of potential that has yet to be unlocked. But if there’s a team that can afford to wait on him while simultaneously putting him in a position to succeed right away it’s the Warriors.

Next: #3

The Charlotte Hornets are rumored to be huge fans of James Wiseman. That’s who they would probably take if they’re able to come to terms with Minnesota for the first pick. But, if they’re not able to move up, Onyeka Okongwu is a fine consolation prize.

He might not have the ceiling that Wiseman has but his floor is a lot higher. It’s nearly impossible to see Okongwu being anything less than a high-end starter for years. His game just has so few holes in it.

On offense he’s able to grab a defensive rebound and take it coast to coast, finishing with either a dime or an easy bucket. On defense, he’s got the lateral agility to stay with guards out on the perimeter but can go toe to toe with other big men down low.

He will fit well with the Hornets young core and, by all accounts, seems like a wonderful young man. It’s really hard not to root for this guy. Hopefully, he can be the big men the Hornets have been looking for since….well, forever.

Next: #4

Has anyone risen draft boards faster than Patrick Williams over the fast few weeks? Teams are either madly in love with his potential or his agent has done a hell of a job selling him to the league. In any case, a player who was looked at as a late lottery selection just a few weeks ago is now going in the top-five.

This isn’t to say that his rapid rise up mock draft boards isn’t deserved. It’s easy to see why NBA teams are so excited about the possibility of adding Williams to their teams. He’s got the height and wingspan that teams go crazy for and his game seems perfectly suited for today’s NBA.

He’s a strong finisher at the rim and has no problem elevating over opponents to drain mid-range jumpers. His 3-point shooting could stand to improve but his solid performance from the free-throw line (84 percent) is an encouraging sign for his development.

On defense, Williams has the versatility to play right into the switch happy schemes that are prominent in the game today. He’s got the agility to stay with smaller players on the edges and after he’s spent a few years adding muscle to his frame he might even be able to play small ball center in some lineups.

Next: #5

They’ve spent their past two first-round picks on guards so why not go three for three? Adding LaMelo Ball is no brainer at this point for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s got the talent to be the number one pick, passing on him now because you’ve got Darius Garland and Collin Sexton on the team would just be irresponsible.

There’s actually a strong reason to believe that Ball can coexist in an offense with Sexton and Garland. Those two are more scoring-minded guards and Ball takes a delight in passing. A three-headed guard Hydra led by these guys could form the basis for a pretty interesting offense.

Defense could be an issue. Ball has the height and wingspan to guard wings but he’s not a disciplined or particularly enthusiastic defender at this point. He’s also going to need to add some weight to his frame if he wants to hold his own with NBA wings.

Okay so maybe the fit isn’t great. Honestly, that shouldn’t even factor into the decision. Ball’s the best player available and the Cavaliers need all the talent they can get. This pick is an easy decision.

Next: #6

Feb 8, 2020; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Tyrese Haliburton (22) reacts during the first half against the Kansas State Wildcats at Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Ideally, the Hawks would give up this pick In a three-team trade that lands the San Antonio Spurs the second overall pick. But if that doesn’t pan out the way we’re hoping, the Hawks should turn this pick into Tyrese Haliburton.

The Hawks are looking to get back to the playoffs this year but unless they shore up their backcourt defense their chances aren’t looking great. Trae Young is one of the most electric, offensively talented players in the NBA today but his defense isn’t on the same level. Adding a solid two-way player who’s comfortable playing off the ball like Haliburton is the perfect solution.

Haliburton can run the offense when Young sits but he’s also a strong off-ball option. He’s one of this classes best shooters, he hit on 43 percent of his three’s during his two years in college, with a hefty amount of them coming as catch and shoot looks during his freshman year.

If Deni Avdija is on the board there will be the temptation to take him but the fit between Haliburton and Young looks to be perfect. This is too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Next: #7

The Detroit Pistons do have a gaping hole at point guard that they need to fill but they simply can’t pass up a chance to add Deni Avdija this late in the draft.

He’s not a point guard in the traditional sense of the word but Avdija can do all the things that the Pistons would want out of their floor general. He makes quick, smart decisions in pick and roll, is comfortable running the break, and finding his teammates in transition, and he’s doing it all in a 6’9 body that gives him great visibility to find cutting teammates.

He’s a solid defender who’s rarely out of position and constantly plays hard. He’s great at jumping lanes and should only improve on that end of the floor as the game slows down for him.

There are questions about his ability to develop a consistent jumper. The worries are legitimate but it’s something that Avdija himself has addressed as a point of emphasis in his development. If he can build out a consistent jumper this is a steal of a pick for the Pistons.

Next: #8

The New York Knicks desperately need a franchise point guard. They, and probably the Ball family, would have liked to snag LaMelo but Killian Hayes is a solid consolation prize, and arguably the better overall player.

Hayes is a crafty, left-handed guard who has no problem snaking his way through defenses to get to the rim or find his teammates. He’s got good size and has a solid frame as it is. He can push his way through weaker defenders and won’t get bumped off his line too easily.

His 3-point percentages aren’t great right now but his form is smooth and he’s consistent from the charity stripe so you’ve got to have hope that he can find his shot soon. When he does he’s got an excellent array of separation moves that should make him quite the dangerous perimeter scorer.

He’s one of the youngest players in this draft class and will likely need a few years to develop. Thankfully he’s going to a team with famously patient fans.

Please Knick fans, be patient with Hayes. It’ll be worth it.

Next: #9

Auburn forward Isaac Okoro (23) takes the court before the game at Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020. Auburn defeated Alabama 95-91.JC Bballironbowl 32

The Washington Wizards are really only a few pieces away from being a player in the Eastern Conference. They’ve got an All-NBA level talent in Bradley Beal and a former All-NBA player in John Wall who, depending on how he returns from injury, could form one of the leagues most deadly backcourts.

The Wizards’ problems were never on offense. They put up the 7th most points per game this year but all the scoring in the world won’t save you when you’re the second-worst defense in the league. Drafting Isaac Okoro is a move that can help with that.

Okoro is the best defender in this draft class by a fairly wide margin. He’s a great off-ball defender, he keeps his head on a swivel and does a great job of weaving around picks. But where he really makes his money is with his man to man defense.

He’s got quick feet, a long wingspan, and is absolutely tenacious. He’s going to make his opponents miserable with his stifling play.

There are valid concerns about his jumper but in the Wizards offense, those fears are mitigated to a level that they shouldn’t be cause for too much worry.

Next: #10

The Phoenix Suns are one of the most intriguing teams in the league right now. They wrapped up their season with an 8-0 performance in the bubble and are now rumored to be interested in adding Chris Paul to their team. Could they be a dark horse in the Western Conference next year?

One move that will surely get them headed in the right direction would be adding a pro-ready player like Obi Toppin to their young core.

Toppin rampaged through the NCAA last year. He bullied opposing big men inside, thundered down the lane for dunks regularly, and showed off an impressive outside. Physically, he’s ready for an 82 game season and offensively he should have no problem slotting in as an excellent weapon for Devin Booker to play off of.

The questions are largely around his defense. He’s a bit stiff and could get exposed on the perimeter. DeAndre Ayton has improved as a defender since he arrived in the league but will he be able to share the floor with Toppin? That’ll be the big question facing the Suns if they make this pick.

Next: #11

Florida State Seminoles guard Devin Vassell (24) celebrates a big play during a game between FSU and Pittsburgh at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020.Fsu Vs Pittsburgh 021820 Ts 3134

I’m old enough to remember when we thought that Devin Vassell would be the first player from Florida State taken. Yet here we are just a few weeks later seeing Patrick Williams go seven picks before his college teammate. Oh well, the Spurs got their man. We should be happy!

Vassell fits perfectly with the Spurs’ young core. He’s an NBA ready wing who may be the rare Spurs rookie who doesn’t need to spend too much time in Austin before carving out a role on the team.

He’s money from behind the arc and has no problem pulling up from well beyond NBA range. Outside of that, he’s got a developing mid-range game and, thanks to his insane wingspan, has a relatively easy time finding different ways to get his shot off near the rim.

On defense, Vassell is a hound. He can lock up your best player for 94 feet, jump a passing lane and head the other way in a flash, or come from the weakside for a devastating block. He’d be able to help the Spurs return to being one of the best defensive teams in the league in short order.

Next: #12

They’re rumored to be shopping Buddy Hield, they passed up on the chance to re-sign Harry Giles, and, outside of DeAaron Fox and Marvin Bagely, they don’t have a lot of impressive young talent. After a brief return to relevance, the Kings are back to being the Kings.

All of this means that they’re probably heading for another year of tanking, with landing a superstar in the loaded class of 2021 as the goal. And if they’re already mailing this season in, as they rightly should, they can afford to take a chance on Aleksej Pokusevski.

Poku is a bit of a mystery as a player. He’s got a wings game in a big man’s body. He’s got slender man arms but he’s going to need to spend his first year eating as much as he can and adding muscle to his frame if he wants to stand a chance in the NBA.

He’s a fascinating player who can pass, handle, and shoot well, all in a 7’0 package. If the Kings can get this pick to pan out he could make for an intriguing pairing with Bagley.

Next: #13

Mar 3, 2020; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Kira Lewis Jr. (2) shoots against Vanderbilt Commodores forward Dylan Disu (1) during the second half at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Pelicans are already a very solid basketball team. They don’t have any gaping holes unless they trade Jrue Holiday, as some expect them to do. Drafting Kira Lewis Jr. could be a move to fill that hole or just to prepare for a future when Holiday is no longer with the team.

Lewis is a blazingly fast playmaker from Alabama who should fill a sparkplug role for the Pelicans early on. He’s great at setting up his teammates and has no problem getting into the paint, though he can seem a bit lost when he gets there.

He’s a hot and cold shooter from deep but his form is solid and his percentages don’t really do justice to his long-term potential as a shooter. He needs to become more consistent but everything we’ve seen thus far indicates that he should be able to figure it out.

On defense, Lewis is a pest of a defender. His impressive speed and lateral agility allow him to stay locked to his man’s hip constantly. He needs to get stronger but the fundamentals and the tenacity are there.

Next: #14

Mar 7, 2020; Gainesville, Florida, USA; NBA Draft prospect Tyrese Maxey (3), a guard for the Kentucky Wildcats, drives to the basket against the Florida Gators during the second half at Exactech Arena. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

There is no reason that the Boston Celtics need three first-round draft picks but alas, here we are. If they do decide to hold on to them all they should use their first one on Tyrese Maxey.

Maxey is a scrappy, hard-nosed guard who would probably get along very well with Marcus Smart. They both take no crap and aren’t afraid to mix it up if things get heated. That attitude should endear Maxey to the Celtic faithful early on.

He’s skilled at getting into the lane and contorting himself for finishes around the rim but the rest of Maxey’s offensive game will have to be worked on. He’s better off playing a secondary role for the time being.

Thankfully, the Celtics already have the top-three of their rotation well rounded out. Maxey won’t be counted on to do too much too early. This could end up being the perfect situation for him.

Next: #15

Feb 8, 2020; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Tyrell Terry (3) shoots the ball against the Colorado Buffaloes in the second half at the CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

All due respect to D. J. Augustin, but what does it say about your franchise when he’s been the best point guard you’ve had in the past ten years? Nothing good. That’s the position the Magic find themselves in.

Markelle Fultz showed promise last year but he’s still incredibly unreliable as a shooter. Drafting his opposite in Tyrell Terry could give the Magic they need to contend.

There could be pressure to add another frontcourt player here. Johnathan Isaac will likely miss the entire season and it seems like Aaron Gordon is in trade rumors every month but the Magic should make the easy decision and take Terry.

He’s doing everything he can to address concerns about his size, he’s added several pounds of muscle over the summer. Even with his defensive weaknesses, Terry is an elite shooter and passer who will finally give the Magic a three-point shooting option from the point guard position.

Next: #16

Mar 10, 2020; Greensboro, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Cole Anthony (2) flexes after a play in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Blazers went through an incredibly trying ’19-20 season. Injuries ravaged their team and some players didn’t quite develop to the degree that they were hoping. Still, they had a strong finish to the season and should be one of the top teams in the Western Conference this year.

One of the biggest holes in the Blazers team that got exposed this year was their inability to run a functioning offense when CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard weren’t on the floor. Anfernee Simons hasn’t been what Blazers fans were hoping so it’s not surprising that they’d use this pick on a point guard.

Cole Anthony was one of the countries most highly touted point guard prospects heading into this year but an underwhelming season with the Tar Heels took a lead pipe to his draft stock. Still, the talent is there and he should do a lot better when he’s surrounded by talent.

Anthony is a thrilling offensive option who is capable of scoring from anywhere and can get into the lane at will. He’s a bit undersized but makes up for it with energy and a toughness that should earn him the respect of his veterans early on. This is a near-perfect fit for him.

Next: #17

Mar 7, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Saddiq Bey (41) shoots as Georgetown Hoyas guard Jagan Mosely (4) defends during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

I think Saddiq Bey is perfectly suited for today’s NBA and any team that gets him should consider themselves lucky. He could conceivably go as high as 11th to the San Antonio Spurs. The Wolves should be thanking the basketball gods that he’s fallen this far.

Bey is as well rounded of a player as you will find in this draft class. He was deservedly named the best small forward in the country for his play with the Wildcats this year. He routinely was tasked with guarding the other team’s best player, regardless of position, and still carried a heavy offensive load on the other end.

A 45 percent 3-point shooter during his sophomore year, Bey is one of the best long-range shooters in this class. He can score from all other areas of the floor. The knocks on his offensive game stem from how he does it.

Bey’s shot is a little odd looking. His release is a little lower than you’d like it to be, which could be an issue. But come on, if Shawn Marion can have a successful NBA career I see no reason why Bey’s shot should be a worry.

He might not ever reach All-Star level but Bey is a player who you will be able to count on from day one. This is a great pick up for Minnesota.

Next: #18

Vanderbilt forward Aaron Nesmith (24) drives on Auburn guard Samir Doughty (10) at Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. Auburn leads Vanderbilt 42-38 at halftime.JC Auburnvandy 20

As a Spurs fan, I hate how good of a pick this is for the Mavericks. They’ve got their star in place, now they just need to surround him with talent he can elevate. Aaron Nesmith is a perfect player for Luka Doncic to work with.

Nesmith is one of the best shooters in this draft class. He hit on an incredible 52 percent of his 3-point attempts before going down with an injury during his sophomore season. It would have been interesting to see how he finished if he had played out the full season but the grand takeaway remains the same: Nesmith can shoot the lights out of the gym.

He’s not great at creating for himself or his teammates and is only an average defender. He’s not an incredible athlete but he makes up for it with a high basketball IQ and he seems to know where he needs to be at all times.

He’s got his weaknesses but they’re not glaring. And his shooting is only going to help further elevate an offense that was the best in NBA history last year.

Next: #19

Mar 14, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Washington Huskies guard Nahziah Carter (right) pressures Arizona Wildcats guard Josh Green (0) during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

I think we’ve mocked Josh Green to the Brooklyn Nets in almost every mock draft we’ve put out but hey, if it’s not broke don’t fix it. The fit between player and team is too good so let’s run it back one more time.

On a team with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets really can’t mess this pick up too much. They just need to take a player who knows and embraces his role as a complementary player alongside the Nets two stars.

Josh Green is that dude. He’s a consistent 3-point shooter, a phenomenal athlete, and a willing defender. He’s going to be a great fit on a Nets team that should contend for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals at the very least.

Next: #20

Feb 29, 2020; College Park, Maryland, USA: Maryland Terrapins forward Jalen Smith (25), who has talked with the San Antonio Spurs, reacts after scoring during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at XFINITY Center. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)

Who better for Jalen Smith to learn from than Bam Adebayo? The two are nearly positional equivalents and, combined, should give the Miami Heat one of the most athletic frontcourt in the league.

Like Bam, Jalen Smith can hang down low and stretch the floor. He shot 37 percent from behind the arc this year and should be able to add another outside weapon to the Heat’s already potent offense.

On defense, Smith has the motor that the Heat demand and the instincts to maximize it. He’s already shown that he can be a rim protector and with a few years of defensive tutelage under Adebayo he should be one of the better defensive big men to come out of this class.

Next: #21

Trading for James Harden is the dream for Philly fans but if they can’t find a way to get the former MVP to the city of Brotherly Love they’re still going to need guard help. Enter, Desmond Bane.

As a senior, he was averaging 16.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 44 percent from behind the arc. He’s a well rounded and solid offensive option who should have no problem fitting in the 76ers offense right away.

He’s not the best athlete in this class and his wingspan isn’t overly impressive. His ceiling might be that of a high-level role player when all is said and done.

But that’s all Philly needs. They’ve got their two stars, now they need to surround them with complementary talent. Bane is perfect for that role.

Next: #22

After the success that the Denver Nuggets had with Michael Porter Jr., there could be a temptation for them to take another shot on a high-risk wing and use this pick on Jaden McDaniels. But if they’re making the safe play they should use this selection on Precious Achiuwa.

Achiuwa is an athletic, rim running big man who embraces all of the gritty parts of being a big man. He’s going to attack the rim, finish on easy lob opportunities from Jamal Murray or Nikola Jokic, and he seems to thoroughly enjoy mixing it up down low as he fights for second chance opportunities.

His athleticism and wingspan give him a tremendous defensive upside as well. He could develop into a dangerous multi-positional defender in a few years.

He’s not much of a floor-spacing threat but the Nuggets already have plenty of those. Given everything else that he brings to the table, the Nuggets will gladly accept this small hole in his game.

Next: #23

Jan 5, 2020; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies forward Jaden McDaniels (0) shoots against USC Trojans forward Nick Rakocevic (31) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Jaden McDaniels is one of the most interesting prospects in this draft class. There’s been talk that he could go as high as 11th to the San Antonio Spurs but in other mock drafts like this one you see him going near the end of the first round.

His long frame, tight handle, and propensity for pull up jumpers make him an interesting offensive threat. There simply aren’t too many players in this class who can do what he can on that end of the floor.

But for all his potential there are still quite a few warning signs. He’s very skinny, leading to him fouling a lot on the defensive end and being easily bumped off his drives on offense. He also seems to be a bit narrow-minded. He knows he can score almost at will that and that can lead to him overlooking easy opportunities to set up his teammates.

Still, he’s the kind of talent that, if developed correctly, could be a real difference-maker on a Jazz team that is looking for someone to help take them to the next level.

Next: #24

Feb 26, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Isaiah Joe (1) shoots a three point shot during the first half of the game at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

The pressure is on for the Milwaukee Bucks. If Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t sign his extension before this season starts the Bucks will be playing under the heavy specter of his unrestricted free agency. They’ll likely need to make the Conference Finals at a minimum if they want to keep him around.

One way the Bucks can help their chances of making it further in the playoffs is by continuing to add shooters. And Isiah Joe is one of the most dangerous shooters in this draft.

Joe’s accuracy took a dip in his sophomore season. After hitting on 41 percent of his long-range attempts during his first year, he hit only 34 percent of them in year two. Butat that doesn’t tell the full story.

Joe was carrying a massive scoring load for the Razorbacks during his sophomore season. He was averaging 11.7 3-point attempts per 40 minutes and finished 9th in the NCAA in 3-pointers attempted. If he could’ve slowed down and focused on nailing a few shots instead of having to put up so many is reasonable to assume his percentages would have been more in line with what they were his freshman year.

On a team with weapons like Giannis and Khris Middleton, Joe will have more space than ever to get his shots off. He will be an excellent weapon for Middleton and Giannis to dish to.

Next: #25 and #26

February 1, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Tyler Bey (1) reacts after dunking for a basket against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

With plenty of guards and facing down the possibility of Danilo Gallinari heading out the door, using this pick on a wing is the logical choice for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They won’t find a better deal than Tyler Bey at this point in the draft.

Bey is an excellent defender who should have no problem covering almost every position on the floor at the next level. He’s shown potential as a shooter but he didn’t take many shots from behind the arc while in college so his percentages are coming on an incredibly small sample size.

His floor is very high and if he can round out his offensive game he could be a great value find this late in the draft.

After being bullied by Bam Adebayo en route to a Conference Finals exit, the Boston Celtics should be looking to use at least one of their three first-round picks on an imposing big man. Isaiah Stweart could be the man for the job.

Stewart is an imposing big man with roughly the same dimensions as an industrial refrigerator. Unlike his former teammate Jaden McDaniels, he will have no problem handling the physicality of the NBA from day one.

He doesn’t stretch the floor at all but he’s got a crafty blend of speed and power that makes him a real threat and the low post. His long wingspan and excellent sense of timing give him some solid rim protection ability as well.

Next: #27 and #28

Feb 29, 2020; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Killian Tillie (33) after a game against the St. Mary’s Gaels at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 86-76. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

No one’s draft stock has taken as much of a dip as RJ Hampton. Once talked about as a shoo-in lottery pick, he’s now going at the end of the first round.

In taking Hampton and Killian Hayes, the Knicks are going all-in on reforming their backcourt. He’s not quite as developed as Hayes is but Hampton has a different level of explosiveness. He’s scary fast and can elevate and hang in the air for eye-popping finishes.

They’ve been looking for the right mix of talent in their backcourt for years now and in Hayes and Hampton, the Knicks might have finally found it.

The injury history is a big question mark here but if Killian Tillie can mimic LeBron Jame’s recovery process this could be a value pick for the Los Angeles Lakers. They could also go with a guard here but they’re reportedly adding Dennis Schroder on Monday so a versatile forward like Tillie also makes sense.

He’s a knockdown 3-point shooter and is a visionary and quick passer. He will have no problem fitting in the Lakers offense if he can stay healthy.

Next: #29 and #30

Mar 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; San Diego State Aztecs guard Malachi Flynn (22) dribbles during the first half of the Mountain West Conference tournament final against the Utah State Aggies at Thomas and Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

After being one of the most valuable players in basketball and helping the Toronto Raptors capture a title it’s time for Fred VanVleet to get paid. He’s looking to cash out and if the Raptors aren’t willing to pay him they should use this pick to snag his replacement.

Malachi Flynn is a near carbon copy of VanVleet. They’re both undersized point guards who make up for the height disadvantage with a hard-nosed mentality and endless motor. They’re also both smooth operations in pick and roll who can also have no problem pulling up from deep.

The Celtics use their final first-round pick on adding another injection of youth to their frontcourt. An athletic, above the rim big man, Reed should excel in a Celtics offense where he can focus on finishing on lobs and timely cuts.

Like Stewart, he won’t stretch the floor but he does give the Celtics the athleticism and physicality they need in their frontcourt. He’s got the athleticism and length to be a multi-positional defender at the next level but will need to add muscle if he wants to hold his own against some of the stronger big men in the Eastern Conference.

That’s it for our final mock draft of the season. Tune in to the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18th to see if we nail all 30 predictions.