2020 NBA Mock Draft, version 2.0 (2nd Round Only, Part 2 of 2)
November 17th, 2020
By Alan Lu
(Source: Twitter/Alkass Digital)
Here is the link to the first-round only part of this mock draft, which is version 2.0. Be sure to read that before looking at this page. Anyways, now that we’ve got that down, here is the 2nd Round part of my mock draft, version 2.0. After looking information on Basketball-Reference, Spotrac, Wikipedia (for the draft order), and my own site, here is what I came up with for the second round part of this mock draft.
2020 NBA Mock Draft, version 2.0 (2nd Round Only)
2nd Round:
31. Dallas Mavericks (from GSW) – Xavier Tillman, F-C, Michigan State
With Porzingis and Dwight Powell having been injury-prone, the Dallas Mavericks could look to draft a big man at this spot in the draft.
Xavier Tillman is tough, physical big man that has a high basketball IQ, and he is a solid passer and screen setter on offense. He also reportedly shot the ball well in the NBA Draft combine, so he may be able to develop an outside shot. While he may be a bit undersized as an interior player, he could excel as a solid all-around player for the Mavericks off the bench.
32. Charlotte Hornets (from CLE via POR, ORL, and LAC) – Nico Mannion, G, Arizona
The Hornets could really use an initiator off the bench, and there are still some solid point guards to choose from, which would put the Hornets in a great spot this late in the draft.
Nico Mannion is a smart, gritty playmaker that is a solid game manager on the floor, and he is a terrific passer that has very good court vision. He’s struggled to create his own shot consistently, but he’s shown that he can be a capable shooter and defender at times. His strong floor vision could allow him to excel as a backup point guard for the Hornets, and if he can shoot as well as he did early in the college basketball season, Mannion could end up being a starter-caliber player in the NBA.
33. Minnesota Timberwolves – Daniel Oturu, C, Minnesota
As I had Minnesota take Edwards and Tyler Bey at 1 and 17, the T-Wolves would now have a glut of guards, as well as a wing defender on their team, but they could still use a center that can compete for playing time. Both Naz Reid and Omari Spellman are stretch bigs that have shown the potential to excel as the team’s backup center, but they have not yet definitely earned a rotation spot on the team yet.
Daniel Oturu is a strong, mobile center that can excel as a scorer in the post, he also has a solid mid-range game, and he also is a very good rebounder. He’s not super quick, but he’s shown potential to develop as a versatile, floor-spacing big man, and he might be passable enough defensively to not be a liability on the other end of the floor.
34. Philadelphia 76ers (via ATL) – Jahmi’us Ramsey, G, Texas Tech
After I had them take a point guard (Cole Anthony) late in the first round, they could use more shooters, especially out on the wings. Daryl Morey’s 2020 Houston Rockets’ team had plenty of shooters and 3 and D type of role players, so he may look to stockpile his team with them in this draft.
Jahmi’us Ramsey is a very athletic, skilled combo guard that can shoot and score the basketball, and he also has solid defensive potential. He’s not the most consistent player in games, and he will need to improve his decision-making ability as a player, but his ability to score could enable him to thrive as a scorer off the bench in the NBA.
35. Sacramento Kings (from DET via PHO) – Devon Dotson, G, Kansas
With Buddy Hield reportedly wanting out, the Kings may look to add more scoring punch to their roster, and they will need more players that can ably create their own shots on offense. They also could use more 3 and D wing players at this stage of the draft.
Devon Dotson is a very athletic, skilled combo guard that can score the basketball and ignite his team’s offense. He’s not a consistent shooter and will need to improve his decision-making ability at the point, but his ability to score and make plays with the ball in his hands could allow him to be a solid player in the NBA.
36. Philadelphia 76ers (from NYK) – Jordan Nwora, F, Louisville
The 76ers could look to add more 3 and D wing players on their roster, and there are certainly some solid candidates to choose from.
Jordan Nwora is a tough, physical combo forward that can shoot and defend, and he is an above average athlete that has a very good motor in games. He’s not an elite shot creator or ball handler, but his solid combination of basketball IQ, shooting, and defensive skills could allow him to thrive as a role player in the NBA.
37. Washington Wizards (from CHI) – Tre Jones, G, Duke
The Wizards need strong defenders on their team, and they could use any player that can step in and help their bench.
Tre Jones is a defensive-minded point guard that is one of the best defenders in this draft, and he is a tenacious, scrappy defender that can shut opponents down on that side of the ball. While he’s not an elite shooter or scorer, he’s shown an improved jump shot and is a capable scorer, and he has shown that he can effectively run the team at the point on a consistent basis.
38. New York Knicks (from CHO) – Vernon Carey Jr., C, Duke
As I had the Knicks take two guards in the first round, they could use a defensive minded forward that can be groomed to take Maurice Harkless’ s spot, as Harkless will be a free agent, and it’s uncertain if the Knicks can sign them. The Knicks also could use more scoring punch off the bench out on the wings. In addition, the Knicks could also use a player that can step in right away and produce for them immediately.
Vernon Carey Jr. is a tough, mobile center that has versatile scoring skills, and he has a solid jump shot that enables him to score consistently in the post, and he also can knock down spot-up jumpers. There are some questions about his agility and defensive skills, but Carey’s scoring and rebounding prowess could enable him to excel right away in the NBA.
39. New Orleans Pelicans (from WAS via MIL) – Robert Woodard II, F, Mississippi State
Robert Woodard II is a strong, physical forward that can shoot and defend in games. He is a good spot-up shooter that can space the floor, and he also is a solid defender that has the strength to defend bigger players in games. His size, shooting, and defensive abilities could enable him to effectively play multiple positions in the NBA.
40. Memphis Grizzlies (from PHO) – Mason Jones, G-F, Arkansas
The Memphis Grizzlies won more games than expected, but they could use some wing players and/or forwards that can shoot and defend, as they will need players to play off of Ja Morant. In addition, Jaren Jackson Jr. injured his knee in the Orlando bubble, and so he may end up missing most or all of the 2020-21 NBA season.
Mason Jones is a skilled swingman that has gifted scoring skills. He is an above average shooter that can knock down shots from downtown, and he is a gifted slasher that has proven to score efficiently and was a tremendous free-throw generator at the collegiate level. He’s also a fairly solid facilitator. He’s not an elite athlete, but Jones’ scoring prowess and versatile scoring skills could enable him to thrive as a role player in the NBA.
41. San Antonio Spurs – Isaiah Stewart, F-C, Washington
With LaMarcus Aldridge in his mid-30s, and with Jakob Poeltl being a restricted free agent, the Spurs could look to take a big man at this stage of the draft. While the trio of Luka Samanic, Drew Eubanks, and Chimezie Metu have shown flashes of their skills at times, none of them have really stepped up to take a consistent rotation spot on the Spurs’ team yet.
Isaiah Stewart is a strong, mobile big man that can score and rebound the basketball. He is a solid scorer in the post, and he also has a fairly good mid-range game. He also is a physical player that plays with a very good motor and has a long reach. On the downside, he’s a bit of a below the rim player, though he’s been able to make some solid athletic plays at times. He’s also struggled to defend shooters out on the perimeter. Still, Stewart was very productive as a freshman this past season, and he would be a very good pick for the Spurs this late in the draft.
42. New Orleans Pelicans – Abdoulaye N’Doye, G-F, Cholet Basket (France)
The Pelicans can use more shooters and defenders, as they need shooters to surround themselves around Zion, but they were also not very good defensively in 2020.
Abdoulaye N’Doye is a very athletic swingman that has solid defensive skills, and he can guard numerous positions well on the court. He also is a solid outside shooter, and he also thrives as a scorer in transition. He’s very skinny for a player his size and will need to improve his ability to consistently create his own shot in the half court. Still, N’Doye is a versatile player that has considerable upside, and he is a player that could contribute right away, or could be stashed overseas, which can give the Pelicans some roster flexibility for the upcoming 2020-21 season.
43. Sacramento Kings – Cassius Winston, G, Michigan State
After I had the Kings take a big man (Achiuwa) and a point guard (Dotson) with their first two picks, they may look to take a wing player or a forward that can shoot and defend to play off of De’Aaron Fox. They also could look to take the best player available, as they are a bad team that needs talented players on their team.
Cassius Winston is a solid, skilled playmaker that can shoot and distribute the basketball, and he was one of the best players in college basketball this past season. He’s undersized at the point and sometimes struggles defensively, but his solid offensive skills should allow him to step in right away to produce in the NBA.
44. Chicago Bulls (from MEM) – Immanuel Quickley, G, Kentucky
The Chicago Bulls could look to draft perimeter players that can score and defend on the floor, especially since Otto Porter and Thaddeus Young were both injury-prone and missed time during the 2019-20 season.
Immanuel Quickley is a sharpshooting combo guard that shoots and defends well on the court. He’s a bit undersized at the shooting guard position, but he’s shown enough playmaking skills, and his solid defensive skills could enable him to adjust to excelling as an off-ball player in the NBA.
45. Orlando Magic – Zeke Nnaji, C, Arizona
After I had them take Hampton in the first round, the Orlando Magic could look to take forwards or another big man, as Bamba has been injury-prone in the NBA. The Magic traditionally have valued length and athleticism in the draft, so that is what they might go with at this point of the draft.
Zeke Nnaji is an athletic, high-motor big man that can score and rebound in the paint. He can consistently score in the post, is a solid rim-runner, and he also has a fairly good mid-range game. He’ll need to improve his playmaking and defensive skills, but his ability to excel as an interior player could enable him to thrive as a role player in the NBA.
46. Portland Trail Blazers – Mamadi Diakite, F-C, Virginia
The Blazers have an aging forward in Carmelo Anthony, but they have since traded Ariza and draft picks to acquire Robert Covington. Center Hassan Whiteside will also be a free agent. Nurkic and Collins have also been injury-prone, so they also could look to take a center in case if they pass on the idea of selecting a forward at this spot.
Mamadi Diakite was the defensive anchor of the 2019 Virginia Cavaliers’ team that won the National Championship, and he is a solid defender that excels at anchoring inside the paint. He also has really improved his outside shot, and Diakite is a good spot-up shooter that can effectively knock down threes from downtown. He doesn’t really have great ball skills on offense, so he doesn’t project to be a shot creator or playmaker, but his solid shooting and defensive skills should allow him to excel as a role player in the NBA.
47. Boston Celtics (from BRK via PHI, ORL, and CHO) – Payton Pritchard, G, Oregon
In case if the Celtics were to stash Maledon, whom I had picked for them at 26, Boston could go with another point guard to help them in the short term.
Payton Pritchard is a smart, gritty point guard that can effectively run the team, and he is a crafty scorer that can knock down shots. He’s not an elite athlete or defender, but his ability to shoot, score, and distribute the basketball could enable him to be a solid backup point guard in the NBA.
48. Golden State Warriors (from DAL via PHI) – Ty-Shon Alexander, G, Creighton
After I had them take a big man (Wiseman) with the second pick in the draft, they could look to draft a wing player that could challenge for playing time, especially if Andrew Wiggins falters, or a another point guard that could also make a push for playing time, especially if Ky Bowman is not ready for that role for the upcoming 2020-21 season.
Ty-Shon Alexander is a skilled combo guard that can shoot and defend in games. While he may be undersized to play out on the wing, he is a solid defender that could step in right away to get some minutes in the NBA.
49. Philadelphia 76ers – Killian Tillie, F-C, Gonzaga
After having them take a slew of perimeter players (Cole Anthony, Jahmi’us Ramsey, and Jordan Nwora) with their first three picks, it’s uncertain if the 76ers would have enough roster spots on their roster for the 2020-21 NBA season. At this point, they could either draft another forward that could contend for a rotation spot, a center that can be groomed behind Embiid and Al Horford (or to replace Horford if they can trade him), or most likely this could be a stash pick at 49.
Killian Tillie is an athletic, skilled stretch big that can space the floor, and he is a player that can be groomed to eventually replace Horford, or he can be a stash pick that can be brought over after one or multiple seasons. Tillie’s been injury-prone and will need to be a more consistent player in games, but his shooting ability could enable him to be a rotation player in the NBA.
50. Atlanta Hawks (from MIA via BOS and CLE) – Udoka Azubuike, C, Kansas
At this point of the draft, they could look to take a point guard to replace Jeff Teague, who is an impending free agent, or they could look to draft a center, as that could allow them to trade Dewayne Dedmon, who is on a massive contract and he underperformed this past season.
Udoka Azubuike is a strong, big-bodied center that had a very good senior season, and this late in the draft, he would be a bargain for the Hawks. He is a solid interior player that is a very strong finisher in the paint, and he is a solid rebounder and interior defender. There have been significant concerns about his injury history, mobility, and limited offensive skills, but he tested very well athletically at the NBA Draft combine. With his skill set, Azubuike could be a solid backup center in the NBA.
51. Golden State Warriors (from UTA via CLE, DET, and DAL) – Borisa Simanic, F-C, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
At this point of the draft and with limited roster spaces, the Warriors might elect to go with a draft and stash-pick here this late in the draft.
Borisa Simanic is a skilled stretch big that excels as a spot-up shooter on offense. He is a gifted marksman that excels at making threes from beyond the arc, and he has played well at the highest levels of international basketball. He’s not nearly as good at the other areas of the game, but his strong shooting skills and that he’s played well at some of the toughest professional leagues around the world could make him a solid choice at 51 in this draft
52. Sacramento Kings (from HOU) – Paul Eboua, F, Pesaro (Cameroon)
After having them take a big man and two perimeter players, the Kings could either look to take a combo forward or elect to make a draft and stash with this pick here.
Paul Eboua is a very athletic combo forward that played fairly well in Italy this past season. He’s a young prospect that has excelled in some of the toughest leagues in basketball, and he has plenty of defensive upside. He will need to improve his outside shot and ball skills, but his ability to play all three front-court positions and defensive versatility could make him a solid pick this late in the draft.
53. Oklahoma City Thunder – Reggie Perry, F-C, Mississippi State
With the Thunder in rebuilding mode, they could look to take the best player available, and/or a player that would capably fit in well with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort. After having them take Pokusevski and Kira Lewis with their first two picks, the Thunder might elect to take a wing player here at 53. They also could look to draft a valuable backup center that can be groomed behind Steven Adams. As I had them make their upside picks early, they could look to make a safer pick in the second round.
Reggie Perry is a skilled big man that is a solid scorer and passer, and he was the co-SEC player of the year this season. He is a solid scorer in the post, and he also can effectively knock down mid-range jumpers. He will need to expand his range and improve his defensive skills, but his solid offensive skills could enable him to be a solid role player in the NBA.
54. Indiana Pacers – Markus Howard, G, Marquette
The Pacers made an early exit in the playoffs in 2020, as they were swept by the Miami Heat. Therefore, the Indiana Pacers could use shooting and some offensive firepower off the bench.
Markus Howard is a tremendously gifted scorer who can get buckets at will, and he is a very good shooter who has a knack for putting up points on offense. He’s very undersized at the point, but that hasn’t stopped players such as Isaiah Thomas and Earl Boykins from succeeding in the NBA. Howard will need to show that he can effectively run the point and defend at the NBA level, but his strong scoring skills makes him a very intriguing option for teams to select late in the second round of this draft.
55. Brooklyn Nets (from DEN) – Kenyon Martin Jr., G-F, IMG Academy (USA – Chatsworth, CA)
With Joe Harris being an impending free agent with uncertainty in him coming back, the Nets could look to add another wing player to their roster. They also could elect to go with a draft and stash pick, as there may be limited roster options, and this player may be a long shot to crack their rotation for the upcoming season.
Kenyon Martin Jr. is a very athletic, high-motor forward that could project to be a defensive specialist in the NBA. He thrives as a scorer on off-ball motion plays and in transition, and he has solid defensive potential. However, he will need to improve his outside shot, and he hasn’t been tested at the highest levels. The Nets could bring him along slowly as a two-way contract player to start the season, and Martin may be a high enough upside prospect to be worth picking this late in the draft.
56. Charlotte Hornets (from BOS) – Emmitt Williams, F, LSU
After having them take a big man and a point guard, they could look to draft either a wing player or a combo forward, but they also could look to make a draft and stash pick here, too.
Emmitt Williams is a very athletic, energetic combo forward that has been a solid defender, and he could be a small-ball center in a pinch. He’s flashed the ability to knock down outside shots, but he will still need to work on it as well as improve his ball skills. He also played at the TBT, and his strong work ethic combined with his athleticism and defensive versatility could make him a solid option at this stage of the draft.
57. Los Angeles Clippers – Nathan Knight, C, William & Mary
With Montrezl Harrell and Marcus Morris potentially leaving the Clippers in free agency, the Clippers will need forwards that also can be a small-ball center. They also could look to take a high-character individual to balance out their roster.
Nathan Knight is a smart, skilled center that has solid scoring and passing skills. He is a solid rim-runner that can knock down jump shots, and he also can pass and handle the basketball. He will need to improve his defense, but he’s shown that he has the character, skills, and work ethic to overachieve.
58. Philadelphia 76ers (from LAL via ORL) – Omer Yurtseven, C, Georgetown
With this being their fifth pick in the draft, the 76ers will likely make this a draft and stash pick because of limited roster options.
Omer Yurtseven is an offensively skilled center that played well in college basketball, and he could be a college, draft and stash pick, as he is also from Turkey. He’s a below the rim player and he will need to improve his defense, but Yurtseven’s ability to score and rebound could enable him to be solid role player in the NBA.
59. Toronto Raptors – Grant Riller, G, College of Charleston
With Fred VanVleet potentially leaving them in free agency and with Kyle Lowry aging, they could use a shot creator off the bench.
Grant Riller was a very productive player in college basketball, and his ability to shoot and score could provide the Raptors some scoring punch off the bench, as he could be groomed to replace VanVleet eventually in the NBA.
60. New Orleans Pelicans* – Marko Simonovic, C, Mega Bemax (Montenegro)
(this will pick be traded to the Milwaukee Bucks)
With the Milwaukee Bucks’ having limited roster options and as they will be making their fourth pick of the draft, they may elect to take a draft and stash player at this spot.
Marko Simonovic is a skilled, energetic big man that can score and rebound in the paint. He is a solid scorer in the post, and he can knock down mid-range jumpers. He’s shown improved shooting and ball-handling skills. While he is an above average athlete, he’s not an elite athlete, and he will need to improve his defense. Simonovic has been very productive overseas, and he could develop into a stretch big that can be a versatile scorer in the NBA.
(* – The trade between the Milwaukee Bucks and the New Orleans Pelicans involving the 60th overall pick will be completed after the 2020 NBA Draft for cap purposes. Due to weird accounting, the 60th pick will likely be announced as having been drafted by New Orleans, but the 60th overall selection will go to the Milwaukee Bucks.)
Other Notes:
There have been several notable trades in which teams have traded picks in this year’s draft. I would have had Portland take Nesmith at 16, but decided to leave Nesmith going at 16, as Houston will get the 16th pick. I also had the Milwaukee Bucks drafting Tyrell Terry at 24, but decided to leave this pick basically the same since New Orleans will be getting this pick.
I did have Winston go initially at 39 (with Woodard initially going at 40 and Mason Jones initially going at 43), but now that the Pelicans also will be getting 24, and now have two veteran point guards in Bledsoe and George Hill, it wouldn’t make much sense to me to have the Pelicans have four point guards on the roster. So I switched some things around, and had the Pelicans take Woodard at 39, with Jones now going at 40, and Winston falling to the Kings at 43.
With Portland now only having one pick, I had them take Mamadi Diakite initially at 46, and I decided to leave it at that. I had New Orleans take Marko Simonovic at 60, with this pick changing hands, I decided to still have Simonovic go at 60, with this pick now going to Milwaukee.
In all, there were plenty of good candidates to be selected in this mock draft, but there were only 60 spots. After pouring through all of the available information while looking at my board, I made my picks, and we are basically done here. Hopefully you enjoyed reading this, and thank you for your time.
Thank you for reading our second 2020 NBA mock draft. Draft night will be interesting, and a lot of exciting stuff could happen then, and free agency will begin two days after that. Thanks for reading.
