NBA 2020 Mock Draft 1.0 – Options abound for OKC Thunder

Rylan Stiles

Jordan Nwora #33 of the Louisville Cardinals r(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

OKC Thunder, 2020 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: A general view of the stage and NBA Draft board OKC Thunder (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The 2020 NBA Draft is surprisingly right around the corner, so let’s take a look at the first NBA Mock Draft of the year! Who lands with the OKC Thunder?

The NBA Draft is right around the corner, which is amazing to think about as we hurl towards the All-Star Break and NBA Trade deadline at warp speed. So what better time than now, around the halfway point of draftable prospects respective seasons, to unleash our first NBA Mock Draft on Thunderous Intentions. I released my first big board filled with the top 60 prospects entering the college basketball season, and a lot has changed since then.

The first thing to know about this NBA Mock Draft is that the order of the draft will be decided by a single sim on Tankathon’s random Lottery generator. Tankathon already puts them in the correct order heading into the sim in terms of percentages, and it seems like the best way to replicate what could happen on NBA Draft lottery night.

The second thing to note about this NBA Mock Draft is due to the fact it is so early in the NBA Draft process, teams have not been linked to prospects just yet, so this is not a prediction of what teams will actually do come draft night, that will come later on in the process, but rather a Mock Draft based on fit and logic in my opinion.

So sit back, relax, grab your drinks, your snacks, and possibly pitchforks and let’s get started. The OKC Thunder are going to have a few big decisions to make ahead of the NBA Draft, who should they target? Who do they end up getting?

First up on the clock in the first Mock NBA Draft of 2020 on Thunderous Intentions…Wait, should we start from pick 30, or pick 1? You know what? Let’s start with pick one, here we go.

The first pick may be the most interesting in the entire NBA Draft if things go according to plan.

The first pick of the NBA Draft was granted to the Golden State Warriors on the first simulation of the Tankathon lottery simulator, which means the team with the worst record in the NBA right now, keeps the best selection.

However, would the Warriors actually use this selection? Or would they package their first overall pick into a huge offseason trade to make a splash? Given the fact that as of now, in mid-January, we do not have official reports one way or another what the Warriors would do, let’s act as though they will use this pick to replenish their banged-up superteam.

Now if you have been reading my NBA Draft content, as you are supposed to, you know one of my main storylines, as we head into the offseason, is James Wiseman. Is he a franchise player? Does he have the motor and ability to carry a team as Joel Embiid, KAT, AD, and the like? Or is he more of a Deandre Ayton type? A Nice player that can not make a huge impact on a team by himself. Still, a nice player though.

However, the Warriors earning the first pick, and keeping it, could be Wiseman’s saving grace at being the top pick in the NBA Draft as I pegged him for prior to the season. With the Golden State Warriors, Wiseman could flourish and truly bring the Warriors back to that unbeatable perch where they once sat.

A lineup of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and James Wiseman would be incredible with Andrew Wiggins left over to either add in or deal with a future pick to make another big offseason splash in addition to Wiseman. Safe to say, the Warriors aren’t going anywhere. So western conference teams, enjoy this while you can.

If the Warriors trade this pick, all bets are off on who would go number one, as again I do not see a franchise passing on a possible franchise-altering ball-handler for a nice, but not good enough to change the course of the organization big as the Suns did by passing on Doncic with Ayton.

The second pick in the NBA Draft might be the most polarizing figure in the entire class.

Making a leap up by two spots come the New York Knicks. If the Warriors keep their top pick and use it as I projected, the Knicks are sitting pretty at pick number two. As I mentioned before, we are a bit too early in the process for teams to be linked to prospects just yet in mid-January, but this is the rare exception. The New York Knicks have been all over…LaMelo Ball.

With the second overall pick in the NBA (mock) Draft, the New York Knicks, of course, go with LaMelo Ball.

I get that the little brother point guard is polarizing, but take away his name and family history. Just watch the film unbiasedly. It is clear that he has the most upside and “franchise-altering” potential. He has the ability and upside to be a true and honest difference-maker in this league.

While his NBL season down under is done too soon due to a bone bruise, that should not hurt his NBA Draft stock.

When I see LaMelo Ball not only do I see dollar signs as a guy who will pack Madison Square Garden, and also sell out his jersey in a matter of minutes, but I see a new wave of point guard. A big body that struggles to shoot despite having great handles and the best passing ability in this class.

His rebounding and passing ability mixed with his handles steal the show. However, when you look at his frame he still has room to grow. Getting a bit bigger and adding some more muscles could unlock big defensive potential on the perimeter.

LaMelo Ball is probably the prospect I am most excited about entering this year’s NBA Draft and that is due to his high ceiling and low floor. His career could really break either way.

Pairing him with RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, and whatever you can salvage from Kevin Knox is a nice start. Especially when you factor in how much money they have to spend in the loaded 2021 Free Agency period…stop me if you’ve heard this before.

Now the simulation gets wacky…let’s get weird folks!

The Cleveland Cavs ended up with the third overall pick, and are kind of stuck in no man’s land here. James Wiseman is off the board, and now they even have an Andre Drummond conundrum to muddy things up even more. So what do you do if you are Cleveland? In my opinion, you never reach for a player just because he is a positional fit, you take the best player available.

Here is where you could see a trade, but ultimately I expect at this spot for Anthony Edwards to come off the board.

Anthony Edwards is seen by some as the most talented player in this entire draft, so despite his clunky fit with the undersized guards the Cavs recently spent draft assets on, he is still the pick here.

Edwards is averaging 19 points on a 31 percent usage rate. The guard has also been able to haul down five rebounds, dish out three assists, and earn over a steal a game.

His 3-point shooting is a bit worrisome, only stroking the trey ball at a 31 percent clip. I really like Edwards skill set, and at 6’5 225 pounds, he provides more versatility than Sexton or Garland.

By no means is Edwards locked into the third pick in the draft, as mentioned, some have him pegged for the best player in the class. I honestly think the third pick would be the floor for the talented guard.

There are better landing spots for Edwards, his hometown of Atlanta is one that comes to mind. As I said, you do not reach for a less talented player just because he is a better fit. Find a way to make it work with Edwards if you are Cleveland. This could include trading Edwards, or even Sexton or Garland.

While it would be early to give up on the no size, no defense backcourt, I much prefer Edwards’ upside.

OKC Thunder, 2020 NBA Mock Draft 1.0 Isaiah Stewart #33 of the Washington Huskies (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Who should the Atlanta Hawks grab?

The Atlanta Hawks are another interesting team in this year’s NBA Draft, where will they go? After trading for Clint Capela at the deadline, while holding onto John Collins, what could they use? How will this all unfold with Clint on the roster?

They just spent Draft picks on Cam Reddish, and De’Andre Hunter, not to mention Kevin Huerter. Where do they go from here?

Despite the combo guards I just rattled off, I would love for the Hawks to swoop in and get a wing here. Edwards would be my ideal target if I am Atlanta, but let’s just assume a trade can not get done between them and the Cavs.

The two names I really like here, are Isaiah Stewart and RJ Hampton. I will admit, I am an RJ Hampton stan. I think he will fall in this year’s class way lower than he should eventually leaving everyone scratching their heads.

I wonder how he and Trae Young can co-exist though, and unlike the Cavs, I can not see a reason for the Hawks to already give up on Reddish or Hunter.

I think Atlanta will ultimately go with Isaiah Stewart, the Washington Huskies power forward.

Stewart is a 6’9 power forward that has posted 17 points per game this season, and eight rebounds a game. Stewart has been a key force inside defensively, swatting away over two shots per game so far this season.

Her per 100 possession numbers have him averaging 30 points, an assist, 15 rebounds, and almost four shots. Stewart is not going to be a franchise-changer but he is going to make a huge impact at the NBA level.

Robinson-Earl could be what the Minnesota Timberwolves need

The Minnesota Timberwolves made a big splash at the NBA trade deadline, shipping off Andrew Wiggins, and his monster contract to the Golden State Warriors. In return, the Wolves got D’Angelo Russell. The best friend of franchise player Karl-Anthony Towns.

This move helps on all fronts for the Wolves. It helps keep their relationship with the aforementioned KAT in good standing. Things got dicey before the deadline, but adding one of his best friends in place for a misfit player who never gelled or lived up to the hype, is a good move. They still have questions though, like for example the defensive end.

With a weak free-agent class this offseason and the fact that the Wolves had to give up next year’s NBA Draft pick, this year’s draft is critical for the T-Wolves.

So who should Minnesota Target? Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, the Overland Park, Kansas native, has put together a nice season. Sure his numbers do not leap off the page, and I know in the lottery you are looking for the big splash, but this freshman forward might be the answer.

So far this season for Villanova, he has posted 11 points, almost ten rebounds, and over a steal per game. That is the perfect player to put alongside KAT and D’Lo.

Robinson-Earl is an active defender, with a solid offensive game, and a hustle rebounder. With defense being a big issue in Minnesota, his 6’9 232-pound frame gives him a bit of versatility at that end of the floor.

A lineup of D’Lo, Jarret Culver, Malik Beasley, Robinson-Earl, and KAT would be a well-balanced attack for the Wolves.

The Hornets have laid the foundation, and now it is time to round out the starting lineup.

Again, a ton of people considers this a weak NBA Draft class. However, there are still impactful players, players that will be involved in your winning core. Sure, they might not be the only reason you win, and won’t turn your franchise all the way around, but in the case of Vernon Carey Jr., he sure can help.

The Hornets turn in a lineup full of young guards and wings as they were well represented in the NBA Rising Stars Challenge. From second round wonder, Devonte’ Graham, to highly-touted lottery pick Miles Bridges. The Hornets lack a big man down low, and Carry Jr. could solidify this young group and turn them into legitimate contenders (for the 8th seed in the East).

The 6’10 big man has been able to put up 17 points and eight rebounds so far this year, including flashes of playmaking with almost two assists per contest.

The Duke Blue Devil has per 40-minute numbers of almost 40 points per game, nearly 20 rebounds per contest, and almost two blocks and steals per contest. He makes his presence felt down low.

An anchor on both ends of the floor would be just what the doctor ordered for the Hornets. Not a flash pick, not a franchise saver, but it sure up that starting lineup and makes the Hornets a playoff contender.

At just 18 years old, Vernon Carey has the age that appeals to NBA front offices. He is still so raw and has a ton of upside. If he gets into the right situation they can mold him into an all-star caliber player.

The Pistons are a mess, but this pick could give them hope.

Nico Mannion has cooled off a bit down the stretch of the season, but the high upside guard still averages 13 points, two rebounds, five assists, and a steal per game. The 6’3 Siena, Italy native is a three-point shooting machine. The freshman has jacked up five triples a game, making them at a 32 percent clip. For reference, with a closer three-point line, Heat breakout guard Tyler Herro averaged 35 percent from deep a year ago.

Mannion can spread the ball around, dishing out five assists per contest. A number that jumps up to seven per 40 minutes. While his stats won’t exactly leap off the page at you, you have to consider his teammates.

I see maybe one draftable player playing alongside Mannion. In a college game that sees a ton of teams playing zone, with traps, and things of that nature it becomes a lot easier to shut down a team with only one or two talented players.

In Detriot, they would solidify their point guard position. Mannion has shown the ability to handle and distribute the ball at a high level in college. Put him next to a healthy Luke Kennard (if the Pistons do not trade him by the start of next season, because ya know, they are the Pistons) and whatever is left of Blake Griffin, you might have something here.

Nico Mannion’s mixtapes will get a ton of fans excited about his game as the draft process rolls on.

Mannion has a bit of Devin Booker in his game, and pound-for-pound has the most upside in this year’s NBA Draft.

I do not see a better play on the board for the Detriot Pistons than Mannion.

The Bulls get the biggest gift of the draft

I really think Isaac Okoro will fall to the eighth pick in the NBA Draft, and really for the Bulls, that is a huge blessing. In my eyes, Okoro is the best perimeter defender in all of college basketball, and one of the best prospects with that skillset in a long time. (yes, including last year’s defensive standout Matisse Thybulle)

However, like a ton of defensive prospects, his three-point shooting is a bit of a black eye on his NBA Draft resume. Okoro shoots just 26 percent from deep, and at the line does not get much better going 66 percent from the charity stripe.

His all-around game makes up for it. The 6’6 215-pound wing can do a bit of everything. Of course, he creates chaos with a steal and a block per contest. He can also facilitate though, handing out over two assists per contest. On the glass, the 6’6 freshman crashes the boards to collect nearly five rebounds a game.

Okoro possibly has the highest basketball IQ in this class. On both ends of the floor, he just makes the smart basketball decision. No matter if it is rotating defensively, playing the passing lanes, or making the extra pass. Okoro is a crowd please, without the stellar highlights, just with good fundamental basketball.

Okoro has been able to score 13 points per game, a number that pushes over 23 points per game when you extrapolate per 100 possesions.

I think Okoro could go down as one of the biggest steals of this year’s NBA Draft. Again, not a franchise-changing player, but he will heavily impact the game, change your teams’ defensive production almost single-handedly, and be a big reason for winning.

The Wizards get John Wall protection with high upside pick

If you have been following along with all of my NBA Draft coverage on TI, you will know that I am extremely high on RJ Hampton. The once Kansas bound prospect elected to instead go overseas and play in the ABL, for the Breakers.

Like LaMelo Ball, RJ Hampton’s season is already over. He will focus on preparing for the NBA Draft, after not getting the amount of hype he thought he would. In my estimation, if he went on to play for the no third-ranked Kansas squad, he would have a lot more “hype” around him. How much does hype play into account? I guess we will find out soon.

Like LaMelo, the NBA Combined will be a huge opportunity for RJ Hampton to give his draft stock an uptick.

Why would the Wizards make this move? Sure, they have John Wall’s monster contract on the books, but he is still coming off an Achilles tear. There is no guarantee John Wall returns to his once All-Star form when he finally gets back on the hardwood.

Take a look at Bradley Beal, as well. RJ Hampton is able to play either guard spot and Beal is only under contract for one more season. It is reasonable to believe that between now and the Summer of 2021, Beal is moved out of D.C.

Hampton is one of my favorite prospects in this draft. He is a 6’5 guard that is fluid and a silky smooth ball handler. The prototypical new-age point guard. The way he can control the offense, the pace, and control his body on the way to the rim.

If you put RJ Hampton’s frame in an NBA caliber weight room with their staff, the sky is the limit for his physical growth. Already a great passer, ball handler, and features elite speed. His basketball IQ as a pass and visionary sets him apart from the rest of the guards in this draft.

However, his shot selection needs work, to put it nicely. Playing with NBA talent might help settle him down, but we know Scott Brooks is not one to reign in a young guard.

Given his size, I would not be against the Wizards rolling out a three-guard lineup that features all of Beal, Wall, and Hampton along with Rui and Bryant to round out the starting five.

The Suns get a formidable wing in this year’s draft.

Suns fans, what a long and really unrewarding road this has been. You grab Devin Booker, good for you. The man has yet to throw up a shot that holds any value. You grab Deandre Ayton instead of Trae Young or Luka Doncic while complaining about not having a point guard and being forced to scramble and get Ricky Rubio. Acting as if Ricky Rubio would be the difference in grabbing a playoff spot in the wild wild west.

Now, they finally pull off a good NBA Draft pick. In a supposed weak class, and even at 10th overall, the Suns nab Dayton wing, Obi Toppin. To enter the 2020 NBA Draft process, I ranked Obi Toppin 27th. He quickly proved me, and a ton of others wrong. Toppin rapidly rose up the NBA Draft boards through half a season, and his ascension will only continue as we approach March Madness and more eyes fall on the Dayton Flyers.

This season, Toppin averages almost 20 points, eight rebounds, two assists offensively. He strokes the three-point shot at a 36 percent clip. Defensively Toppin is still a standout player. So far this year he averages over a steal and a block per game. He has those defensive intangibles that always put him in the right spot at the right time.

The 6’9 220-pound wing can really help build a core in Phoenix. Him, Booker, and Ayton could present a foundation of a big 3.

I think Toppin is a player that can fit almost every team in the NBA. He is one of the guys in this class I feel comfortable giving NBA rotational minutes to from day one.

The Suns were shopping Kelly Obure Jr. Kelly Oubre Jr. at the deadline, and this move gives you an Oubre replacement. I would not be surprised if, by the time the dust settled, you see teams working the phones to get their hands on Toppin on Draft night.

There is a crisis in Sactown. What do the Kings need to finally get over the hump?

A year ago, the Sacramento Kings were so close to sneaking into the postseason. You can almost see the finish line in Sactown. I mean, at one time, they controlled their own destiny and were in the driver’s seat for that eighth seed.

Now, they are projected to pick in the Lottery with no turnaround in sight after a head-scratching coaching change. They decided to go with Luke Walton after a successful season from Dave Joerger. Walton elected to spend most of the first half slowing down the speedy and fun De’Aaron Fox.

Marvin Bagley III has not turned out to be the prospect we once thought he was. Especially considering the Kings could’ve had Luka Doncic or Trae Young. All the goodwill built up from a year ago has now flown out the window.

So where do the Kings go from here? If I was calling the shots in Sactown I would select Tyrese Haliburton. His season is already over, an injury sustained to his left wrist in December will hold him out the rest of the year.

Haliburton presents a ton of options for Luke Walton, or whoever the Kings will have on the sidelines next season. Haliburton can defend every position on the floor in college, which will translate to every position on the floor excluding center in the NBA. With a lineup that features Fox, and Heild as mainstays, that is important for whomever the Kings select. They have to be versatile.

Despite his funky looking shot, he shoots the 3-ball at a 42 percent clip this year. He can haul in almost five rebounds a game, dish out just as many assists, on his way to 15 points per contest. The only thing Haliburton can not do is handle the ball very well. That is why Sactown is a perfect fit for him. Leave those duties to Buddy, and Fox.

Again his near three steals and a block per game, his defensive presence is a huge selling point for the 20-year-old.

The Spurs get another overseas stud.

Wow, I was not aware this was something the Spurs organization could do. But here they are, picking in the Lottery for the first time that I can remember in my 22 years of living.

The San Antonio Spurs are not a good team. They will miss the postseason, and it is okay to admit that. That slots them to select in the lottery, granted the tail end of the lottery, but still. Gregg Popovich returns to the sidelines in 2020-21 and has a new foreign player to torment the rest of the league with.

Why does Deni Avdija fall this far? I am sure that is what you NBA Draft nuts are wondering. He has so much hype around him, right? Well, In my opinion, he is an old-school big. His three-point shot is nonexistent, his mid-range game is fine, and he can not sink free throws. That does not fit the current style of basketball.

The 6’8 210 pound 19-year-old still has room to grow. Being mentored by LaMarcus Aldridge for a year sure would do Avdija some good.

Of course, it is not all bad with Deni Avdija, there is a reason he is getting so much love, and most have him pegged for a top-five pick. His playmaking ability in the post is off the charts. He has some of the best handles you will see from a power forward spot in this class, and his vision is unmatched. Playing in a motion offense that allows him to show it off will be great for him.

I worry about the aforementioned shot, and his ability to play defense at an NBA level. Especially with the hybrid wing/big men, he will be tasked with handling.

A great pickup for the Spurs later in the NBA Draft than most expect, and while he will play heavy NBA minutes as a rookie in my estimation, he is still a project.

The Pelicans literally can not mess this up.

Again, it pays to be a loyal reader. If you have been following along you would know Cole Anthony enter this year as the love of my NBA Draft life. Winning the preseason Tyler Herro award, for a player I must admire in this year’s class.

A bumpy start to his college career that featured a plethora of injuries, has him plummeting down NBA Draft boards. However, the 6’3 190-pound guard can still hoop. At just 19 years old, he brings a ton of upside to the table.

The Pelicans are in a no-lose situation. With the emergence of Brandon Ingram, the generational talent of Zion Williamson, and the rising Jaxson Hayes, David Griffin can really do anything this draft. Especially with Jrue Holiday being under team control for another year, with a player option in 2021. Cole Anthony is the perfect fit.

The Tar Heels freshman is averaging 19 points, with almost two steals and a block per game. He grabs six rebounds and gives out three assists per contest. Anthony has proven he is a legit playmaker and point guard. He is a starting-caliber point guard that you are nabbing at the end of the lottery. That is very rare especially for such a “weak class.”

The only area of Anthony’s game that needs improvement is his 3-point shot. The teenaged ball handler strokes the three-ball at just a 31 percent clip.

If you take Anthony’s per 40-minute numbers, his line comes out to 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, 2 steals, and a block. Anthony’s biggest flaw has been availability.

He has only played in 14 games for the struggling Tar Heels who will likely miss even the NIT tournament this season.

I still believe in Anthony, and would gladly take him and his upside in this year’s NBA Draft.

A lineup of him, Holiday, Ingram, Zion, and Hayes would be an incredibly fun unit.

The Portland Trailblazers get a big man in the 2020 NBA Draft

I will give you two predictions in one here, the first being that the Portland Trailblazers will miss the playoffs. That puts the Blazers at the end of the NBA Draft lottery, what will they do? Where will they go? I am going to project that Portland would love to grab a big man at this spot. So who is the best option to have? none other than Jaden McDaniels.

McDaniels stands 6’9 and weighs 200 pounds as a 19-year-old. The problem is McDaniels, is that he struggles to score. That is putting it gently. I do not think the big man will be a “bucket getter” in the NBA. Another problem that makes him fall this far is that he is not exactly the biggest. Granted at 6’9 and with his body build, there is certainly room for a professional weight staff to get a 19-year-old up to speed.

So what does he do well? He is a tough-nosed bulldog on the defensive end, that does all the dirty work. If he can get stronger and bigger, he will turn into a Kendrick Perkins and Nick Collison hybrid. He is one of the few prospects who enjoys and looks for the gritty stuff. The floor burns, the loose balls, the rotations, the backdowns. He wants it all.

A great rebounder, and an excellent passer, McDaniels would be a perfect compliment to CJ and Dame. He can make the extra pass, get the extra hustle rebound, find the open shooter, and set hard screens. I would love to see him in Portland, and I think this organization is the one that can reach his full potential.

Again, not a guy who will have fans over the moon right away. His highlight package will not get Portland fans excited in June. However, the impact he will have on the game and the season would send Trailblazers fans into their happy place.

Number 15: The Orlando Magic get a marketable player in the middle of the NBA Draft.

The Orlando Magic are lacking a “splash” player. While they sit as an under .500 playoff team in the lackluster Eastern Conference, they have nothing to inspire a fanbase. I mean, what is the point? Going into the first round as a bad basketball team just to get embarrassed? They have the upstart Markelle Fultz to look forward to. The once top pick now has his career back on track. Outside of that, Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac are fun players, but that is about it.

With Tyrese Maxey, you get a marketable player. What is his upside? Probably a good NBA starter, but in this shallow of a class, at pick 15 that would be a huge get in the middle of this NBA Draft.

I really enjoy Maxey’s game, the guy averages 14 points, three assists, and five rebounds. Maxey also averages just under 30 percent from deep. At 6’3, he needs to develop that outside shot a bit more, but his game reminds me of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s.

Onyeka Okongwu stands 6’9 and comes in at 245 pounds. The USC big man has pulled down nine rebounds and posted 16 games per contest. He has provided a defensive anchor for the Trojans. He has swatted away three shots per contest, with a steal per game as well. At the line, he turns in a respectable 74 percent. It is no secret defense will be an issue with the new-look Wolves. Okongwu helps fix that.

Note: pick is conveyed via the Nets.

The Boston Celtics have the luxury of not really needing anything. Just select the best player on the board, or even trade the pick. When you are receiving someone else’s pick as the C’s are, you are truly playing with house money.

For the Celtics, I think they go upside here and grab Precious Achiuwa. The upside is the best word to describe the 6’9 225-pound teenager. Achiuwa has averaged a double-double for the Memphis Tigers since Jame Wiseman’s departure from the program. At 15 points 10 rebounds a game, do not forget his contributions on the defensive end, where he earns a steal and two blocks per game.

From deep, Achiuwa shoots a respectable 33 percent, and again is another guy that is very marketable. Getting a splash at pick 17 in a supposedly weak NBA Draft is a big success.

I ranked Theo Maledon at 9th on my NBA Draft Big Board prior to the season starting. However, a ton of injuries has thrown his season way off from the projections. If the 18-year-old enters the draft, I think it will cause a Lottery talent to fall out of the lottery. That is how the Bucks benefit.

A win-now team, that still has time to grow, gets an 18-year-old point guard. He is 6’4, and 175 pounds with the ability to become a high-end sharpshooter. His size and activeness on the defensive end could make him a great defender. The 18-year-old factor, the size, and the shooting make this a picture-perfect pick. The Bucks again, have the time to let him grow. Most lottery teams do not. This is a great fit for the organization and the player.

Note: pick is conveyed via the Pacers.

For me, this is a simple pick if you are the Dallas Mavericks. You already have Luka and KP, who began to click prior to the All-Star break. That is your core.

Build around that the best you can. Coming into this Mock Draft I thought Nesmith would be the best fit in Dallas, with only one question. Do they want to draft a center instead? With the loss of Dwight Powell for the rest of the year, and likely into next year, what is next for the five spot in Dallas? Sure, they have Willie Cauley-Stein right now, but if he performs well he has the option to enter free agency.

But ultimately, as I said earlier, you go with the best player, not reach on a better fit. Aaron Nesmith provides just that. Nesmith is absolutely the best player and fits left on the board for Dallas. For my money, he is the best shooter in this year’s NBA Draft class.

While a knee injury ended his college season this year jus t14 games in, he has still down enough the last two season’s at Vandy to warrant this mid-first-round pick. This season, he was averaging 52 percent from a pushed back 3 point line. The line in college has just now been pushed back to the international mark for those who did not know. He finished his 14 games averaging 23 points, five rebounds, almost two steals and a block per game.

Nesmith is a guy who fits right in alongside Luka and KP, but also could provide a much-needed scoring option off the bench for the Mavericks’ second unit. If Rick Carlisle can put a lineup on the floor that at times includes Luka, KP, Seth Curry, Nesmith, and Maxi Kleber, their scoring numbers would be ridiculous. The problem becomes I only really trust Nesmith and KP defensively in that group.

Jordan Nwora would have OKC Thunder fans over the moon, in my opinion. The three-year college player would be ready for NBA minutes right away. His 6’7 225-pound frame with a well above average 3-point shot mix together for a drool-worthy prospect. Everything is turning up OKC Thunder with this season, huh?

You have to trade PG and Russ but get back a historic haul for PG, draft assets and a rejuvenized CP3 for Russ. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is turning into a shining star, the NBA Draft assets have not even come to be but they are waiting in the wings to be likely used on wings (shout out Sam Presti), you are going to make the playoffs despite most picking you to miss out on the postseason, and some screaming to sell off everything and tank.

Now, you grab one of my favorite prospects in this year’s entire NBA Draft class. Jordan Nwora would fit the OKC Thunder in every single way possible. The OKC Thunder and Sam Presti love long lengthy, only this wing, unlike most that Presti falls in love with, can shoot!

Nwora has won the most improved ACC player award in 2018-19 and was All-ACC that same year. He seemed in line at one time for the ACC player of the year award this year and still might get it.

The forward has averaged 18 points, seven rebounds, and an assist per game. Nwora has also stroked the 3-ball at a 42-percent clip. I love his ability to drive to the rim and create his own shot, something the OKC Thunder would love from their wing spot. Something they just currently are not getting from the likes of Terrance Ferguson, Deonte Burton, and Hamidou Diallo.

Nwora can drive, but he is also an elite catch-and-shoot wing in this year’s NBA Draft class. with the OKC Thunder offense being controlled by CP3 for now, and eventually Gilgeous-Alexander, a guy who can play off-ball at a high-level would be perfect for the OKC Thunder.

So what is the negative about this guy? Why has he dropped so far if he is so good? Well, he struggles defensively to say the least. Struggles that might be able to be disguised in the OKC Thunder system. However, even with helpful players around him he still needs a huge improvement personally on the defensive end.

Josh Green is a guy that has a ton of hype around him for a mid-to-late first-round pick projection. I see the ceiling on Josh Green being a role player in the NBA. Given the roster construction of the Nets that features Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, a safe rotational player would be just fine for the Nets.

The problem with Jeff Green is his lack of an ability to get his own offensive opportunity. Which again, makes him a nice fit alongside Irving and Durant who are so good that the defenses will shift to them and create a chance for Green without Josh having to do anything. I will choose not to hold his lack of efficiency against him being that the college game is so single player-driven when you get on a team that you are one of the few draftable talents.

Cassius Winston lost his brother earlier this season, and the basketball world still mourns for him. That got his Senior season off to a rocky start. However, he is still a solid first-round pick. He has a rare trait for a college basketball player. He knows he is good, he knows he can get a bucket whenever he wants, but he still plays within Tom Izzo’s offense.

He is a smart playmaking guard who can get that critical bucket in the clutch. Winston has the ability to come in, at 21 years old, and play big rotational minutes. He has the ability to lead a very successful second unit, especially for a playoff team like Denver.

Note: the pick will be conveyed via the Rockets

Jalen Smith is quickly shooting up NBA Draft boards, and his rise is not even close to ending, in my opinion, when the dust settles, I do think Jalen Smith ends up in the 20’s. The Maryland Forward has been nothing short of awesome for the Terps.

Averaging over two blocks per game, a touch over 15 points per game, and ten rebounds. The double-double machine is a prototypical big man for the modern NBA. The 6’10 Smith averages 39 percent from deep. That is incredible. The fact he is a threat outside and makes you respect his shot does so much for any offseason.

Myles Powell is one of my personal favorites in this year’s NBA Draft. Powell is averaging almost 22 points per game, over four rebounds and two assists per contest. Powell is able to stretch the floor a little bit, but that needs improvement at the NBA level.

He plays above-average defense, and as a four-year college player is ready to join an NBA rotation right away. That is a huge thing for playoff teams to consider. Adding Powell’s scoring and driving ability to the Utah second unit, would help take them to the next level.

Devon Dotson could be the point guard the New York Knicks need. After failing to develop Frankie smokes, and DSJ not panning out as a prospect, it is Devon Dotson’s turn to try his hand at the big apple. Dotson is a big stage player, and I love his upside. As just a two-year college player, he still has youth and an ability to grow as a player.

Alongside RJ Barrett, and now LaMelo Ball, the Knicks could be…growing something?! Dotson would play the backup point role and help anchor the second unit. While I could also see the Knicks going for a big man here, I love the Devon Dotson play.

This season he is averaging 18 points, four rebounds and as many assists per game. He is shooting 30 percent from deep, a respectable enough number. However, his incredible driving ability is his real selling point. He can control his body with the best of them, and smoothly slither his way around the trees down low. Of note, this pick will be conveyed from the Clippers courtesy of the trade at the deadline.

The OKC Thunder are playing with house money here (the pick comes from Denver). They have not even gotten to the tip of the iceberg of their draft assets. This offseason, there are a ton of questions to answer for Sam Presti’s OKC Thunder squad.

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An untalked about one is Billy Donovan needing a new contract. However, on the floor: What are you going to do with Chris Paul? What do they get in return for Gallo on a sign-and-trade? What if they actually just sign Gallo? Are they going to trade Steven Adams? What if they use this historic future draft capital for an all-in move? So this NBA Draft should be all about insurance for the OKC Thunder.

Insurance is exactly what Zeke Nnaji provides for the OKC Thunder. The 6’11 240 pound big man could play center in the modern-day game, which gives you a bit of flexibility on the Steven Adams front. Adams turns into an expiring contract when the offseason rolls around and will be a hot name on the trade rumor mill.

For Nnaji, he averages almost 17 points, and nine rebounds a game. He has been able to produce a block and almost a steal per contest. he is a 6’11 big who is not scared to step back to the 3-point line, though he shoots just 27 percent from deep on less than one attempt per game.

At the line, Nnaji shoots a very impressive 78 percent.

Zeke is an interesting option no matter what the OKC Thunder elects to do. If you keep Steven Adams, Zeke Nnaji provides a very good big man option off the bench. Notably, Nerlens Noel is a free agent this summer. If you move Adams, I fully anticipate Zeke Nnaji’s ceiling to be a starting-caliber center in this league. While it may take a year or two, give him time and he will be a high-end starting player.

An NBA Draft class of Jordan Nwora and Zeke Nnaji should send OKC Thunder fans down the street doing cartwheels.

Tre Jones could turn into exactly what the C’s wanted from Carsen Edwards. Jones averages 16 points, four rebounds, and almost seven assists per game. He shoots the trey ball at a 32 percent clip. His drive and kick ability mixed with his tough finishes are awesome to watch and would be a joy to watch for C’s fans.

I think he can be a bonafide backup point guard in this league for a long, long time. It is not just his playmaking offensively, he swipes two steals per game and plays the passing lanes as well as anyone in basketball. Tre Jones is a fun, interesting prospect. As just a two-year college player, he still has a ton of growth and upside to his credit.

The 6’9 258-pound big man from Congo just fits the Toronto Raptors system. An underrated, raw prospect, that has a ton of room to not only grow but surprise a ton of people. Oscar Tshiebwe is averaging over a block and almost a steal per game, with nine rebounds and nearly 12 points per game.

I love Tshiebwe’s upside with a year with the amazing Raptors G-League and training staff, he has the frame, the ability, and potential, to be a high-level center in the NBA.

I know what you are probably thinking: Isaiah Moss? Who is that? None of the other mocks I read even have him listed! Well, let me explain. Isaiah Moss is a sharpshooting guard, who can play decent defense. He averages 38 percent from deep in his career, and this season with the moved back 3-point mark has him shooting 37 percent. He fits the Lakers model perfectly because you want to get shooters around LeBron and AD.