Grading 2020 NBA Draft: OKC Thunder are active and aggressive
Role players:
In contrast to the previous slide, these teams selected to fill specific positions and roles on their teams. While that helps in terms of immediate depth the question is whether a more talented prospect was left on the board. Time will offer answers to those questions.
Pacers
- Cassius Stanley (54th), SF, Duke
Indy had one pick late in the second round and got the most value out of it. Cassius Stanley falls under the most desirable positional need in the NBA of 3 and D. For such a late pick the fact he could potentially contribute in year one is a big plus.
Grade: C
Cavaliers
- Isaac Okoro (5th) SF, Auburn
It feels like Cleveland has a short window to figure out how to make their young backcourt succeed. Both players are talented but neither seems as invested in helping their teammates score. The Cavs definitely need wing depth and defensive help so Isaac Okoro was a solid choice.
Grade: B+
Bucks
- Jordan Nwora (45th), SF, Louisville
- Sam Merrill (60th), SG, Utah State
Jon Horst has one job and that’s to make Giannis Antetokounmpo happy. How do you do that? Add shooters, playmakers, and teammates who can defend. The priority is on opening the floor to allow Giannis to excel but if the past two playoffs proved anything it’s that the Bucks need playmakers who can create shots for others or hit shots of their own in the clutch.
Given those dynamics, the two prospects who both can hit effectively from the outside were the right selections as both are 40 percent plus 3-point snipers.
Grade: B
Pelicans
- Kira Lewis Jr. (13th), PG, Alabama
Last season newly minted front office executive David Griffin had the top draft pick and took picks from the Anthony Davis trade and turned them into multiple picks. Those prospects are still developing so the choice to not use all the picks in 2020 was wise (pay attention Sam).
Instead, Griff decided to focus on adding one prospect with the potential to work his way into the rotation, and not surprisingly the emphasis was on adding a guard because Jrue Holiday was traded to the Bucks. The Pelicans almost lucked into Haliburton but Kira Lewis Jr. is a solid pickup with the 13th pick. His skillset will complement the other guards on the team and his speed will add an interesting variance of pace to the second unit.
Grade: B+
Magic
- Cole Anthony (15th), PG, North Carolina
With only one pick to make a one major Magic deficiency this selection delivered with flying colors. Sure, Anthony had a brutal NCAA year complete with injury but he’s joining a team that is thirsting for an offensive weapon and will be more than happy to deliver.
Orlando has quality defenders so even if Anthony lacks in that area it’s not going to matter at least initially.