Tag: NBA Mock Draft

Xavier Tillman a first-round pick in CBS Sports 2020 NBA Mock Draft

Michigan State basketball Forward Xavier Tillam is projected as a late first-round draft pick in a new CBS Sports 2020 NBA Mock Draft.

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We still have some time before the 2020 NBA draft, which means plenty of new mock drafts. Colin Ward-Henninger of CBS Sports has updated his mock draft which features Xavier Tillman as a late first-round pick.

Ward-Henninger predicts Xavier Tillman will be drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the No. 25 pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

Read what Ward-Henninger had to say about Tillman below, courtesy of CBS Sports:

OKC’s backup center spot could be vacant this offseason, and Tillman is ready to step in and fill it right away. He certainly won’t stretch the floor at this point in his career, but he’s a good finisher around the rim with his 7-1 wingspan, and is also a capable playmaker from the high post.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in an interesting spot. They could keep this current roster together and just add new pieces but will likely trade away Chris Paul to a win-now team. On the Thunder, Tillman could play along with high-upside point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which could result in a formidable pick-and-roll game.

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Warriors select high-flying forward in latest NBA Mock Draft from CBS Sports

In the latest mock draft from Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, the Golden State Warriors landed Dayton’s high-flying prospect Obi Toppin with the No. 2 pick.

With more teams being eliminated from the 2020 edition of the playoffs, draft season is beginning to heat up outside of the Orlando Bubble. Following the lottery, mock drafts are rolling in with predictions for how the board will read in November.

After the first overall selection by the Minnesota Timberwolves, eyes immediately shift to what Bob Myers and the Golden State Warriors will do at No. 2. With the championship core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green still in place, the Warriors are in a unique situation for a team on the clock early in the draft.

If they don’t opt to trade the pick, Myers and Steve Kerr could look for a prospect that can contribute to Golden State’s climb back to the playoffs as soon as next season.

In Matt Norlander’s latest mock draft for CBS Sports, Dayton’s Obi Toppin lands in the Bay Area. According to Norlander, Toppin’s “all-around repertoire, and stellar reputation” make him a tough prospect to pass on at No. 2.

Via CBS Sports:

You’ll see other mocks slide James Wiseman here, and I can see that, but I’ll stick with Obi Toppin. He’s far from polarizing, but I do think opinions drift interestingly on Toppin, who is 22 years, and that could be used against him. I think Toppin’s range is No. 1 to No. 6 in this draft. His all-around repertoire, and stellar reputation, has turned him into the kind of prospect that general managers will find hard to pass on…

View Norlander’s full breakdown of Toppin to Golden State and the rest of the CBS Sports Mock Draft here.

In his final season at Dayton, Toppin averaged 20 points on 63.3% shooting from the field with 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assist, 1.2 blocks and one steal per contest. As a redshirt sophomore, the 6-foot-6 forward flashed glimpses of a long-range jumper, shooting 39% from beyond the arc on 2.6 attempts per game. Toppin’s performance at Dayton earned him AP National College Player of the Year honors.

The Brooklyn native came in as the No. 7 prospect on the Warriors Wire 2020 Big Board.

Toppin’s tenacious athleticism would immediately add another high flyer alongside Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss in Golden State’s frontline. Toppin’s finishing around the rim would give Curry and Green another lob threat on the floor in Kerr’s fast-paced offense. As he continues to develop his 3-point shot, Toppin could fit in next to Paschall and Jordan Poole to create a youth movement off the bench in Golden State.

If the Warriors decided to go small, Toppin could slide in alongside Green at center or power forward in Kerr’s rotation. Toppin could benefit from being on the court next to a player with the defensive prowess of Green.

 

With the draft slated to move back to November 18, Myers and Kerr will have time to do their homework on Toppin and the rest of the 2020 draft class.

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Warriors add playmaker to backcourt in latest NBA Mock Draft from Bleacher Report

In the latest NBA Mock Draft prediction from Bleacher Report, Jonathan Wasserman had the Warriors selecting LaMelo Ball with the No. 2 pick.

How the Golden State Warriors handle their top pick remains one of the most intriguing questions surrounding the 2020 offseason.

With the championship core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green intact, the Warriors will eye a player that can help contribute to their climb back into the playoff picture as soon as next season.

Do Steve Kerr and Bob Myers trade the pick for a veteran? Do they add to the backcourt or frontcourt? Do they take a player to develop behind the Splash Brothers? Essential questions the Warriors will answer during draft season.

With the lottery order set, NBA Mock Drafts are beginning to roll out with predictions for what the Warriors will do with the No. 2 overall selection.

In Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft from Jonathan Wasserman, the Warriors added a young playmaker to their backcourt. After Georgia’s Anthony Edwards went off the board at No. 1, the Warriors landed point guard LaMelo Ball.

While Ball’s fit with Golden State might be in question due to him sharing a position with Curry, Wasserman laid out a few factors around his mock selection.

Via Bleacher Report:

Knowing there could be more interest and time to deal after the draft, the Warriors could take Ball and shop him later, or they could keep him and add a special passer between Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who’d only make the incoming rookie a better player.

LaMelo could ultimately be ready to take the keys full-time as he nears his second contract and Curry approaches his 35th birthday. While James Wiseman may make sense to fill their hole at center, a below-average shooter, passer and switch defender doesn’t seem like a Warriors pick.

View Bleacher Report’s complete mock draft from Wasserman here.

In 12 games for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s NBL, the Chino Hills product averaged 17.0 points on 37.5% shooting from the field with 7.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.6 steals in 31.3 minutes per contest.

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If Ball sticks in Golden State, the 19-year-old could slide in as the lead guard off the bench while he develops behind Curry. Ball could link with Eric Paschall to give Kerr and the Warriors a viable one-two punch in the second unit.

As Curry and Thompson work back from significant injuries in 2019, having a wing with Ball’s exciting ability to create for others and initiate an offense could provide valuable depth for the Warriors.

With reports pointing towards the draft date getting moved back till November 18, Kerr and Myers will have plenty of time to research a bevy of angles around Golden State’s much-anticipated No. 2 pick.

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Warriors add dynamic wing with No. 2 pick in ESPN’s Post-Lottery NBA Mock Draft

In ESPN’s Post-Lottery NBA Mock Draft, Jonathan Givony has the Golden State Warriors landing Anthony Edwards with the No. 2 selection.

As the chance of a title is still on the books for teams inside the Orlando Bubble, the Golden State Warriors have advanced to draft season on the NBA calendar. After registering the league’s worst record at 15-50, the Warriors earned a top-five pick in the 2020 edition of the draft.

Following the NBA Draft Lottery, the Warriors landed the No. 2 selection on the board. With the order set, mock drafts are beginning to roll out with predictions for what Bob Myers and Steve Kerr will do when the Warriors are on the clock.

Prior to the lottery, Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton, Israel’s Deni Avdija, Memphis’ James Wiseman and USC’s Onyeka Okongwu have been listed alongside the Warriors in mock drafts.

In Jonathan Givony of ESPN’s Post-Lottery Mock, the Warriors landed an explosive young wing piece. After the Minnesota Timberwolves selected LaMelo Ball with the first mock selection, Givony slotted Georgia’s Anthony Edwards to the Warriors at No. 2.

According to Givony, the 19-year-old would add instant offense alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins.

Via ESPN.com:

Edwards would add instant offense to an already high-powered nucleus with his ability to get downhill and rise up from anywhere on the floor. Small-ball lineups featuring Stephen Curry, Edwards, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green would blend skill and versatility. Edwards also has the long-term upside to grow into the face of the franchise down the line. His freshman season was inconsistent, but he is powerful with tremendous shot-making prowess and has significant upside to grow into on both ends of the floor.

View Givony’s full ESPN mock draft here.

On his way to earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors, Edwards averaged 19.1 points per game on 40.2% shooting from the field with 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest. If he slips past the Timberwolves, Edwards would add a downhill slashing dynamic to Kerr’s rotation. While he develops, Edwards could pair with sophomore Eric Paschall as Golden State’s lead duo off the bench.

With the NBA and NBPA agreeing to push back the draft that was slated for October 16, the Golden State Warriors will have more time for homework before they hit the clock on draft day.

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Warriors trade down with Knicks in latest NBA Mock Draft from CBS Sports

In a new NBA Mock Draft from CBS Sports, the Golden State Warriors landed Israel’s Deni Avdija after trading back with the New York Knicks.

As the remaining eight teams progress through the second round of the Orlando Bubble playoffs, the Golden State Warriors have turned their attention to the NBA Draft. After registering a league-worst 15-50 record, the Warriors are slated to be on the clock in the top five for the first time since 2002.

Following the NBA Draft Lottery, Bob Myers and Steve Kerr found out they will be on the clock with the No. 2 selection on October 16. With the order set, NBA Mock Drafts can be slightly more accurate when predicting what the Warriors could do with their pick.

Instead of slating Golden State with a prospect in the latest CBS Sports Mock Draft, Colin Ward-Henninger had the Warriors dealing the No. 2 overall pick to the New York Knicks. The Knicks moved up to select point guard LaMelo Ball with the second selection.

Fast forward a handful of picks and the Golden State Warriors were back on the clock. With the No. 8 pick, the Warriors landed Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Deni Avdija. According to Ward-Henninger, Avdija is “tailor-made” for the Golden State’s system.

Via CBS Sports:

Avdija is tailor-made for the Warriors system as a big wing with excellent playmaking ability and the makings of a strong 3-point stroke. Golden State is obviously hoping to get contributions right away, and while Avdija will have a strong learning curve on the offensive end, his basketball IQ should earn him playing time from the jump…

View the full CBS Sports Mock Draft here.

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In 33 games in the Israeli BSL, Avdija averaged 12.9 points on 52.6% shooting from the field with 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 block per contest. With his impressive pace, vision and passing, the 6-foot-9 forward could serve as a playmaking option for  Kerr alongside Eric Paschall in the second unit. At only 19-years-old, Avdija has time to continue developing while learning from Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

While the league caps off the postseason at Disney World, the Warriors will have plenty of time in their extended offseason to study the prospect pool leading up to October’s draft.

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Where Greg Brown sits on the latest 2021 NBA Draft big board

DraftWire updated their NBA Draft board, with Brown being in the top 25. He would be Texas’ fifth drafted player in the last six years.

Going into this 2020 NBA Draft, Texas has no players in the mix. All of their production form the 2019 season will be returning and five-star forward Greg Brown will be a major edition for Shaka Smart.

Flash forward to a year from now, a Brown will be pushing to become a lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. A 6-6 forward, Brown is was the No. 9 player coming out of high school and the top player in the state of Texas.

RookieWire recently updated their NBA Draft Big Board for the 2021 class, with Brown coming in at No. 25. He would be Texas’ fifth drafted player in the last six years.

Here is what RookieWire said about the incoming freshman:

Greg Brown averaged 18.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists with 1.5 steals per game on the AAU circuit in 2019 for the Texas Titans. Brown also had the second-best player efficiency rating (36.0) among all participants in the 17U adidas Gold Gauntlet in 2018-19. He is a highlight-reel dunker, too, which can help his fame among more casual fans when he throws down on bigger stages.

Once Brown gets his one season in Austin, he will ascend up the big board. His athleticism alone will be too good to pass up. Smart will get time to work on his offensive and defensive game, potentially making him a top player in the draft.

Atop the board is Oklahoma State point guard Cade Cunningham. Despite the Cowboys not being able to participate in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, Cunningham decided to stick true to his commitment. Mike Boynton’s team will be a problem in the Big 12, even if they cannot participate past the regular season.

Three conference players are also ahead of Brown, including Jared Butler of Baylor, Miles McBride of West Virginia, and Oscar Tshiebwe of West Virginia.

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Vecenie mock draft: Thunder should ‘take a home run swing’ on Jaden McDaniels

Sam Vecenie thinks Jaden McDaniel’s upside is worth the Oklahoma City Thunder taking a chance on with the No. 25 pick.

Jaden McDaniels is one of the players in the draft that most defines high-ceiling, low-floor to some evaluators.

A five-star prospect out of high school, McDaniels showed some positives in college as a player with two-way potential and the ability to handle the ball in a 6-foot-10 frame, but he also struggled to prove he’s ready at the next level.

With that said, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie thinks the Oklahoma City Thunder should “take a home run swing” and draft the Washington forward with the No. 25 pick.

The Thunder have (approximately) one million first-round picks forthcoming from the trades involving Paul George and Russell Westbrook. They can afford to take a home run swing on a player who fits the tools that they tend to covet in players. Traditionally, the team has preferred guys with good positional size and length who are plus athletes for the position and have some two-way potential. McDaniels ticks a lot of those boxes.

McDaniels averaged 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists along with 1.4 blocks per game as a freshman.

He shot only 40.5% from the field, and his 33.9% 3-point shooting was lacking.

The talent is very clear, as it’s hard to find players who are this tall who can also handle it a bit and have potential to shoot it. But McDaniels has teams trying to get a handle on how to assess his mentality and more.

His fouling was problematic, as he picked up four in 15 of 31 games and fouled out eight times. He averaged far more turnovers than assists.

But Vecenie thinks McDaniels can approach his upside with the “strong developmental track record” of Oklahoma City.

With a pick so late in the first round, to Vecenie, that it’s worth the risk.

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Warriors land talented big with No. 2 pick in Rookie Wire’s post-Lottery NBA Mock Draft

With the NBA Draft order set, the Golden State Warriors landed James Wiseman with the No. 2 pick in the Rookie Wire’s post-Lottery mock.

After an extended wait, the Golden State Warriors finally have a clear outlook on the 2020 NBA Draft. With Steph Curry serving as their representative, the Warriors landed the No. 2 overall selection in the upcoming NBA Draft.

With the draft order set, updated mock drafts are beginning to pour in with predictions for what Golden State is to do going on October 16. Prior to the Lottery, prospects like Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, USC’s Onyeka Okongwu, Florida State’s Devin Vassell and Dayton’s Obi Toppin have been listed alongside the Warriors in mock drafts.

In the Rookie Wire’s updated post-lottery mock, the Golden State Warriors added a highly touted prospect to their frontcourt. With the No. 2 overall pick, Bryan Kalbrosky penned Memphis big man James Wiseman to the Warriors.

According to Kalbrosky, Wiseman’s size fits the NBA frontcourt profile. However, the Memphis freshman will need to add shooting to his toolbox at the next level.

Via Rookie Wire:

James Wiseman, the nation’s No. 1 recruit coming out of high school last year, stands 7-1 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan and a massive 9-foot-3 standing reach. While he has the size of a prototypical big man, that is an aspect of NBA basketball that has been fading. There are concerns about his shooting ability, though, which could make it difficult for him to face up against top talent as a modern five.

While his college career was limited to only three games, Wiseman parlayed a trio of exciting performances to back his high school hype. Over his stint in Memphis, the former McDonalds All-American averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in 23.0 minutes per contest.

Although Marquese Chriss is coming off an impressive campaign as Golden State’s center, the Warriors’ frontcourt depth is still thin. With the arrival of the 7-foot-1 big man, Wiseman would give the Warriors their first top-caliber center prospect in the era of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

With the Karl Anthony Towns led Minnesota Timberwolves slated to pick before the Warriors, there’s a strong chance Wiseman could still be on the board when Bob Myers and Steve Kerr are filling out the draft card.

While the rest of the NBA battles in the playoffs, Kerr and Myers will have Golden State’s early entrance to the offseason to continue preparing for draft day.

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Where Isaac Okoro is slated in latest NBA mock draft

The former Auburn star is set to be a lottery pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

The lottery is over and the Minnesota Timberwolves have the right to the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

While Isaac Okoro won’t hear his name at that spot despite what Jay Bilas might thing, he won’t have to wait long per the latest mock draft by USA TODAY.

Per Scott Gleeson, the former Auburn standout will be picked at No. 9 by the Washington Wizards.

“The wing has athleticism and a wingspan that could make him an elite defender at the next level, shutting down opposing perimeter forces. That’s a big void for Washington, one of the worst defensive teams in the league.”

In his one and only season on the Plains, Okoro finished second on the team with 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while also taking on defensive responsibility of guarding the opponents’ best offensive player.

Xavier Tillman drafted in 1st round of Bleacher Report writer’s 2020 NBA mock draft

Xavier TIllman is currently projected to be a first-round pick according to a Bleacher Report writer’s 2020 NBA Mock Draft.

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The 2020 NBA draft is officially set for October 16. Recently, former Michigan State basketball Forward Xavier Tillman declared he will stay in the 2020 NBA draft. As a result, his name continues to pop up in mock drafts. This time, Tillman is listed as a first-round pick in Bleacher Report writer Theo Salaun‘s 2020 NBA mock draft.

Theo Salaun predicts Xavier Tillman will be drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the no. 24 pick overall. Personally, I would not be mad at this pick but a bit cautious. After all, I think Tillman is best suited for a bench role on a win-now type of team.

Currently, Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to be a free agent in 2021 and could potentially leave. Hopefully, Giannis sticks around if Tillman lands in Milwaukee.

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