2020 NBA Mock Draft: Who best fits each team's need?

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The golden rule in drafting is to never select based on need. Trades happen, rosters change. The teams that ignore areas of need and focus on the best player available are typically rewarded in the long run.But what happens when we have basically no idea who the best players on the draft board are? The 2020 NBA Draft feels like it could be the most volatile draft in history with very little visual evidence to confirm the potential of a player — well, unless you’re a big fan of those hype videos of a guy shooting alone or dribbling past a folding chair.Which is why we believe teams will draft for need more often than usual during the 2020 Draft. If it’s a coin flip between two prospects, maybe it makes more sense for a team to fill its need for, say, a point guard rather than add another body to, say, an overcrowded frontcourt.For this version of our NBA mock draft, we’ve highlighted where teams stand entering this strange and likely abbreviated offseason, and what their depth chart might suggest for needs. Our resident college hoops guru Robert Snyder is using that info to target a player — but we’ve also given Robbie Buckets the authority to say, "Ah, screw it, the Hornets need ANOTHER guard!” if it’s impossible to pass up the best player on the board.

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1/30

6-4, 235 pounds

What the Wolves really need is an immediate-impact player who can help D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns morph Minnesota into a playoff contender. In the absence of a draft-night trade, the Wolves could target a defensive-minded perimeter player who can help shore up a defense that ranked 20th last year while allowing 111.6 points per 100 possessions.

Snyder’s synopsis: A ton of athleticism and scoring ability and he won't have to immediately take over ball-handling duties. He also might be the best player in the draft.

 

2/30

6-5, 192 pounds

Armed with the No. 2 pick, a $17.2 million trade exemption, and a healthy roster, the Warriors could likewise be looking to deal for a known commodity — particularly in a draft when none of the top options are surefire home runs. If the Warriors stick at No. 2, they could use additional help on the perimeter, whether that’s a small forward of the future, or backup help behind the Steph Curry/Klay Thompson backcourt.

Snyder’s synopsis: A playmaker with upside who could look really intriguing playing small ball with the Warriors.

 

Report: Warriors keeping tabs on mid-lottery prospects

 

3/30

6-7, 190 pounds

Assuming the Hornets are comfortable riding with the Terry Rozier/Devonte’ Graham backcourt, then finding a big man is probably the top priority with 28-year-old Cody Zeller in the final year of his contract. The Hornets have a path to major cap space next offseason and should use the 2021 season to identify and develop the best young core they can cobble together.
 
Snyder’s synopsis: Look, the Hornets need the best player available here regardless of need. If Ball is better than the Roziers and Grahams of the world — and he should be — then he's the right choice.

 

4/30

6-9, 225 pounds

A new front office, a new coach, and now the Bulls must decide who is part of their future core. Is Chicago ready to pay Lauri Markkanen big money after this season? If not, there’s a need at both forward positions. But so much hinges on who the Bulls see as cornerstones.

Snyder’s synopsis: There's a lot of crossover between Avdija and Markkanen, but is Markkanen really the future of the Bulls?

 

Report: Bulls targeting 'lead playmaker' with No. 4 pick

 

5/30

6-9, 220 pounds

The easy joke here is that the Cavaliers are going to draft another guard. Even with Kevin Love and Andre Drummond on the roster, the Cavaliers almost certainly have to think big, or at least find a young frontcourt player who can thrive alongside Collin Sexton and Darius Garland.

Snyder’s synopsis: The Cavs are so incredibly stiff up front. It would be nice to have a big man who can run the floor and finish. That's what they get here with Toppin.

 

6/30

6-6, 225 pounds

What the Hawks need is someone who plays defense considering Atlanta allowed 114.4 points per 100 possessions last year, the third worst mark in the NBA behind only the Wizards and Cavaliers. There’s no shortage of offensive potential on the roster but the Hawks desperately need a wing they can pair with Cam Reddish and set a defensive tone.
 
Snyder’s synopsis: Okoro makes sense because he’s exactly what Atlanta needs: A high-energy defender who could eventually change the culture of the team.

 

7/30

7-1, 247 pounds

Beggars can’t be choosers. The Pistons need a bit of everything, particularly if they’re not going to use their cap space to bring back Christian Wood. Devoid of surefire young building blocks, the Pistons simply need to target the best player available regardless of position, especially with the future of their roster in so much flux.

Snyder’s synopsis: The Pistons didn't expect Wiseman to be here but he is. They take Wiseman based on the fact that he could've gone anywhere 1-6 and didn't. Nice find.

 

8/30

6-7, 195 pounds

If R.J. Barrett and Mitchell Robinson are what you’re building your young core around, the Knicks desperately need an infusion of shooting. The Knicks were tied for 28th in offensive rating last season while averaging just 105.9 points per 100 possessions. Even as they hunt bigger fish through free agency and trades, there’s always room for shooting on rosters.

Snyder’s synopsis: Vassell is one of my favorite players in the draft. Great shooting potential with tremendous defense. Finally a great pick for the Knicks.

 

9/30

6-9, 245 pounds

If the Wizards splurge to bring back Davis Bertans, and if John Wall is even moderately healthy, there’s no shortage of offensive talent. The Wizards could use a defensive-minded wing or, with all due respect to noted Celtics shredder Ish Smith, some point guard help to ease Wall’s load.

Snyder’s synopsis: This big man from USC is a punisher inside and that's exactly what the Wizards want right now. I still wouldn't love the pick because I'm not sure Okongwu has a real fit.

 

10/30

6-5, 175 pounds

Based on what we saw in the bubble, the Suns don’t need a darn thing. OK, fine, they do need some frontcourt help if they elect to let Dario Saric and Aron Baynes walk away in order to free up some cap space. The other option would be adding a ball-handler behind Ricky Rubio. But there’s flexibility with a goal of simply beefing up the bench.

Snyder’s synopsis: Haliburton doesn't necessarily fill a need for the Suns but, then again, can't everyone use a creative playmaker who can also hit the 3?

 

Baynes among Top 25 free agents of 2020 NBA offseason

 

11/30

6-8, 225 pounds

Whether DeMar DeRozan is back or not, the Spurs are on a path to an overhaul, but a very intriguing one. Dejounte Murray is basically the only guaranteed deal on the books for the 2021-22 season. This is a chance for Gregg Popovich and Co. to identify a young building block for their next iteration and they have a bit of blank slate to operate with.

Snyder’s synopsis: Williams is a total Spurs pick. Draft the big wing with a ton of versatility and get the most out of him. This is a match made in heaven.

 

12/30

6-2, 160 pounds

The Kings hired Monte McNair as their new general manager in September. There’s tough decisions ahead, like whether to pay to retain Bogdan Bogdanovic and the price tag on De’Aaron Fox’s rookie extension. A shooting wing could make sense here, especially if the Kings could ever move Harrison Barnes. Regardless, the forward spots are likely in focus here.

Snyder’s synopsis: If the Kings aren't sold on keeping Buddy Hield long-term, it makes a lot of sense to get another knockdown shooter like Terry on the roster.

13/30

6-10, 225 pounds

Whether Jaxson Hayes is ready to take over the starting center spot or not, the Pelicans need big-man depth. Ideally, they’d find a perfect complement to Zion Williamson for the 5 spot, but even just adding some depth behind him should be a priority.

Snyder’s synopsis: A very intriguing big man who mixes surprising ball-handling skills and footwork with a legit 3-point shot. Great choice here for the Pelicans.

 

14/30

6-8, 216 pounds

The Celtics have three areas of need to fill this offseason: 1) Bench shooting, 2) Backup point guard, 3) Big-man depth. Armed with three first-round picks, they’ll have no shortage of options, including potentially moving up or pushing assets into the future. But shooting sure feels like the priority here.

Snyder’s synopsis: Sitting and waiting does the Celtics good as they get a great spot-up 3-point shooter who can defend multiple positions. This pick just makes sense.

 

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15/30

6-6, 215 pounds

Even with Jonathan Isaac likely sidelined for the 2021 campaign, the Magic don’t lack for big-man depth. They need help on the perimeter, regardless of whether Evan Fournier picks up his player option. But mostly the Magic need a reboot from their stuck-in-the-8th-seed ways. If a high-upside talent slides out of the lottery, they ought to pounce regardless of position. 

Snyder’s synopsis: Celtics choose Bey over Nesmith but either way they'd win out. So does Orlando in this instance. The Magic get a great shooter and playmaker in this draft.

 

16/30

6-9, 234 pounds

The Blazers should target shooting at the small forward position. Even if Trevor Ariza, Rodney Hood, Mario Hezonja and Carmelo Anthony are all back next season, none of them are likely there long-term and the Blazers need to find a low-cost wing to develop. 

Snyder’s synopsis: The Blazers get an energy big who could come off the bench and give them some good run, or start in a defensive-minded role. Think Luc Mbah A Moute but more filled out.

 

17/30

6-3, 165 pounds

The Wolves are back on the clock at 17 and, if they swooped up their defensive-minded wing at the top of the draft, they can hunt for depth options at 17. Maybe that’s a shooter, maybe that’s a backup big. Regardless, with their 2021 first-round pick ticketed for Golden State, they need to make hay with their 2020 picks.

Snyder’s synopsis: Surprised he fell here, and the Wolves can't pass him up. The ultra-fast point guard has room to grow but has a ton of potential.

18/30

6-5, 185 pounds

The Mavericks have two picks in the top 31 (the other one via Golden State) and they’re important because Dallas owes the Knicks an unprotected first-rounder in 2021 (and a protected first-rounder in 2023). The Mavericks had the best offense in the NBA — and by more than a bucket per 100 possessions — but they’ve got to get better on the other end. A defensive-minded wing or big makes the most sense here.

Snyder’s synopsis: Hampton is perfect here because he joins a team that doesn't necessarily need him right away but he can grow off the bench for them and provide some huge excitement in the future.

 

Report: Celtics have 'good interview' with Hampton
19/30

6-6, 215 pounds

The snark in us would suggest Brooklyn identify the rookie with the thickest skin for when Kyrie Irving blames Brooklyn’s struggles on the young guys. The Nets could need shooting if they don’t retain Joe Harris and could probably use some depth at the 4.

Snyder’s synopsis: A great pick here for the Nets. Bane is a knockdown shooter who is a perfect bench scoring complement to the Nets' talent-heavy roster.

20/30

6-6, 210 pounds

No one is going to shed any tears for the Heat, who could soon have the cap space to add a glitzy piece to their Finals-venturing puzzle. But what they don’t have is a lot of future draft assets with an unprotected first-rounder ticketed for Houston or Oklahoma City next year and a protected first-round pick to the Thunder in 2023. If they don’t plan to bring back Goran Dragic and/or Jae Crowder with this year’s available cap space, they could target a point guard or a 3-and-D wing in the draft.

Snyder’s synopsis: Green is a 3-and-D wing who knows how to fill a role. In other words, he'd be perfect for Erik Spoelstra.

 

Forsberg: Power Ranking the NBA's Eastern Conference in 2021
21/30

6-3, 190 pounds

The Sixers desperately need shooting. They got Alec Burks and Glen Robinson III at last year’s trade deadline but it didn’t help them in the playoffs (Burks shot 18.8 percent on 3s in 95 playoff minutes and Robinson was inactive the entire series against Boston). A serviceable backup 5 could help, too, and allow Horford to play more at the 4. What will Daryl Morey do in his first draft with the Sixers?

Snyder’s synopsis: One of the better point guards in high school two years ago, Anthony serves as a much needed backup PG for the Sixers with potential to play off the ball as well.

 

How big will the Daryl Morey addition be for the Sixers?
22/30

6-10, 201 pounds

If Paul Millsap moves on in free agency (he’d be a great fit for Boston at a low price tag), then the Nuggets could use help at the 4, even if Jerami Grant picks up his player option. Denver could also consider guard depth.

Snyder’s synopsis: A lanky frame and a rough freshman year don't bode well for McDaniels but he has the potential to be a top-8 player in this draft. Provides a nice stretch 4 for the Nuggets.

23/30

6-3, 200 pounds

With the uncertainty around whether the Jazz can bring back Jordan Clarkson, they could have a glaring need for a scoring guard. Even if Mike Conley is back for a final hefty payday, Utah will soon have a need for a ball-handler, too. 

Snyder’s synopsis: A scoring guard but not necessarily a great shooter yet, Maxey offers potential to be a CJ McCollum type — but with Malik Monk-like downside.

24/30

6-4, 195 pounds

Whoever the Bucks nab here probably isn’t going to help convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to stick around but any roster tinkering to seek impact talent could create opportunities for younger players. Decisions loom for Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews — both with player options — and that could open a position of need for the Bucks.

Snyder’s synopsis: Great selection for the Bucks, who grab a natural scorer who can shoot. Also a sneaky defender who could create an immediate upgrade to their depth.

25/30

7-0, 195 pounds

The Thunder are absolutely swimming in draft picks the next seven years. If they find a way to move Chris Paul’s bulky contract, they could use some point guard depth with Dennis Schroder entering the final year of his contract. If they don’t splurge to keep Danilo Gallinari, they could use power forward help, or a low-cost backup for Steven Adams.

Snyder’s synopsis: Very high potential for this import with a very long frame and smooth playmaking skills. But he's super raw and will need time in their system.

26/30

6-2, 185 pounds

Let’s assume the Celtics use their top pick to target shooting, then they could look at options among point guards and big men at this spot. 

Snyder’s synopsis: A really smart guard who could fill the Brad Wanamaker role really well if the C's do indeed decide to get younger at that spot.

 

Forsberg's Focus: Time to move on from Wanamaker?
27/30

6-7, 185 pounds

It feels like half the Knicks roster has nonguaranteed contracts for the 2020-21 season. If New York can find some wing help here maybe it makes the decision to move on from the Wayne Ellingtons of the world a little easier (though the Knicks are probably better off riding out those deals to resist the urge to spend any available cap space before the 2021 offseason.

Snyder’s synopsis: It would be a smart move for the Knicks to cash in on an international player and stash for a bit. Bolmaro has playmaking skills but needs to polish his outside shot.

28/30

6-9, 250 pounds

If the NBA season starts on Dec. 22, the Lakers are going to need any fresh legs willing to run around for 48 minutes while LeBron James and the vets ease in. How the Lakers plan to proceed with their free agents could dictate draft decisions. If Dwight Howard isn’t back, the Lakers could use some big-man depth.

Snyder’s synopsis: Dwight Howard/Javale McGee was nice for a year but the Lakers need a young big. Stewart is super old school but that could work for the Lakers, who obviously made it work with other low-post players who have no outside presence.

29/30

6-11, 240 pounds

If the Raptors elect to move on from Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, there’s a glaring need for a big. Depth at the guard spot becomes a bit thinner if Fred VanVleet finds a big payday on the free-agent market.

Snyder’s synopsis: Nnaji serves as an interior presence who could eat up some minutes in a year or two.

30/30

6-7, 230 pounds

It’s the J.R. Giddens Memorial Selection (shoutout Giddens who, last we looked, was still playing international hoops despite a mere 38-game NBA tenure after being the 30th pick following Banner 17). Let’s say the Celtics elect to go draft-and-stash with this pick, targeting an overseas player or someone who might be content to spend a year in the G-League. 

Snyder’s synopsis: It wouldn't be a Celtics draft without grabbing the high-energy guy who excels at the little things. Woodard just feels like a Brad Stevens project.

 

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