NBA Mock Draft 4.0: LaMelo Ball is Minnesota-bound

The top of the 2020 NBA Draft class hasn’t changed much during the COVID-19 shutdown, but nonetheless here is the fourth installment of our mock draft series.

The 2020 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25, but almost assuredly will not happen on that day. The workout process will begin soon virtually or otherwise, and the impact of that is of the unknown. LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards sit atop most big boards, and with the potential of in-person workouts not happening at all this summer, the boards might not change a whole lot between now and draft day.

With a shortened NCAA season, teams will have as little to go on in terms of evaluations in recent memory. Stash type plays like Leandro Bolmaro and Aleksei Pokusevski may have additional value in a draft with such lack of certainty, just like established college role players like Saddiq Bey and Xavier Tillman.

A Tankathon sim was used to determine the order of this mock draft.

Smith is an interesting potential stretch-5 option for Boston. He was the only Division 1 player with at least 30 3-pointer made and 70 blocks in NCAA this season.

Pokusevski is a 7-footer with wing-like movement and ability. He’s not close to being ready for the NBA, but the Lakers are in win-now mode and likely don’t want to count on a rookie anyhow.

Mannion has potential as a high-end pick-and-roll operator, but slipped this year due to his lack of athleticism. His feel for the game should carry him at the next level.

Terry’s shotmaking is his best skill, a skill the Knicks desperately need. He’s undersized, but his ability to make tough shots makes him an interesting player with potential to be much more than a late first-round flier.

Jones was one the best point-of-attack defenders in the NCAA for two years, and his shot started coming around this season. Chris Paul would be a perfect guy for him to learn behind and the fit with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander long-term is also interesting.

Ramsey is perhaps the best pure scorer on the board at this stage. Boston scoops up another quality asset in this scenario in this microwave-type scorer.

Green is an athletic 3-and-D prospect, who shows flashes of being a good passer. The Heat would be lucky to get him at this point.

If it weren’t for injuries, Tillie would go higher and that is well documented. Maybe the most skilled big in the draft, he would be a dream fit for the Jazz. If he stays healthy, this will be a steal.

Stewart is the lanky type of body new teams are almost enamored with. While Philly needs shooting, and immediate impact, they might be better served filling out their rotation other ways in the offseason that with the No. 22 pick.

Patrick Williams is averaging a block and a steal off the bench at 6-foot-8, while also shooting 32 percent from 3 on over 1.5 attempts per game. The Brooklyn Nets may look to add him as a complementary, higher-upside piece around superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, or they may look to trade this pick for veteran assistance.

Achiuwa is a raw potential small-ball center that is almost as polarizing as his teammate Wiseman. Some teams may have mid-lottery grades on him, while others may see him as a second-rounder, or worse.

Bolmaro is a super interesting international prospect, who’s passing might unlock Dallas’ offense even more. His finishing is questionable at best, but he has time to grow and we all know how much the Mavs love international prospects.

Tillman is the type of big who might actually help the Nets, but with championship aspirations Brooklyn may look to move this pick. A savvy big with intangibles, Tillman would fit almost anywhere.

Lewis Jr. is a wiry scorer who shows flashes of being a fantastic creator. He needs to add weight and consistency, but would be another talented high-upside play for Boston.

Theo Maledon’s evaluations are all over the map but he has size and upside for a Timberwolves squad that should be looking to rebuild the depth in their backcourt.

Hampton is one of the high-upside guys in the draft who may slip due to question marks. The Magic love athletic, high-reward plays that might not work out. He could go much higher, but the question marks could kick him down the board.