Category Archives: 2020

NBA Draft, 2021, 2020, Articles, Basketball

Drew Timme PF/C- Gonzaga, NBA Draft Prospect Snapshot

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Sophomore center Drew Timme is next in line to continue Gonzaga’s run of skilled big men, which includes NBA players Domantas Sabonis, Zach Collins, Brandon Clarke, Kelly Olynyk and Killian Tillie. 

Timme is off to a hot start this season, averaging 26.5 points per game and eight rebounds, in two games against Auburn and Kansas. His dropstep and ability to finish with either hand puts defenders in an uncomfortable position. Like former Zag Rui Hachimura, Timme is a problem in the pinch post because he is quicker than most centers and stronger than most power forwards. 

Timme (No. 2 pictured vs. Oregon’s N’Faly Dante during the 2018 Nike EBYL) has a very diverse game on the offensive end.

Last year, he was named to the WCC All-Freshman Team and WCC All-Tournament Team after playing in all 33 games. The NBA hopeful is already on his way to topping his stats from 2019-2020, when he scored double-digits in 16 games.

NBA Draft, NBA Draft recaps, 2020, 2020, Articles, Basketball

DraftNasty’s 2020 NBA Draft Recap: Pick-by-Pick

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SelectionPlayer/PositionSchoolDRAFTNASTY TAKE
Round 1 Pick 1: Minnesota TimberwolvesAnthony Edwards/ Shooting GuardGeorgiaEdwards was the best player on our board and should be an instant upgrade at the shooting guard position for Minnesota.
Round 1 Pick 2: Golden State WarriorsJames Wiseman/Center-PFMemphisOne thing the Warriors didn’t have during their championship runs was a center with this much raw talent. He should take the rebounding load off of Draymond Green.
Round 1 Pick 3: Charlotte HornetsLaMelo Ball/ Point GuardAustralianAs point guards continue to get bigger and stronger, the Hornets add their own version of the modern guard.
Round 1 Pick 4: Chicago BullsPatrick Williams/ForwardFlorida StateHead coach Billy Donovan has valued scrappy undersized big men in the past like Udonis Haslem (Florida), Williams fits the mold.
Round 1 Pick 5: Cleveland CavaliersIsaac Okoro/Small ForwardAuburnCleveland grabs a defensive specialist who doesn’t need a bevy of offensive touches. He reminds us of a young Jimmy Butler coming out of Marquette.
Round 1 Pick 6: Atlanta HawksOnyeka Okongwu/ ForwardUSCThe Hawks finished dead last in points allowed (119.7 per game) last season, Okongwu should improve that figure with his energy alone.
Round 1 Pick 7: Detroit PistonsKillian Hayes/ Point GuardFrenchAs we predicted here at DraftNasty, the Pistons select Killian Hayes to pair with fellow countryman Sekou Doumbouya.
Round 1 Pick 8: New York KnicksObi Toppin/ForwardDaytonNew York needed a marquee prospect, Toppin has the offensive game to help RJ Barrett lead the rebuild.
Round 1 Pick 9: Washington WizardsDeni Avdija/ WingIsraeliWashington sticks to their M.O. of choosing international players in the first round. His versatility will help the Wizards in the frontcourt.
Round 1 Pick 10: Phoenix SunsJalen Smith/Forward MarylandThe Suns get a 3-and-D prospect, who doesn’t need to touch the ball on every possession as Chris Paul and Devin Booker will handle the bulk of the ball-handling.
Round 1 Pick 11: San Antonio SpursDevin Vassell II/WingFlorida StateSan Antonio gets a two-way player, who is a deadly corner shooter (a staple in the Spurs offense).
Round 1 Pick 12: Sacramento KingsTyrese Haliburton/ GuardIowa StateHaliburton can take some pressure off of Buddy Hield and De’Aaron Fox, both of whom aren’t long term guarantees to stay in Sacramento
Round 1 Pick 13: New Orleans PelicansKira Lewis, Jr./Point GuardAlabamaExpect the Pelicans moves to continue as they currently have Eric Bledsoe, Lonzo Ball, Lewis Jr. and George Hill on the roster at point guard.
Round 1 Pick 14: Boston CelticsAaron Nesmith/ WingVanderbiltThe former Vanderbilt wing should provide a scoring punch off the bench for the Celtics, who already feature a roster full of talented wings.
Round 1 Pick 15: Orlando MagicCole Anthony/Point GuardNorth CarolinaOur mock draft stated the Magic needed some offensive scoring from the guard position, with Lewis Jr. off the board, Anthony was a solid option (averaged 18.5 PPG).
Round 1 Pick 16: Detroit Pistons (From Portland)Isaiah Stewart/PF-CenterWashingtonDetroit gets a big man with an NBA-ready frame, who brings a physical presence that the Pistons lacked in 2019.
Round 1 Pick 17: Minnesota Timberwolves (From Brooklyn)Aleksej Pokuševski/ ForwardSerbianThe youngest eligible player in the draft has a polished game that belies his age (18 years old).
Round 1 Pick 18: Dallas MavericksJosh Green/ Shooting GuardArizonaGreen is a two-way prospect that will help Dallas on the perimeter with his athleticism.
Round 1 Pick 19: Detroit Pistons (From Brooklyn)Saddiq Bey/ Small ForwardVillanovaThe Pistons select a willing defender and a do it all prospect who should be able to contribute sooner rather than later.
Round 1 Pick 20: Miami HeatPrecious Achiuwa/ Power ForwardMemphisAchiuwa's effort and energy will fit right in with the Heat, who are in need of power forward help behind Bam Adebayo.
Round 1 Pick 21: Philadelphia 76ers (From OKC)Tyrese Maxey/GuardKentuckyAs we mentioned in our scouting report, Maxey would fair best with a taller point guard and there isn’t one taller than Ben Simmons.
Round 1 Pick 22: Denver Nuggets (From Houston)Zeke Nnaji/ Power Forward/ CenterArizonaNnaji is a developmental prospect, who could spell Nikola Jokic off the bench down the road.
Round 1 Pick 23: Minnesota Timberwolves (From New York)Leandro Bolmaro/ Small ForwardArgentinianBolmaro fits the mold of a draft and stash player but the versatility of his game is a reason to like him as a prospect.
Round 1 Pick 24: Denver Nuggets (From Milwaukee)R.J. Hampton/ Shooting GuardAustralianAt this spot in the draft, Hampton was the best available prospect. Denver has created a culture of cultivating young talent, this is a good landing spot for Hampton.
Round 1 Pick 25: New York Knicks (From OKC)Immanuel Quickley/ GuardKentuckyQuickley shot 42% from the 3-point line last season, his shooting should immediately improve the Knicks floor spacing.
Round 1 Pick 26: Boston CelticsPayton Pritchard/ Point GuardOregonThe steady 22-year-old prospect will bring a mature game to the Celtics roster.
Round 1 Pick 27: Utah Jazz (From LAC)Udoka Azubuike/ CenterKansasAzubuike gives the Jazz a more traditional center behind Rudy Gobert.
Round 1 Pick 28: Minnesota Timberwolves (From LAL)Jaden McDaniels/ForwardWashington The former consensus five-star recruit will join a crowded wing position in Minnnesota. His length and shot blocking prowess impressed scouts.
Round 1 Pick 29: Toronto RaptorsMalachi Flynn/ Point GuardSan Diego StateIn our mock draft, we had Toronto taking a smaller point guard with a high basketball IQ in Stanford's Tyrell Terry. Flynn also fits this mold.
Round 1 Pick 30: Memphis Grizzlies (From Boston)Desmond Bane/ GuardTCUBane is a career 43% 3 point shooter. Memphis has a young nucleus in Ja Morant, Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. that can attack defenses on all three levels.
Round 2 Pick 1: Dallas Mavericks (From Golden State)Tyrell Terry/ Point GuardStanfordLook for Terry to take some ball handling pressure off Luka Doncic if he makes the opening day roster similar to Trey Burke's role in the NBA bubble.
Round 2 Pick 2: Charlotte Hornets (From Cleveland)Vernon Carey, Jr./CenterDukeCarey Jr. is a throwback big man, and it will be interesting to see how his back to the basket game translates to the next level.
Round 2 Pick 3: Los Angeles Clippers (From Minnesota)Daniel Oturu/CenterMinnesotaThe Clippers have a roster ready to compete now and Oturu is one of the more polished players in this class.
Round 2 Pick 4: Oklahoma City Thunder (From Philadelphia)Theo Maledon/ GuardFrenchMaledon can do a little bit of everything on the court but will have to improve his shooting splits in order to crack the rotation.
Round 2 Pick 5: Memphis Grizzlies (From Sacramento)Xavier Tillman/PF-CenterMichigan StateIn Memphis, Tillman will be reunited in the frontcourt with his former college teammate Jaren Jackson Jr., the two should be a force to reckon with on defense and in transition.
Round 2 Pick 6: Dallas Mavericks (From Philadelphia)Tyler Bey/ WingColoradoBey is a slasher, who could learn a lot from Dallas' Dorian Finney-Smith, who has created a niche as a former undrafted prospect.
Round 2 Pick 7: Oklahoma City Thunder (From Washington)Vít Krejčí/ Point GuardCzech RepublicKrejci is a 6'8 point guard, who has room to fill out his frame. His ability to get to the rim is his calling card.
Round 2 Pick 8: Detroit Pistons (From Utah)Saben Lee/ Point GuardVanderbiltLee has the potential to stick at the next level, he got better year after year in virtually every statistical category for the Commodores.
Round 2 Pick 9: Utah Jazz (From New Orleans)Elijah Hughes/ Small ForwardSyracuseHughes is a tough shot taker and a tough shot maker. Look for him to spend some time on a two-way contract because of the crowded field of forwards in Utah.
Round 2 Pick 10: Sacramento Kings (From Memphis)Robert Woodard II/ WingMississippi StateWoodard II will help to make his name by running the floor and hitting open shots for his guards that can get in the lane. It will be interesting to see if he can move from his normal shooting guard position to a forward slot.
Round 2 Pick 11: San Antonio SpursTre Jones/Point GuardDukeJones played a lot of minutes in his two years at Duke and fits the Spurs culture of acquiring high basketball IQ prospects.
Round 2 Pick 12: Charlotte Hornets (From New Orleans)Nick Richards/ CenterKentuckyGeneral manager Mitch Kupchak still believes in throwback centers, look for Richards and Carey Jr. to compete for a backup spot.
Round 2 Pick 13: Sacramento KingsJahmi'us Ramsey/ Shooting GuardTexas TechRamsey is a bit undersized for the two guard position (6'4") in today's NBA, his ball handling and shooting will have to propel him if he hopes to stick in the pros.
Round 2 Pick 14: Chicago Bulls (From Memphis)Marko Simonović/ CenterMontenegroSimonovic is young (20 years old) but has experience in the overseas circuit, look for him to be a draft and stash prospect.
Round 2 Pick 15: Milwaukee Bucks (From Orlando)Jordan Nwora/ Small ForwardLouisvilleNwora got better year over year at Louisville and can rebound from his position. If he can continue his offensive efficency then he has a chance to succeed at the next level.
Round 2 Pick 16: Portland Trail BlazersC.J. Elleby/ Shooting GuardWashington StateElleby could've benefited from another year of college, he will have to find consistency in his shooting splits.
Round 2 Pick 17: Boston Celtics (From Brooklyn)Yam Madar/ Point GuardIsraeliMadar will have to get a little stronger but he is someone who will compete on defense, which could give him an edge.
Round 2 Pick 18: Golden State Warriors (From Dallas)Nico Mannion/ Point GuardArizonaMannion in time could take over that backup point guard role in Golden State, his midrange game and shooting touch around the rim is similar to an older Shaun Livingston.
Round 2 Pick 19: Philadelphia 76ersIsaiah Joe/ Shooting GuardArkansasJoe could make the opening day roster for a team that is in desperate need of outside shooting (38% 3 point shooter in college)
Round 2 Pick 20: Atlanta Hawks (From Miami)Skylar Mays/ Shooting GuardLouisiana StateA four year starter, Mays will have to make this roster with his on the ball defense.
Round 2 Pick 21: Golden State Warriors (From Utah)Justinian Jessup/ WingBoise StateJessup will spend the start of his career overseas but his shooting and size could help the Warriors who will have to find help to compensate for Klay Thompson's season ending Achilles injury.
Round 2 Pick 22: Sacramento Kings (From Houston)Kenyon Martin Jr./ WingIMG AcademyA tad shorter prospect than his father (6'7" as opposed to 6'9") but his explosiveness is impressive. He will have to show that he can shoot at the next level.
Round 2 Pick 23: Washington Wizards (From OKC)Cassius Winston/Point GuardMichigan StateWinston should be able to compete for a backup point guard role behind John Wall. This could be a good fit as head coach Scott Brooks was an undersized guard himself.
Round 2 Pick 24: Indiana PacersCassius Stanley/WingDukeA prospect that can literally jump out of the gym, Stanley has the tools to make it at the next level but will need more reps. He will probably start in the G League.
Round 2 Pick 25: Los Angeles Clippers (From Brooklyn Nets)Jay Scrubb/ WingJohn A. Logan (JUCO)Scrubb showed he can make plays in the pick and roll at the JUCO level. If he can continue to rebound at his size, it would be a boost to his longterm prospects at the next level.
Round 2 Pick 26: Charlotte Hornets (From Boston)Grant Riller/ GuardCollege of CharlestonFor a team with a bevy of young guards, Riller brings experience as he spent five years total at the College of Charleston.
Round 2 Pick 27: Brooklyn Nets (From LAC)Reggie Perry/ Power ForwardMississippi StateThe former McDonald's All American is heavily decorated and will have a chance to make this opening day roster off his ability to rebound.
Round 2 Pick 28: Philadelphia 76ers (From LAL)Paul Reed/ ForwardDePaulWe had Reed as a first rounder, his game will remind fans of Montrezl Harrell, who Doc Rivers coached in Los Angeles.
Round 2 Pick 29: Toronto RaptorsJalen Harris/ Shooting GuardNevadaHarris could be an intriguing prospect if he can show he can handle the ball at the next level.
Round 2 Pick 30: Milwaukee Bucks (From New Orleans)Sam Merrill/ Shooting GuardUtah StateMerrill in time could be a scoring option off the bench to replace Donte Divincenzo and Kyle Korver.

NBA Draft, Video, 2020, 2020, Basketball

James Wiseman PF/C-Memphis: Highlight film

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Memphis’ James Wiseman averaged 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds in an abbreviated three-game showcase for NBA teams. In addition, he shot over 70-percent from the free throw line while connecting on nearly 77-percent of his shots from the field. His 7-foot-6-inch wingspan allows him to alter shots and get his shot off from a number of body positions. The 7-foot-1, 237-pound Wiseman is looking to follow in the footsteps of his idol, 21-year NBA veteran Kevin Garnett (Timberwolves, Celtics, Nets), as a Top 5 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Wiseman, pictured, played for the Bluff City Legends AAU (Tenn.) squad during his time at the prep level.
NBA Draft, 2021, 2020, 2020, Articles, Basketball

DraftNasty’s NBA 2020 1st Round Mock Draft

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As draft night approaches next month (Nov. 18), DraftNasty’s Troy Jefferson takes a look at how he believes the first round will pan out.

Editor’s note: The mock draft doesn’t necessarily reflect the top 30 players on the DraftNasty Big Board but takes a peek into how each individual team will draft based on their need(s).

1. Minnesota Timberwolves- Anthony Edwards 6’5 225 SG- Freshman Georgia 

Anthony Edwards is the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft. Georgia head coach Tom Crean has had success with slashers like Dwyane Wade and Victor Oladipo, Edwards is poised to be the next all-star in that crop. 

2. Golden State Warriors- Lamelo Ball 6’7 181 PG- Australia

An often overlooked player in the Warriors dynasty was Shaun Livingston, as his length and high basketball IQ provided a valuable asset off the bench. Lamelo Ball fits this mold if Golden State opts to keep this pick. 

3. Charlotte Hornets- James Wiseman 7’1 240 C-  Freshman Memphis 

Wiseman (No. 32 pictured) attempted just one three-point shot for the Tigers in three games this past season.

The Hornets have opted for wings like P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges in past drafts. With the emergence of Devonte’ Graham, the Hornets add to their young core with a big man.

4. Chicago Bulls-  Isaac Okoro 6’6 225 SF-  Freshman Auburn 

The Bulls bevy of scoring guards includes Coby White and Zach LaVine. It’s time to get a two-way prospect who could remind scouts of Miami’s Jimmy Butler. 

5. Cleveland Cavaliers- Deni Avdija 6’9 220 SF- Israel 

The Cavaliers have filled out their roster with international talent like Ante Zizic, Cedi Osman and Dante Exum. With the fifth pick, Cleveland adds an all-around offensive weapon from Israel. 

6. Atlanta Hawks- Obi Toppin 6’9 220 F- Sophomore Dayton 

Lloyd Pierce is the coach best suited to improve Toppin’s defensive fundamentals. The Hawks also have the roster to surround the Dayton sophomore with shooters who can spread the floor for his monstrous attacks at the rim. 

7. Detroit Pistons- Killian Hayes 6’4 216 PG- France 

If Hayes is still here, it will be a choice between him, Tyrese Haliburton and Cole Anthony. Seeing as how Detroit seems to be building around a young nucleus which includes Hayes countryman Sekou Doumbouya, look for Hayes to get a long look from the Pistons.

8. New York Knicks- Tyrese Haliburton 6’5 175 PG- Sophomore Iowa State

The Knicks have struggled to find the right point guard in years past with names ranging from Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith, Jr. and Elfrid Payton. Haliburton could become the most offensively gifted of the bunch. 

9. Washington Wizards- Onyeka Okongwu 6’9 245 F- Freshman USC

The Wizards haven’t been athletic in the frontcourt in a long time. Ian Mahinmi, Marcin Gortat and Dwight Howard have patrolled the lane in recent years. Okongwu is a defensive-minded presence, who pairs well with John Wall and his breakneck pace. 

10. Phoenix Suns- Devin Vassell 6’6 185 SG/SF- Sophomore Florida State 

The Suns look to be an up-and-coming team led by guard Devin Booker and center Deandre Ayton. This is an ideal spot for Vassell’s continued development. 

11. San Antonio Spurs- Jalen Smith 6’10 225 F- Sophomore Maryland

Smith is graded as more of a late round talent but the fit is clear with the Spurs. Unlike other lottery teams, San Antonio won’t need Smith to develop immediately and can clearly define his role.

12. Sacramento Kings- Aaron Nesmith 6’6 213 Wing- Sophomore Vanderbilt 

The Kings have a total of six players up for free agency, three of which are shooting guards/ wings. Nesmith could be a spark off the bench and provide a fill in for Buddy Hield if he is traded. 

13. New Orleans Pelicans- Josh Green 6’6 210 SG- Freshman Arizona

Green is a two-way prospect that in time could take the Pelicans’ perimeter defense to the next level. His ability to get out in transition pairs well with their talented wings.

14. Boston Celtics (from Memphis)- Cole Anthony 6’3 190 PG- Freshman North Carolina 

Like they did with Romeo Langford last year at Pick 14, look for Boston to take the best available prospect and have them spend 2021 as a learning year. Anthony could use the time to learn behind incumbent Kemba Walker. 

15. Orlando Magic- Kira Lewis 6’3 165 PG- Sophomore Alabama

The Magic have opted for defense with acquisitions like Mo Bamba, Markelle Fultz and Michael Carter-Williams. It’s time for Orlando to add some scoring punch (Lewis averaged 18 PPG in 2019).

16. Portland Trail Blazers- Patrick Williams  6’8 225 F- Freshman Florida State

Williams was one of the glue players for the ACC Champion Seminoles in 2019-20.

As we saw in the bubble, this team’s achilles heel is defense. Williams would be an instant upgrade and energy player. 

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Brooklyn)- Saddiq Bey 6’8 216 F- Sophomore Villanova 

Bey does a little bit of everything and doesn’t need the ball with a roster full of offensive-minded players like Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell.

18. Dallas Mavericks- Tyrese Maxey 6’3 198 G- Freshman Kentucky

Maxey (No. 13 pictured for the Houston Hoops AAU squad in 2018) converted on 83% of his free throw attempts for Kentucky in 2019-20.

Maxey would benefit from being paired with a bigger guard like Luka Doncic. Look for the former Wildcat to be used much like HC Rick Carlisle employed Trey Burke in the bubble.

19. Brooklyn Nets (from Philadelphia)- R.J. Hampton 6’5 181 G-Australia 

The Nets, if healthy, have a roster ready to compete for a championship. With this pick the Nets take the best talent left on the board.

20. Miami Heat- Xavier Tillman 6’8 245 PF/C- Junior Michigan State

Tillman’s toughness was a huge factor for the Spartans over the course of his three-year career.

Tillman fits the Miami Heat culture and could be a long term replacement for Udonis Haslem. His willingness to play defense and crash the glass will be a welcome addition for a team that lacked depth once Bam Adebayo went down with an injury in the 2020 NBA Finals. 

21. Philadelphia 76ers (from OKC)- Vernon Carey 6’10 270 PF/C- Freshman Duke

Doc Rivers is one of the few coaches left that still values traditional big men. Carey could also see early minutes if Joel Embiid is dealt this offseason. 

22. Denver Nuggets (from Houston)- Daniel Oturu 6’10 240 C- Sophomore Minnesota

Minnesota’s Daniel Oturu averaged 2.5 blocked shots per game in 2019-20 for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Oturu can take pressure off of Nikola Jokic to handle the scoring load and provides a boost off the bench. 

23. Utah Jazz- Cassius Winston 6’1 185 PG- Senior Michigan State

With Jordan Clarkson and Emmanuel Mudiay heading for free agency, Quin Snyder selects a point guard that plays in the mold of veteran Mike Conley. 

24. Milwaukee Bucks (from Indiana)- Jahmi’us Ramsey 6’4 195 G- Freshman Texas Tech

The Bucks select Ramsey, a shooter (42-percent from 3-point range), in case Kyle Korver (39 years old) is not retained.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Denver)- Paul Reed Jr. 6’9 220 F- Junior Depaul

Reed Jr. is a defensive anchor and an insurance policy to Nerlens Noel.

26. Boston Celtics- Tyler Bey 6’7 218 G- Junior Colorado 

The Celtics already have a young core, so look for them to take at least one older draft entrant with their plethora of picks, much like they did last year with Grant Williams. 

27. New York Knicks (from Clippers)- Precious Achiuwa 6’9 225 F- Freshman Memphis

After choosing a point guard earlier in the draft, New York takes a chance on an athletic power forward prospect.

28. Los Angeles Lakers- Nico Mannion 6’3 190 G- Freshman Arizona

We saw how instrumental Rajon Rondo was in the Lakers’ championship run. With this pick, Los Angeles adds a developmental playmaker. Mannion averaged 5.3 assists and 2.6 turnovers per game in his lone season with the Wildcats. 

29. Toronto Raptors- Tyrell Terry 6’1 160 G- Freshman Stanford 

This could be a steal for Toronto at this spot. Despite his thin frame, Terry plays with a toughness and IQ that head coach Nick Nurse covets from his guards.

30. Boston Celtics (from Milwaukee)- Jordan Nwora 6’7 225 F- Junior Louisville

Boston has the team already assembled to compete deep into the playoffs. Nwora is a polished ‘tweener, who plays to his strong suits.

NBA Draft, 2020, Basketball

2020 NBA Draft Preview: Jalen Smith 6’10 225 F- Maryland

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What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): Three-point shooter. Has NBA size. Consistent presence. Doesn’t force bad shots. Scores most of his points via open threes and layups. Smith was first in the Big Ten and third in the nation with 21 double-doubles in his sophomore year (recorded five in 2019). Strong rebounder. Smith recorded eight offensive rebounds in Maryland’s 2019 NCAA Tournament victory over Belmont. 

Weaknesses: He can be overpowered in the post due to his thin base. Michigan State’s Xavier Tillman used his weight against him and spinned off of him for an easy bucket (MSU ‘20). Not strong enough to guard NBA centers but can he guard power forwards? Lateral movement is a question mark. Needs to expand his offensive skills beyond shooting and dunking. Smith didn’t get much of a chance to show his ability to put the ball on the floor and it ranks as a question mark.

Other Notes: Attended Mt. Saint Joseph (Md.). • Won the Gatorade Player of the Year in Maryland twice and played in the 2018 McDonald’s All-American Game •First team All-Big Ten (2020), Big Ten All-Defensive Team (2020), Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2019)  • 2018-2019 (33 games, 33 sts): 11.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 49% FG, 66% FT, 27% 3-PT, 0.4 SPG, 1.2 BPG  • 2019-2020 (31 games, 31 sts): 15.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 0.8 APG, 54% FG, 75% FT, 37% 3-PT, 0.7 SPG, 2.4 BPG • Career:  13.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 0.8 APG, 52% FG, 71% FT, 32% 3-PT, 0.6 SPG, 1.8 BPG

Time to get NASTY (Our Summary): Jalen Smith’s offensive game fits well for the NBA’s new trend of drive and kick basketball. The former Terrapin has excellent length and can finish at the rim. Look for him to compete for a bench spot on a playoff team as he seems like a fit in the bottom of the first round.  His ability to improve his on-ball defense and round out his offensive repertoire will determine his NBA future.

NBA Draft, 2020, 2020, Articles, Basketball

2020 NBA Draft Preview: Obi Toppin 6’9 220 F- Dayton

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What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): Athletic. Willing passer from the post (Kansas ‘19). Toppin is very engaged in offensive sets and moves well without the ball. His three years at Dayton made him a seasoned player. Gets easy buckets at the rim before expanding his range (Miss. State ‘18). Runs the floor and manufactures points in transition when his shot isn’t falling. Excellent body control. Makes passes with his off hand while in the air avoiding defenders.  Productive weak side shot blocker.

Weaknesses: What is his positional fit defensively? Lateral quickness was a problem for him. Looks stiff when in his defensive stance.  He was posted up and struggled against Kansas center Udoka Azubuike. The Jayhawks actually attacked him late in the game and targeted him through isolation off pick and rolls or post-ups. FT shooting percentage is troublesome as opposed to other shooting splits. 

Other Notes: Attended four high schools: Heritage (Fl.), Melbourne Central Catholic (Fl.), Ossining (NY), Mt. Zion Prep (Md.). • Redshirted his freshman season at Dayton after being deemed academically ineligible.  • 2x First Team All Atlantic 10 (2019, 2020), Atlantic 10 Player of the Year (2020), National Player of the Year (2020)• Brother, Jacob, plays college basketball for Kentucky. • 2018-2019 (33 games, 15 sts): 14.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.8 AST, 66% FG, 71% FT, 52% 3-PT, 0.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG  • 2019-2020 (31 games, 31 sts): 20 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 63% FG, 70% FT, 39% 3-PT, 1.0 SPG, 1.2 BPG • Career:  17.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 65% FG, 70% FT, 42% 3-PT, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Time to get NASTY (Our Summary): Like many prospects, Toppin will have to be selected into the right situation to flourish. In an ideal scenario offensively, Toppin would be paired with shooters that can spread the floor. This would allow him to use his athleticism unabated around the rim. Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce is defensive- minded and has a roster full of young shooters like Kevin Huerter and Trae Young. On the other end a marriage between him and a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves -who lack shooting and defense- would concern me when trying to project Toppin’s NBA prospects.

NBA Draft, 2020, 2020, Articles, Basketball

2020 NBA Draft Preview: Devin Vassell 6’6 180 SG/SF- Florida State

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What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): Long arms. Stride covers ground. Has the frame to add more muscle. Plays stronger than he looks at first glance. Solid offensive rebounder. Effective slasher going to the rim (Florida ‘19). Most effective in the corners, where he can back cut to the basket or be the recipient of a drive and kick for jumpers. Defensively, he’s long enough that he doesn’t have to jump on a ball fake to contest a shot (Louisville ‘20). Uses his length to disrupt passing angles. Can also front the big in the post. 

Weaknesses:  What more can he add to his offensive arsenal? Vassell wasn’t a high volume scorer at FSU, nor was he asked to be, but as a projected high pick, he might be asked to cover more of the offensive burden in the NBA. He averaged just four points in his freshman season and 12.7 in his sophomore campaign. Release on his jumper is slow and a bit elongated. Could improve his free throw shooting. 

Other Notes: Attended Peachtree Ridge High School (Ga.) • Father, Andrew, played college basketball at Stony Brook • 2018-2019 (33 games, 0 sts): 4.5 PPG, 44% FG,  42% 3-PT, 68 % FT,  1.5 RPG,  0.6 APG,  0.5 STL, 0.3 BPG • 2019-2020 (30 games, 30 sts, 2nd Team All-ACC): 12.7 PPG, 49% FG, 42% 3-PT, 73% FT, 5.1 RPG,  1.6 APG,  1.4 STL, 1.0 BPG • Career stats: 8.4 PPG, 48% FG, 42% 3-PT, 72% FT,  3.2 RPG,  1.1 APG, 1.0 STL, 0.6 BPG

Time to get NASTY (Our Summary): Vassell’s frame and unorthodox jump shot is reminiscent of former Wizards first round draft pick, Otto Porter. Like Porter, Vassell’s best fit will be in offense that pre-defines his role. Spurs head coach and team president Gregg Popovich has had success taking players with length who can operate in the corners of an offensive set. Vassell would fit the mold and provides some positional versatility for a team with aging wings such as Rudy Gay and Marco Belinelli.

NBA Draft, 2020, 2020, Articles, Basketball

2020 NBA Draft Preview: Patrick Williams 6’8 225 F- Florida State

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What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): Carries an NBA frame. Moves his feet well on the perimeter when playing defense and can also serve as a rim protector (Florida ‘19).  Has a lethal second jump that make up for his lack of ideal height. Provides some lineup flexibility. Can defend both of the forward positions. Shot 32-percent from the three- point line in limited attempts. Excellent free throw shooter.  Drives to the hoop with both hands.

Weaknesses: Williams didn’t start a game for FSU this past season and averaged just 22 minutes a game. The Seminoles were talent-laden and didn’t ask for Williams to ever be a focal point in the offense. What will be his offensive niche at the next level? This is a player who scouts will have to make a projection on in the future rather than rely on game film. 

Other Notes:

  • Attended West Charlotte High School (NC) and played in the Jordan Brand Classic Game in 2019
  • Named the 2019-20 ACC Sixth Man of the Year and earned ACC All-Freshman honors
  • The third one-and-done in the school’s history: Malik Beasley and Jonathan Isaac were the others
  • Both parents, Janie and Eddie, played basketball at Johnson C. Smith University
  • 2019-2020 (29 games, 0 sts): 9.2 PPG, 46% FG, 84% FT, 4.0 RPG,  1.0 APG, 1.0 BPG, 1.0 SPG

Time to get NASTY (Our Summary):

Williams plays with a nastiness and a competitive spirit that allows him to overcome his match ups with taller players. In an ideal world, the freshman forward would have played more minutes than he did as a Seminole. Williams’ willingness to crash the glass and his above average shooting mechanics should serve him well early in his career as he carves out a role in an NBA rotation. 

NBA Draft, 2020, 2020, Articles, Basketball

2020 NBA Draft Preview: Xavier Tillman 6’8 245 PF/C-Michigan State

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What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): Shed more than 20 pounds from his freshman season. Played both the PF and center positions in school. Excellent passer out of the short roll and in 4-on-3 offensive situations. Defensively, he can guard wings and big men in the post (vs. Luka Garza, Iowa ‘20). Improved year after year in minutes played, blocks per game, rebounds and points per game.  

Weaknesses: Will miss layups and dunks on occasion (Wisconsin ‘20). Scouts will question how well he can finish at the rim at the next level.  Undersized for the power forward and center position at the next level. Can he overcome his physical limitations? Shot just 27.3% from three- point range during his three-year career in East Lansing. Saw his free throw percentage dip from 73% in his sophomore season to 66% as a junior. 

Other Notes:

  • Attended Forest Hills Central High School for his freshman year and for his last three years attended Grand Rapids Christian High School
  • Mother, Tanya, was a four-year letterwinner in women’s basketball at the University of Michigan and finished her career as the school’s all-time leading rebounder
  • Named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 and the Big Ten’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2019
  • Michigan State’s all-time leader in blocked shots
  • 2017-2018 (35 games, 0 sts): 2.8 PPG, 65% FG, 66% FT, 2.6 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.7 BPG
  • 2018-2019 (39 games, 14 sts):  10 PPG, 60% FG, 73% FT, 7.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.7 BPG
  • 2019-2020 (31 games, 31 sts): 13.7 PPG, 55% FG, 67% FT, 10.3 RPG, 3 APG, 2.1 BPG
  • Career:  8.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.6 AST, 58% FG, 69% FT, 1.5 BPG

Time to get NASTY (Our Summary): College basketball fans could see why former Spartan and current Golden State Warriors All-Star Draymond Green allowed Xavier Tillman to wear his now retired number 23 Michigan State jersey.  Both players contain high basketball IQs and compete with intensity on both ends of the floor.

The maturity served the Grand Rapids native well, as he was usually tasked with quarterbacking the defense and handling the opposition’s toughest frontcourt player. Look for Tillman to be a contributor for a playoff team in the mid-to-late first round. His toughness and conditioning will remind hoops enthusiasts of Udonis Haslem and Tillman’s makeup would pair well in Miami under the leadership of Pat Riley. 

NBA Draft, 2020, 2020, Articles, Basketball

2020 NBA Draft Preview: Tre Jones 6’3 185 PG-Duke

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What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): The ACC Player of the Year put together a solid sophomore campaign that was spearheaded by his defense. Big game player. Jones took it to fellow 2020 NBA Draft point guard prospects: Devon Dotson (Kansas), Cassius Winston (MSU), Cole Anthony (UNC) as he led his team to a 4-0 record vs. the trio. Against the three, Jones averaged 21 points and had a near 3:1 assist-to- turnover ratio. Jones offensively does his best work out of the Blue Devils “horns” set, where he operates with two players up top and two in the corner. He is capable of making the right read in the pick and roll as well as pulling up in the midrange (UCF ‘19, 1st Half ). Defensively, his length bothers opposing guards (averaged just under two steals per game for his career). Jones’ feet and arms are always in motion, which leads to deflections.

Weaknesses: Jones saw his three-point shooting percentage improve from 26% to 36%, was his sophomore numbers indicative of his outside shooting long term or a fluke? Jones is best when setting others up, look at his work a season ago with three lottery picks. If he joins a team with subpar talent does he have the ability to make other players around him better? Jones has good length for the position but it remains to be seen how he handles the more physical NBA point guards with his lean frame.

Other Notes:

  • Attended Apple Valley High School (Mn.) and was a consensus five-star recruit. He was also named Minnesota’ Mr. Basketball
  • He has two older brothers that played college basketball: Tyus and Jadee. Tyus also attended Duke, and now plays for the Memphis Grizzlies.  Jadee played at Furman University.
  • 2020 ACC Player of the Year recipient as well as the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year
  • 2018-2019 (36 games, 36 sts): 9.4 PPG, 41% FG, 26% 3-PT, 76% FT, 3.8 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.9 SPG
  • 2019-2020 (29 games, 29 sts): 16.2 PPG, 42% FG, 36% 3-PT, 77% FT, 4.2 RPG, 6.4 APG, 1.8 SPG
  • Career stats: 12.4 PPG, 42% FG, 31% 3-PT, 77% FT, 1.8 SPG, 4 RPG, 5.8 APG,

Time to get NASTY (Our Summary): Jones played a lot of basketball during his two years at Duke. Despite being just a sophomore, he is one of the more experienced players in the draft. DraftNasty projects Jones being most successful with a team where he can create for others that has talented wings and big men. Look for an organization like the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat or Los Angeles Lakers to target the former Duke point guard at the bottom of the first round.