Our sister site the Rookie Wire released its own 2020 NBA mock draft Thursday to account for how teams might draft in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic disrupting the NCAA Tournament and all NBA Draft-related activities.
The cloud of uncertainty hanging over the combine, individual workouts and interviews will make the 2020 NBA Draft even more of a risky venture for teams than usual, as will the lack of evaluative opportunities like postseason tournaments.
While this may change how front offices decide to make their selections, for teams like the Celtics with multiple first-round picks, it could be an opportunity to capitalize on the risk aversion of teams with fewer bites at the apple.
Boston will likely have the 17th (via the Memphis Grizzlies), 26th (their own) and 30th (due from the Milwaukee Bucks), so let’s take a look at what the Rookie Wire sees in Boston’s future.
No. 17 (via Memphis): Nico Mannion, Arizona
While the Celtics Wire has been critical of mocks seeing Boston take a gamble on Mannion’s potential, the 6-foot-3 guard was once seen as a lottery pick, and team president Danny Ainge has signed more than a few highly-regarded prospects who fell due to a bad season in the NCAAs.
Mannion’s slight frame, bad shooting and suspect defense have caused him to lose a lot of his shine coming into the collegiate ranks despite his above-average court vision and passing.
But, with All-Star point guard Kemba Walker and veteran Marcus Smart already on the roster and two way floor general Tremont Waters demonstrating enough abilities as a reserve, the pressure would be low for the 19-year-old while developing.
No. 26: Jalen Smith, Maryland
The 19-year-old Terrapin big man is captivating option; able to defend the rim and rebound exceptionally well (Smith averaged 2.4 blocks and 10.5 boards in his second season) is reason enough to kick the tires late in the first.
Throw in that the Baltimore native is a solid shot from beyond the arc (36.8 % from deep on 2.8 attempts per game), and you have the makings of a high-floor prospect with good odds of being an impact player at the next level.
With few significant holes in his game, Boston would be lucky indeed to draft Smith with either of their picks in the latter third of the draft.
No. 30 (via Milwaukee): Immanuel Quickley, Kentucky
Another player who saw their star tarnished a bit after a rough season, Quickley has rebounded in his sophomore season, even winning SEC Player of the Year Honors.
A top-six free-throw shooter at the NCAA level with 92.3 % success, an excellent 3-point shot at 42.8 % on 2.1 attempts per game, and owning an exceptional floater, the Maryland native is a prospect worth exploring with the final pick of the first round.
Improvements in free throw and field goal attempts are also positive signs, as is a career 1.2 turnover rate. The Kentucky product could improve his passing, but defends well and has no glaring issues apart from a rough freshman season.
Putting it all together
The Celtics may well trade up or out of this draft entirely with seven rookies joining the team last season, but there’s a good chance they may populate much of next season’s roster with rookie scale contract to save money on an increasingly large payroll.
Also, having multiple first-rounders puts Boston in a position where it can afford riskier picks in a thinner draft with few tools to evaluate players due to the pandemic; you might see Ainge and company roll the dice as a result.
Whether the Celtics play it safe with no tourneys or combine to get a feel for players, or decide to test their luck, there’s a solid argument for all three prospects projected by the Rookie Wire to end up in green and white come summer.
