The 2020 NBA draft is set for October 16. Michigan State’s Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman are both popping up in a bevy of NBA Mock Drafts. This time, Jason McIntyre‘s Fox Sports 2020 NBA Mock Draft 4.0 has both players as first-round draft picks.
This updated version of the Fox Sports Mock Draft has the Boston Celtics taking Xavier Tillman with the 17th overall pick and the New York Knicks taking Cassius Winston with the 27th overall pick.
Here is what Jason McIntyre wrote of both Spartans:
Xavier Tillman
The most surprising name I’ve heard around the first round is Tillman, who spent three years in East Lansing.
He’s tenacious defensively, and possibly can defend all three front court positions. It remains to be seen if he can be a small-ball center (6-foot-8, 245 pounds).
Cassius Winston
A career 43 percent 3-point shooter in the Big Ten, Winston is just what the Knicks need: A three-year starter who can shoot and plays excellent defense.
New York should have a three-year plan to make the playoffs, and Winston could fill the role Fred Van Vleet has thrived in with Toronto.
Let’s break down these potential landing spots for both players. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Xavier Tillman on the Boston Celtics is a best-case scenario for the Michigan State Center. The Celtics are a very competent organization and will help Tillman improve on his strengths and weaknesses in the league.
I’m not really a fan of Cassius Winston landing on the New York Knicks. Simply put, there is far too much cause for concern within the Knicks organization both on and off the court. Plus, I think Winston would benefit well from being around a veteran PG in the NBA.
