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The 2020 NBA Draft is set for Thursday, June 25, and despite the coronavirus pandemic, we need to start looking at prospects and where they might land. After the NBA Draft Lottery takes place, teams will know where they’re selecting in the first round. Even though we don’t know where each team will pick, there’s no reason we can’t start speculating where prospects will end up on draft night. In this segment, we’ll be looking at each top prospect and breaking down their best and worst possible destination in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Devin Vassell, G/F, FSU
Best possible destination: Orlando Magic
This seems like a win all around. Vassell is from Georgia nearby and played hoops in Tallahassee. The 6’7” wing profiles as a solid 2 or 3 who can shoot and defend. So you’re prototypical 3-and-D wing. He can also create his own shot off the dribble a bit, which leaves room for Vassell to evolve into a scorer in the NBA. His frame and wing span will make the transition easy and Vassell has the capability to guard a few spots at a plus-level.
As for the Magic, their roster could use another wing to pair with another FSU product in Jonathan Isaac. Orlando can build on its defensive play with the Vassell pick and he fills a future need at SG/SF. Evan Fournier has a player option for 2020-21, so he could explore free agency this offseason. D.J. Augustin is off the books and Wes Iwundu, James Ennis and Michael Carter-Williams should all walk. Terrence Ross should slide in at starting SG if Fournier bolts, but Vassell would be able to come off the bench and develop. The more seasoning the better for a prospect like this.
Worst possible destination: Philadelphia 76ers
I actually started off the above section with the Sixers and realized they don’t need a 2 or 3 wing at all. They just drafted two in Matisse Thybulle and Zaire Smith. They have Josh Richardson under contract through potentially the next two seasons. Tobias Harris’ contract is an albatross. He’ll be in Philly forever. The place the Sixers need to the most help is in the front court. They need size behind Joel Embiid. Badly. Al Horford is 33 years old and is showing signs of decline. He’s also stuck in Philly, so a buyout or trade could be forced. The Sixers could use Vassell’s 3-point shooting, but more in the form of a PG or true SG.