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The 2020 NBA Draft is approaching 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.
Aaron Nesmith, SF, Vanderbilt
Best possible destination: Chicago Bulls
I’m definitely not putting the Bulls because I’m a Bulls fan. Nope, no bias here. Anyway, Nesmith might be the best kept secret in this entire draft. He’s arguably the best shooter in the draft class. I mean, his stats from this past season are insane. He shot over 50% from the field and 3-point range while averaging 23 points per game for Vanderbilt. Normally a college sophomore wouldn’t be shooting insane percentages like that while averaging over 20 points per game. You just don’t see this type of production in the NCAA. He’s got the size at 6’6” to become a prototypical scoring guard. Honestly, I’m surprised he isn’t being rated higher.
As for the Bulls, well, they are coming off another lost season, though there’s reason for optimism. Arturas Karnisovas came over from the Nuggets to run the front office and a new GM was hired in Marc Eversly. This pick isn’t make or break for Chicago, but it’s important in making the jump into playoff contention.
If we take a look at the roster there aren’t too many holes. The Bulls have young staples at almost all the positions with PG Coby White, SG Zach LaVine, PF Lauri Markkanen and C Wendell Carter Jr. Chandler Hutchison is a young wing who could slide in at the 3, but I think that’s more wide open. You could argue LaVine, White and Nesmith wouldn’t work, but I think it’s a OKC Thunder situation and you stay patient and wait things out. Nesmith adds more firepower and I think that’s what Chicago needs to build on. Plus, Otto Porter Jr. is probably done after this season.
Worst possible destination: Charlotte Hornets
I don’t know if there is a “worst destination” for Nesmith. I’m way too high on him. He could be a stud. If any team would irk Nesmith on draft night it’s probably Charlotte. The Hornets have a crowded back court. Terry Rozier, Devonte’ Graham, Malik Monk, Miles Bridges and why not throw in Cody and Caleb Martin while we’re at it. I’m not 100% sure what the Hornets are building towards, but it’s not ideal. There seem to be too many young, ball dominant wings for Nesmith to fit in here. He’d best be served by going to a team he can either A) develop behind a veteran on or B) slide in and get minutes and usage right away.