Looking at best, worst destinations for Vernon Carey Jr. in 2020 NBA Draft

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.

Vernon Carey Jr., C, Duke

Best possible destination: New Orleans Pelicans

Carey was the sixth ranked center in his class before he signed with Duke and has seen his draft stock drop throughout his rookie season with the Blue Devils. Even though he was named the ACC’s Rookie of the Year after averaging 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds, Carey could drop outside of the lottery. He has good size and strength with enough shooting range to be a floor spacer.

The Pelicans have quite a few Duke players on their roster and could add another physical force to the post just one year after selecting Zion Williamson with the top pick in the 2019 draft. He wouldn’t be expected to light it up right away and could be a nice switch up from a rim runner like Jaxon Hayes. Derrick Favors and Jahlil Okafor will be a free agents this offseason, so adding depth at center would be beneficial.

Worst possible destination: Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have Kristaps Porzingis and Willie Cauley-Stein are holding down the frontcourt, but Dallas could need help on the wing very soon. Seth Curry isn’t the ideal starting shooting guard and Tim Hardaway Jr. has a player option this offseason. With two stars on the right side of 25, Dallas isn’t looking to develop young talent. It needs players who are ready to win now. Carey might not be able to contribute at a high level in the playoffs at this point.