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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.
Jaden McDaniels, PF, Washington
Best possible destination: Minnesota Timberwolves
McDaniels is a bit of a tweener and has a chance to be selected in the lottery because of his incredible potential. McDaniels’ physical traits are off the charts. He’s 6’10” with an 8’11” standing reach, but weighs in at around 200 pounds. He runs like a gazelle in the open court and can handle the ball on the perimeter. His field goal percentage (40.5) wasn’t great in his lone season at Washington, but he has enough touch to score at all three levels. Players of his stature who can play both forward spots are very valuable with the right development. While his offensive game has a ways to go, he can become a versatile defender at the very least thanks to his length and mobility.
The Timberwolves have a sturdy core headlined by D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns. They’ve also added a smooth shooter in Malik Beasley to play shooting guard, but the small forward and spot is still questionable. Josh Okogie plays big on the wing but is an undersized small forward at 6’4”. McDaniels could raise Minnesota’s defensive upside and give them a starting five in which every player is a threat from long range.
Best possible destination: New York Knicks
The Knicks need to find a point guard first and foremost. Maurice Harkless is holding down the starting small forward spot while Kevin Knox is waiting in the wings. Julius Randle will take up most of the power forward minutes. New York wouldn’t be able to help McDaniels develop his game without some sense of direction. It’s still looking to add a star via trade this offseason, so there’s no telling where McDaniels fits in.