It has been over a year since we began analyzing the 2020 NBA Draft class. The draft has been pushed back multiple times, but the official date is November 18. Fans will learn where prospects such as LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and Obi Toppin will land in just over six weeks. As the draft gets nearer, expect a Vendetta team mock draft and some more individual big boards and mock drafts. For now, however, we must continue to discuss the rumors surrounding the draft and decipher how they will fair come draft night.
The virtual NBA Draft Scouting Combine has begun, and teams have started to reach out to individual players about virtual meetings and workouts. Both of these happenings have led to new rumors about the draft stock of certain players and the decisions that some teams will lean towards on draft night. Here are a few rumors that have been buzzing around the league and how they will affect the 2020 NBA Draft.
Tyrell Terry’s NBA Draft Stock is on the Rise
If the virtual NBA Draft Scouting Combine helps any prospect, it’s Stanford’s, Tyrell Terry. Someone shared a clip on social media of Terry working out, causing NBA Draft scouts and the rest of the draft world to go berserk.
Terry has added 20 pounds of muscle (making him about 175 pounds) throughout the time off and now measures in at 6’3″. This added height and weight will likely have a significant impact on Terry’s draft stock. Before this, Terry’s biggest knock was that he was too small to play point guard efficiently. Now, teams should be much more confident in his strength and ability to finish at the rim efficiently.
Terry’s shooting form and ability have already been compared to that of Stephen Curry’s. Now that he has added size and strength, Terry could find himself a new home earlier than expected on November 18. He is one of the top shooters and playmakers in this draft, so it might be time for NBA fans to familiarize themselves with Stanford’s standout point guard.
LaMelo Ball Talks Jump Shot, Withdraws from Combine
A lot of news has come out recently regarding LaMelo Ball. For one thing, he and his father have both stated that his jump shot does not need to be altered or changed. Scouts think otherwise. Although he shot just 25% from three-point range in his only season with Australia’s Illawarra Hawks, he has maintained confidence in his shooting ability.
However, this confidence has been met by mixed reviews from the scouting community. Some scouts have questioned whether or not he is a legit top prospect. He remains at number one on my board, but others do not see Ball as a smart draft choice by Minnesota, who holds the first selection.
Furthermore, Ball made headlines by withdrawing from the NBA Draft Scouting Combine. Despite taking part in the interview portion, Ball elected not to participate in the workout part.
Ball has met with teams, including the Warriors and Knicks, and others with a high draft pick. In these interviews, Ball had to address his father’s comments regarding his fit with specific teams. LaVar Ball had previously stated that LaMelo would not be a good fit in Golden State. Still, LaMelo emphasized his disagreement with this statement in multiple interviews, claiming he is an excellent fit for any team.
Whether this move to withdraw from the combine will hurt his draft stock or not is yet to be seen, but right now it appears as though Ball is a lock to be a top-two selection in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Mid-to-Late First Rounders Getting More NBA Draft Love
As the NBA Draft Scouting Combine has begun, a few prospects besides Tyrell Terry have gotten some love. Former New Zealand Breakers guard RJ Hampton has reportedly done an excellent job with team interviews and adjusting his shot mechanics. Scouts have seen improvement in his jump shot and have moved his name up, draft boards. Hampton is an incredible athlete, so improvements with his shooting might bump him up a few spots on November 18.
Maryland forward Jalen Smith has also received praise from scouts recently. He has met with the Bulls, Suns, Spurs, among other teams, and has reportedly done well with his interviews. Smith has discussed his readiness to play the stretch four role in the NBA, which should have scouts and teams interested at the lottery’s end.
Finally, former Duke point guard Tre Jones has also received some love following the Scouting Combine. Jones had two solid seasons for the Blue Devils and has gotten into even better shape since the offseason. He has met with various teams, and his interviews have gone very well. In his interviews, Jones discussed his connection with members of the Pelicans as well as his appreciation for the play of Suns point guard Ricky Rubio. Rumors circulating have Jones sneaking his way into the end of the first round of the draft.
Timberwolves Looking to Trade Out of Number One
It is no secret that the 2020 NBA Draft has one of the weaker draft classes in recent memory. With no Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, or other surefire stars in this draft, it is not surprising to hear that Minnesota is reportedly strongly considering trading down from the top selection.
Lately, there have been twitter rumors regarding a potential trade to Philadelphia for Ben Simmons. However, I am not buying stock with this rumor. If Minnesota cannot find a trade suitor, they will take LaMelo Ball. While it may be too early to predict who Minnesota will select, they are looking to trade out of number one is an essential piece of news and follow in the coming weeks.
