2020 NBA Draft: Pelican Debrief Big Board 1.0
By Nick Alvarez
25. DESMOND BANE / GUARD / TCU
My favorite player in the entire 2020 NBA Draft is Desmond Bane. He might never end up being an All-Star player but he’s destined for a career as a star sixth-man in the NBA. Bane just plays hard, he’s constantly looking to either shoot a three or drive to the basket which is perfect for the modern NBA. He plays aggressive defense as well to complete his game as a bruising guard. If Bane had a quicker first step and a higher ceiling I would’ve had him ranked as a lottery pick.
Pro Comparisons: Brandon Roy, Marcus Smart, Bigger Patrick Beverly
24. JOSH GREEN / WING / ARIZONA
If an NBA team is looking for a 3-and-D wing who can come in and perform right away but still has a little bit of upside, Josh Green would be there guy. I have him ranked as a low first-round pick because he doesn’t have that same upside that some of the other wings in the class have but his three-point stroke and defensive versatility will play well on any NBA roster.
Pro Comparisons: Josh Richardson, Kelly Oubre
23. ROBERT WOODARD II / WING / MISSISSIPPI STATE
A physical forward with a developing three-point shot, Robert Woodard could become a perfect modern NBA stretch four. Despite only be 6’7″, Woodard plays much bigger than his height suggests and uses his 235lbs frame to his advantage. He’s slowly showing that he’s going to be able to stretch the floor and keep defenses on his toes as well but he needs work and only has a low-level starter ceiling.
Pro Comparisons: Marvin Williams, Robert Covington
22. XAVIER TILLMAN SR. / BIG / MICHIGAN STATE
My favorite big man in the draft, Xavier Tillman Sr. is a smart and mature player who did a little bit of everything playing under Tom Izzo. What calls out to me and if efficiency on both ends and his passing ability. Michigan State has run their offense through Tillman at times and that will be interesting to see at the next level. Lacking shooting prowess and height though while already being 21 limits his potential though.
Pro Comparisons: Al Horford, Boris Diaw, Greg Monroe
21. JAHMI’US RAMSEY / GUARD-WING / TEXAS TECH
Another player who I’ve covered a bit more in-depth, Jahmi’us Ramsey is a player with a high upside to be a top-tier starting shooting guard in the NBA if he gets a proper development plan. Ramsey excels at three-point shooting and has already shown strong defensive potential under Chris Beard at Texas Tech. All that’s left for Ramsey to do is improve his playmaking and shot selection and then he could become a dangerous guard in the NBA.
Pro Comparisons: Dion Waiters, Rodney McGruder, young Jimmy Butler, Joe Johnson lite