Charlotte Hornets 2020 NBA Draft Monthly Big Board: November Edition
#21-30
Jalen Smith. 21. player. 439. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. PF. Maryland
Jalen Smith is in for a monster sophomore campaign for Maryland, and there’s a lot to like about his NBA upside. He has a good looking form and has shown comfort at times when stepping outside to shoot. He also has NBA-ready athleticism. With another year under his belt, he should be ready to take the NBA leap after the 2019-20 season.
533. Pick Analysis. 22. player. A.J. Lawson. Scouting Report. SG. South Carolina
A.J. Lawson made a strong impression as a freshman at South Carolina, and could become a favorite among NBA front offices if he takes a jump during his sophomore season. I love his two-way ability; he gets after it on both ends. He’s struggled with efficiency early thus far, but he should be fine moving forward.
Pick Analysis. C. Onyeka Okongwu. player. 519. Scouting Report. USC. 23
Onyeka Okongwu has enjoyed some early season hype thus far during his freshman campaign, and there’s a chance that he is a major riser throughout the season if he keeps up this promising play. He’s long, athletic, finishes around the rim and can protect the basket. Everything you want in a young center.
player. 511. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Arizona. Josh Green. 24. SG
Josh Green doesn’t get the hype that his fellow freshman Nico Mannion gets, but he has a chance to become a very good player. Green can play either guard position, while also being able to play both sides of the ball at a high level. Plus, he’s a smooth scorer from just about everywhere on the floor. He has great role player potential.
Scouting Report. player. 460. Pick Analysis. SG/PG. Baylor. Jared Butler. 25
Baylor has a star in the making in Jared Butler, who could get some NBA looks throughout the season. He exceeded expectations as a freshman, and looks ready to explode as a sophomore. He’s a very good shooter, he defends and he’s very smart. He plays like he belongs.
Amar Sylla is very raw at this point, but he’s another guy with major upside. He moves extremely well for his size, which makes him a tough cover, especially at the center position. He’s a terrific athlete that can get to the basket using his length. He has to work on his overall skill, but the talent is there.
Neemias Queta. 27. player. 547. C. Utah State. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Neemias Queta nearly stayed in the 2019 NBA Draft, but decided to pull out and return for his sophomore season with the Aggies. He’s a terrific shot blocker and strong athlete who can finish around the rim. He may have a better chance of landing in the first round of this draft compared to last years.
528. Pick Analysis. PG. Kentucky. 28. player. Scouting Report. Ashton Hagans
If you’re looking for a defensive specialist late in the first round, Kentucky’s Ashton Hagans may be your guy. He has a lot to improve upon on the offensive end of the court, but defensively, he’s NBA ready.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Cassius Winston. 29. player. 486. PG. Michigan State
One of the best players in all of college basketball is Michigan State’s Cassius Winston. He’s an elite playmaker and a true winner. Yes, his size and defense are concerns, but he has attributes that winning teams late in the first round will be looking for when on the clock.
Ty-Shon Alexnader is a strong combo guard who is coming off a breakout season at Creighton. He’s not shy on the offensive end, being often fearless when letting in fly from deep. He’s got range and he’s got size, which makes him intriguing at the guard position.