Charlotte Hornets 2020 NBA Draft Monthly Big Board: December Edition

#31-40

*Stats provided as of 12/2/19

We’re seeing more and more senior point guards come into the NBA and make an early impact, and that could easily be the case for Michigan State lead guard Cassius Winston. He’s one of the best players in all of college basketball, averaging 17.9 points and 5.9 assists for a very good MSU team. He’ll be a great option late in the first round or early in the second round.

One of the more underrated freshman in the country is West Virginia’s Oscar Tshiebwe. The former five-star recruit has gotten off to a fast start, averaging 12.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 23.0 minutes. He’s a load to handle inside, and has even shown a decent touch from the foul line. An up-and-coming prospect that could be a steal with some polish.

Kira Lewis had a pretty good freshman campaign for Alabama, but he opted to return to Alabama for his sophomore season, and that move is paying dividends. Lewis is averaging 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He’s a well-rounded point guard that has improved his shooting and playmaking ability. Plus, he’s still just 18 years old. Lot of upside here.

Florida State freshman Patrick Williams has caught the eye of many around college basketball early on this season. He’s an intriguing prospect alone with his physical tools, standing 6’8″ with long arms and great athleticism. He’s averaging 8.9 points and 2.9 rebounds right now, but expect those numbers to increase.

One of the more electrifying scorers in college basketball, Myles Powell, should draw some interest in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft. He’s a walking bucket, but still has to find his position at the next level. Right now, the senior guard is averaging 23.4 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 40% from outside the line.

He isn’t shooting the ball as well so far, but A.J. Lawson remains a promising “3&D” prospect. The South Carolina sophomore is averaging 16.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists in nine games played thus far. I’m expecting his efficiency to improve as we go, but it is good to see him getting to the free-throw line more often, as well as improve in the two-point range.

Going into the season, it was clear that Jared Butler was ready to take off as a sophomore for Baylor. He’s done just that thus far, showcasing all sorts of skills while averaging 19.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He’s shooting 53% from deep and is taking about seven triples per game. My only concern for him moving forward would be health issues stemming from his time in high school.

Utah sophomore Both Gach came out of the gates red hot, but has cooled down a bit recently. Still, his major upside is evident when watching him on the court. So far this season, Gach is averaging 12.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He’s a do-it-all guard that has major athleticism on the break and can guard the perimeter with his length and size.

Going into the season, I was very high on Louisville freshman Samuell Williamson, and I still am. However, it’s tough to see him getting consistent enough playing time to make a major impact. He’s averaging 6.8 points and 4.1 rebounds in 18.1 minutes, which isn’t bad, but we may not see enough of him to get a true feeling on his draft stock.

Last season, Mamadi Diakite proved that he has legit NBA talent during Virginia’s run to the National Championship. He’s back as a senior, and has shown some expanded range on his jumper, which will only help his NBA future. Right now, Diakite is averaging 13.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while shooting 43 percent from deep.