The 2020 NBA draft is set for October 16. Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman of the state of Michigan are popping up in a handful of NBA Mock Draft. This time around, Jason McIntyre’s Fox Sports 2020 NBA Mock Draft 4.0 has both players as choices on the first spin.
This updated version of the Fox Sports Mock Draft provides that the Boston Celtics take Xavier Tillman with the 17th overall pick and the New York Knicks that take Cassius Winston with the 27th overall pick.
Here’s what Jason McIntyre wrote of both Spartans:
Xavier Tillman
The most surprising name I heard in the first round is Tillman, who spent three years in East Lansing.
He is tenacious on the defensive and perhaps he can defend all three positions on the pitch. It remains to be seen if it can be a small ball center (6 feet-8, 245 pounds).
Cassius Winston
A 3 point shooter of 43% career in the Big Ten, Winston is just what the Knicks need: a three year old appetizer that can shoot and play an excellent defense.
New York is expected to have a three-year plan for the playoffs and Winston could fill the role in which Fred Van Vleet thrived with Toronto.
Let’s analyze these potential landing points for both players. I have said it before and I repeat it: Xavier Tillman on the Boston Celtics is an optimal scenario for the Michigan State Center. The Celtics are a very competent organization and will help Tillman improve his strengths and weaknesses in the league.
I’m not really a fan of Cassius Winston’s landing on the New York Knicks. Put simply, there is too much cause for concern within the Knicks organization both on and off the pitch. Also, I think Winston would benefit from being out and about with a veteran PG in the NBA.
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