NBA Draft 2020: Central Division Team Needs

Story posted November 15, 2020 in CommRadio, Sports by Juan Mendez

Cleveland Cavaliers

This 19-win team has displayed growing complications in both the backcourt and frontcourt since LeBron James’ departure. This upcoming draft has potential to finally solidify their ongoing rebuild, containing two primary targetable issues.

The future is bright for Darius Garland and Colin Sexton, but possessing such a young duo leaves room for frequent mistakes, such as a combined 309 turnovers (150+ each). 

Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love have led this team mentally as ideal veteran pieces, but there is a lack of presence and physicality in the paint. 

Potential draft targets: G Tyrese Haliburton, PF Obi Toppin

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls selection is relatively unknown, but a fourth overall pick almost certifies an improvement to this talented but underperforming squad. Zach LaVine quickly emerged as an All-Star caliber player, and with speedy sophomore Coby White in the mix, they Bulls have themselves a formidable backcourt. Nonetheless, there is a slight chance Anthony Edwards falls into them. 

Apart from LaVine, scoring is relatively lacking or oddly spread out. A dominant two-way forward would fit ideally in this team and put balance into a very unstable lineup. 

Potential draft targets: PF Onyeka Okungwu, SF/PF Deni Avdija

Indiana Pacers

When healthy, the Pacers have one of the most well-founded lineups in the NBA. They do not possess a first-round pick, since it was previously traded to acquire Michael Brogdon, something impossible to regret. There is no established need by the Pacers in this draft, although a trade deal may take them to the next level. 

Nonetheless, there is a weakness worth pointing out: below-average bench statistics, primarily rebounding and interior defense. It is imperative that they draft another big. 

Potential draft target: PF Paul Reed

Detroit Pistons

Things are not looking good for the Motor City. The acquisition of Blake Griffin gave a spark of excitement for their season, but injuries got in the way once again. No longer a part of the team, Andre Drummond dominated multiple categories for the Pistons, leaving a massive gap to fill.

It’s not all dark in Detroit however, as Derrick Rose found a rhythm on this squad as fearsome sixth man and possibly a firm starter functioning on limited minutes. Their picks could go many ways, but they have a few essential needs. 

Having also lost Marcus Morris, the Pistons need a similar two-way forward with NBA ready potential. There is a massive lack of scoring and another missing piece with the departure of Reggie Jackson. It would be intelligent to draft a guard with an outstanding scoring ability. 

Potential draft targets: PF Obi Toppin, G Killian Hayes

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks were the best team on paper last year, but it was the Los Angeles Lakers that were perpetuated on stone. Giannis Antetokounmpo was granted his second MVP Award in a row, leaving him in an awkward situation after losing to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Management in Milwaukee has been fantastic in spreading out valuable role players for Giannis to create with, but it seems as if they are missing another big name for definite title contention. Whether Giannis decides to leave or a deal is made to bring in another star, the Milwaukee Bucks have needs to fulfill, just as any other team. 

Most issues on this roster are covered through free agency, which is why drafting a player with a massive potential for the future is likely the route to take. A project of this sort would not hurt the Bucks, but it might come in handy deeper into the season.

Potential draft targets: G Malachi Flynn, C Aleksej Pokusevski

 

Juan Mendez is a freshman majoring in journalism. To contact him, email jsm6062@psu.edu.

About the Contributors

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Juan Mendez

Second-year / Journalism

Juan S. Mendez is a second-year student from Sogamoso, Colombia majoring in journalism at Penn State University. He is a frequent CommRadio contributor through play-by-play and production for Penn State sports, primarily soccer. As a writer and podcast member, he also contributes in covering the NFL, NBA, international soccer, college sports, and occasional music reviews. Bilingual, and with a substantially dispersed knowledge, Juan intends to work covering multiple sports internationally in English and Spanish at a professional level.
To contact Juan, email him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).