NBA Mock Draft 8.0: LaMelo Ball falls to Hornets; Bulls make a splash at No. 4
29. Toronto Raptors – Vernon Carey Jr., C, Duke
With the chance that the Toronto Raptors will need to replace Marc Gasol in the rotation, Vernon Carey Jr. could arise as a potential fit towards the end of the first round in the 2020 NBA Draft. Carey is somewhat of a throwback big and will need to prove that he fits in with the way the NBA is evolving.
The fact that he still needs to prove that he can fit in today’s NBA after averaging 18 points and nine rebounds per game as a freshman in college tells you all you need to know about the state of big men in the league.
30. Boston Celtics – Xavier Tillman, F, Michigan State
Rounding out the first round with a third pick thus far, the Boston Celtics take a flier on Xavier Tillman, a defensive-specialist out of Michigan State. There are questions about his position at the NBA level and whether he can be a big enough factor on the offensive end to be deamed playable, but the talent is there.
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Tillman is coming off a season in which he averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds with the Spartans. If his offense comes around (specifically a consistent jump shot), he should find a home with the Celtics, or with any team that takes a chance on him in the 2020 NBA Draft.