Washington Wizards 2020 NBA Draft: 5 Potential Second-Round Steals
By Jamal Bedell
No. 4 – Josh Green, F Arizona
Josh Green out of Arizona is a little bit of a flier. Depending on what analyst you hear from, his draft stock is either rising dramatically or dropping rapidly. Some draft experts expect Green to go in the mid to late first round, while others see him dropping out of the first round entirely.
The Wizards should strongly consider moving up if he does start to slide during draft night. Washington has the seventh pick in the second round (37th overall), so they won’t have to give up too much to move up a few spots. They shouldn’t hesitate if the opportunity presents itself!
Green only spent one season at Arizona, but that’s all he needed to show his booming potential. The 19-year-old, born in Australia, averaged 12 PPG, 2.6 APG, & 4.6 RPG as a Wildcat. Standing at 6’6″ with a soaring 6’11” wingspan, he has the ideal length for a wing player in today’s game.
His athleticism and knock-down shooting were on full display during his short stint at college. Green excelled as more of a spot-up shooter/slasher. As a Freshman, Green attempted 2.8 three-pointers a game and hit 36.1 percent of them. He’ll be able to utilize more of his skills in the NBA because he’ll have more space to create.
Green plays under control and understands the limitations in his game. Even though he was a Freshman, Green averaged less than two turnovers per game. For a young player, his basketball IQ is already off the charts as he rarely made bad decisions.
In only one year, Green proved he was an above-average defender as well. He led Arizona in steals with 1.5 per game. Jumping in passing lanes and causing deflections with his activity, Green used his long wingspan to his advantage all year. His motor never stops running, and that’s the key to his game.
For Green to be successful at the next level, he’ll need to go to a team that puts him in the right role. At only 19, he still needs room to grow. Patience will be key. Unfortunately, the Wizards don’t have the luxury of drafting a project type player this year. They’re in win-now mode because they must appease their superstar, Bradley Beal. Green’s youth may scare them away, but his ceiling is out of this world!