2016 NBA Mock Draft: Brooklyn Nets Trade For 20th Pick
By Jay Siskin
![May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; General view during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; General view during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2ba4f8f6f11b9014e25d8a7d8a492455de3683f8c496c966a4ca8e6013d9dd1c.jpg)
Deyonta Davis. 15. player. 73. . PF/C. Michigan State
The Nuggets possess three first-round picks, so they can afford a big swing here at Deyonta Davis. The 6-11 forward showed himself as a high-level rebounder during his one season at Michigan State, even though he played in limited minutes. Not to mention he was one of the nation’s best shot-blockers in college basketball during the 2015-16 season.
If the Nuggets ever elect to trade Darrell Arthur (if he re-signs in the summer), Davis could be a replacement with his ability to be a difference-maker on the defensive end at the NBA level. Davis is raw, but the combination size and athleticism together makes him worth a swing.
Davis’ stat line at Michigan State, 7.5 ppg, 5.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 18 mpg, is similar to what Steven Adams did his freshman year at Pittsburgh: 7.2 ppg, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 24 minutes per game. Davis has a ton of potential, but could be a few years away from being a consistent contributor. Davis can learn a lot sitting behind Kenneth Faried.
Davis could be another prospect that ends up being a steal of this draft down the road. Give him a year or two, and Davis could be just that. He could end being one of the best young big guys in the league.
Next: Boston Celtics No. 16