2020 has been a year like no other in NBA history. From the season being suspended, to the bubble in Orlando – many crazy things have happened. Thanks to Adam Silver and the rest of the NBA staff, we still got the see big events like the NBA Playoffs, Finals, and Draft Lottery. Now, it’s time for the biggest moment of the offseason – the 2020 NBA Draft.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards (Georgia, SG, Freshman)
This pick could be on the move, with the Timberwolves trying to contend now after acquiring D’ Angelo Russell in February. If the pick stays with Minnesota, I think they will go with Georgia’s Anthony Edwards. Edwards is a 6’5″ guard at 225 pounds, with great explosiveness. He’s a three level scorer, who can also play off the ball. On the other hand, he’s a streaky shooter, and his defense is a question mark – but his offensive talent is way too good to pass up. The big three of KAT, D-Lo and Edwards should be enough to compete in a very tough Western Conference.
2. Golden State Warriors – James Wiseman (Memphis, C, Freshman)
Another pick that could also be on the move, with the Warriors finally getting back to full heath now with Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry getting healthy. If the picks stays with the former dynasty, I think James Wiseman is a great fit with the Warriors. He’s got the perfect size for a center at 7’1″ 240 lbs, and he’s got great athleticism for someone of his size, a great skill set, and can block shots well.
3. Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball (Australia, PG)
The Hornets have a couple solid guards in Graham and Rozier – however, they need a franchise player. Lamelo Ball would be a great pick for them. He’s a 6’6″ guard who controls the flow and pace of the game, plus his court vision is very good. He also can be a very solid defender just off his athleticism, size and IQ. He will need to become a more consistent shooter though.
4. Chicago Bulls – Obi Toppin (Dayton, PF/C, Sophomore)
I’ve seen some call Dayton’s Obi Toppin the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft. Toppin would give the Chicago Bulls a much-needed jolt of excitement as a rim runner, lob-catcher and floor spacer under their new coach, Billy Donovan. Colby White and Toppin will work well together in pick and roll plays, as I believe he can play the three, so you have Lauri at the four, and Carter at the five.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers – Deni Avdija (Maccabi Tel Aviv, SF/PF)
Deni Avdija is the best prospect from Israel since Omri Cassipi. The 6’9″ forward from Israel is a very good playmaker who can score from deep. He can play off the ball as well, so he can fit in with Sexton and Garland in Cleveland. With how great Luka has been already in his career, I believe it has really changed how scouts view international prospects.
6. Atlanta Hawks – Isaac Okoro (Auburn, SF/PF, Freshman)
The Atlanta Hawks general manager, Travis Schlenk, has a reputation of picking three and D players, with last year’s first two picks being Reddish and Hunter. In today’s NBA, you can never have enough players who can switch onto different positions and hold their own. Okoro has the tools to be an NBA wing, and has so much space to grow offensively.
7. Detroit Pistons – Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa State, PG, Sophomore)
With Derrick Rose in trade talks , the Pistons will need a point guard, and Haliburton will be a good fit. Haliburton has great court vision, and with his size at 6’5″ he can defend either guard position. He has one of the highest basketball IQs in the draft and can shoot the ball effectively from deep. His shooting form is very odd, but is very effective.
8. New York Knicks – Killian Hayes (Ratiopharm Ulm, PG)
Will be this be the draft that Knicks fans remember for years? I hope so. Hayes game is very similar to D’Angelo Russell and Manu Ginobili. Both are left-handed and can create shots for themselves, and their teammates. He’s very creative with the ball, and can dominate in the pick and roll game with Mitchell Robinson. Hayes and Barrett should be a solid foundation for years to come.
9. Washington Wizards – Onyeka Okongwu (C, USC, Freshman)
Okungwu could go very high in this draft. Teams love his ability to switch on every position on defense due to his athleticism. He’s very good rebounder, and has great footwork in the post. Teams are trying to find the next Bam – Okongwu is a very similar.
10. Phoenix Suns – Devin Vassell (Florida State, SF, Sophomore)
The Suns are going all in after the CP3 trade. They’re going to need to fill out their roster with complimentary players for Booker, Ayton and CP3. Vassell has the potential to be a very good three and D player. His form is odd, and might have to change it at the next level, but he’s a very good defender and will make life easier for Booker, who can just focus on scoring.
11. San Antonio Spurs – Aaron Nesmith (Vanderbilt, SF, Sophomore)
It will take awhile to get used to the Spurs always being in the lottery. It’s clear – like the Patriots – the dynasty is over. They will need to rebuild. Nesmtih is a very good shooting wing and will fit in with Murray and Walkers game. He might be the best shooter in the draft, and he has great work ethic.
12. Sacramento Kings – Patrick Williams (Florida State, SF/PF, Freshman)
Another three and D player here for Sacramento. Sacramento has a bunch of talent, Williams will fit right in to their core of young players. He will be a complimentary piece to Fox on offense. Fox loves to drive, and when he does, he’ll find Williams in the corner for three. Williams can switch well on defense with his athleticism and height of 6’8″.
13. New Orleans Pelicans – Kira Lewis Jr. (Alabama, PG, Sophomore)
With Holiday on the way to the Bucks, the Pelicans will now try and replace him in the draft. Lewis’ speed is off the charts. Using that speed, he can get to the paint without a screen, and he’s very good finisher. His shot improved continually over his time at Alabama. He will need to get bigger, as his small frame might get exposed on the next level.
14. Boston Celtics – Precious Achiuwa (Memphis, PF/C, Freshman)
Achiuwa has ideal defensive versatility. He can play center in small ball lineups, and he’s very aggressive on offense, as he loves to drive to the rim. He showed improvement, but will need to improve his shot even more at the next level.
15. Orlando Magic – Saddiq Bey (Villanova, SF/PF, Sophomore)
The Magic could very take a point guard here, but I have them taking Saddiq Bey. Bey’s a very good defender, and can shoot the three ball very well. He’s got good size for a wing at 6’7″, and his wingspan of 6’11” is great. He has a solid feel for the game and has played multiple positions. He will need to work on his jumper, as well as learning to create his own shot.
16. Houston Rockets – Aleksej Pokusevski (Olympiacos II, PF)
The Rockets gained this pick after trading Robert Covington to the Trail Blazers. I have no clue what the Rockets’ plan is after their two MVP superstars have asked for a trade, but it seems like they plan to blow it up. I can see the Rockets drafting Pokusevki here, as he does fit their current roster as a three point shooting power forward.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves – Josh Green (Arizona, SF, Freshman)
The Timberwolves are going to need a good defender. I can see them drafting Green, who can compliment the stars on Minnesota. Green has good size for a wing at 6’6″, and is a very good defender, possessing the ability to switch onto multiple positions. He’s a very capable shooter, and will make smart decisions with the ball.
18. Dallas Mavericks – Tyrese Maxey (Kentucky, SG, Freshman)
Tyrese Maxey is a versatile guard who’s a very solid scorer. He knows how to flow with the pace of the game, or change it into his favor. He’s a confident defender, but he needs to improve consistency on the offensive floor, as well as his shot sections. The Mavericks may draft a big here, but rumors are they will try to find one in free agency.
19. Brooklyn Nets – Jalen Smith (Maryland, PF/C, Freshman)
The Brooklyn Nets could have the three of the best iso scorers in the league soon. With that in mind, they will need defenders and players to rebound. Jalen Smith does that and more, to a very effective level. He can also shoot from anywhere on the floor, providing spacing on offense.
20. Miami Heat – Cole Anthony ( UNC, PG, Freshman)
There might be a chance that their point guard, Goran Dragic, leaves in free agency, and that will leave a hole at the position. Kendrick Nunn will probably take over as the starter if that happens, and Anthony will be become a very viable backup. Before the season he was expected to be a lottery pick, but Anthony still has very talented game on the offensive end, and a high ceiling.
21. Philadelphia 76ers – RJ Hampton (USA, PG)
RJ Hampton started off this year as a potential top five pick, but he fell off due to injury. At 6’5″, he can play either guard position, as well as taking the load off for Ben Simmons when he needs to rest. He’s a capable shooter, but will have to get better at that aspect off his game. He can run the floor in transition like the best of them in this draft.
22. Denver Nuggets – Jaden McDaniels (Washington, SF/PF, Freshman)
Denver has been known to take chances on draft picks before, and they’ve worked out for the most part. They took chances on players like Nikola ‘Joker’ Jokic, Michael Porter ‘MPJ’ Jr., and Bol Bol (No, that’s his real name.) To simplify it, yeah, it has worked out for them. McDaniels had an inconsistent season, but has tremendous amount of untapped potential.
23. Utah Jazz – Tyrell Terry (Stanford, PG/SG, Freshman)
Mike Conley will be on the final year of his contract this year, and the Jazz will need to find a replacement. Terry is a good shooter and a solid playmaker. He will compliment Donovan Mitchell well on the offensive side of the ball, but he will need to work on his defensive side of his game.
24. Milwaukee Bucks – Malachi Flynn (San Diego State, PG, Junior)
The Bucks have an elite starting lineup, but they have no bench. Literally, nobody. With this pick, they will draft a back up point guard to run the second unit. In the playoffs, they showed us they need another playmaker when the league MVP, Giannis, goes to the bench. Flynn is a very good shooter, and can create for others.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder – Isiah Stewart (Washington, PF/C, Freshman)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are tanking and gaining draft picks. Steven Adams will be on the move soon, and they will draft their replacement here. Stewart has great size for a center, and he can rebound amongst the best of those in this class. He can also defend the post well.
26. Boston Celtics – Theo Maledon (France, PG)
There were reports of Kemba being shopped for Jrue Holiday, so maybe general manager Danny Ainge wants a new point guard. France’s Maledon has great size for a point guard, and it will help him on the defensive end of the floor. He’s also a very good shooter from the three point and free throw lines.
27. New York Knicks – Desmond Bane (TCU, SF, Senior)
Here, the Knicks will try to fix their lack of shooting with TCU’s Desmond Bane. Bane is one of the best shooters in the draft, and has range well beyond the NBA’s three point line. He’s also a terrific perimeter defender, using his physical tools and basketball IQ very well on that end.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder – Leoandro Bolmaro (Argentina, SG)
Sam Presti and the Thunder have a lot of draft capital, all the way until 2026 . They will have plenty of chances to draft low risk, high reward level players, similar to the Nuggets. Bolmaro has good size and is a very good passer, knowing how to control the pace of the game. He doesn’t have the athleticism you would like to have in an NBA player, though.
29. Toronto Raptors – Cassius Winston (Michigan State, PG, Senior)
Fred Van Vleet is an unrestricted free agent who will most likely leave Toronto, and I believe this is where Toronto plans on replacing that position. Kyle Lowry is also turning 35, so Winston will step into a big role on a good team. He’s more than capable – a very smart player who uses screens to his advantage, and knows how to take advantage of his defender.
30. Boston Celtics – Zeke Nnaji (Arizona, PF/C, Freshman)
Zeke Nnaji is a physical big who is a tremendous defender and rebounder. With that, he makes more noise on the offensive glass. For a big man, he has solid range shooting the ball, and a good hook shot. He needs to become a more consistent shooter/scorer on offense, as well as becoming a better rim protector.
Villen 