2020 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
1.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards
Age: 19
School/ Team: Georgia, Freshman
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 225 lbs
Position: Guard
Analysis: Edwards has an NBA level
frame with plus athleticism and big scoring potential. Edwards can complement
D’Angelo Russell as an off-ball scorer who can space the floor. Edwards also can
handle the ball but will need to improve his explosiveness while handling the
ball. Edwards will be able to space the floor for Towns and can excel in the
pick and roll with Towns. Edwards athleticism will be a problem for opposing
forwards on the switch. T-Wolves fans might be concerned with this pick because
of the Jarrett Culver pick last year. Edwards is similar to Culver
positionally; however, Edwards is significantly more athletic. Culver and
Edwards will be able to compliment each other on the court and will have
adequate opportunity to develop. Head coach Ryan Saunders must determine
whether Culver should be used as a backup ballhandler or start both Edwards and
Culver at the wing positions. Culvers length and high basketball IQ should pair
well with Edwards athleticism and scoring potential. A T-Wolves lineup of Russell,
Malik Beasley, Edwards, Juan Hernangomez, and Karl-Anthony Towns with Culver,
Josh Okogie, and Naz Reid off the bench could be a contender for years to come.
With an upgrade to the power forward and a backup point guard positions, this
team could contend for a playoff spot as soon as this upcoming season. Edwards
provides the two-way star potential that the T-Wolves need on the wing.
2.
Golden State Warriors (Trade to New York
Knicks): LaMelo Ball
Age: 19
School/ Team: Illawarra (NBL)
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 181 lbs
Position: Guard
Trade Details: Warriors trade 2020
first round pick (2nd overall), 2021 Nuggets second round pick, and
Jordan Poole to the Knicks for 2020 first round pick (8th overall),
2021 Mavericks first round pick, 2021 Hornets second round pick, and Mitchell
Robinson
Analysis: Ball has a long and
slender frame with excellent court vision. LaMelo has the best court vision in
the draft and the capability to make passes with either hand. Extremely
comfortable on the ball with dribble moves and pull-up jump shots. The Knicks
need a ballhandling guard with star potential, which are the key attributes
that LaMelo provides. The major concern with LaMelo is his slender frame and
poor shot selection. If Ball’s shot selection is improved and becomes a pass
first guard his contribution to the Knicks can be immediate. LaMelo fits nicely
with RJ Barrett and could provide the opportunity for a switch heavy defense if
Ball and Barrett play the guard positions. This lineup could look like the big
lineup the Denver Nuggets utilized in the bubble seeding games. LaMelo provides
the high profile, large jersey sales, type draft pick the Knicks must make
considering their needs on the court and financially.
3.
Charlotte Hornets: James Wiseman
Age: 19
School/ Team: Memphis, Freshman
Height: 7’1”
Weight: 235 lbs
Position: Center
Analysis: Wiseman has a big NBA
ready frame with plus athleticism. Wiseman would be a great fit for the Hornets
as they need a young athletic center. Wiseman has the potential to become a
stretch five, which would make him nearly unstoppable on offense. His
athleticism and length should produce big block numbers and solid overall
defense. His positioning will be his biggest weakness in the NBA, especially
with him missing his Freshman year at Memphis. This is almost a no-brainer pick
for MJ and the Hornets and could propel the young Hornets into a playoff push.
Wiseman will heavily benefit from lobs via Terry Rozier III and Devonte’
Graham. This high-flying offense could be dangerous with the addition of
Wiseman. A starting lineup of Graham, Rozier, Miles Bridges, PJ Washington, and
Wiseman could compete for a playoff spot in the east. If Wiseman falls to the
Hornets, this could be the easiest pick of the draft.
4.
Chicago Bulls: Isaac Okoro
Age: 19
School/ Team: Auburn, Freshman
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 225 lbs
Position: Forward
Analysis: Okoro has an NBA ready
frame with exceptional length and high defensive IQ. The Bulls need some wing
depth behind Otto Porter Jr. and could use some defensive help for lineups with
Coby White and Zach LaVine. Okoro projects to be a rotation player his rookie
year and has the frame to become a starting caliber versatile defender. Okoro
can guard all positions, handle the ball well, and pass. If Okoro can improve
his perimeter shooting, he can become an all-star caliber player. Okoro is athletic
enough to become a well-rounded offensive talent towards the end of his rookie
contract, even if the perimeter shooting is not fully developed yet. His
defensive versatility will greatly benefit the offensive guards on the Chicago
Bulls.
5.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Onyeka Okongwu
Age: 18
School/ Team: USC, Freshman
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 245 lbs
Position: Forward
Analysis: Okongwu is a raw prospect
with an NBA ready body. Okongwu has upside with perimeter shooting and is one
of the youngest players entering the draft. Okongwu is a prospect that can
contribute immediately on the interior as a high-flying lob threat but will
need experience to smooth out positioning defensively. The Cavs have a unique
team composition of young developing guards with polished veteran forwards.
Adding a young forward with upside that can develop behind professionals such
as Kevin Love and Andre Drummond will allow Okongwu to have time to polish his
game. Okongwu’s athleticism and length will give him rim protector abilities.
6.
Atlanta Hawks: Tyrese Haliburton
Age: 20
School/ Team: Iowa State, Sophomore
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 175 lbs
Position: Guard
Analysis: Haliburton has as much
versatility as anyone in this draft class. His ability to handle the ball,
pass, shoot, and defend 1-3 would pair well with the offensive minded Trae
Young. Haliburton’s ability to fit at either guard spot will give him
opportunities to start with Young or to come off the bench as the backup lead guard.
Haliburton’s biggest weakness is his thin frame, if he wants to be able to
guard 3-4 at the NBA level, he will have to bulk up some more. The Hawks need
more defensive versatility due to Trae Young’s limitations, which makes
Haliburton an excellent fit.
7.
Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes
Age: 19
School/ Team: Ulm (Bundesliga)
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 216 lbs
Position: Guard
Analysis: Hayes is a left-hand
dominant playmaking lead guard. Hayes had plus athleticism overseas, which
translates to average athleticism in the NBA. Hayes has shown that he is a
three-level scorer and a competent passer. The Pistons need a starting caliber
lead guard that can score at all three levels as well as distribute to Blake
Griffin, Sekou Doumbouya, and Christian Wood. Hayes has superstar potential if
he can learn to drive to his right and balance his game out more.
8.
New York Knicks (Trade to Golden State
Warriors): Obi Toppin
Age: 22
School/ Team: Dayton, Sophomore
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 220 lbs
Position: Forward
Analysis: Toppin is a dynamic
stretch four with playmaking upside. Toppin is one of the oldest players coming
into this draft as a red-shirt sophomore. Toppin has great shooting percentages
from everywhere on the court but has struggled shooting off the dribble. Obi’s
playmaking is the biggest variable in his game, as he has continued to show
high basketball IQ, but an inability to pass on the move. Toppin also averaged
more turnover than assists which is a concerning statistic when projecting his
ability to make plays. The Warriors need a stretch four that can play important
minutes in this upcoming season. Golden State will be extremely happy to have
Toppin fall to them, even with his defensive concerns. Toppin’s length allows
for some defensive potential if he can improve his lateral movement and jump
speed.
9.
Washington Wizards: Devin Vassell
Age: 20
School/ Team: Florida State, Sophomore
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 180 lbs
Position: Forward
Analysis: Vassell is a long wing
that is an excellent defender and capable shooter. Devin has the physical tools
to become an elite two-way wing. Vassell’s appeal for the Wizards aligns with
his NBA-readiness and his elite potential. Vassell can contribute from day one
as a defender and if his ball-handling and court vision improves can become a
top ten wing in the league. Devin’s defense is elite in a one on one situation
as well as his team defense. His length allows him to block shots when beat and
his quick hands will lead to immediate steal numbers. Vassell struggled in
college with shooting and passing on the dribble but has shown enough to assume
that part of his game will develop in time. As for now Devin’s elite defense
and shooting off the dribble will provide the defense and floor spacing that
Washington needs.
10.
Phoenix Suns: Aaron Nesmith
Age: 20
School/ Team: Vanderbilt, Sophomore
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 213 lbs
Position: Forward
Analysis: Nesmith is a long wing
with the best perimeter shooting in this draft class. Nesmith is a capable
defender with potential to be a plus defender with his frame. Aaron will
immediately provide lights-out shooting to attract defenders and space out the
floor for Ayton and Booker. Nesmith’s upside appeal is because of his large
frame and his ability to create his own shots. If Nesmith can fine-tune his
shot off the dribble, he can become an elite offensive talent. His elite
offense paired with plus defense would make him a valuable player for any team.
The Suns have a lot of young talented players, but Nesmith could be the piece
to put them over the top and into playoff contention.
11.
San Antonio Spurs: Deni Avdija
Age: 19
School/ Team: Maccabi Tel Aviv (IPL)
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 210 lbs
Position: Forward
Analysis: Deni Avdija is a very intriguing
international prospect with an NBA-ready frame. Avdija has shown flashes of
being a high upside draft pick due to his playmaking and shooting. Deni is also
an elite interior finisher and has the frame to guard threes and fours in the
NBA. Avdija’s biggest question mark is how much he will be able to rely on his
athleticism in the NBA. In the Israeli Premier League Avdija relied heavily on
his plus athleticism to carry him, whereas in the NBA many international
players become outmatched athletically in the NBA. How this translates is
unknown to this point however, Deni’s ability to space the floor and make plays
in his 6’9” frame will give him a higher floor than most prospects in this
draft class. The Spurs would be pleased if Deni fell to this point in the draft
and would look to develop him defensively as the Spurs are amidst a rebuild.
12.
Sacramento Kings (Trade to Philadelphia 76ers): Cole
Anthony
Age: 20
School/ Team: UNC, Freshman
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 190 lbs
Position: Guard
Analysis: Cole Anthony might be the most
interesting prospect in this draft. Anthony struggled significantly with efficiency
in his sole year at North Carolina. With his efficiency comes extremely high
upside. Cole Anthony can get to his spots and create his own shots. This skill
is difficult to find in college prospects, especially those with the frame of
Anthony. His frame will be league average which will give him ample opportunity
to succeed with his shot creation and playmaking ability. Anthony is a good fit
for the 76ers because of his ability to shoot off the dribble and off the catch
and shoot. Anthony will have to prove that he can excel with the ball out of
his hands, which is where his major risk lies. Regardless, his ability to
create his own shots will significantly help the 76ers off the bench if his
efficiency can improve. Cole Anthony and Ben Simmons will be able to pair well
on the court if Anthony can be a plus offensive player without the ball in his
hands every possession. Anthony is not a forced fit either into this awkward 76ers
starting lineup, which could have helped cause Markelle Fultz bust. Anthony, if
given the opportunity, can create his own shots and draw defenders to get more
one on one matchups for Joel Emiid. The range of outcomes for Cole Anthony is
immense, but the upside of a starting caliber combo guard to shot create alongside
Ben Simmons is worth the risk for the 76ers.
13.
New Orleans Pelicans: Saddiq Bey
Age: 21
School/ Team: Villanova, Junior
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 216 lbs
Position: Forward
Analysis: Bey is the prototypical three
and D player that can contribute right now. Saddiq, being a Villanova product,
is well regarded as a prospect that can contribute defensively immediately in
the NBA. Bey was a capable shooter at Villanova with an ability to drive and
finish at the rim. His appeal to NBA teams is in the role that he can fill
immediately with the upside of a shot creating wing. The Pelicans could use
more wing depth that can contribute now to spread the floor for Zion
Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Jrue Holliday. Bey will provide the floor
spacing and defensive intensity needed with the young talent on New Orleans. Saddiq
Bey has a relatively low ceiling compared to the other prospects in the lottery
but provides a floor much higher than those going in the back end of the lottery.
Bey is the opposite pick to the previously selected Cole Anthony in terms of the
range of outcomes for each player.
14.
Boston Celtics: Tyrese Maxey
Age: 19
School/ Team: Kentucky, Freshman
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 198 lbs
Position: Guard
Analysis: Tyrese Maxey provides
dynamic scoring for a combo guard with an NBA ready frame. The Celtics have a
deep team but could use some scoring off the bench. Maxey can contribute
offensively with the ball in his hand or without. Maxey can pair well with
Marcus Smart off the bench because both players are not regarded as primary
ballhandlers but are both capable handling the ball. Maxey’s ability to create
his own shots and make them at an efficient pace will provide a spark off the
bench. The shot creating ability provides Tyrese upside as a 20 ppg scorer in
the NBA given the touches. On Boston, Tyrese can provide double digit points
off the bench and good defense, especially when paired with Smart. Maxey has
shown a willingness at Kentucky to contribute off the ball and not be the focus
of an offense. However, when necessary, Maxey is willing to step up, make big
shots and score points.
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