NBA Mock Draft 2020: Edition 2 (Restart Edition)
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| Isaac Okoro, Auburn |
1. Golden State Warriors
Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia
There is not a clear No. 1 prospect at this juncture in the NBA Draft cycle, but Georgia's Anthony Edwards is the likely favorite right now. Although he was far from perfect in his lone season with the Bulldogs, scouts love his explosiveness and scoring potential. Golden State's struggles without Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have made it clear they have to add to a thin backcourt if they want to compete in the Western Conference once again.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
James Wiseman, C, Memphis
It's hard to know where James Wiseman will fall in this upcoming Draft. He's extremely talented, but he didn't play very much at all with Memphis this past season, and his game is old-school when you consider the direction the league is going. Even so, Cleveland might feel motivated to snag a new franchise big, especially with their last two NBA Draft first-round selections being guards.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
La'Melo Ball, G, Australia
Minnesota is going to be a fascinating team to watch this next off-season and going forward. They still believe a core of Karl Anthony-Towns and D'Angelo Russell can win in the Western Conference, but you still get the feeling they're a few pieces away from any serious contention. With their roster likely to be in flux as they continue to build in the future, best player available here would make the most sense. In my opinion, that is La'Melo Ball.
4. Atlanta Hawks
Isaac Okoro, G/F, Auburn
Atlanta's backcourt of Trae Young and Kevin Huerter is fun to watch when both are shooting the ball well, but neither are very good defenders. If the Hawks are hoping to take the next step, they'll need a better defensive team, particularly on the wings. Isaac Okoro is the perfect solution, and he's incredibly efficient too; he shot over 51 percent from the field in his lone season with Auburn.
5. Detroit Pistons
Obi Toppin, F, Dayton
The best player in college basketball this past season, Obi Toppin could go anywhere in the 2020 NBA Draft. He has the talent to legitimately be the first off the board, but it also wouldn't be shocking if he slips. Detroit needs all the help they can get offensively, and Toppin will inject some much-needed energy into the organization.
6. New York Knicks
Deni Avdija, F, Israel
While college basketball stars have been sidelined for months, Deni Avdija could see an opportunity to rise up boards as his team, Maccabi Tel Aviv, returns to action. NBA scouts are really intrigued by Avdija's smooth offensive game, and he's got ideal size for a forward at 6'9". Knicks fans might not necessarily love this selection, but Avdija is the type of guy that should be able to handle the pressure.
7. Chicago Bulls
Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State
Although the Bulls drafted Coby White in the first round a year ago, Tyrese Haliburton may be too interesting to pass up here. The Iowa State product has great size (6'5"), can play and defend multiple positions, and passes the ball extremely well. He could even go higher on this board if not for the wrist injury suffered late this season that may make NBA teams wary.
8. Charlotte Hornets
Onyeka Okongwu, F/C, USC
Onyeka Okongwu didn't get a ton of attention playing on the West Coast this year, but he was extremely productive for USC and has a chance to be a Top 5 pick. He's an elite athlete that moves very well for his size, he has great touch around the rim, and he can stretch the floor a little. Charlotte desperately needs frontcourt help, making this is a no-brainer.
9. Washington Wizards
Killian Hayes, PG, France
There's a lot of variation in how NBA scouts and media people view Killian Hayes. Some think he may be the best player in this class, and there are some who don't think he's even lottery material. His passing ability and court vision are already at NBA levels, but he doesn't shoot the ball very well and consistency is a problem. Even so, the Wizards need a long-term solution at point guard, especially when you consider John Wall's injury history.
10. Phoenix Suns
Devin Vassell, G/F, Florida State
Florida State surprised a lot of people by winning the ACC this past season, and Devin Vassell was a major reason why. He led the Seminoles in scoring, and shot 42 percent from three, while showcasing a versatile offensive game. He makes a lot of sense for a Phoenix team looking to provide Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton valuable complementary pieces.
11. San Antonio Spurs
Theo Maledon, PG, France
San Antonio is a franchise with a track record of success drafting international prospects, and they will be willing to take a chance on one here in Theo Maledon. The French point guard can play on-ball or off, and he's got significant offensive upside as a go-to scorer. He still needs to polish off parts of his game, but he's the type of prospect that can provide an immediate boost.
12. Sacramento Kings
Aaron Nesmith, G, Vanderbilt
There probably is not a better in the 2020 NBA Draft than Aaron Nesmith. Nesmith shot 52 percent from three with Vanderbilt this past season and while those numbers might be somewhat inflated because he missed time due to injury, his shot should carry over to the NBA. He'll help open up lanes for De'Aaron Fox and some of Sacramento's other playmakers.
13. New Orleans Pelicans
Cole Anthony, PG, UNC
Cole Anthony has the talent to go in the Top 10 of this Draft, but there are concerns with him. For one thing, he missed a significant portion of this past season with injury and even when he did play, he had a tendency to force shots and make mistakes. Anthony is a very confident player and he has a diverse offensive game, but he'll need to cut down on his mistakes. Playing under Alvin Gentry could help maximize his strengths, while limiting his issues.
14. Portland Trail Blazers
Precious Achiuwa, F/C, Memphis
Although Memphis was a disappointment this past season, Precious Achiuwa certainly was not. The highly touted newcomer averaged a double-double for the Tigers, while playing with great energy and attitude. Portland really could use more help in their frontcourt, and Achiuwa is worth the value in the late lottery.
15. Orlando Magic
Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky
Orlando has built a solid young core around Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic and Jonathan Isaac, but their backcourt is far from settled. They could use some scoring punch there, and while he was awfully streaky at Kentucky, Tyrese Maxey would provide that. He had some dominant games with the Wildcats, but he has to shoot better than 29 percent from three if he is to succeed.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves
Patrick Williams, F, Florida State
Already adding La'Melo Ball earlier, Minnesota uses Brooklyn's pick to strengthen their frontline. Williams is still awfully raw, but he's a well-rounded forward with some versatility to his game. He'll need some time to learn and grow, but the upside is certainly there and he should fit well alongside KAT.
17. Boston Celtics
Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova
Don't be surprised if Saddiq Bey is a name that starts to shoot up boards the closer we get to the Draft. He had a breakout year for Villanova, and he's a late bloomer who is still growing into his body. As a sophomore in high school, Bey was 6'1", and he's grown at least seven inches since then. If he continues to grow and adjust, he could really evolve into something special.
18. Dallas Mavericks
R.J. Hampton, PG, New Zealand
R.J. Hampton was one of a growing number of high school kids deciding to forgo college and gain professional experience right away overseas. His numbers didn't overwhelm while playing for the New Zealand Breakers, but he still has a chance to go in the lottery based purely on potential. He has to grow as a shooter and distributor, but he's worth the risk here.
19. Milwaukee Bucks
Josh Green, G, Arizona
Josh Green offers a lot as a potential "3-and-D" player at the next level who can shoot the ball and play great defense. Those types of players are becoming hot commodities in the NBA, and it would make sense for Milwaukee to add Green. They know they aren't going to strike gold in the late first and find a new star to pair with Giannis, but finding players who can contribute is still possible.
20. Brooklyn Nets
Kira Lewis Jr., PG, Alabama
Brooklyn is still very hopeful that Kyrie Irving can be the star point guard they were hoping he would be when they signed him, but backcourt depth is never a problem. Kira Lewis was very good this past season for Alabama, scoring in a variety of ways and averaging five assists per game. He probably doesn't have superstar potential, but he can play in this league.
21. Denver Nuggets
Nico Mannion, PG, Arizona
Nico Mannion had an up-and-down '19-'20 season with Arizona, but he still has a lot of attributes that NBA teams covet. He's an excellent passer, a solid defender, and he's particularly effective in the open floor. Denver has a pretty deep roster right now but you can also use backup point guards, especially in the Western Conference.
22. Philadelphia Sixers
Jalen Smith, F/C, Maryland
Philadelphia might have one of the best big men in the NBA in Joel Embiid, but they lack quality depth on their frontline. If they do indeed draft at this selection, there should be a number of quality bigs available, but Jalen Smith seems to offer the most. He can run the floor, finish underneath, and he's a really good shooter for his position.
23. Miami Heat
Jahmi'us Ramsey, G, Texas Tech
Even though he was awfully streaky in his lone season in Lubbock, Jahmi'us Ramsey caught NBA teams attention with a versatile offensive game and a fearless attitude. It's unclear whether Ramsey will play the one or two when he makes the jump to the league, but he appears to be more effective on-ball. Miami could use some point guard help going forward, no matter whether Goran Dragic leaves over the off-season or not.
24. Utah Jazz
Daniel Oturu, F/C, Minnesota
I'm admittedly a little biased when it comes to Daniel Oturu, but I'm shocked he isn't getting more love when looking ahead to the 2020 NBA Draft. He had a breakout campaign for the Gophers and he's far from a limited, back-to-the-basket big. He can shoot, rebound and defend just as well as anybody in this class.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder
Tyrell Terry, G, Stanford
After averaging 14.6 PPG on 44 percent shooting (41 from three), Tyrell Terry has burst into first-round consideration. He's an effective scorer that has proven he can shoulder the offensive load, even if he is a little bit undersized for his position. Even so, he would be a nice addition to the backcourt that OKC is building with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
26. Boston Celtics
Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington
Isaiah Stewart may be a little bit small to play the five in the NBA at 6'9", but he makes up for it with an incredibly high motor and impressive rebounding prowess. Boston would love to add depth at the center position and there doesn't seem to be any risk to taking the Washington product here.
27. New York Knicks
Tre Jones, PG, Duke
The Knicks need to come out of the 2020 Draft with a point guard, and if they don't draft one earlier, taking one later on certainly makes sense. Tre Jones is never going to be a 20-point scorer every night in the NBA, but he's perhaps the best on-ball defender in this class, and he's a great leader. New York simply doesn't have enough of those types of guys on their roster.
28. Toronto Raptors
Reggie Perry, F, Mississippi State
Based purely off athleticism and upside, Reggie Perry might be a lottery pick. However, the Mississippi State product doesn't really project as a rim protector in the NBA, likely dropping him to either the bottom of the first round, or the second. Toronto has a track record for developing forwards into effective contributors, and Perry could be next.
29. Boston Celtics
Alexsej Pokusevski, F, Serbia
With three first-rounders in this upcoming class, it wouldn't be shocking to see Boston use on an international "stash" guy like Pokusevski. The Serbian has serious floor-stretching potential, which is always an attribute NBA teams are looking for. He also offers significant defensive upside, with a 7'3" wingspan and 9'1" standing reach.
30. Los Angeles Lakers
Devon Dotson, PG, Kansas
As the leader of the nation's No. 1 team, Devon Dotson could have become a household name in the NCAA Tournament if it hadn't been cancelled. He obviously won't get that opportunity, but he really emerged as a terrific floor leader with the Jayhawks and he's a real winner. He would add much-needed depth to this Lakers' backcourt.
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