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| LaMelo Ball, No. 1 |
1. LaMelo Ball, PG, Australia
Strengths: Elite-level passing ability, tremendous feel for the game, ideal size for modern NBA
Weaknesses: Defensive inconsistency, questionable shooting, off-the-court concerns
Ceiling: NBA All-Star
Bust Potential: High
With just a few days to go until the 2020 NBA Draft, it seems like the basketball community is completely split on La'Melo Ball. The youngest Ball brother, La'Melo has been a well-known name since his middle school days, taking unconventional routes in the U.S. and overseas so far in his professional career. The professional experience should pay dividends for Ball even though he wasn't playing against elite competition, but how does his game translate to the NBA? At the very least, his passing ability and court vision should adjust. Much like his older brother Lonzo, La'Melo is the type of unselfish, skilled passer that makes his teammates better. His jump shot is a concern at this point, but it has become more polished over the last few years and if he finds the right fit, I expect it to come. The biggest question when it comes to La'Melo is not actually about him, but about his family. Lavar Ball isn't the news machine he once was when Lonzo was first coming out of UCLA, but he's still one of the best known basketball dads in the country, for all the wrong reasons. Any team that takes La'Melo has to contend with Lavar, one of the primary reasons you'll see him mocked anywhere from No. 1 overall to outside the Top 5.
2. Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia
Strengths: Prolific scoring potential, ability to get to the rim and finish, solid shooting numbers
Weaknesses: Forces too many shots, not a good decision-maker, doesn't make his teammates better
Ceiling: NBA All-Star
Bust Potential: Moderate
Anthony Edwards is widely considered the safest prospect of the top couple names on the board, mainly because he has a larger body of work in the United States than La'Melo or James Wiseman. Edwards also put up huge numbers while at Georgia, averaging 19.1 PPG and 5.2 RPG. There's a lot to like about his game; he'll play with intensity every minute he's on the court, and he has proven he can score off-the-dribble and create his own looks. The big problem I have with him is that he often falls into this tunnel vision mode where he'll force up shots or force bad passes. It looked like he felt he had to do it all at Georgia, and pressed too hard at times. That resulted in some poor shooting and efficiency numbers; Edwards was 40% from the field in 2019-2020, and under 30% from three. I think he's a better shooter than those numbers might appear on the surface, but he has to learn how to play within himself and in an NBA offense. I fear he'll go inside the Top 5 to a bad team where he once again feels like he has to do it all offensively. That won't be good for his development now, and in the long-term.
3. Obi Toppin, F, Dayton
Strengths: World-class athleticism, can play multiple positions, proven shooting ability
Weaknesses: Lower ceiling when compared to others, free throw shooting
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Low
Obi Toppin is viewed as the "old man" (he's still just 22) in this Draft, which could result in him dropping. That may seem unfair, but the fact of the matter is that he doesn't have the potential of some of the younger names you'll see dotting the top of this Draft. With that being said, he doesn't have the same bust potential either. He proved while at Dayton that he could score, rebound, and defend all at very high levels. His shooting numbers were also really strong, although you could make the argument they were slightly inflated because he didn't shoot a ton, averaging under one per game. Free throw shooting might also need a little bit of work, but shouldn't be considered a major knock against him. Don't be surprised if this guy is a Rookie of the Year favorite; his skills are already well-rounded, and he should be able to fit in anywhere fairly nicely.
4. Deni Avdija, F, Israel
Strengths: Size and length, versatility, really intelligent basketball player
Weaknesses: Needs to add weight to his frame, wingspan is below average
Ceiling: NBA All-Star
Bust Potential: Moderate
Considered the top International prospect in this year's Draft, Deni Avdija is quite an interesting name to watch because he doesn't have a ton of game tape. Scouts are fascinated with his blend of size, offensive versatility and shooting potential, even if his numbers while at Maccabi Tel Aviv don't blow you away. He does play basketball like a seasoned vet even though he's just 19, as an adept passer that understands his role and does it well. However, he will need time to adjust to the physicality and athleticism of the NBA, two things Avdija is not known for. The defense also might not be where it needs to be right away but if he's able to bulk up, the tools are there for him. Hopefully wherever he lands is patient with him; I think he may struggle in his first two years in the league before he's able to really take off.
5. James Wiseman, F/C, Memphis
Strengths: Classic seven-foot rim protector, elite athlete, offensive upside
Weaknesses: Has played very little beyond high school ball, will not space the floor
Ceiling: NBA All-Star
Bust Potential: Moderate
James Wiseman is widely viewed as the top true big man in this cycle, but that doesn't mean he isn't without concerns. The strengths here are clear: Wiseman averaged three blocks per game in his college minutes, and he'll be a rim protector from the get-go. He's also a great athlete that should be able to run the floor, plus he displayed pretty impressive footwork and touch for his age. But, Wiseman ended up playing just 69 minutes at Memphis before be was ruled ineligible. Most of the game tape you have to go off of is from his high school days, where he dominated competition because he was so much bigger and athletic than others. That certainly won't be the case in the NBA, where he's going to have to learn different moves and techniques in the post than simply overpowering his opponents. The shooting also is not there at all, and I don't think it ever will be. The most we will likely ever seen Wiseman outside the paint is hitting a spot-up mid-range jumper, but he'll never be a big man that can go outside the three-point line and hit shots. He seems like the classic case of a guy that probably would go No. 1 in the early 2000s, but the NBA has evolved. As a big you have to do so many things nowadays, and he's still so limited. If this wasn't a pretty weak Draft, he would not be in my Top 5.
6. Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State
Strengths: Tremendous playmaking ability, ideal size, impact player defensively
Weaknesses: Coming off a season-ending injury, shot needs refinement
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Low
Playing on a bad Iowa State team, Tyrese Haliburton didn't get a ton of national attention this past season, but his numbers show the impact he made. He averaged 15.2 PPG, 6.5 APG and 2.5 SPG in 22 games before losing the end of the year to a wrist injury. He went from a bench player for ISU into the team's primary source of offense, setting up his teammates constantly and being their main scoring threat. What I love about Haliburton is that he plays both ends so well; he's a really skilled offensive weapon but his defense is also really impressive. It's not just the steals, but his ability impact what opposing teams want to do. Much like Toppin, he probably doesn't have the ceiling of others near the top of this Draft, but I would be shocked if he busted. If he does indeed fall outside the Top 5, I think he will end up being quite the steal.
7. Onyeka Okongwu, F/C, USC
Strengths: Terrific mobility for his position, floor-spacing potential, rim protection
Weaknesses: Still raw offensively, slightly undersized
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Moderate
Like Tyrese Haliburton, Onyeka Okongwu didn't get a ton of mainstream attention during his lone season of college basketball, but he certainly caught the eye of NBA personnel. Unlike Wiseman, who is more of a classic big, Okongwu seems like the type of prospect we are going to see more and more of in the modern NBA. He's a mobile big that can run the floor extremely well and while he may won't step outside and shoot many threes, he can hit a jumper. Okongwu is also a skilled defender that should be able to not only rack up blocks, but also contribute steals due to his quickness. His offensive game still does need some polish, but that's to be expected of a 19 year old. I think he has a chance to go a lot higher than most people realize, possibly even rising into the Top 3.
8. Devin Vassell, G/F, Florida State
Strengths: Three-point shooting, two-way potential, good rebounder for his position
Weaknesses: Relatively low ceiling, doesn't get to free throw line as much as he should
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Low
While Devin Vassell's Florida State teammate Patrick Williams is likely to go higher than him, it's Vassell who I prefer. After a quiet freshman season coming off the bench for the Seminoles, Vassell had a breakout '19-'20, where he averaged 12.7 points per game on 49% shooting. He's the type of "3 and D" prospect that NBA scouts adore, but he can do more than just shoot threes and defend. Vassell is also a skilled rebounder and solid passer who can fit in nearly any offensive system. There's also not a lot of weaknesses to point to from the FSU product. You'd like to see him get to the free throw line more often than he does, but it's definitely not a major problem at this point in his career.
9. Killian Hayes, PG, France
Strengths: Good size for his position, skilled ball-handler, smooth athlete
Weaknesses: Weak right hand, decision-making needs a lot of work
Ceiling: NBA All-Star
Bust Potential: Moderate
Killian Hayes is another prospect that you'll see a lot of disagreements on amongst NBA fans and media. Some view him as a top prospect in this Draft, while others see a fringe lottery selection. I'm stuck somewhere in the middle; there's a lot to like about Hayes but he needs plenty of work. He does have the potential to be a really fine court general who can run an offense, and you can't teach his size (6'5", 6'8" wingspan). The primary problems are his decision-making and fit, as he can often play out of control, and he needs a certain type of offensive system that can open lanes for him. He's an okay shooter who can create opportunities for himself, but that will also need more work. The good news is that Hayes is a young 19 years old, so there is a lot of upside to work with. If he's still available around the back-end of the lottery, he seems worth the risk.
10. Precious Achiuwa, F, Memphis
Strengths: High energy guy, elite rebounder on both offensive and defensive glass, offensive upside
Weaknesses: Not a floor spacer, somewhat of a tweener
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Moderate
It was supposed to be James Wiseman's year on Memphis this past season, but it was Precious Achiuwa instead that was the main offensive weapon on the Tigers. Achiuwa is a fierce competitor that goes 110% every time he steps on the court. There's nothing very flashy about his game, but he's still able to get the job done. He averaged a double-double this past season (15.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG) and also made contributions on the defensive end, averaging nearly two blocks a game. He's going to be an instant impact player on the glass and his offensive game has potential, even if it's far from perfect at this point. I don't ever envision him being a stretch four, but his shooting numbers in college weren't dreadful by any means. Achiuwa may not have the star potential of others in this cycle, but he's the type of prospect that I see having a lengthy 10-15 year career in the league.
11. Patrick Williams, F, Florida State
Strengths: Massive frame ready for NBA, superb athlete, significant defensive potential
Weaknesses: Played just 22.5 MPG at FSU, not an impact player just yet
Ceiling: NBA All-Star
Bust Potential: Moderate
12. Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova
Strengths: Really good shooter who hit 45% of his threes in college, mobile athlete, skilled finisher around the rim
Weaknesses: Lower ceiling, questionable fit in certain NBA offenses
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Low
13. Isaac Okoro, G/F, Auburn
Strengths: Incredibly high motor, elite defender, offensive tools are in place
Weaknesses: Still so raw offensively at this point, will likely never be a good shooter
Ceiling: NBA All-Star
Bust Potential: High
14. Cole Anthony, PG, UNC
Strengths: Diverse offensive game, fearless scorer, very flexible finisher
Weaknesses: Decision-making questionable, not efficient, three-point shot needs work
Ceiling: NBA All-Star
Bust Potential: Moderate
15. Nico Mannion, PG, Arizona
Strengths: Tremendous passing ability & instincts, creative offensive player, defensive upside
Weaknesses: Three-point shot needs work, not as athletic as others at his position
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Moderate
16. Kira Lewis, PG, Alabama
Strengths: Incredibly quick, explosive first step, solid shooter who continues to grow
Weaknesses: Shot creation must improve at next level, needs to bulk up
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Low
17. Tyrell Terry, G, Stanford
Strengths: Explosive scorer, tremendous shooter from three and free throw, feel for the game
Weaknesses: Unclear whether he's a PG or SG, not an elite athlete
Ceiling: NBA All-Star
Bust Potential: Low
18. Aaron Nesmith, G, Vanderbilt
Strengths: Smooth shooting stroke, ideal size for modern wing, underrated rebounding ability
Weaknesses: Injury concerns, not an elite athlete, not a great passer
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Moderate
19. Jalen Smith, F/C, Maryland
Strengths: Rim-running ability, floor spacing potential, perfect build for modern big with 7'2" wingspan
Weaknesses: Improvements needed in post game, still raw in various areas, defensive inconsistencies
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Low
20. Daniel Oturu, F/C, Minnesota
Strengths: Continues to grow outside shooting, physical specimen who has ideal NBA frame, very nimble for his size
Weaknesses: Must improve at free throw line, occasionally can get into quick foul trouble
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Low
21. Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky
Strengths: Explosive scoring potential, can play both guard spots, good free throw shooter
Weaknesses: Unbelievably streaky, gets lost out there at times, defense needs work
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Moderate
22. R.J. Hampton, G, New Zealand
Strengths: Professional experience, tremendous ball-handler, good size and length for his position
Weaknesses: Still very limited offensively, lacks confidence to be a go-to scorer
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Moderate
23. Jahmi'us Ramsey, G, Texas Tech
Strengths: Well-built guard who's very tough, can knock down any jump shot, versatility on both ends
Weaknesses: Questionable shot selection, not really a true point guard, must become a better decision-maker
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Moderate
24. Josh Green, G/F, Arizona
Strengths: Classic "3 and D" skillset, smooth shooter, can play a number of different positions
Weaknesses: Not elite in any one category, must become more consistent
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Low
25. Vernon Carey, C, Duke
Strengths: Powerful and imposing frame ready for the NBA, nice touch underneath, skilled rebounder
Weaknesses: Will not be a floor spacer, fairly streaky offensively, free throw shooting must improve
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Moderate
26. Malachi Flynn, G, San Diego State
Strengths: Proven leader who knows how to win, crafty and well-rounded offensive game, proven shooter
Weaknesses: Average athleticism, older compared to most in this Draft, slightly undersized
Ceiling: NBA Role Player
Bust Potential: Low
27. Alexsej Pokusevski, F/C, Serbia
Strengths: Seven-footer with 7'3" wingspan and 9'1" standing reach, great body control despite his size, very polished offensively for an 18-year old
Weaknesses: Thin frame that needs to add muscle, post game needs refinement
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Moderate
28. Zeke Nnaji, F/C, Arizona
Strengths: Great mobility for his size, elite rebounder with fabulous instincts, high work ethic
Weaknesses: Turnovers can be a problem, defensive technique could use work
Ceiling: NBA Role Player
Bust Potential: Low
29. Theo Maledon, G, France
Strengths: Intelligent basketball player with great feel for the game, excellent pick-and-roll player
Weaknesses: Disappears at times, jump shot is pretty average, very foul prone
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Moderate
30. Desmond Bane, G/F, TCU
Strengths: Excellent shooter who has hit over 40% from three every year in college, can create his own shot, decent athlete
Weaknesses: Average upside overall, small wingspan that could hurt him defensively
Ceiling: NBA Role Player
Bust Potential: Low
31. Yamar Madar, PG, Israel
Strengths: Incredibly high energy guy, never-ending motor, skilled passer
Weaknesses: Average athleticism compared to NBA, shooting is suspect
Ceiling: NBA Role Player
Bust Potential: Moderate
32. Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington
Strengths: Former five-star recruit with loads of potential, built like an NBA pro, floor spacing potential
Weaknesses: Underwhelming in lone collegiate season, raw skill set offensively, fit in NBA offense
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: High
33. Payton Pritchard, PG, Oregon
Strengths: One of the most clutch players in recent college basketball history, skilled distributor, catch-and-shoot sniper
Weaknesses: Average upside long-term, undersized for the modern NBA
Ceiling: NBA Role Player
Bust Potential: Low
34. Leandro Bolmaro, G, Argentina
Strengths: Well-built guard who stands 6'6", versatility offensively, excellent transition scorer
Weaknesses: Needs work defensively, needs to bulk up, streaky shooter
Ceiling: NBA Starter
Bust Potential: Moderate
35. Tre Jones, PG, Duke
Strengths: Proven court general, one of the best defenders in this Draft, extremely efficient
Weaknesses: Suspect three-point shooter, not a shot creator, limited long-term upside
Ceiling: NBA Role Player
Bust Potential: Low
36. Tyler Bey, F, Colorado
Strengths: Versatile forward, can defend multiple positions, two-way contributor
Weaknesses: Unlikely to bring floor spacing ability, not a great passer
Ceiling: NBA Role Player
Bust Potential: Low
37. Immanuel Quickley, G, Kentucky
Strengths: Lengthy 6'9" wingspan, reigning SEC Player of the Year, skilled shooter
Weaknesses: Limited offensive skill set, defensive concerns, undersized for the two-guard
Ceiling: NBA Role Player
Bust Potential: Low
38. Isaiah Stewart, F/C, Washington
Strengths: Active presence around the rim, hard-nosed defender, shoots well at the free throw line
Weaknesses: Needs to work on body control, occasionally foul prone, won't stretch the floor
Ceiling: NBA Role Player
Bust Potential: Moderate
39. Grant Riller, G, Charleston
Strengths: Prolific scorer, fabulous isolation scorer, excellent on-ball defender
Weaknesses: Very undersized for modern NBA (6'1"), didn't play against elite competition in the Colonial Athletic Association
Ceiling: NBA Role Player
Bust Potential: Low
40. Cassius Stanley, G/F, Duke
Strengths: Bouncy athlete with top vertical in Draft, great rebounder for his position, upside as a shooter
Weaknesses: Defensive mechanics need work, turnover problems, consistency remains a problem
Ceiling: NBA Role Player
Bust Potential: Moderate
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