2020 NBA Draft Recap
The 2020 NBA Draft has come and went, so let’s recap the picks and see how each player fits in with their team.
2020 NBA Draft Recap
- Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards
I figured Rosas would lean towards Anthony Edwards here at number 1. They couldn’t take Wiseman due to KAT, and LaMelo would overlap with DLo quite a bit. LaMelo was still the best player in the draft so taking him would have been the best asset play. But, they have Anthony Edwards and hope he can take it to the next level and be the third banana for KAT/DLo. His NBA frame and ability to score the ball are day 1 NBA skills from the get-go. The Timberwolves are hoping he realizes his potential as they rebuild.
2. Golden State Warriors
James Wiseman
The Warriors take the extremely talented James Wiseman, who will look to be the future anchor of their defense in years to come. I think the Warriors loved his wingspan and his ability to shoot in coming years. For now, he’ll be tasked with protecting the rim and setting good picks for Steph, which will make his rookie year a good one because he doesn’t have to overexpose himself and focus on getting the fundamentals down pat. I also think this pick is a hedge in case they need to move Draymond, whose onerous contract could spell trouble in the coming years for the Warriors. Love this pick overall for the Warriors.
3. Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball
The Hornets finally caught a break with Lamelo Ball falling to them on draft day. They get the best player in the draft, with the highest ceiling skill with LaMelo’s passing. He’s going to be one of the best passers in the league from Day 1 in the NBA. His vision is elite while combining that with his 6’7 height gives James Borrego lots of lineup options going into the future. The Hornets found a building block for the future in Ball. Hopefully, they tank for the stacked 2021 draft and get a stud to pair with him.
4. Chicago Bulls
Patrick Williams
The biggest jump for a prospect in this draft going from being mocked in the late lottery range to the 4th spot, Pat Williams is going to be a very valuable player for years to come. His 6’8 225lb frame is built to guard big wings and slide up to guard bigs. His 3 shot is coming along nicely, while also showcasing that he can eventually be a secondary creator and run PNR. He fits the Bulls like a glove and will be a legit NBA player for years to come. Love the pick and the fit on the Bulls.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Isaac Okoro
The Cavs needed a wing who could defend on the perimeter and Okoro is the best wing defender in this draft class. With his 6’6 220lb frame, he can guard any wing ( other than Lebron or Kawhi) in the NBA. Great hands, strength, and instincts will help him be in the NBA for a long time. His shot will need to drastically improve, especially with the bad spacing the Cavs already provide. Going forward though, the Cavs will love having Okoro’s defensive mindset on their team.
6. Atlanta Hawks
Onyeka Okongwu
The Hawks get the best defensive center in the draft, which will be needed long term behind Trae. They even traded Dedmon away to make Okongwu the backup center. Okongwu will be able to anchor the defense and provide elite rim protection while being able to switch onto smaller guys. His shot is quietly developing too and could be a useful mid-range shooter in several years. A great pick for the Hawks.
7. Detroit Pistons
Killian Hayes
My favorite prospect in the draft, Killian will get to have the ball in his hands most of the time he’s on the court. He can run PNR, create shots for his teammates, and shoot well enough to keep the defense honest. He’ll need to improve his finishing ability, but he’s crafty and will be able to set his teammates up to score very well. I’m a huge fan of Killian and he’ll get plenty of opportunities to score and get better over the next two years.
8. New York Knicks
Obi Toppin
The Knicks drafted their guy that’s repped by CAA the same representation of Leon Rose, the new GM for the Knicks. I’m extremely low on Obi as his player type is a 4.5. He’s too small and not good enough defensively to be a 5, but too big and not quick enough laterally to be a 4. He’s a solid shooter and diver to the rim who can dunk, but doesn’t offer much else outside of those things. Knicks gonna Knick.
9. Washington Wizards
Deni Avdija
I like Deni a lot because he’s a smart basketball play that stands 6’9 210lbs. He knows where to be on the court and can playmake well enough to create some shots for others. His weakness lies in that he’s a solid player all around that doesn’t excel in any particular skill. Wizards need any sort of talent on the wing so Avdija will be a welcome addition to Washington for that reason alone.
10. Phoenix Suns
Jalen Smith
This was the biggest head scratcher pick of the night for me. Essentially drafting a backup 5 in the lottery is a huge waste of a draft pick. Smith is a very immobile big who will be playing out of position at the 4 for Phoenix most of the time. He has a good shot from 3 to be able to space the floor, but has no lateral quickness to guard smaller players. I’m sure the Suns will make it work but Vassell was sitting right there for them to take and plug into their defensive scheme as a switchy wing.
11. San Antonio Spurs
Devin Vassell
The Spurs got the best guy they could get for where their pick landed. They needed a guy with the 3&D potential that Vassell brings. He’s an excellent shooter while also providing the best team defense in the class. He’ll be a very welcomed addition to Pops roster who has been devoid of a wing shooter since Kawhi left.
12. Sacramento Kings
Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton fell down in the draft so the Kings took advantage and scooped him up. Haliburton should thrive next to Fox in the back court, and be a great secondary playmaker. The question is what do they do with Hield? Fitting all three together will be tough, and I’m guessing Bogdanovic isn’t coming back. This team needs a reset so hopefully Haliburton is the start of that and Bagley can stay healthy.
13. New Orleans Pelicans
Kira Lewis
Kira is one of the fastest players in this draft class, so pairing him with Zion and Brandon Ingram will fit in seamlessly. This team is young and will be running in transition a lot. The major factor for picking Kira is that he’s a lights out shooter, which will help Zion gain more space to operate inside the paint. Home run pick for the Pelicans.
14. Boston Celtics
Aaron Nesmith
The Celtics get a solid shooter in Aaron Nesmith to add to their bench. Nesmith isn’t quite an NBA athlete so I feel this is a bit early for a strictly shooter only who can’t create for himself or can compete on defense. He’s just going to be solid at best, and the Celtics could have done better here I think.
15. Orlando Magic
Cole Anthony
The Magic went away from their #WingspanOnly draft picks, and picked Anthony who had a down year at UNC. I saw him play at the Nike Hoop Summit, and he was the best player on the floor with other lottery talents. I think there is still a really good NBA player who is tough as nails and plays hard and can score in the NBA. Will need to improve his shot a bit but he’s going to be in the NBA for many years with his scoring ability and high athleticism.
16. Detroit Pistons (From POR, HOU)
Isaiah Stewart
Stewart is a retro, strong big man who’s only 6’9 so I don’t think he’ll ever be a full time starter, but as a backup big you could do worse. I just think this was way too early to take him, when you could get a better version of him in Xavier Tillman later in the draft. (More on Tillman later)
17. Oklahoma City Thunder
Aleksej Pokusevski
Poku is the highest upside play in the draft. His range of potential outcomes goes from out of the league, to a superstar. He’s 7 feet tall and can handle/shoot like a guard. OKC is the perfect place for development for him, especially learning from Big Al. He’ll get plenty of reps to prove himself as an NBA player here.
18. Dallas Mavericks
Josh Green
Josh Green is one of the strongest wing prospects in the game at 6’6 210lbs. He’ll be ready to compete on defense from the get-go, which is something the Mavs desperately need. His shooting will be a work in progress, it has a hitch in it that needs to be cleaned up but he may get on the floor for his defense alone.
19. Detroit Pistons
Saddiq Bey
Bey is one of the best wings in this class, despite being older. He’s a legit 6’8 225lbs so he’ll be ready to guard the big wings in the NBA and shoot almost 40% from day 1. He would have been optimized on a better team than the Pistons, but having a knockdown shooter never hurts your team.
20. Miami Heat
Precious Achiuwa
Heat culture is a thing and nobody embodies that more than Achiuwa does in this draft. Achiuwa is a very versatile defender big enough to guard 1–4 and probably play small ball 5 as he adds strength. Paired with a long wingspan, he’ll be ready to guard anyone he’s asked to by Spoelstra. His offensive game is very raw, but as long as you can defend you’ll get minutes in Miami.
21. Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey
Maxey is a perfect fit for the Sixers, who needed to upgrade their half-court shot creation from their guards, and that’s exactly what Maxey excels at. Maxey will need to upgrade his 3 point shooting, but it’s not like he’s a complete non-shooter whatsoever. He’s a capable guard that upgrades the Sixers guard rotation that Morey has transformed this offseason.
22. Denver Nuggets
Zeke Nnaji
Nnaji is a capable backup big with good shooting skills. He’ll be able to score in the NBA on putbacks and mid range jumpers, the concern lies in his defensive skills. He’s not a great defender, which is kinda odd why he was picked so high. I think you could have got him in the second round as better value.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves
LeAndro Bolmaro
Bolmaro is a draft and stash and won’t come over from Europe for a year, but Bolmaro is very talented. He can create his own shot and create for others with his exceptional vision and passing. He’ll be a welcomed addition to the Wolves when he comes over. He’ll need to improve his shooting but he’s a legit 6’7 and will be ready to be an NBA player right away.
24. Denver Nuggets (Via NO)
RJ Hampton
The Nuggets got a great steal getting a lotto talent at 24 here with Hampton. One of the fastest players in the draft, Hampton can score at will and get to the rim. His shooting mechanics have improved dramatically over this summer, so adding that to his arsenal will go a long way in what level of player he becomes. His 6’5 frame will be great next to Jamal Murray as well.
25. New York Knicks (via DEN)
Immanuel Quickley
The Knicks drafted Quickley way too early then when they could have drafted him. But it all makes sense because Quickley went to Kentucky, and the Knicks love Kentucky guys. Quickley will be a solid shooter but outside of that, not sure where the rest of his skills fit into the NBA.
26. Boston Celtics
Payton Pritchard
The Celtics also decided to draft a guy they could have picked in the second round in Pritchard. Pritchard is one of the highest IQ players in the draft, but not sure how he fits athletically into the NBA, he’s very slow and will struggle to compete on defense against faster guards.
27. Utah Jazz
Udoka Azubuike
The Jazz used a first round pick on a guy that is very similar to minimum level centers across the league. You can find a dozen guys who will give you the same production as Azubuike can. I’m very low on this pick as Azubuike can’t switch on defense or shoot, so his value is limited to dunking the basketball.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (Via LAL)
Jaden McDaniels
Jaden is super raw when it comes to polished NBA skills, but he’s got the length and athleticism to mature into a very good NBA player. He’ll need to add strength to his frame, but his ability to shoot and defend could get him on the floor quickly in NBA settings, especially next to Towns.
29. Toronto Raptors
Malachi Flynn
The Raptors picked up Flynn who was the best player on a very good San Diego state team last year. Flynn can score at all three levels, and can run the offense and set everyone up. Home run pick by the Raptors, who continually draft good players in the draft.
30. Memphis Grizzlies (Via MIL)
Desmond Bane
Memphis continues to draft the best players available wherever they draft. Bane is older with a short wingspan but other than that, he has a solidified NBA role by shooting 40% from three while being able to create off the bounce and is a phenomenal passer. His passing is probably second to LaMelo in this class. Grizz killed it with this pick.
This leads us to the second round. I’ll recap a few of my favorite picks who I think will impact their teams right away.
Dallas Mavericks
Tyrell Terry and Tyler Bey
The Mavs got the two best picks for their team here in the second round. Terry is the electric shooter to replace Seth Curry. Keeping the floor spaced around Luka will make his life so much easier. Terry will be a great addition to an already prolific offense.
Bey is a do it all defensive wing. He has the NBA body at 6’8 220lbs and will be ready to compete for a Dallas team that needs defense around Luka and KP. Bey will need to work on his shot to keep consistent playing time, but the Mavs got two great fits for their team here in the second round. Oh, and Josh Richardson in the trade with Philly on draft night.
Memphis Grizzlies
Xavier Tillman
Tillman was an easy first round talent for me, that inexplicably fell. Very high character, intelligent guy who showcases that on the floor. He makes passing reads on the short roll unlike anyone in this class, which will just make Ja and Jaren’s life easier playing around them. Tillman has even grown the range on his jump shot to a level that will be able to shoot the NBA three in a year or two at a consistent rate. Just a huge hit in the second round for the Grizzlies to add to their squad.
Sacramento Kings
Robert Woodard III
Woodard is the absolute embodiment of an NBA wing. He stands 6’8 225 and is an absolute monster on the fast break. He has the athleticism, the 3 point shot (38%), and defensive ability to get minutes right away for the Kings. Great pick in the second round for a guy many expected to go earlier.
The other guys who went in the second round will be stuck at the end of benches and in the G League right away so we’ll have to revisit them if they gain any NBA traction. Let’s hope they do, we all want these guys to succeed. Hats off to everyone drafted, lots of dreams came true.
