2020 NBA Mock Draft: Anthony Edwards jumps up to No. 2 to the Warriors behind No. 1 pick LaMelo Ball

The Timberwolves may fairly go any variety of methods with the primary choose. However, at this level, I believe the more than likely situation has them taking the prospect with the very best upside — which is, for my part, LaMelo Ball. I can acknowledge it is not an ideal match. However it’s nonetheless the best choice for a franchise that is struggled to turn into related within the Western Convention even with an All-NBA expertise like Karl-Anthony Cities within the center. Cities has been in Minnesota 5 seasons and solely performed in 5 playoff video games. That is terrible. So maybe Ball could be the important thing to altering that as a result of, despite the fact that his shot-selection leaves loads to be desired, the 6-foot-6 guard can already see issues offensively, and do issues offensively, that 99.9% of prospects his age can’t do. And that is why it is affordable to conclude the nice far outweighs any unhealthy — and predict that LaVar’s youngest son has the expertise to grow to be an All-Star many instances over.

In earlier variations of this mock draft I’ve had the Warriors choosing James Wiseman with the No. 2 choose. They usually would possibly truly do it (if they really maintain the choose, which stays undetermined). We’ll see. However the extra I give it some thought, the much less sense it makes to spend the No. 2 choose on a conventional middle when Golden State is aware of its most-effective lineup contains Draymond Inexperienced within the center. So now I am on board with the Warriors as a substitute taking Anthony Edwards, the large, sturdy and athletic guard from Georgia who averaged 19.1 factors and 5.2 rebounds in his one season with the Bulldogs — however solely shot 40.2% from the sector and 29.Four% from Three-point vary. In different phrases, he was unimaginable in spots, however largely up and down and inefficient, for a staff that was projected to overlook the NCAA Match when the season was canceled. All issues thought-about, Edwards was a bit underwhelming. However the potential for stardom stays, partly as a result of he is already bodily mature regardless of being simply 19 years previous. The explosiveness he possesses, particularly in transition, will serve him effectively whereas enjoying on or off the ball. And his particular mixture of dimension and quickness would enable him to protect three positions for a Golden State franchise attempting to win large now.

The Timberwolves securing the No. 1 choose in all probability ended any actual probability of James Wiseman going first general due to the presence of Karl-Anthony Cities — nevertheless it’s laborious to think about him falling previous Charlotte if he is accessible right here as a result of he is arguably the perfect prospect accessible and undoubtedly any individual who fills a necessity. Are there questions linked to Wiseman? After all. His choice to give up the Memphis staff the week earlier than Christmas, turning into the primary wholesome faculty participant in historical past to give up midseason to “put together for the NBA Draft,” was not fashionable with some NBA front-office executives as a result of they instantly questioned what sort of particular person would give up on his teammates midseason whereas wholesome, particularly when Zion Williamson refused to do it the 12 months prior at Duke even when distinguished voices have been encouraging him to close it down after he suffered a knee damage. So, yeah, there are some issues. Regardless, Wiseman is just too bodily gifted to disregard in a draft missing top-end expertise. And if issues break appropriately, he may show to be a franchise middle and overwhelming presence for at the very least the following decade.

Obi Toppin is a former zero-star recruit who earned CBS Sports activities Nationwide Participant of the Yr honors after averaging 20.Zero factors and seven.5 rebounds whereas capturing 63.Three% from the sector and 39.Zero% from Three-point vary this previous season. He is a super-athletic ahead who dunks all the pieces — he truly led the nation in dunks — and persistently makes jumpers in pick-and-pop conditions. Sure, the truth that he is already 22 years-old is a matter price considering. However it won’t — or, at the very least, it shouldn’t — overshadow the concept that Toppin has an opportunity to be essentially the most impactful participant chosen on this draft. In Chicago, he may simply play with Lauri Markkanen or Wendell Carter and instantly turn into one other weapon for Zach LaVine and Coby White.

Deni Avdija, a former Most Helpful Participant of the FIBA Beneath-20 European Championship, ought to be the primary non-American worldwide prospect to return off the board. He is a 19-year-old Israeli who carried out effectively for Maccabi Tel Aviv in video games main as much as the season being suspended — after which once more after the season resumed. At 6-9, he is tall sufficient to play energy ahead and expert sufficient to play on the wing. And his capturing has noticeably improved. So, in line with most evaluators, Avdija now initiatives as a possible top-five choose — one who would truly be a pleasant slot in Cleveland with Darius Garland and Collin Sexton within the backcourt.

Onyeka Okongwu principally operated off the nationwide radar this previous season as a result of he performed for an unranked staff on the West Coast. However he was improbable relatively shortly — averaging 16.2 factors and eight.6 rebounds whereas capturing 61.6% from the sector. He is the principle purpose USC received 16 of its first 20 video games and would’ve been within the NCAA Match if the NCAA Match had been performed. Is he an undersized large? Sure, in all probability. However he is an undersized large who can play a number of positions. And, both means, the NBA is now plagued by undersized bigs. So despite the fact that Okongwu wasn’t considered this fashion popping out of highschool, it is now affordable to name him the second-best large prospect within the draft, one who may play, no drawback, in Atlanta alongside John Collins or Clint Capela.

Isaac Okoro was solely a borderline top-40 prospect popping out of highschool in Georgia. However he shortly emerged, at Auburn, as certainly one of faculty basketball’s finest freshmen this previous season. The 6-6 wing averaged 12.9 factors and Four.Four rebounds for Bruce Pearl’s Tigers, who began 15-Zero general and completed 24-Four when Okoro was wholesome and accessible to play. Auburn was simply 1-2 with out him within the lineup. So, in different phrases, he was an actual difference-maker on each ends of the court docket. Okoro’s athleticism and talent to shutdown opposing wings, due to unusually nice defensive instincts for a 19 year-old, are, undeniably, his finest attributes. And since Detroit may use a high-upside participant who impacts successful in quite a lot of methods, Okoro ought to be the choose right here offered he stays accessible exterior of the highest six.

The Knicks slipping to eighth on this draft is simply deflating for the franchise. So unfortunate. There’s nothing good about it. New York went from dreaming about LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards to choosing … Killian Hayes? On my board, at this level, he is the perfect accessible possibility. The 6-5 prospect is an American-born lead guard who was raised in France. So he is technically an American-born worldwide prospect, one who has been enjoying professionally in Germany. He did not flip 19 years-old till July. So Hayes is among the youngest gamers on this draft. However, regardless of that, he has a excessive basketball IQ and status of any individual who simply actually is aware of learn how to play. Early this previous season, Hayes turned the ball over a bit an excessive amount of, which is less-than-ideal for a major ball-handler. However his assist-to-turnover ratio improved because the season progressed. So his skill to care for the ball shouldn’t be an actual difficulty. Taking pictures is, although. Hayes shot beneath 30% from Three-point vary this previous season. That is not adequate from that place. But when he improves on that, and the guess right here is that he’ll in time, Hayes may have an opportunity to reside as much as the hype that has him projected by mainly all people to go within the lottery.

Tyrese Haliburton, like Obi Toppin, is an effective instance of a principally unheralded highschool prospect who turned a statistical monster in faculty. The 6-5 sophomore averaged 15.2 factors, 6.5 assists and 5.9 rebounds whereas capturing 50.Four% from the sector and 41.9% from Three-point vary this previous season earlier than struggling an damage in early February that ended his faculty profession. So he is a lead guard with dimension who persistently makes photographs. And there is not a franchise within the NBA, Washington included, that could not use a participant who can fairly be described that means.

The extra I speak with front-office executives, the extra I am satisfied Saddiq Bey has an opportunity to be a steal on this draft — particularly if he slips out of the highest 10. The 6-Eight ahead was merely a sub-125 recruit within the Class of 2018, the least-heralded prospect in Villanova’s four-player class. However he shortly developed into an intriguing prospect who averaged 16.1 factors (whereas making 45.1% of his Three-point makes an attempt) this previous season for a Villanova staff that shared the Huge East title. He is versatile on each ends and an excellent wing prospect for the trendy NBA.

The ceiling on Memphis’ season was lowered drastically when James Wiseman give up, nevertheless it’s laborious to argue that Valuable Achiuwa did not personally profit at the very least statistically. The super-athletic ahead averaged 15.Eight factors and 10.Eight rebounds — and was the one freshman within the sport to common a double-double. He is terrific in transition, efficient across the rim, snug away from it and able to guarding smaller gamers in area. All of that, mixed with an amazing motor, ought to be sufficient to make Achiuwa a lottery choose despite the fact that there are reliable questions on whether or not he’ll ever be an efficient offensive participant or something apart from a small-ball middle.

Aaron Nesmith solely performed 14 video games as a sophomore at Vanderbilt earlier than struggling a season-ending foot damage. So the pattern dimension is on the smallish facet, which is not splendid. However it may well’t be ignored that the big-scoring guard made 52.2% of the 115 Three-pointers he tried final season. That is an unimaginable proportion that ought to translate effectively on the subsequent degree, the place perimeter-shooting has by no means been extra valued. Past that, Nesmith has nice dimension for his place. He is 6-6. So he can possibly guard three completely different positions on the subsequent degree — although his lateral quickness would want to enhance for that. His skill to create photographs on his personal, to be an efficient shot-creator, wants to enhance as effectively. However a participant with dimension who can actually shoot it’s a lovely possibility within the modern-NBA, particularly for a franchise like Sacramento that presently has simply a mean Three-point capturing roster.

Devin Vassell’s numbers (12.7 factors and 5.1 rebounds per recreation) do not leap off the display, however that has extra to do with enjoying at Florida State than the rest. The Seminoles had 4 gamers who averaged between 9.2 factors and 12.7 factors final season. So Leonard Hamilton’s staff was balanced on the high, presumably to the detriment of Vassell. Both means, what’s essential to notice is that the 6-7 guard made 41.7% of his 168 Three-point makes an attempt over the previous two seasons. And what that implies is that he is a two-way wing who can sink jumpers reliably, which is among the many causes he is sensible for a New Orleans franchise that should encompass Zion Williamson with as many shooters as attainable.

The truth that Kemba Walker is 30 years previous and coming off of a disappointing postseason might need the Celtics level guard choices with this choose. In that case, the perfect one accessible might be Kira Lewis, who will nonetheless solely be 19 years-old on the evening of the draft. For what it is price, his first faculty coach, Avery Johnson, completely loves him as an NBA prospect. That is a very good signal, I believe. And one other good signal is that Lewis was actually productive as a sophomore — averaging 18.5 factors, 5.2 assists and Four.Eight rebounds for an Alabama staff that completed 60th at KenPom. Past that, he made 48.Eight% of his Three-point makes an attempt within the Crimson Tide’s remaining seven video games. So it seems Lewis could be a dependable, and maybe terrific, perimeter shooter and thus a pleasant addition to Brad Stevens’ Celtics.

Round this time final 12 months, Cole Anthony was extensively thought-about to be a candidate to be chosen first general within the 2020 NBA Draft. Now there is no assure he’ll go within the high 20 as a result of front-office executives are everywhere relating to projecting what Anthony might be on the subsequent degree. Will he turn into a big-scoring lead guard who impacts successful like Damian Lillard? Or will he be an inefficient scorer who produces empty stats for irrelevant groups? Some suppose the previous. Some suppose the latter. As at all times, time will inform. However Orlando ought to be level guard choices with the 15th choose. And, if the Magic go that route, Anthony makes as a lot sense as anyone and will in the end show to be an actual steal simply exterior of the lottery.

R.J. Hampton’s choice to skip faculty and play professionally for a staff based mostly in New Zealand final season contributed to the G-League making a program for elite prospects — after which aggressively pursuing them. So he is already made an affect on the game, for higher or worse. And let the file present the previous five-star recruit was respectable within the NBL. He averaged Eight.Eight factors, Three.Zero rebounds and a pair of.Four assists per recreation. So Hampton skipped faculty, made a bit cash, and now he ought to be a top-20 choose based mostly on his skill to play both guard spot and beat opponents off the dribble with an amazing first-step. Does his capturing want to enhance? Sure, undeniably. The mechanics have lengthy been a bit off. However Hampton frolicked in latest months with former NBA Rookie of the Yr Mike Miller and reportedly reworked his method. In order that’s an encouraging growth and among the many causes Portland may use the 16th choose so as to add some backcourt depth that may assist lower the workload for Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

Not all reliable NBA prospects who return for his or her sophomore seasons truly assist themselves from a draft-stock perspective — however Smith undoubtedly did. The 6-10 large added power, improved his field-goal proportion by Four.6 factors, his Three-point proportion by Eight.Zero factors and averaged extra factors, rebounds and blocks than he did as a freshman. The outcome was Maryland successful a share of the Huge Ten title and Smith solidifying himself as an actual first-round possibility. On the subsequent degree, Smith will seemingly play each the Four and 5 — level being he may theoretically play in lineups with Karl-Anthony Cities so long as he continues to enhance as a shooter and turns into a dependable perimeter risk.

Tyrese Maxey enrolled at Kentucky with the status of a straight-killer — any individual who may go and get 25 on nearly anyone. And, within the season-opener, he seemed the half. The 6-Three combo guard received 26 factors in that November-win over Michigan State and confirmed numerous the issues that made most assume he’d be UK’s main scorer. However, for a lot of the season, Maxey was inconsistent. He performed extra minutes than some other Wildcat. He took extra photographs than some other Wildcat. However Maxey was solely third on the staff in scoring. He shot simply 42.7% from the sector and a mere 29.2% p.c from Three-point vary. So Maxey’s one 12 months in faculty was a bit disappointing relative to preseason expectations. However, regardless, he is nonetheless principally projected as a top-15 choose as a result of he does have elite-scoring attributes, presumably could be a higher perimeter shooter than he confirmed at Kentucky, and is absolutely good at ending contained in the arc in artistic methods, principally with an elaborate floater bundle. So, certain, there are questions right here. But when Maxey reaches his potential he ought to be getting buckets within the NBA for a very long time.

Patrick Williams might be extra of a long-term funding than he’s an instant-impact rookie contemplating he’ll barely be 19 years previous on the evening of the draft. He is a undertaking. However the 6-Eight ahead measures effectively and was a key piece on a Florida State staff that received the Atlantic Coast Convention regular-season title. He carried out strongly down the stretch whereas scoring in double-figures in 5 of the Seminoles’ remaining seven video games. So, once more, it is attainable he will not assist an NBA staff a lot subsequent season. However what Williams may turn into in a 12 months or two is sufficient to generate consideration within the again half of the primary spherical, the place any individual might be getting a participant with sufficient upside that the choice to pick him may repay offered that the franchise that selects him is affected person sufficient to attend on the return.

There’s nothing too flashy about Tre Jones. He would not create many highlights neither is he an amazing shooter. However he stays a terrific run-the-team level guard who actually defends on one finish of the court docket, and actually creates alternatives for his teammates on the opposite. He averaged 16.2 factors and 6.Four assists final season — and really shot it effectively sufficient from the perimeter down the stretch to get his Three-point proportion as much as a good 36.1. So there’s sufficient great things about him to make him an actual possibility right here for Miami, particularly contemplating Goran Dragic is 34 years-old and getting into free company.

Theo Maledon missed time with an damage whereas enjoying professionally in France final season and was principally underwhelming — though, in equity, he performed higher as issues progressed. However the expertise that made him an attention-grabbing prospect at a younger age — he was the youngest LNB All-Star in historical past — nonetheless exists. So Philadelphia, which is not dedicated to enjoying Ben Simmons at level guard, ought to severely take into account Maledon with the 21st choose, if he is accessible, as a result of he would add a talented lead guard to the roster Doc Rivers is inheriting.

Isaiah Stewart was maybe the one benefit of Washington’s wildly disappointing season that culminated with the Huskies ending final within the Pac-12. The 6-9 middle led his staff in factors (17.Zero), rebounds (Eight.Eight) and blocks (2.1). He was nice — however how effectively will it translate on the subsequent degree? That is the query. And, for what it is price, scouts acknowledge guarding in area may very well be an issue. However Stewart’s excessive motor, unimaginable manufacturing, and better-than-some notice ability set ought to maintain him within the high 20.

Josh Inexperienced was certainly one of three attainable first-round picks on Arizona’s roster this previous season, which is among the many causes it was shocking that the Wildcats solely completed tied for fifth within the Pac-12 standings. However a few of it was tied to the freshman’s inconsistency. The 6-6 wing confirmed flashes at instances. He received 24 factors in an early win over Pepperdine. He received 19 within the regular-season finale towards Washington. However the reality is that Inexperienced is, for the time being, extra superior defensively than offensively, and there are actual issues about his skill to place the ball on the ground and move it. So whereas his athleticism and toughness ought to get him picked someplace late within the first spherical, the questions connected to Inexperienced may theoretically push him exterior of the highest 30, the place any individual could be getting an explosive athlete and jumper however one who nonetheless wants to enhance as a playmaker and passer.

Nico Mannion solely shot 32.7% from Three-point vary this previous season, which clearly is not nice for a lead guard who has the ball loads. However he is nonetheless an attention-grabbing expertise due to his skill to make reads and run an offense. Is he athletic or bodily spectacular relative to present high-level NBA level guards? Probably not. And that is a priority. However, within the easiest phrases, I am a believer in Mannion simply figuring it out and dealing to discover a long-term position within the league, and the Bucks may stand so as to add a conventional level guard to the roster led by two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounpo.

Jaden McDaniels’ freshman season didn’t go effectively. He was a disappointing staff’s most disappointing participant — one who led the Pac-12 in fouls. At one level, the 6-9 ahead even received benched by his coach, Mike Hopkins. So it was simply unhealthy stuff on high of unhealthy stuff on high of unhealthy stuff. If McDaniels slips to the second spherical, that might be why. However Oklahoma Metropolis has so many first-round picks in upcoming drafts courtesy of the Clippers than the Thunder can afford to take an enormous swing on a naturally gifted prospect like McDaniels. If it is a miss, so what? But when it seems effectively, it may very well be the kind of factor that expedites OKC’s rebuild within the post-Billy-Donovan period.

Boston has three first-round picks and virtually no room on its roster. So the Celtics will both should make some trades or stash a choose or each. And that is why Leandro Balmaro is likely to be an amazing possibility right here, if he is accessible. He is already dedicated to staying in Barcelona subsequent season. So the 6-Eight ahead may very well be a draft-and-stash for a franchise that might be attempting to return to the Jap Convention Finals.

Vernon Carey would’ve been a top-10 choose if he have been born 20 years earlier. However with unathletic facilities devalued and typically unplayable in at the moment’s NBA, there are a variety of issues working towards the Duke star despite the fact that he was the perfect freshman in faculty basketball this previous season whereas averaging 17.Eight factors and eight.Eight rebounds for a staff that completed fifth at KenPom. Will he be performed off the ground by sure opponents in sure conditions? Sure, that appears seemingly. However I am nonetheless satisfied there’s a spot for him within the NBA. And spending a late first-round choose on a wildly productive one-and-done participant (who was additionally a heralded highschool prospect) looks like a wise transfer.

Cassius Winston is perceived to be restricted as a result of he is small and never the perfect athlete. He’ll by no means measure or check nice — and that’ll flip some franchises away. However he is sensible, nice in pick-and-roll conditions and somebody who has confirmed to be a high-level shooter in all 4 years of faculty by making 43.Zero% of the 602 Three-pointers he tried in his four-year profession. So he is good for a Lakers staff that wants level guard assist and will at all times use one other shooter to assist make LeBron James’ job simpler.

Fred VanVleet is an unrestricted free agent who’s about to get PAID. So the Raptors would possibly want to organize to switch him. In that case, they may do loads worse than to pick this draft’s VanVleet, i.e., a bodily underwhelming level guard who actually is aware of learn how to play, evidencing being that he received at a excessive degree in faculty. And that participant is Malachi Flynn. Is he tall and/or explosive? No. However Flynn actually does have a variety of the identical attributes which have helped VanVleet carve out a better-than-anybody-expected profession. So I am a believer within the former San Diego State All-American.

Zeke Nnaji was solely a borderline top-40 prospect popping out of highschool — however he emerged as the most important shock of Arizona’s freshman class. The 6-11 ahead was Sean Miller’s best participant, one who averaged a team-high 16.1 factors and a team-high Eight.6 rebounds. He was a terrific a part of an underwhelming staff. Going ahead, the best-case situation has Nnaji creating into an influence ahead who can create area, relatively than attempting to be a full-time middle, as a result of he is probably not a rim protector. We’ll see how that goes. However the fast-developing prospect deserves actual consideration this deep within the first spherical.