2020 NBA Lottery Mock Draft
- Tramaine Griifin
- Aug 24, 2020
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 2, 2020
The NBA draft lottery is in the books and the Minnesota Timberwolves earned the No. 1 pick. With the Golden State Warriors earning the No. 2 pick, followed by the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers to round out the top five.
Unfortunately, the draft may get delayed several weeks, which is scheduled for October 16th. Also, these are my projections based on the fact that each team that's in the lottery keeps their pick. Here are my post-lottery projections.
1. Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, Shooting Guard, Freshman, Georgia
There's really isn't a consensus number one prospect in the draft this year, so it really comes down to fit. And for a Timberwolves team who are currently led by Karl Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell. Adding a wing player in Edwards is the right move. In his lone season at Georgia, Edwards showcased his ability to score from all three levels and with his strong fame combined with his shooting ability, makes him a prototypical scoring guard. He can create offense on his own off the dribble, he attacks the rim hard, and he's comfortable from all three levels. He's not a perfect prospect, as he needs to work on his decision-making and shot-selection. Overall, he would be a good pick for Minnesota at number one.
2. Warriors: Obi Toppin, Power Forward, RS Sophomore, Dayton
I'll start off by saying this, I believe that the Warriors will trade this pick. However; this mock draft is based on each team in the lottery keeping their picks. Obi Toppin was the best player in college basketball this year. The combination of explosive athleticism and an all-around skill-set on the offensive-end, makes him the perfect 'modern day' power forward prospect. He brings a lot of excitement when he throws down some vicious dunks and in half-court sets, he works well in pick-and-pop or pick-and-roll scenarios, where he can pop out and knock down threes. He's also a very good post-up player, so when the game slows down, you can throw him the ball down low to get a bucket. Golden State can maximize his skill-sets and I believe he is a perfect with Golden State, especially with the small ball as prevalent as ever.
3. Hornets: James Wiseman, Center, Freshman, Memphis
This is a pretty mediocre Hornets team across the board, who are in need of an upgrade in talent. And at this spot, the Hornets would be looking to draft the best available/best fit. And in this scenario, that player is James Wiseman. The Hornets have a glaring hole at the center spot and Wiseman will fill-in that spot and would be an immediate impact. Wiseman is an interesting prospect. He was deemed as the best player in their class. After a few games, he was living up to the hype, but after a few games, he left Memphis, due to problems with the NCAA. He has all of the physical tools, measurements, and intangibles to be a big-time player but it's certainly not a guarantee. The Hornets clearly needs a center and pairing Wiseman with Devonte' Graham, Miles Bridges, and P.J. Washington would be a solid building block for Charlotte.
4. Bulls: Deni Avdija, Point Forward, 19, Maccabi Tel Aviv
Avdija is a wing player with the height of a power forward and skill-set of a guard. He's definitely one of the most versatile players in this draft. Versatility and position-less basketball is as popular as ever and at an all-time high in the NBA. Players today needs to be well-rounded to be impactful and Deni Avdija fits that mold. He's not necessary great at one specific thing, being a decent shooter, pretty solid ball-handler and play-maker. His versatility and play-making is certainly something that the Bulls lack and he would immediately contribute in those areas for the Bulls. Avdija is coming off a pretty solid season overseas and that experience of playing with pros over the past couple of years should help him translate immediately for a Bulls teams who are looking to take a step forward.
5. Cavaliers: LaMelo Ball, Point Guard, 19, Illawarra Hawks
This Cleveland team needs an upgrade in talent and at their spot in the draft. Cleveland needs to get the best player available and if LaMelo is available at that spot, then you certainly grab him if you're Cleveland. Because he would be the best player available at that spot. LaMelo has been a known commodity since his freshman year of high school due to his flashy play-style, his unlimited range, and most noticeably the family he comes from. LaMelo has really come into his own and has made himself into an NBA prospect with star potential. A lot of the traits that he possesses can't be taught. He has exceptional floor vision, he's a really good passer, and he has a crafty handle that allows him to get to his spots, and the confidence he has to shoot from anywhere on court flashes star potential. I know Cleveland already have Colin Sexton, Darius Garland, and Kevin Porter Jr. However; I'm almost certain that Colin Sexton would be better off-the-ball and many people at this point would take LaMelo over Darius Garland at the point-guard spot. Therefore; pairing LaMelo with Collin Sexton would be a very solid young backcourt for their rebuild process. Obviously, he will need to play more under control in the NBA but a lot of what he brings to the game can't be taught. He's probably the biggest high risk/high reward player in the draft, but if you're Cleveland, who are in need of an upgrade in talent, then it's a risk worth taking.
6. Hawks: Isaac Okoro, Small Forward, Freshman, Auburn
Isaac Okoro was one of the best defensive players in college basketball this season and is probably the best perimeter defender in the draft. And on an Atlanta team which struggled on defense all year. He could be a variable contributor for Atlanta, especially for Trae Young on that end of the floor. He still has a lot of room to grow and improve on the offensive-end. He has good shooting mechanics and he shown that he's comfortable attacking at the basket and finishing with both hands. He's also a very hard worker that's willing to put in the work in order to get better. Okoro would be a nice fit next to Trae Young and would immediately make Atlanta better on the defensive-end.
7. Pistons: Onyeka Okongwu, Center, Freshman, USC
Detroit needs to take the best player available which would be Onyeka Okongwu at this spot of the draft. Onyeka Okongwu might be the best big man prospect in the draft. The skill-set that he possess is everything coaches would want in the modern NBA. He's phenomenal on the defensive-end. Not only is he an excellent rim-protector, he's also very good at guarding 'smaller guards' out on the perimeter, on pick-and-roll/pick-and-pop switches. He's mobile in transition and in the post. He's also an strong finisher at the basket. The future of Blake Griffin in Detroit is a huge question mark along with whether or not Detroit will pay Christian Wood this off-season. If Detroit decides to re-sign Christian Wood and find a way to trade Blake Griffin (off of that contract). Then, Detroit could start their 'rebuild process', with him and Christian Wood as the starting front-court, which would be a solid start for a rebuild.
8. Knicks: Tyrese Haliburton, Point Guard, Sophomore, Iowa State
I'll note this first, I believe that the Knicks will trade up, and select LaMelo Ball (Unless, LaMelo falls to them). However; if this isn't the case. Then, I believe the will go with Haliburton. The Knicks have gone through yet another disappointing season along with another disappointing landing spot in the lottery. Hoping to land the number one pick in the draft. Unfortunately; once again it was another disappointment, however; there is still great value at this spot in the draft. New head coach Tom Thibodeau gets a very smooth, two-way player to run the show in New York. Haliburton can come in and balance things out for New York because he's much more under-control as a ball-handler. He has a great feel for the game and he can defend either guard position. Which will pair him well with R.J on both ends of the floor. Pairing Haliburton with R.J will allow him to focus in what he's best at and that's scoring the ball. Point guards has been an issue for quite a while in New York (I believe that they should take a hard look at Cole Anthony as well). Haliburton can come in and help solve those issues.
9. Wizards: Devin Vassell, Guard/Forward, Sophomore, Florida State
The Wizards are looking to surround John Wall and Bradley Beal with shooting and defense and Devin Vassell fulfills that role perfectly. Vassell might be the best 3 and D prospect in this draft which is critical for the Wizards because they were the worst defensive team in the league this season. Vassell shot over 40% from three at Florida State. Vassell would help with floor spacing so that Wall and Beal can operate. Vassell is a safe pick and would be a perfect rotation wing player for the Wizards, and while his ability to create offense on his own is limited, this would be a perfect fit alongside the two All-Star guards.
10. Suns: Killian Hayes, Point Guard, 19, Ratiopharm Ulm
Killian Hayes is a very promising player. He has great size for a point-guard. He operates the pick-and-roll at a high level for someone his age. He's a very good passer and his ball-handling ability when creating shots for others is improving, There are concerns about his shooting and athleticism which limits his upside. However; it would be a great opportunity to learn from a veteran like Ricky Rubio who has some similarities. Hayes would be a good fit for Phoenix as he can ease his way into minutes as he adjusts to the NBA. Ricky Rubio is getting up there in age and as he adjusts to the NBA, he could eventually take over the starting point guard spot for Phoenix.
11. Spurs: Saddiq Bey, Forward, Sophomore, Villanova
Saddiq Bey is the prototypical 3 and D prospect but he also brings a lot more than just that. He can defend multiple positions and he can knock down threes at a consistent and efficient rate but he can also create for himself off the dribble and in the post. The Spurs are in desparate need of a perimeter wing defender at the 3/4 spot and Bey is the kind of player to accept any role for the betterment of the team. Saddiq Bey would be great fit for the Spurs as Villanova runs a similar system to the Spurs. Saddiq Bey fits the mold as a 'Spurs-guy' as he would be a good rotation piece for the Spurs.
12. Kings: Aaron Nesmith, Guard/Forward, Sophomore, Vanderbilt
Aaron Nesmith is another prospect who really improved his stock, due to his production the court this season. He's the best shooter in the draft this year as he shot over 50% on threes on over four attempts per game. Nesmith adds perimeter shooting and another scoring option for Sacramento. He moves off the ball very well, like a shooter should (underrated skill in the NBA) by using screens, cuts, and spot-ups. He also seven foot wingspan, so his length gives him defensive upside. Nesmith is another floor-spacer with 3 and D potential for Sacramento which will really benefit De'Aaron Fox.
13. Pelicans: Patrick Williams, Forward, Freshman, Florida State
Obviously, the health of Zion Williamson is a concern but the Pelicans need to build around him and Ingram. And Patrick Williams would be a good complementary piece to build around Zion and Brandon Ingram. It's hard to overlook the upside of Patrick Williams. Williams physical tools, shooting potential and all-around upside is enticing, despite his lack of consistency during his season at Florida State. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft, but he still a ways away from being a significant contributor. With a young team like the Pelicans adding another prospect like Williams only makes the future of the Pelicans more exciting.
14. Celtics: Precious Achiuwa, Forward/Center, Freshman, Memphis
The last pick of the lottery belongs to the Celtics which is a luxury for them. The Celtics received this pick from Memphis. With this pick, the Celtics would look to add some rim-protection. Achiuwa has a lot of upside. As Achiuwa is a combination of raw talent and fit for the Celtics. Achiuwa is a very promising defensive player, who has all of the physical tools and defensive versatility. The Celtics have proven to like these kinds of players over the years. He's quick, he's agile, and he's explosive, and most importantly for Boston, he could end up being a very good small-ball five if the time calls for it. Although, he's not a very good shooter at the moment, his shot is serviceable, and if he improves there, then he would be a very valuable asset for Boston.
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