NBA draft 2020 live tracker: Keep up with first-round analysis for each pick
NBA draft 2020 live tracker: Keep up with first-round analysis for each pick
November 19, 2020
Sport
they selected Georgia guard Anthony Edwards.
Memphis big man James Wiseman went No. 2 to the Golden State Warriors, followed by polarizing prospect LaMelo Ball at No. 3 to the Charlotte Hornets. NBA team evaluators will have plenty of last-minute decisions to make tonight – just two days before NBA free agency begins. Here’s a full run-down below.
Get to know Timberwolves’ No. 1 pick Anthony Edwards
2. Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman, Memphis
The 7-footer can be a 20-and-10 big man. He’ll be an ideal fit on a guard-savvy Warriors roster looking to rebound in 2020-21. Wiseman provided just a small sample of his ability in a short college career, as he left Memphis early in the season halfway through an NCAA suspension. But there’s All-Star potential right away.
3. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, Illawarra Hawks (Australia)
The 6-7 point guard brings star power to Michael Jordan’s franchise. He’s one of the most intriguing players in recent draft memory based on his upside and polarizing background. Ball played only 12 games in Australia’s National Basketball League, but it was enough to entice NBA scouts and rewrite the narrative his father had poorly written. He has a quick-trigger jumper that still needs accuracy, but his floor vision and court savvy make him elite.
4. Chicago Bulls: Patrick Williams, Florida State
The biggest surprise of the draft by far. New coach Billy Donovan will get a late bloomer in Williams, who didn’t start one game and didn’t average double figures for the Seminoles as a freshman. Yet the potential and key attributes are there as a 6-8 forward. Williams is quick, explosive, strong, and athletic. Developing a 3-point shot to complement his mid-range game would be a big boost. He’ll make an immediate impact in Chicago.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Isaac Okoro, Auburn
The 6-6 wing is one of the best defensive players in the draft. He can get downhill and score through contact, with athleticism and a wingspan that could make him an X-Factor for the Cavs. His offense needs work, but he’ll have time to develop in Cleveland.
6. Atlanta Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu, USC
Okongwu shows flashes of Bam Adebayo and at 6-9 could be the steal of this draft as a dynamic big. He averaged 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds for the Trojans in 2019-20, showing strength on the glass and low block. His production and rim protection will help an Atlanta team that struggled on defense last year.
7. Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Hayes, an American-born lefty, is a dynamic playmaker from France who evolved during his pro season in the top league in Germany in 2019-20. His jump shot is questionable, but Detroit can hand him the keys as the point guard of the future. His long-term upside as a 6-5 crafty guard is huge.
8. New York Knicks: Obi Toppin, Dayton
The Knicks got the player they were wanting all along, and he’s a highlight-reel machine who can shine under the New York lights. USA TODAY Sports’ national college basketball player of the year can do a mix of everything, including stepping out on the perimeter and mastering pick-and-rolls. At 22, Toppin is older than most of his counterparts, and his high motor and tenacious dunking translate to immediate production.
9. Washington Wizards: Deni Avdija, Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
Avdija fell from where he was projected, and an ailing Washington franchise will benefit. The overseas prospect with great size at 6-9 can play multiple positions, attacking the rim like a guard and showing the ability to defend big men in the post. He has a wide-ranging skill-set, displayed when he won the MVP of the FIBA under-20 European Championship.
10. Phoenix Suns: Jalen Smith, Maryland
The 6-10 big man went higher than expected based on the Suns’ needs. He considered leaving after his freshman season, but returning gave him a chance to blossom in 2019-20. He rebounds, runs the court, blocks shots and can score. He has good hands and footwork and also does damage in the low post.
11. San Antonio Spurs: Devin Vassell, Florida State
The second Seminole selected on the night, Vassell was one of the most improved players in all of college basketball last year, spearheading Florida State to its first ACC regular-season title. Vassell will fit in nicely with San Antonio’s disciplined system, bringing length at 6-7 and potential to be a defensive stopper on the wing.
12. Sacramento Kings: Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State
A play-making point guard who can defend well, Haliburton is an absolute steal in this draft. His numbers (15.2 points per game, 6.5 assists, 50% FG, 42% from 3-point range) in 2019-20 don’t do him justice. Haliburton has the skillset comparable to Ja Morant and Russell Westbrook in the NBA, but he’ll have to mesh with De’Aaron Fox in Sac Town.
13. New Orleans Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr., Alabama
The 6-3 guard led Alabama in scoring (18.5 per game) and assists (5.2 per game) and shot 45.9% from the field, 36.6% on 3s and 80.2% from the foul line. He has a great handle and uses it well, with speed to beat defenders off the dribble. Look for him to add backcourt depth alongside Lonzo Ball and Co.
14. Boston Celtics (from Memphis Grizzlies): Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt
Nesmith is considered one of the best 3-point shooters in this draft, so he’ll be a solid fit in coach Brad Stevens’ core. His 2019-20 NCAA season, in which he averaged 23 points, was cut short after 14 games due to a right foot injury.
15. Orlando Magic: Cole Anthony, North Carolina
The Tar Heels had an unexpectedly horrific campaign and Anthony’s knee injury played a major part. His lone NCAA season provided enough of a sample size of his tenacity and unique poise that is reminiscent of a young Derrick Rose. He’ll be an instant sparkplug for a Magic franchise still trying to break through.
16. Portland Trail Blazers: Isaiah Stewart, Washington
Stewart became a consistent big man with promising potential as a finisher and rim protector. That won’t translate right away in the NBA, but the ceiling is high. He averaged 16.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.2. blocks last season for the Huskies.
Pokusevski has intrigue as a 7-footer who can handle the ball, pass and drive to the rim. He’s just 18 and does not have a lot of top-level pro experience in Europe. He needs to work on his shot and get stronger so he can absorb contact.
18. Dallas Mavericks: Josh Green, Arizona
Green, an Australia product who elevated his game in the states, established himself with his 3-point shot and ability to find his spots in half-court sets with the Wildcats. Green’s quickness and strength will be an asset on both offense and defense.
19. Brooklyn Nets (from Philadelphia 76ers): Saddiq Bey, Villanova
Bey was the Wildcats’ best player after a breakout sophomore campaign, averaging 16.1 points and shooting 45% on 3-pointers. He’d be an ideal fit as a role player for new coach Steve Nash as a 6-7 wing with high basketball IQ.
20. Miami Heat: Precious Achiuwa, Memphis
Achiuwa possesses the strength to thrive in the NBA at the power forward position as a 6-9 bowling ball on the hardwood, giving him an edge on defense and rebounding. But he will need to develop better as an offensive player. He averaged 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks last year for the Tigers.
Maxey (14 points per game) was the key piece on a one of coach John Calipari’s most underrated Kentucky teams. His shot needs work, but he has gifts that can’t be taught as a combo guard with a quick first step and knack to make others better.
The Pac-12 freshman of the year brings a high motor and can do a lot near the rim at 6-11. He brings energy and can pack on double-doubles but his biggest strength is that he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective.
23. New York Knicks (from Utah Jazz): Leandro Bolmaro, Barcelona (Spain)
Part of Argentina’s next generation of talent, the 6-7 Bolmaro plays on the wing where he can handle the basketball as a playmaker both for himself and teammates. He also shows promise on the defensive end with agility and craftsmanship.
Hampton didn’t benefit from his time in Australia’s top pro league like LaMelo Ball did, and his game would have been better spotlighted in the NCAA. But his tools (length, quickness, agility) are there even if the intangibles (jumper, ball-handling, IQ) aren’t mastered yet.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Denver Nuggets): Immanuel Quickley, Kentucky
A surprise pick in the first round: Quickley plays with a chip on his shoulder and has a finesse game being able to shoot well from outside and run an offense. He was the SEC player of the year for the Wildcats.
26. Boston Celtics: Payton Pritchard, Oregon
The Pac-12 player of the year makes up for his lack of athleticism as a pesky defender and smart playmaker. Pritchard can settle in as a solid role player for a Boston team that’s known for utilizing similarly high IQ players.
27. Utah Jazz (from the Los Angeles Clippers via New York Knicks): Udkoka Azubuike, Kansas
The 7-footer was a key force for coach Bill Self at Kansas over the last four years, and he’ll bring his size and ability to corral the paint to a Utah roster that could benefit well from what the big man brings to the table.
28. Los Angeles Lakers: Jaden McDaniels, Washington
McDaniels will be a fit in the modern NBA because of his defensive versatility at 6-9, but he needs to develop as a shooter. He has a strong network to help him adjust to the pros, including his cousin, Juwan Howard.
Follow college basketball reporter Scott Gleeson on Twitter @ScottMGleeson.
