The 2020 NBA draft is now in the books, as the rookies will head to their new teams. This year’s draft was hard to predict as many had no idea to whom would land where. Unless you are Adrian Wojnarowski, this year’s draft class was hard to predict.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Guard, Anthony Edwards, Georgia
B+
Anthony Edwards could be the next Dwyane Wade. His ability to attack the rim with an aggressive balance is unmatched. Edwards was the safest pick at number one, as his offensive talent is already close to being NBA ready than the others. Once Edwards finds his shot from three, he will pair up well with D’Angelo Russell.
Golden State Warriors
Center, James Wiseman, Memphis
A-
Wiseman could end up being the best player in this draft. A versatile center that is able to run the floor is very unique. Most centers are either shooters who can not defend or floor runners without a jump shot. Wiseman could become the player that can do both. Wiseman has the potential to become the next Anthony Davis, but his lack of experience due to taking a year off from basketball holds high questions around him.
Charlotte Hornets
Guard, LaMelo Ball, United States
A-
Ball is a very intriguing draft prospect. His weakness seems to be the only talking point with most NBA experts. However, his potential and drive to become one of the best players in the NBA is unmatched. Ball is very inconsistent shooting the ball and is not the best defender. However, his ceiling is the highest in this draft class, and if he is able to work on his weaknesses could become the next Penny Hardaway.
Chicago Bulls
Forward, Patrick Williams, Florida State
B-
A reach of a pick, no matter what some media members are saying. Williams was projected in the late lottery, and there were plenty of teams trying to move up into the top five. The Bulls couldn’t get a trade done and selected Williams higher than his value. Williams is a project of a player. Learning from Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr could in the end be the best scenario for Williams. Williams will not have a major impact right away for the Bulls.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Forward. Isaac Okoro, Auburn
A+
Okoro is the most physically ready NBA prospect in this draft. It should be noticed right away that Okoro will be a defensive stud in this league. The Cavaliers selected defense over scoring, which allows them to focus on their young guards. Okoro could develop into a premier 3-D player.
Atlanta Hawks
Forward, Onyeka Okongwu, USC
C+
The Atlanta Hawks have no reason to select Okongwu. The team already has proven players in John Collins and Clint Capela. This draft choice seemed more of a way to gain trade traction towards other teams. Okongwu with the Hawks will not be able to develop with the few minutes available. Although Okongwu is a great prospect and could blossom into a better version of Draymond Green, the team that selected him was not a good match.
Detroit Pistons
Guard, Killian Hayes, France
B
The rebuild starts now. Killian Hayes is a tremendous prospect. However, there were a few more prospects that Detroit should have drafted before Hayes. Cole Anthony, a more established point guard was still on the board. Hayes is a lefty, who struggles with finishing with his right hand. The pick was not perfect, but the Pistons are giving Hayes time to become the best player he can be.
New York Knicks
Forward, Obi Toppin, Dayton
D+
The Knicks already have a plethora of forwards. The last two drafts they selected Kevin Knox and RJ Barrett who both play the small forward position. Toppin does however play the power forward position, to which Julius Randle plays. The team needed a guard, and Cole Anthony and Tyrese Haliburton were still on the board. Toppin is a good prospect and can provide instant help to a struggling team, but New York already has his position filled.
Washington Wizards
Forward, Deni Avdija, Israel
B+
The Wizards basically stole Avdija away from the league. Projected as the fourth-best player in the draft, the Israelian forward dropped down to ninth. This is partly due to the lack of information foreign players have in their scouting reports. Avdija provides scoring and playmaking to the forward position in Washington. Something that the team lacks when either Bradley Beal or John Wall are injured.
Phoenix Suns
Forward, Jalen Smith, Maryland
B
Smith is raw as a prospect. His defensive potential is through the roof and could be vital to the Suns starting five. DeAndre Ayton is not the best defender, but adding Smith could fill that hole defensively. Smith is very agile for his size and can be very physical. Along with his great sense of placement and timing, he could turn into a premier rim protector and rebounder. Smith is more known for his offense ironically, as he has a soft touch around the rim. He is also able to spread the floor.
San Antonio Spurs
Guard, Devin Vassell, Florida State
B+
The Spurs do not look for the next superstar this late in the draft. They usually acquire players that can come in and contribute. Vassell is a guard that will be able to come into the NBA and provide 3-D off the bench. Vassell can do it all and has the talent to even become a reliable starter for many years.
Sacramento Kings
Guard, Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa
C+
Haliburton dropped down a few spots in the draft. The Kings made a mistake drafting another point guard. De’Aaron Fox is the team’s franchise point guard. So why would the Kings draft a ball-dominant guard in Haliburton. Haliburton is a high IQ ballplayer that can create shots for others. The idea of drafting Haliburton is not to pair up with Fox, but to be seen as a backup option in case Fox leaves.
New Orleans Pelicans
Guard, Kira Lewis, Alabama
B
The main concern for the Pelicans was shooting. They needed to draft an offense heavy player that will be able to score at will. Kira Lewis was that player. Lewis is a high-energy scorer, who can attack the rim and hit shots from all over the court. Lewis is also capable of being a creator with the ball, giving him more value off the bench when Ball is off the court.
Boston Celtics
Forward, Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt
B+
The Boston Celtics needed shooting. Nesmith was still available and is arguably the best shooter in the draft. Shooting 52% from the field in 14 games his sophomore season on eight attempts a game. Nesmith won’t get a ton of minutes his rookie year, as the Celtics forward position is very talented. Nesmith provides consistent shooting from three, something the Celtics lacked last season.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow John Devereaux on Twitter @NBADevereaux
Main Image Credit:
Embed from Getty Images
