By Alex “MereKat” LeMere
Folks! We’re just a day away from the 2020 NBA Draft on Nov. 18 which will kick off the start of a wonky upcoming season.
Usually, the league tips off sometime in mid to late October but with last season just ending on Oct. 11, there would be some obvious changes. So instead of drafting in late June, then having four months to acclimate rookies to teams, the NBA will draft on Nov. 18 with an expected season tip-off this year of Dec. 22 that gives rookies just a month to get up to speed and mesh into a role.
That sets up a draft where teams may look at players they believe can hop in and be pro-ready off the rip (there are not many) or might lead to some guys being over-drafted, knowing this will be more of a developmental year. It’s also expected for free agency to begin Nov. 20, so on top of the quick turnaround from the draft, front offices must also wheel and deal with just a month.
Teams that are staying mostly intact will come into this season with a big advantage, in my opinion, but a younger team that is moving pieces around might find the small “off season” window too much to start the season strong.
A lot of trades have started to unfold, rumors swirling and the sweet smell of indecision surrounding this draft, and it’s primed to be a wild one. It’s a talent-laden draft that no one can predict with certainty…buckle up, folks.
So here we go, I’m no draft expert, but I watch a lot of college and NBA basketball and have always been addicted to mock drafts, so I’m taking a shot at it.
#01 Minnesota Timberwolves: LaMelo Ball PG/SG (International-Illawara Hawks)
I can see any of these players I list in these top 3 picks going anywhere in these top 3 spots, but my gut tells me Minnesota will take the shot on a 19-year-old guard. None of these top players is a perfect fit for their roster, so why not take the best prospect in this draft? Having elected to forego college and play professionally for the Illawara Hawks in New Zealand gives him a big experience boost. Ball is a pure delight on offense, where he showcases tremendous court vision, a crafty set of skills that allow him to score in numerous ways, and a real tenacity to break down and attack defenders. Ball’s production at the pro level last year was icing on the cake. He put up 17 points (46% shooting), 7.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists a game in over 30 minutes a game. He might lack a bit defensively, and that’s something Minnesota can live with coming off a season they showed good perimeter defense already established, and need to take better 3 pointers…but the kid’s special.
NBA Comparison: Russell Westbrook (Call me crazy, I know)
#02 Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman C (Memphis)
Wouldn’t be surprised if Wiseman went first overall either but this decision probably comes down to either Anthony Edwards or Wiseman for the Warriors, and I think they go with the bigger need in the 7’1″ Center. Wiseman is an incredible prospect with a massive frame and wingspan (7’6″), great fluidity and agility, and elite-level talent on both ends of the court. What’s not to love? After being the top recruit in his high school class, Wiseman attended Memphis for his college hoops career but only played three games after being suspended by the NCAA. It turns out Memphis coach, NBA legend Penny Hardaway, had paid some moving expenses for Wisemans family. Regardless, Wiseman posted nearly 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game. A small gamble could pay huge dividends if the Warriors don’t trade this pick and take Wiseman to give them a rim-attacking big man to complement their perimeter barrage. If he lives up to the draft position…watch the f*ck out NBA.
NBA Comparison: Hassan Whiteside w/ a sprinkling of AD
#03 Charlotte Hornets: Anthony Edwards SG (Georgia)
The Hornets will be ecstatic if Edwards falls into their laps at 3. Any of these players I have going top 3 are almost interchangeable, but I’m trying to think “best fit” scenarios. The kid can flat out ball. Many (including me) consider Edwards the best prospect in this draft and an NBA ready player right away. A physical, 3-level scorer who averaged 19.1 points and over 5 rebounds a game, which earned him second-team All-SEC and a finalist for the Jerry West award. Edwards can immediately add scoring to a Hornets team who were at the bottom of the league in scoring last season. An NBA level slashing ability already at his disposal, Edwards needs to work on his shot selection and perimeter shooting, and he can be a star in the league. His ability to create scoring opportunities is something you can’t teach.
NBA Comparison: Donovan Mitchell but actually good
#04 Chicago Bulls: Obi Toppin PF (Dayton)
AINT NO STOPPIN’ OBI TOPPIN! In my opinion, the most pro-ready player in this draft comes with the downside of being 22 already, which is equivalent to 37 for NBA rookies. Toppin went from zero to hero in his redshirt sophomore season at Dayton, where he led the team to a third overall ranking in the major polls behind a 20/7.5/2.2 line on offense along with over a block and steal a game. A consensus first-team All-American and winner of almost every player of the year award, Toppin certainly has the makings of a winner. A perfect culture-building player for Bulls’ new coach Billy Donovan and the deciding factor in taking Toppin over the prospects of Avdija.
NBA Comparison: Tobias Harris/Kris Middelton hybrid
#05 Cleveland Cavaliers: Deni Avdija SF/PF (International-Maccabi Tel Aviv)
I personally think the best pick here would either be Tyrese Haliburton, but I can’t see Cleveland drafting a guard with their first pick three straight years. Avdija might be the most experienced lottery pick in this draft, being only 19 with 2 Euro League seasons under his belt. Not a super flashy player by any means, but he makes up for that with efficiency on both ends of the court. He fits Cleveland’s need for a transitional wing that should be able to score, and the Cavs are in a win now situation by any means, so Avdija should be allowed time to develop a bit more. If all plays out as planned for Avdija, there’s a good chance he ends up as the most consistent NBA player in this draft.
NBA Comparison: Danny Granger. I wanted to say Turkoglu, but that’s too easy.
#06 Atlanta Hawks: Tyrese Haliburton PG/SG (Iowa State)
A young team led by superstar Trae Young, the Hawks have a great chance to take a backup/compliment for him in the backcourt. The Hawks are loaded with young talent outside of point guard, and Haliburton fits the ball. A sizeable PG at 6-foot-5, 170ish pounds with length put up some sick numbers in 2 years at Iowa State. Haliburton shot over 40 percent from deep and over 50 percent from the field. Averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 assists, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks, the kid showed he can produce all over the court and be extremely effective. Using size to his advantage, he could be a great off-ball compliment to Young if his obscure shooting form transitions to the NBA.
NBA Comparison: 70 percent Jrue Holiday/30 percent Lonzo Ball
#07 Detroit Pistons: Onyeka Okongwu PF/C (USC)
Onyeka Okongwu is one guy whose NBA career I’m excited to see pan out. A rim-protecting monster for just being 6’9″. In his one season of college ball, he averaged 2.7 blocks. 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals a game. Oh, did I mention he shot over 60% from the field and 72% from the line? He has so much potential as an offensive threat if he can improve his 3. Okongwu might end up being the best big man out of this class and would bolster a Detroit frontcourt that’s lacking any real threat outside of Blake Griffin.
NBA Comparison: John Collins with a way lower floor offensively
#08 New York Knicks: Killian Hayes PG/SG (International-ULM)
WARNING: There is a 94% chance the Knicks screw this pick up. I think Hayes would be a great pick for the Knicks if still here, though. He’s a player draft guys have all over the board with teams questioning if Hayes will carry over his shooting from overseas to the NBA. Last season, in a 10 game sample, he averaged 12.8 points (on a promising 46/39/90 split) and over 6 assists a game. A potential partner for RJ Barrett and long-term answer at PG…the 6’5″ lefty might be the most complete guard in this draft.
NBA Comparison: Fellow lefty D’Angelo Russell
#09 Washington Wizards: Isaac Okoro SF (Auburn)
It’s hard for me to project Okoro falling to pick nine here. The kid’s an elite defender who excels on the wing. A physical, athletic defender is something that the Wizards need if they want to improve this year. He’s a good fit in the modern NBA that seems to be straying further and further from traditional positions. Okoro still has a lot of work to put in on offense, but if he develops that, this will be the steal of the draft.
NBA Comparisons: 60 percent Justise Winslow/40 percent Gary Harris
#10 Phoenix Suns: Devin Vassel SG/SF (Florida State)
I could really see the Suns moving up in this draft to try and grab Haliburton or Hayes because they need a shooting threat to pair with Booker. If they stay put at 10, Vassel makes the most sense to me, unless they reached for Maxey, but my gut says, Vassel. A gifted perimeter shooter in college with a good defensive skillset and above-average athleticism, Vassel’s game should have a solid transition to the NBA. 41.7 percent from deep over both years of college should have the Suns’ attention as they look to add a shooter.
NBA Comparison: “Lord” Robert Covington
#11 San Antonio Spurs: Saddiq Bey SF (Villanova)
This is the first pick I got really indecisive on. I feel like every mock draft I’ve seen has the Spurs taking Vassel, who I don’t see the Suns passing on, which would be a great pick for them if he’s available here. So, I see Bey, Patrick Williams, and Nesmith all in play here, but Bey makes the most sense. He’s a great defender who excels on the wing and guarding multiple positions and shot over 45 percent from three his senior year. If the three and D wing can be had for San Antonio, Bey would make a lot of sense.
NBA Comparison: Floor-Sam Dekker…Ceiling-Kris Middleton
#12 Sacramento King: Aaron Nesmith SG/SF (Vanderbilt)
There’s a big chance the Kings screw this pick up. They just have not drafted well recently, with De’Aaron Fox being the outlier. I think Patrick Williams wouldn’t be a mistake, but not drafting Nesmith would be. As a sophomore (and in just 14 games), Nesmith shot over 52 percent on 8.2 attempts from three per game. That’s the kind of knockdown shooter the Kings could use. He’ll need to develop his overall game more but can serve as a solid role player immediately with that shot.
NBA Comparison: A good Danny Green, maybe a shade of Klay there.
#13 New Orleans Pelicans: Cole Anthony PG (North Carolina)
I really have no clue where Cole Anthony will go in this draft. A guy many thought was a shoo-in to be a top 5 pick, but with some awful play in the ACC tournament, we see his stock falling. I personally hate Cole Anthony because he’s the sole reason I lost 95% of my UNC bets last season. An above-average athlete who loves to shoot the basketball makes him a fit for New Orleans. The Pelicans need a backup PG and guard depth with Holiday gone now and could definitely use another shooting threat out of the backcourt. Anthony fits the bills as a shot-creator, and if he tidies up his three-point shooting (34.8 percent in college), he will be a steal here…but I think he has high bust potential.
NBA Comparison: A more prolific Mo Williams
#14 Boston Celtics (from Memphis): RJ Hampton PG/SG (International-New Zealand Breakers)
If you would’ve told me, coming out of high school, Hampton would fall out of the top-10, I would’ve called you crazy. Unfortunately, Hampton’s decision to forego college for the NBL took the spotlight off of him, and an injury that limited him to just 15 games hurts his stock. Incredibly fast for a 6-foot-5 combo guard with great length has him fitting the physical bill. His upside is incredible if he can carry his jump shot and athleticism to the NBA…and Kemba Walker isn’t getting younger *insert shrug emoji*.
NBA Comparison: Will “The Thrill” Barton if could run the court
#15 Orlando Magic: Patrick Williams SF/PF (Florida St.)
One of the pre-draft’s biggest risers, Williams is a potential combo forward (I think he’s best at the 3) with a stupid high ceiling. I feel bad having him fall out of the lottery, but you’ll see this guy projected top-5 some places and a late-first other. At 6-foot-8, 225-pounds, he has good size for attacking the basket on top of being an already developed shot creator. Williams will be a good NBA player if he works on his rebounding, especially his shot from deep (32 percent in college).
NBA Comparison: OG Anunoby 75 percent PJ Tucker 25 percent
#16 Houston Rockets (from Portland) : Kira Lewis Jr. PG (Alabama)
The Bucks just traded this pick to HOU as a part of the Robert Covington trade, which is a bit weird for Portland, but whatever. If the Rockets don’t go for guard depth here, the pick should be Precious Achiuwa, but after speculation Harden and Westbrook might be on the outs, a PG makes all the sense here. Here fits Kira Lewis Jr., A sophomore guard from Alabama (S/O Nate Oats?) who really blossomed his second season. Lewis Jr. would add much needed speed and backcourt shooting but needs to carry over his late season three-point shooting (37% for the season but 49 percent his last seven games).
NBA Comparison: Darius Garland
#17 Minnesota Timberwolves (from Brooklyn): Tyrese Maxey SG (Kentucky)
The Timberwolves are short at guard outside of D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley, so I see them passing on Precious here, too (who doesn’t deserve to fall this far IMO). Maxey has so much potential with a great court presence but will need to be more consistent from three (29 percent) to truly outplay this draft position. He does have an arsenal of scoring techniques and promising shot-creating ability to make up for his long-range shot. An above-average, lanky defender with a knack for making the clutch play is too much of an opportunity for the Wolves to pass on here.
NBA Comparison: Watered down Bradley Beal
#18 Dallas Mavericks: Precious Achuiwa PF/C (Memphis)
The Mavericks can’t pass up on the fall I project for Achuiwa. I want to say they take Aleksej Pokusevski with Cuban’s love of international prospect, but no Mavs’ fan would complain about Achuiwa. With the NBA leaning towards the trend of small-ball lineups, the 6’9″ skinny, quick big man fits the bill. Achuiwa’s offensive game leaves a lot to be desired coming into the pro level, but he makes up for that by being a defensive terror, using speed and length to contain multiple positions. His productivity in just one year was very impressive as he put up nearly 11 boards, two blocks, and a steal per game.
NBA Comparison: A quicker Tobias Harris with flashes of Montrez Harrell on defense
#19 Brooklyn Nets (from Philadelphia): Jalen Smith PF (Maryland)
A perfect opportunity for the Nets to add a big man who can stretch the floor in compliment to KD, Kyrie & Co. He can space the floor as a prolific shooter, shooting 54 percent from the floor and 37 percent from 3, as a 6-foot-10 PF/C hybrid. I could see Smith getting drafted much earlier than 19 but who the hell knows what’s going to happen in this draft. He’s one of my favorite prospects in this draft but needs to become a more versatile defender to be trusted with big minutes.
NBA Comparison: A more offensively gifted Kelly Olynyk
#20 Miami Heat: Josh Green SG (Arizona)
THE Miami Heat love to develop raw prospects (looking at you, Herro & Nunn), and Green would fit the profile. He’s a prospect and shouldn’t be thrust into an important role as a rookie, which Miami can afford to execute. Green is an athletic wing and, at 6-foot-6, can guard the 1-3 but needs to work on his playmaking ability to contribute to the Heat frontcourt that may lose Dragic. 12 points a game on 45 percent shooting shows promise for his offensive potential but needs work to operate on an NBA court.
#21 Philadelphia 76ers (from Oklahoma City): Theo Maledon PG (International-LDLC ASVEL)
Will Daryl Morey takes a chance on the 19-year-old PG who has been playing pro in France for three years now? I think it’s a good spot as they desperately need a guard to add shooting and eventually take over at PG as Ben Simmons strays further from the traditional point role. Maledon is a floor general with good playmaking ability and a chance to become a really effective shooter off screens…something the 76ers covet.
NBA Comparison: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander without the burst and a lower ceiling
#22 Denver Nuggets (from Houston): Jaden McDaniels PF (Washington)
MY DENVER NUGGETS, BABY! What the Nuggets need most is a productive big man to pair with Jokic and Jerami Grant as Paul Millsap is on the outs, and they have lacked consistency from the frontcourt in general (outside Joker, of course). McDaniels is a super talented big that can stretch the court who has a boatload of offensive upside. That’s the thing though, he’s mostly upside. His only season at Washington was solid but disappointing, as he put up just 13/6/2 in over 30 minutes a game. The Nuggets can afford to take a shot here on a high upside guy who might need time to develop and bulk up…they’ve done similar with Porter Jr. and Bol. I’d be okay with it, but fingers crossed, Jalen Smith slips even though this would be a good consolation.
NBA Comparison: Jonathan Isaac
#23 New York Knicks (from Utah): Malachi Flynn PG (San Diego St.)
The Knicks shouldn’t be scared off by Flynn’s age (22). He’s an average athlete but has a ton of intangibles and scored almost 18 points per game (44 percent shooting) and over five assists a game. The only reason I see them moving up in this spot is too take another top guard prospect unless they think someone like Jalen Smith falling this far. Flynn can be an insurance plan to Hayes or develop in the backcourt with him, but they need to find a franchise PG. Who knows why this front office does what they do…
NBA Comparison: Maybe Fred VanVleet with little more size?
#24 New Orleans Pelicans (Milwaukee): Desmond Bane SG (TCU)
This pick was another that was just traded, as the Bucks move three first-round picks, George Hill and Eric Bledsoe for the services of Jrue Holiday (whose on an expiring contract…)…this opens up Bane as a possible Holiday replacement. Two straight 22-year-old guards? Why not. Bane might be the best perimeter shooter in this draft class, boasting a 43 percent three-point average over his four years with over 6.5 attempts his last year. He’s a good off-ball defender as well with a polished overall game. I see him as being a high-end rotation guy in the league and that added firepower and minutes to replace Holiday for New Orleans.
NBA Comparison: Malcom Brogdon-esque…and dare I say shades of Alex Caruso???
#25 Oklahoma City Thunder (from Denver): Tre Jones PG (Duke)
This pick changes a bit for me with the news that they shipped Chris Paul to Phoenix, and the only replacement they got was Ricky Rubio. Tre Jones is a guy who can take a little time to develop and learn from Rubio to become a solid backup/complementary piece for Shai. A tenacious defender (ACC Defensive Player of the Year) that is an NBA ready floor general type who can create shots for his teammates and self. A shaky shot that can be worked on and no real explosiveness has Jones as a safe, late pick here that can pan out real well long term.
NBA Comparison: Jarret Jack-esque…maybe a little DFish
#26 Boston Celtics: Leandro Bolmaro PG/SG (International-FC Barcelona)
The second of their three first-round picks, the Celtics roster is already chock full of talent, so adding Bolmaro makes sense since he’s already locked into staying in the Euro League next season. Bolmaro has a great feel for the game with a high motor, great ball handling, and high-end playmaking ability but needs more of a body of work. A bit of a stash here that can pay off long-term if he ever develops a legitimate shot.
NBA Comparison: Evan Turner (but I like him a little more as a guy to run a court)
#27 Utah Jazz (from NYK): Nico Mannion PG (Arizona)
The Utah Jazz need a playmaker to handle the ball with Mike Conley at 33 now and Donovan Mitchell in need of some assistance. After trading back in the draft to this spot show they like a few guys who should be available here. Mannion was once considered a fore sure lottery pick, but he disappointed in his only season at Arizona, A good scoring touch that needs to be worked on for more efficiency (39.2 percent FG, 32.7 percent from three). He projects more as a developmental playmaker but I like the fit with Mannion more than Tyrell Terry here…who probably has a higher ceiling.
NBA Comparison: Mike Bibby without the pizzaz
#28 Oklahoma City Thunder (from LAL): Tyrell Terry PG/SG (Stanford)
This is a weird one. Technically, the Lakers have to make this pick because of a rule you can’t trade your first-round pick in consecutive seasons, I guess, although the Lakers have already agreed to trade this pick as apart of the Dennis Schroeder deal. So, this is OKC’s player being taken but by the Lakers so they can trade it post-draft. It doesn’t matter much because I would have either of these teams taking Terry here. Terry is a solid secondary ball-handler and contains one of the cleanest 3 pointers in this draft (41% from 3 with great mechanics). He’s impressed pre-draft and has bulked up a bit, preparing for a transition to the NBA. The Thunder can use Terry as a solid replacement for Schroeder in this spot and possibly a massive steal.
NBA Comparison: Think of Seth Curry, but not nearly as good…so Seth Curry? Throw in a little pinch of some CJ McCollum
#29 Toronto Raptors: Isaiah Stewart PF/C (Washington)
The Raptors are in danger of losing Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol to free agency, and even if they don’t, they should still look to add young, frontcourt depth. Stewart is an interesting prospect who checks all the boxes physically. High-end motor? Check. NBA-caliber strength? Check. A massive 7-foot-4 wingspan? CHECK! He leaves a lot to be desired with his vertical and will need to work on that to be more than a “below the rim” big man but can still be a rim protector. If his offensive game develops properly, needs to add range and playmaking abilities, he can be a breath of fresh air for this Raptors team sitting on the cusp of greatness.
NBA Comparison: Ceiling? Charles Oakley made for today. Floor? The worst version of Daniel Theis
#30 Boston Celtics (from Milwaukee): Aleksej Pokusevski PF/C (International-Olympiacos)
Boston’s third pick of the first round because Danny Ainge is an absolute madman, and I think they go with another “stash” guy in the big man Pokusevski. This kid’s a total wildcard and would be a huge swing for a team in the first round, although he’s projected anywhere from 15-50. He’s a lottery pick talent-wise but has so many question marks as he hasn’t played a ton in the EuroLeague so far and is king of a twig (7 feet tall but only 190 pounds). He can handle the ball on the floor super effectively for a big, shoot from the perimeter and contribute a lot defensively. This would be a great spot for Pokusevski as he will have time to stay overseas and continue developing. If he does, watch out.
NBA Comparsion: Nikola Jokic without the three liters of Pepsi a day