2020 NBA Draft
A year after experiencing the antitanking provisions, NBA teams can react in one of two ways. They might limit transactions involving more NBA draft picks, as they have an even greater level of uncertainty. But there is a contrarian thought which suggests NBA teams, eager to build teams now, will lean even more heavily upon trading picks for players in that year. That could mean some lowly team becomes a “super-draft” team heading into the draft.
8 Points, 9 Seconds
With the Philadelphia 76ers swamped with second round picks, the team may opt to pay some forward, or package some in an attempt to sneak back into the first round late. If the team sees huge upside players falling, they will make strong efforts to open a window of opportunity. Think of it as the 2020 version of the trade up for Anzejs Pasecniks.
NBA Draft Summary:
Philadelphia 76ers first round pick.
Philadelphia second round pick
Brooklyn Nets or New York Knicks second round pick (more favorable)
Dallas Mavericks second round pick
By the time 2020 rolls around the Philadelphia 76ers will have enjoyed three years of the Markelle Fultz-Ben Simmons–Joel Embiid trio. Which veterans will complement that core? Which players will seek their own destiny elsewhere?
The fact is that 2020 will likely be the first year of playoff-Philadelphia will make roster choices like a playoff team. Good players may find themselves as free agents as the team tries to maintain a narrow balance between elite play and affordable payroll. With four draft picks, plus a host of overseas players eager to join the ranks of the NBA, that should be doable.