Our first big board for the 2020 NBA Draft.
The 2019 NBA Draft is firmly in the rearview mirror. Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and R.J. Barrett are prospects of the past, now giving way to a new crop of potential rookies in 2020. It’s quite the draft class.
While no prospect stands in the elevated light of Zion, the 2020 class does have several strong prospects at the top. The variety of school choices and places of origin is also interesting. The blue bloods aren’t nearly as prevalent at the top this season. The international flavor is much stronger.
France, for example, has three guards in the top 30. Multiple international prospects inhabit the top five. It stands in stark contrast to the 2019 class, whose top international prospect was Sekou Doumbouya — the No. 15 overall pick.
Of course, it is very early in the process. I still have research to do and college basketball hasn’t yet started. There will be future iterations of this board and massive changes between now and June 2020. This simply serves as a baseline — the starting point for an exciting campaign.
Here are my tentative top 30 prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft class.
Henri Drell declared for the 2019 draft before returning overseas. He’s now in the first-round conversation — one of several international prospects slated to catch teams’ eyes next season. Drell has a skill package many talent evaluators can appreciate.
Despite his thin frame, Drell in a long 6-foot-9 forward who can space the floor, create off the bounce and defend in space. Those are three hallmarks of effective NBA fours, which bodes well for Drell’s long-term projection once he’s able to add strength under an NBA conditioning program.
Drell isn’t an elite shooter, but his mechanics are smooth. He’s effective attacking closeouts, dribbling into mid-range pull-ups or using long strides to finish at the rim. His scoring upside, combined with intriguing defensive tools, puts Drell on the map.
The 2020 rookie class will have a strong French flavor, with the country producing multiple high-upside prospects worth a first-round glance. Malcolm Cazalon is among that group — a talented slasher who fits the mold of effective off-guards in the NBA.
Listed at 6-foot-6, Cazalon is an natural left-handed scorer, using a quick first step to pressure the defense and finish inside. He has a nice floater, a projectable frame and possesses the right blend of power and finesse to make it at the next level.
Cazalon isn’t a bad shooter either. His low release point is a concern, but he has shown the ability to hit both pull-up and spot-up jumpers. If he can iron out his mechanics, the potential becomes much greater.
Cassius Winston is a high-floor prospect who should appeal to a variety of teams. Rebuilding franchises will value a steady hand at point guard. More experienced rosters will value Winston’s NBA readiness. Elite athlete or not, he will generate NBA appeal.
A crafty playmaker, Winston should have fewer troubles than most adjusting to the speed of NBA basketball. He gets creative with his passes, beating double teams with line-drive dimes and working magic in the pick-and-roll. He’s also a reliable deep threat.
There is valid concern over Winston’s size at 6-foot-1, but he’s too smart not to carve out a niche. He’s a good collegiate defender as well, and should provide a minor inconvenience for opposing point guards at the next level.
In the ever-changing NBA, versatile wings are at an all-time premium. That league-wide need is enough to boost A.J. Lawson into the first-round discussion. He averaged 29.9 minutes per game as a freshman, immediately filling a critical role for the Gamecocks.
At 6-foot-6, Lawson has the physical tools to defend multiple positions on the perimeter. He has a sturdy frame and still has room to fill out. In addition to his defense, Lawson looked the part of a useful complementary piece in South Carolina’s offense.
While not considered an elite shooter, Lawson hit a respectable 35.8 percent of his 3-point attempts last season. The volume was there and the mechanics — even though his release isn’t the quickest — aren’t a major concern. He should take a step forward in year two.
Someone who has the potential rise up draft boards, Joe Wieskamp showed tremendous promise as a freshman. He played a significant role for Iowa, hitting 42.4 percent of his 4.0 deep attempts per game. His deft touch on jumpers is an immediately translatable NBA skill.
In addition to his shooting, Wieskamp has a fairly strong all-around game. He’s not a top-level athlete, but his basketball I.Q., willingness to pass and overall instincts are major positives. He cuts at the right time, can hit off-movement shots and doesn’t kill the offensive flow.
At 6-foot-6, Wieskamp has good size for a wing and translates his I.Q. into solid defense. He’s not elite by any stretch, but he’s a workable defender who fills a valued role on offense. He should be locked into the first-round discussion.
At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Percious Achiuwa is an elite athlete. He’s strong, mobile and is known to overpower his competition at lower levels. He pops on screen, with a combination of power and upside that will naturally keep scouts intrigued.
On offense, Achiuwa thrives in the open court. He has solid handles for his size and finishes with force at the rim. His athleticism in the open court has genuinely special potential. His 3-point shot has also made strides, a positive development for an older freshman.
Achiuwa has the potential to fill numerous roles, but doesn’t quite have the requisite skills yet. Poor shot selection and turnovers are problematic. He needs to clean up the mental side of his game and, in the process, add a bit more consistency to his production.
As a general rule of thumb: run-of-the-mill big men are less valuable now than ever before. Even as some teams — the Philadelphia 76ers included — turn to bigger lineups, it’s difficult for big men without modern versatility or an elite skill to thrive.
Isaiah Stewart isn’t ‘run of the mill’, but he doesn’t stand out in the most important areas. At 6-foot-9, his 245-pound build and 7-foot-4 wingspan are undeniable. Those are NBA physical tools. But his ability to defend in space, his conditioning and his perimeter skill are unproven.
In the end, Stewart will provide value as a high-energy rim protector who scores efficiently inside. His work ethic and effort levels are well documented, which should leave optimism regarding his conditioning and athleticism. Those are areas he will work to improve and maintain.
There’s a lot to like about Matthew Hurt as a potential complementary piece. He’s a deadeye shooter at 6-foot-9, boasting smooth mechanics and a knack for buckets. His intelligence as a passer and team defender is also positive for an incoming freshman.
Where Hurt’s stock gets — you know it’s coming — hurt is his athleticism. He lacks explosion, which might create problems against more athletic defenders. He’s also weak in build, a common issue for young frontcourt prospects.
If Hurt can add muscle and translate his mobility into passable defense, he should find NBA success. But his athletic limitations are real, and it might cast a well-defined ceiling on his career. Nonetheless, shooting and a high basketball I.Q. at his size are valuable.
At 6-foot-5, Ayo Dosunmu has good measurements for a modern-day comboguard. His decision to return to school was notable. He had a chance to go in the second round this summer, but instead decided to aim higher as a sophomore.
While some question Dosunmu’s ability to play point guard on a full-time basis, his athleticism and passing chops are highly intriguing. He managed 3.3 assists per game as a freshman and, with tighter handles, could earn looks for point guard-hungry teams in the draft.
Perhaps Dosunmu’s best traits, however, fit into the classic 3-and-D mold. He’s a solid spot-up shooter who can easily create in a secondary capacity. He’s also a promising defender, with a frame well-suited for guarding multiple positions on the exterior.
Josh Green is an elite athlete. He’s 6-foot-5, wields a 6-foot-11 wingspan, and can jump — high. That alone will keep NBA scouts intrigued, as there’s very clear potential in a top-notch athlete who can defend multiple positions on the wing.
Even so, there are very clear flaws in Green’s game. He’s a questionable shooter, with mechanical flaws and a sketchy track record. He’s also a rudimentary ball handler, possessing only basic moves in his still-developing arsenal.
As a result, there are valid concerns about Green’s ability to contribute to a halfcourt offense. But his defensive upside and prolific talent in transition are more than enough to overcome those issues and work up first-round chatter.
A dynamic athlete at 6-foot-7, Kahlil Whitney should have no issues appealing to NBA scouts. Now it’s about letting his skill catch up to his physical tools — most notably his handles and shooting stroke.
Whitney is an inconsistent 3-point shooter who, due to his limited handles, can’t always break down defenders with success. He settles for the occasional bad shot as a result, which results in lost possessions and disrupted offensive flow.
If Whitney can continue to add to his skill level on offense, however, his defensive potential should carry his stock in college. Kentucky, for better or worse, tends to put prospects in a good place before the draft. Expect Whitney to get a real chance to thrive in Cal’s system.
In a league that values shooting, Patrick Williams has immediate appeal. He’s a fluid 6-foot-7 wing, with natural touch from 3-point range and plenty of scoring upside. His NBA interest is rooted in positional size and shooting.
He will have the benefit of joining Florida State — a program that has lost several key contributors over the past couple seasons. The expectation is Williams will receive immediate playing time in a significant role, giving the Seminoles’ lengthy rotation a much-needed scoring punch.
There are questions about Williams’ feel, but his ability to stroke perimeter shots will naturally offset a lot of concerns. NBA teams crave plus athletes who can shoot, a mold Williams easily fills. His skill set, albeit a tad underdeveloped, is one teams covet.
There’s a not-impossible chance LaMelo Ball ends up in the top-five conversation. He’s a genuine, special talent. The ambiguity of his development, weird situation and undeniable baggage, however, leave me a tad skeptical.
Ball, for reasons not fully within his control, spent a few key developmental years in a negative space. He spent time in a Lithuanian league, where he played against inferior competition on a team tailored to showcase his flash, not develop his skills. Then he spent time in the Big Baller league, which was … yeah.
But at 6-foot-7, Ball is a unique athlete with elite passing chops and deep range. He’s a more versatile scorer than his brother and has real potential as a live-dribble creator. Given his gravity as a pull-up threat and impressive vision, expect Ball to thrive in pick-and-roll actions.
Tre Jones made the surprise decision to return to Duke for a second season, passing up on a potential first-round selection. Now he’s primed for lottery consideration, once again spearheading the Blue Devils’ offense as one of college basketball’s top point guards.
At 6-foot-2 with limited athleticism, there’s a natural ceiling on Jones’ NBA potential. But his sky-high I.Q., great point of attack defense and competitiveness are enough to overcome a small frame at the next level. He’s going to find ways to contribute.
While his defense won’t be as prolific in the NBA, Jones should guard his position well. His penchant for advanced reads should speed up his transition to NBA pace. If Jones can iron out an inconsistent jumper, his role — as a solid backup point guard, at the very least — is clear.
In a class defined by strong international talent, Amar Sylla has major breakout potential. He spent last season on Real Madrid’s B-team and could see expanded responsibilities in 2019-20. His athleticism in the frontcourt, at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, is tantalizing.
Sylla will need to add muscle to comfortably play the five, but his physical tools offer enough flexibility to spend time at either frontcourt spot. He can effectively defend switches on the perimeter, while his face-up skill and potential as a shooter both translate to power forward.
At the moment, Sylla’s greatest attributes shine in transition. He’s a willing rim-runner and a high-end athlete, finishing lobs effectively as a result. In a halfcourt setting, his ability to put pressure on the rim and underrated passing chops are useful.
As Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield transition to the NBA, freshman Josiah James will fill the talent void at Tennessee. He’s a great piece to do so, providing size and playmaking chops on the wing.
At 6-foot-6, James spent time at point guard in lower-level competition. He’s a legitimately smart passer, using his size to see over defenders and make advanced reads. Add in a strong frame and ability to get downhill, and there’s clear upside — even if he’s more of a secondary initiator in the NBA.
While not an elite athlete, James has the size and strength to handle professional wings. He should defend multiple positions well. As is common with freshmen, James will need to prove his 3-point shooting. That’s his swing skill.
One of the top returnees in college basketball, Tyrese Haliburton will step into a much bigger role as a sophomore. He impressed last season, shooting 43.4 percent from deep and averaging 3.6 assists per game, compared to just 0.8 turnover.
Due to limited explosiveness and an average first step, the 6-foot-5 guard is best suited to a complementary role. He’s probably not a pure point guard in the most traditional sense. But his spot-up shooting, high basketball I.Q. and ability to limit mistakes set a high NBA floor.
Haliburton is an intelligent, selfless player who will keep the offense flowing. He moves the ball freely and often, while his off-ball movement is equally as useful. He projects as a solid defender as well, boasting the length to handle both guard spots.
There are valid concerns for Tyrese Maxey. He’s 6-foot-3, but fits the mold of a shooting guard. He’s not known for his playmaking chops, but is instead hailed as a bucket-getter. He can, without question, get buckets.
But there’s also room for improvement. Maxey’s base skill set as a dynamic isolation scorer has value. He can get downhill, create space and bomb shots from deep. At the very least, his spark plug potential should intrigue NBA scouts.
If Maxey can grow into a better playmaker at Kentucky, his stock will skyrocket. Maxey in the form of a viable point guard earns top-10 status. Until then, expect his nose for buckets and high motor to earn lottery consideration anyway.
Wendell Moore will lead another strong Duke recruiting class. He’s no Zion Williamson, but Moore will be perfectly productive in college. That production, in theory, should translate to lottery consideration next June.
There’s a lot to like about Moore, who fills a valuable archetype on the wing. He’s 6-foot-5, but unleashes a 6-foot-11 wingspan on the defensive end. On offense, he’s a clever ball handler with good instincts as both a scorer and a passer.
Boasting an NBA frame, Moore has the base skill set of a useful NBA role player. His swing skill, not dissimilar to others in the class, is shooting. He will need to improve his 3-point proficiency in order to command respect on the perimeter.
Stepping into an LSU frontcourt that lost Naz Reid to the NBA, Trendon Watford should make an immediate impact. He’s a unique physical force, standing 6-foot-8, 225 pounds with impressive mobility. In the evolving NBA, he’s an intriguing talent at the four spot.
While not everyone is sold on Watford’s defense, his strength and light feet leave ample potential. He can contend with stronger bodies inside, but will also survive against stretch fours and perimeter switches. His offensive potential — most notably in transition — will keep NBA scouts optimistic.
At the four, Watford’s ball handling and face-up ability are legit. He can push the ball in transition, or attack closeouts successfully. His 3-point shot hasn’t been fully realized, but his mechanics are workable.
A supremely smart playmaker, Nico Mannion has been a steady force in the top-10 discussion all summer. He will lead the Arizona backcourt with composure beyond most freshmen, dropping high-level passes and limiting mistakes on offense.
At 6-foot-3, Mannion has good size for his position. While he’s not a plus athlete — he lacks a degree of strength — his aggressive approach to defense typically yields positive results. He will fight at the point of attack and, in time, should add enough muscle for that to matter.
In addition to spraying impressive passes across the floor, Mannion can score with craft inside. He makes up for non-spectacular burst with a soft floater and great timing. His 3-point mechanics are smooth as well. He’s one of the better lead guards on the board.
Loaded with intangibles and a sterling reputation, Scottie Lewis is a consistent fixture on top-10 boards at the moment. He’s known for both his work ethic and his effort, pairing both with top-flight athleticism.
Lewis will assume an important role next season, and he has both the I.Q. and the skill to do so. While his 3-point shot remains a work in progress, Lewis thrives in transition and slashing to the basket, where his powerful athleticism shines.
In addition to his athleticism, Lewis is a willing passer who takes pride in playing unselfish basketball. He’s also the top wing defender in the 2020 class — a distinction that carries great weight nowadays. Expect him to stay in or around the top-10 all season.
A gifted passer, Killian Hayes’ stock has hit a roadbump as of late. But I’m not entirely sure that’s warranted, as his skill set — especially at 18 years old — is as unique as it is valuable. He’s a talented lead guard who should lure NBA teams back in by June.
Standing 6-foot-5, Hayes has great size for a comboguard and lead playmaker. He’s creative off the bounce, using changes in speed to keep his defender in flux. He’s not an elite athlete, but has the shiftiness to adjust to NBA athleticism. His passing, whether it’s in the pick-and-roll or in transition, is sublime.
Given his young age and extraordinary basketball I.Q., Hayes should get the benefit of the doubt. He needs to add a reliable 3-point shot — he has been straight-up bad in recent campaigns — but the size, creativity and intelligence is there.
Theo Maledon started in the top French league at 17 years old. He’s one of three French guards — the aforementioned Hayes and Cazalon included — to crack the top 30. A plus athlete at 6-foot-5, Maledon has intriguing tools at the lead guard spot.
He’s a killer in the open court, using his excellent burst to outrun defenders. In the halfcourt, he’s a twitchy ball handler who possesses a nice array of floaters and touch shots inside. His 3-point shooting is strong and should continue to improve.
While not quite on Hayes’ level as a passer, Maledon still does a nice job distributing the ball. He makes solid reads all around and can throw high-difficulty passes. He looks the part of an NBA guard, through and through.
R.J. Hampton made the surprise decision to forgo college basketball in favor of the NBL’s New Zealand Breakers. While calling him a ‘trendsetter’ is premature, it’s reasonable to expect more players taking a similar route moving forward.
He won’t be in the public eye much, but Hampton remains a strong contender for a top-five spot on draft night. He’s an electric lead guard, using dynamic handles, a great sense of pace and a stellar pull-up game to pick apart defenses. He could use a few extra pounds, but his ability to create in live-dribble situations is a valuable attribute.
There’s some risk in playing overseas — the NBL will throw grown men at the 18-year-old — but it also comes with a hint of upside. He won’t get the same media deep-dives as other prospects, which could hide some flaws. He will also have the chance to show out against grown men if all goes well.
Jaden McDaniels is 6-foot-11, lanky, and can generate buckets with an innate smoothness. Naturally, the Kevin Durant comparisons have been made — an unfair burden for an 18-year-old who, in all likelihood, will never reach KD’s all-time level.
Still, while KD is far-fetched, McDaniels does possess the talent of a top-five draft pick. His size is an obvious boost — fitting into rotations as either a versatile four or a super-sized three. Few players his size are as adept creating off the bounce, using slick hesitations and the length to shoot over the top of most defenders.
In addition to soft touch at every level, McDaniels harbors a great deal of defensive upside. He will need to add muscle — it’s perhaps his most glaring weakness at this stage — but his length, athleticism and instincts are enticing.
A consensus No. 1 prospect across major NBA Draft sites, James Wiseman enters the 2019-20 season with a strong pedigree. He’s 7-foot-1, has a 7-foot-6 wingspan, and jumps off the screen athletically. There’s a reason for the hype.
If things break right, Wiseman has Defensive Player of the Year potential. He can engulf shots at the rim, but also has the lateral quickness to adequately defend the perimeter. His defensive I.Q. is a question mark, but the physical prowess and potential are, without question, alluring.
On the offensive end, Wiseman’s raw tools are equally as attractive. He has shown touch on mid-range jumpers, which could extend to the 3-point line in due time. His willingness to run the floor, combined with vertical spacing abilities, should allow Wiseman to find a comfortable role.
Son of Greg Anthony, Cole Anthony is a smidge older than most of his freshmen counterparts. That shouldn’t take away from his impressive repertoire as a lead guard — the top lead guard in the 2020 class, in fact.
At 6-foot-3, Anthony is a polished shot creator. He’s a twitchy athlete and has dribble moves to spare, whether it’s a quick change in speed, a killer crossover or a nifty in-and-out. He will create — and hit — shots at all three levels, possessing the strength to finish through contact inside.
His defense has been a concern in the past, but Anthony shows flashes. It’s more about effort than ability, something that can change and evolve over time. Given his well-documented work ethic and desire to improve, expect Anthony to continue his growth at North Carolina.
I had a very strong compulsion to place Deni Avdija at No. 1. He’s good enough and could steal the top spot before next June. As a teenager, he has played real minutes for Maccabi Tel Aviv — a feat that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You will never guess who he’s being compared to (yes, it’s Luka Doncic).
No, he’s not Luka Doncic. But Avdija does have the talent to carve out a successful NBA career. He’s not an elite athlete, but he has I.Q., craft and size in excess. At 6-foot-9, Avdija has seen point guard minutes at lower levels. He lacks an elite first step, but can weave his way inside and pinpoint open teammates. He has real potential as a pick-and-roll ball handler.
As a scorer, Avdija shows touch at all three levels. A consistent 3-point shot is absent on his resume, but the mechanics check out and the flashes are splendid. With the shake to generate space and the size to shoot over the top, I’d bet on Avdija finding his comfort zones from deep.
Ant-Man — the most exciting prospect on the board and, for now, the top prospect. He took an unconventional collegiate path, joining a UGA program known more for football than basketball. Given the Dawgs’ lack of perimeter talent, Edwards will be tasked with a sizable burden as a freshman.
Perhaps that’s a good thing. He will get every chance to showcase his unique talents. At 6-foot-5, Edwards is a tank. There are shades of James Harden in his build — a strong-bodied guard who can bully his way through traffic and explode to the rim. His athleticism is worthy of a top pick.
Edwards can also score on the perimeter, with a projectable 3-point stroke and a few NBA-ready moves. He plays extremely hard, will pull out awe-inspiring dunks, and will have a good chance to go deep into his bag as Georgia’s undisputed alpha. He’s a strong bet in the No. 1 spot.
Next month, I will release an expanded big board, detailing the top 60 prospects (with a few potential adjustments). Stay tuned.