A fresh look at the 2020 NBA Draft landscape.
The status of the 2020 NBA Draft is shrouded in doubt. The coronavirus pandemic continues to postpone the NBA season, which will in turn push back the date of the draft. In addition to uncertainty around the date, uncertainty around the process — workouts, interviews, etc. — has muddied the waters for many reporters.
This mock draft attempts to cut through the noise and project first-round picks for all 30 teams. As always, this mock is based on my evaluation of what teams are likely to do, not what I think teams should do. Reports, film, and general NBA trends all factor into which player lands where.
If you want a ranking of my top 30 prospects, you can check out my big board.
Since the lottery has not been held yet, the lottery order for this mock was DETERMINED VIA TANKATHON SIMULATION. Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, and Sacramento Kings!
The Philadelphia 76ers currently possess the No. 22 overall pick.
The Warriors have the rare opportunity to add the No. 1 pick to a championship-contending roster. It makes sense to add someone who can contribute immediately in the presence of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and the roster’s other core pieces. Anthony Edwards fits the bill.
Edwards is far from a perfect prospect, but the 2020 class lacks a clear-cut No. 1 prospect. The Warriors already have a lot invested in Andrew Wiggins, but Edwards is someone who can fit into a number of different lineup combinations as a versatile defender and a dynamic shot-maker on the wing.
He wasn’t the most efficient scorer at UGA, but Edwards has the explosiveness and strength to bulldoze his way to the rim and finish inside at a high level. He’s also prolific off the bounce, even if his shot selection is erratic at times. The Warriors would provide a good support system and a role where he wouldn’t feel the need to overextend himself.
This comes down to who Cleveland views as the best prospect. The Cavs have drafted guards two years in a row — Collin Sexton and Darius Garland — but at some point, change will come. Ball projects as a better prospect than both, and he brings the most potential star power to a Cleveland team in desperate need of a centerpiece.
Ball is a uniquely skilled playmaker, in a similar vein to his older brother Lonzo. He’s a visionary passer, hitting teammates from angles most point guards wouldn’t even register as possible. He’s a firecracker in transition, a silky halfcourt creator, and an accomplished scorer — even if concerns over his shooting mechanics and thin frame are warranted.
There are roadblocks between Ball and stardom. Lazy defense, turnover proneness, and a general looseness to his approach are all valid criticisms. In the end, however, his talent shines brighter than anyone else in this class, and Cleveland should happily bet on him figuring things out.
The Hawks have sured up the frontcourt in the form of Clint Capela, and Trae Young will handle playmaking duties for the foreseeable future. It makes sense for Atlanta to tackle the wing once again, in this instance taking Deni Avdija.
Avdija has carved out a real role for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, an impressive accomplishment for any teenager. He’s a big playmaker at 6-foot-8, which has natural appeal in the modern NBA. He wouldn’t need to carry too big a burden in Atlanta, and he’s the type of creative halfcourt threat who can remove pressure from Young.
There are questions about the consistency of Avdija’s jumper, but the mechanics project well and he has natural touch. He should figure it out and become a reliable deep threat, especially when Young is the one setting up open looks on the perimeter. He can immediately help a Hawks team looking to take the next step.
The Kings’ roster is a mess of uncertainty. Sacramento doesn’t need a center next to Marvin Bagley III and Richaun Holmes, but many scouts view James Wiseman as the No. 1 prospect, and it’s not likely he falls outside the top-five on draft night.
Wiseman is an imposing physical specimen at 7-foot-1. He’s not the most polished defender, but plus athleticism and a 7-foot-6 wingspan give him solid projections at the next level. He should capably anchor a defense inside, and he’s mobile enough to survive switches on the perimeter.
His stature alone should guarantee Wiseman plenty of easy baskets inside. He has soft touch, a nice array of post moves, and the girth to overpower some of the league’s better interior defenders. The jumper is a work in progress, and Wiseman needs to grow as a decision-maker, but he has the tools of a traditional top-five pick.
Some believe Obi Toppin could go No. 1, and most projections have him in the top-five. Minnesota could look to sure up the frontcourt next to Karl-Anthony Towns, and Toppin has great appeal as another versatile offensive weapon. Both he and Towns can penetrate the defense and cause damage from various spots on the floor.
Toppin was the best player in college basketball last season, which counts for something in a class of relative uncertainties. He can space the floor, work inside, play the mid-range game. He’s a smart passer, an effective screener, and he should contribute early on at the next level.
The concern here is defense. Minnesota doesn’t have the strongest defensive core in Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. Toppin wasn’t a bad defender at Dayton, but his stiffness and lack of lateral quickness could make him vulnerable in the NBA. The Wolves would need to prioritize good defenders later in the draft and in free agency.
The No. 2 prospect on my big board, Killian Hayes is the best player available. The Pistons are at the beginning of a long rebuild, and point guard is perhaps the NBA’s most important position, even now. Hayes is a dynamic playmaker and someone who can help lead the next era of Detroit basketball.
At 6-foot-5, Hayes possesses great tools for the position. He’s shifty with the ball in his hands, he can finish creatively inside, and he has a James Harden-esque step-back at his disposal. A guard with Hayes’ eye for playmaking who can adeptly create his own shot should have no trouble providing positive value in the NBA.
Hayes is arguably the best passer in the draft behind the aforementioned LaMelo Ball. He’s dynamite in the pick-and-roll, and extensively creative in live-dribble situations. Most mocks project him lower than this, but teams should come around by the draft.
The Knicks also aim for star power in the form of Cole Anthony, who was firmly in the conversation for No. 1 prospect before the season. Injuries and inconsistency held him back at UNC, but Anthony’s skill package should have New York jumping at the chance to select him.
Anthony is a quick-twitch athlete who should have no problem translating his shot-making skills to the next level. He uses tight handles and springy feet to generate space and create his own looks. A dynamic pull-up threat, Anthony is a high-caliber pick-and-roll guard. He’s not bad at creating for others either.
Efficiency is the main concern for Anthony, as he shot 38 percent from the field as a freshman. Not pretty. He struggled to finish at the rim — a surprise given his tape and reputation in high school — and his shot selection had a tendency to veer toward chaos. He will have plenty of room to stumble, learn, and grow in New York.
The Bulls need role players who can complement the Zach LaVine-Lauri Markkanen-Wendell Carter Jr. triumvirate. Ideally, said role players provide quality defense and a brand of unselfishness, which Isaac Okoro most definitely does.
Some have rightfully soured on Okoro due to his lack of a reliable jumper. It’s difficult for wings who can’t shoot to fully blossom in the NBA. Even so, Okoro is a smart passer, a hard-worker, and arguably the best defensive prospect in 2020. There’s too much to like, especially given Chicago’s current needs.
Okoro can immediately handle the most difficult assignments on defense. He can defend multiple positions, he can generate turnovers at a high clip, and he can bring a spark to Chicago’s sometimes-lifeless rotation. He’s not a total zero offensively either. He cuts, passes, screens — all the little things to make his presence felt as an elite-level athlete.
The Hornets need a center and Onyeka Okongwu is the best available. Despite a slightly undersized frame at 6-foot-9, Okongwu has separated himself as arguably the top big man in this class. He’s not only a tantalizing defender, but he’s a supremely efficient offensive player. He should fit nicely next to Charlotte’s potpourri of perimeter talent.
Okongwu flew under the radar as a freshman, but quickly established himself as one of college basketball’s most dominant middle men. He controlled the paint, using his impressive vertical explosiveness to protect the rim and deter drives to the rim. On offense, he thrived as a rim-runner and lob-catcher.
In the modern NBA, it’s important for centers to survive outside the paint on defense. Okongwu has the lateral quickness to keep smaller players in front of him. He may not have the star upside of James Wiseman, but he fits an immensely valuable archetype as his position.
The Wizards are a difficult team to pin down. Despite a deeply flawed roster, they have exceeded expectations this season in large part due to Bradley Beal’s Herculean efforts on offense. John Wall will return in 2020-21, and Washington has a few decent veterans scattered about the roster — Davis Bertans, an upcoming free agent, chief among them.
There’s a world in which the Wizards compete for a playoff spot next season. There’s also a world in which Washington trades Beal, stares blankly at Wall’s unsavory contract, and tanks hard. Either way, Devin Vassell fits as a 3-and-D wing who can fit comfortably in any situation.
Vassell has risen up draft boards all season. He’s a long and rangy defender, which addresses the Wizards’ absurd lack of defense, and he’s a 40+ percent shooter from deep, which pairs nicely alongside Beal and Wall in the event both are still on the roster. Vassell needs to prove himself as a shot creator to fully unlock his potential, but this is strong value at 10.
The Suns get a hyper-efficient point guard who doesn’t domineer possessions in Tyrese Haliburton, the perfect complement to Devin Booker in the backcourt. He will have the opportunity to come along slowly behind Ricky Rubio, but in all likelihood, Haliburton can contribute significantly as a rookie.
What he lacks in perceived upside, Haliburton makes up for with supreme intelligence and poise. He’s money as a spot-up shooter, he rarely turns the ball over, and he has a soothing pace to his game. Seldom does Haliburton rush or press. He’s normally very much in control.
The concern for Haliburton is two-fold. He has great size and length for the position, but he’s rail-thin and lacks a degree of explosion. He’s not a proficient pull-up shooter either, and his mechanics need serious work. Until he can iron out his pull-up shot, there are unavoidable limitations to his game.
The Spurs take a very Spursian route here. Saddiq Bey isn’t pegged this high on most draft boards, but he’s a quintessential 3-and-D wing from an acclaimed collegiate program in Villanova. He’s the type of prospect the Spurs would swing on.
At 6-foot-8, Bey’s versatility is one of his best traits. He can defend all over the floor. He has the strength to body bigger players and the lateral quickness to stick to guards. While not an elite athlete by NBA standards, Bey should have little issue guarding multiple positions in a switch-heavy environment.
In addition to his defense, Bey shot a shade over 45 percent from deep this season. He’s a spot-up marksman and someone who can immediately contribute to an NBA offense, even if he’s not much of a shot creator. The Spurs grab an experienced, plug-and-play rookie.
Aaron Nesmith will need to answer concerns about his health after missing all but 14 games this season. Assuming he provides a clean bill of health, however, the lottery is a very reasonable projection. He’s one of the best shooters in the draft, and the Pelicans have a clear need for spacers.
New Orleans has found great success in the form of J.J. Redick, but he’s an aging rental — not a building block. Zion Williamson is an unstoppable force inside 10 feet, Jrue Holiday is a clever playmaker, and Lonzo Ball is a whiz-kid at point. Nesmith could find New Orleans as a highly productive home, both for him and his teammates.
With clean, compact mechanics, Nesmith is a versatile shooter. He can hit shots on the move or standing still. He’s not overly dynamic as an offensive player, but his ability to efficiently stroke deep shots at high volume is an irrefutable NBA skill. Players who have ready-to-go NBA skills are valuable, especially in a class heavy on flawed prospects.
The offensive end of the floor wasn’t terribly kind to Tyrese Maxey in his lone season at Kentucky, but the hard-nosed guard has a reputation that’s difficult to deny. He guards hard, his locker room presence has earned sterling remarks, and he’s a true competitor. He willingly does the little things necessary to win games, and NBA teams will appreciate that.
Portland has developed a reputation of their own. They tend to value long-term upside over NBA preparedness, so Maxey — a prospect with good pedigree and good tools, but whose immediate future is hazy — is a suitable match.
Thought slightly undersized for a natural two-guard, Maxey has decent playmaking skills and promise as a pull-up shooter. His on-ball defense is a treat to watch, and he should provide a spark to the Blazers’ bench. Portland needs more guard help, especially if the future of the Damian Lillard-CJ McCollum pairing is called into question.
Someone who has risen up several draft boards in recent weeks, Kira Lewis Jr. has a real chance to crack the top-15. He was one of the most productive point guards in college basketball last season, and his skill set projects nicely to the NBA game.
The Magic don’t need a point guard, as Markelle Fultz appears capable of carrying that torch in the future. Still, given Orlando’s abundance of forwards and big men, it’s important to balance out the roster. Not to mention, it’s difficult not to feel at least partially uneasy about Fultz’s future, even if the most recent samples are positive.
Lewis can fill minutes next to Fultz or behind him. He’s lightning quick — probably the fastest player in the draft — and he accompanies that speed with a well-rounded skill set. Lewis can manipulate defenses with his quick-twitch dribble moves, he can race ahead of defenses in transition, and he’s a fairly strong three-point shooter. There’s a lot to like.
The Timberwolves double up on size, and in this case, put more stock into defense. Precious Achiuwa is one of the most impressive physical specimens in the 2020 class, and he provides a great deal of versatility in the frontcourt. He’s another player who can comfortably share the floor with Karl-Anthony Towns.
Achiuwa is far from a finished product, but at 6-foot-9, he’s a freight-train athlete who can defend all over the floor. He’s light on his feet, explosive at the rim, and powerful in the post. He can slide to the five when needed, and he can also contain guards in space. He’s not perfect, but he has the capacity to become an elite defender.
The Wolves need someone who can help cover Towns’ tracks inside. Achiuwa can aptly protect the rim and cover ground in a free safety role. On offense, he’s at his best in transition or with a spaced-out floor, which the Wolves can oblige him with.
The Celtics are expected to pursue a backup point guard to grow in Kemba Walker’s shadow. R.J. Hampton is a strong choice — he’s raw, sure, but the Celtics have depth and a good developmental track record. He would find himself in good hands.
Hampton spent his freshman season playing overseas in the NBL, where injuries derailed his season. When on the court, he struggled to match the physicality of professional basketball, which is understandable for any young point guard. He still showed promise, and many still have him pegged as a potential lottery pick.
A silky athlete, Hampton has length and springiness NBA teams will covet. He can create his own shot fluidly, he’s dynamic in the pick-and-roll, and his three-point stroke should come around. He will need to iron out significant flaws at the next level, but Boston is a safe place for that ironing to occur.
Jaden McDaniels’ stock is all over the place. Some have him outside the first round, while others harken back to his days as a consensus top-10 prospect. The end result will likely fall somewhere in the middle, and Dallas is a feasible landing spot.
At 6-foot-11, McDaniels has tremendous size for a wing. There is an aesthetic smoothness to his game, which garnered ill-conceived Kevin Durant comparisons back in high school. He can create off the bounce and use his height to his advantage, scoring easily over smaller defenders.
The red flags surrounding McDaniels are simply too prominent to ignore. His work ethic and desire to win have long been questioned, and he did little to soothe those concerns at Washington. He has yet to translate innate talent and physical gifts into a consistent impact on winning. The hope in Dallas is simple. Next to Luka Doncic and in a professional environment, he puts the pieces together and becomes a viable third wheel in a dynamic offense.
The Bucks get a natural fit here. Tyrell Terry is arguably the top shooter in the draft, operating on the same level as Aaron Nesmith and a select few others. At 6-foot-2, 160 pounds, he is undeniably frail. But he’s also a deadeye marksman who can contribute in a variety of ways on offense. The pros outweigh the cons.
Terry is able to hit just about any shot behind the three-point line. He can run DHOs, stand in the corner, or fly around screens J.J. Redick-style. His mechanics are scrumptious, and he’s a genuinely smart basketball player who far exceeds the label of “chucker.”
In addition to his shooting, Terry has legitimate point guard skills. He can create in the pick-and-roll and make high-level passes on the move. He will need to prove his merit on defense — and inevitably add muscle to a small frame — but the offensive kick is too much for Milwaukee to ignore.
With thighs that resemble tree trunks, it’s not difficult to pick Patrick Williams out on screen. He’s an imposing 6-foot-8 — the type of player whose remarkable physical traits alone warrant intrigue. And, while Williams isn’t the most explosive athlete, he does bring a number of intriguing skills to the table.
Williams should aptly defend multiple positions. The Nets are slim at the four spot and could use some size in the rotation next to Kevin Durant. Hard-nosed on-ball and instinctual off-ball, Williams can leap into passing lanes and wander over for weak-side blocks. He plays hard and always makes his presence felt.
On the offensive end, there’s a lot to like as well. He can aptly space the floor, he’s an efficient finisher at the rim, and his mid-range game was a hit at FSU. His decision-making will need to improve, but Williams is great value at 20.
The Nuggets have depth at every position, so there’s no clear need to address. Josh Green makes sense as both an upside play and an on-court fit — someone who can slide into minutes on the wing as necessary while coming along slowly behind Denver’s more seasoned players.
Green is arguably the best athlete in the draft. At 6-foot-6, he’s an explosive athlete who frequently plays above the rim. While not the most polished offensive weapon, Green should do damage as a cutter and a spot-up shooter. In a lineup featuring Nikola Jokic — someone who can find cutters and shooters as well as anyone — Green should have opportunities to shine.
The core of Green’s appeal as a prospect is his defense. Even if the offense takes time, he should immediately contribute as a high-level athlete who can cover ground, play lockdown on-ball defense, and make good use of his immense physical gifts. A 6-foot-10 wingspan and elite-level explosiveness bode well for Green’s upside in the NBA.
The Sixers’ need for more playmakers is the worst kept secret in basketball. While Ben Simmons is a delightful point guard and an immaculate basketball talent, it’s difficult to truly contend if he’s the only person who can handle the ball and create for others. Enter Tre Jones.
While not the most exciting pick, Jones checks a lot of boxes for Philadelphia. He’s smart, he doesn’t turn the ball over, and he’s thoroughly unselfish. He can slide into Brett Brown’s rotation as a ball-mover and a spot-up shooter, as well as someone who can liven up the halfcourt offense. Whether in pick-and-rolls or DHOs, Jones has the ability to generate easy looks that are otherwise hard to come by.
Philadelphia also values defense, and Jones was one of college basketball’s most acclaimed defenders. He has limitations as an athlete and will probably only defend one position, but he’s tenacious at the point of attack and highly adept at turning the ball over. He’s a natural pick for this front office, even if he can both dribble and shoot.
Probably the consensus best player available at this point, Theo Maledon ends up in Miami despite Kendrick Nunn’s breakout rookie season. The Heat won’t hand Maledon a significant role right away — especially if Goran Dragic re-signs — but he makes sense as a high-I.Q. playmaker on a contending team.
Maledon’s strongest attribute is his feel for the game. He’s a smooth athlete who plays under control. He weaves comfortably into the teeth of the defense, and makes up for limited burst with a great deal of craft. Not to mention, he’s a fluid three-point shooter.
At 6-foot-4, Maledon wields an impressive 6-foot-9 wingspan. He can comfortably defend shooting guards, and his shooting stroke makes for a comfortable fit off-ball in two-guard lineups. He may not have a big role on day one, but Maledon could carve out a future in Miami.
The general expectation is Utah will select a point guard after Mike Conley’s uninspiring debut season in a Jazz uniform. The natural choice here is Nico Mannion, who began his college career in many draftniks’ top 10.
Mannion’s slide is mostly due to his athletic limitations. An uninspiring first step and limited burst make it difficult for Mannion to pressure the rim and, in turn, create effectively for teammates, despite his impressive basketball I.Q. He’s one of the smartest passers available, but he can’t leverage that passing if he struggles to get inside and create angles.
Another potential issue for Mannion is defense. It’s not for a lack of trying, but his limitations will inevitably show up on that end as well. He has the shooting stroke and the passing chops to immediately contribute to an NBA squad, but the Jazz would be placing a bet on smarts and skill over potentially crippling athleticism.
The OKC special is underdeveloped, explosive wings who can defend multiple positions and, one day, develop into reliable 3-and-D weapons. Robert Woodard II is tailor-made for Sam Presti, and he’s largely considered a first-round prospect at this stage in the pre-draft process.
Woodard offers very little as a shot-creator, and even his three-point stroke has some level of concern around it, but he’s a strong team player. He cuts hard to the rim and uses his bounce to finish above it regularly. He will set screens, make the right pass, and do his part to contribute when possible.
His defensive effort is equally impressive. Woodard has great tools and a real drive to succeed. He isn’t the fleetest of foot on the perimeter, but his strong frame and verticality are both positives. He should have no issue acclimating himself to OKC’s litany of two-way wings.
Aleksej Pokusevski has garnered a lot of buzz lately. He’s a supremely skilled 7-footer who naturally appeals to sensibilities of modern-day GMs. He shoots like a guard, he’s light on his feet, and there’s genuine defensive potential buried beneath a slew of concerns. He’s almost universally projected as a first-round pick.
The Celtics don’t need to roster three first-round picks with guaranteed contracts. It would sense to stash at least one, and Pokusevski is the highest-rated international prospect who is expected to return overseas next season.
There’s so much to like here. Pokusevski is not only a dynamic shooter, but also a skilled playmaker who can handle the ball in spurts. He has a 7-foot-3 wingspan, he can move his feet on the perimeter, and he could — in time — become of the most dynamic weapons in this class. On the other hand, he’s still extremely raw and he weighs in at a meager 200 pounds. He needs to bulk up.
Another surprise prospect to emerge out of Texas Tech, Jahmi’us Ramsey is firmly in the first-round discussion. He’s one of the most confident shot-makers in this class — someone who will fire from anywhere on the floor, and someone who scores in a variety of different ways.
The Knicks need firepower more than anything. Someone who can come in an not only space the floor, but aid in generating offense — even if only for himself — could bring a nice change of pace. Ramsey has point guard potential, but he needs to become a more well-rounded decision-maker before such a role is feasible.
Ramsey has a lot to learn when it comes to reading the game. He’s a black hole far too often and he certainly won’t solve New York’s overwhelming need for a distributor. In the end, it’s his potential as a shot-maker — perhaps in a sixth man, spark-plug role — that earns Ramsey this spot.
A time will come when Toronto must choose between Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, neither of whom is getting younger. The Raptors are contenders in the truest sense, but change is bubbling on the horizon. A passing of the torch from one generation to the next, if nothing more — Pascal Siakam the bridge between two eras.
It’s logical for Toronto to seek depth in the frontcourt here. Isaiah Stewart has worked up a sterling reputation at the collegiate level, and many draftniks have fallen for his game. He’s a throwback center in many respects, but Stewart’s efficiency, grit, and improved three-point stroke all indicate an ability to survive (and perhaps thrive) at the next level.
Stewart will need to prove he can survive outside the paint on defense. He will also need to adjust his approach offensively, as no NBA team will afford him to same opportunities to post-up as Washington did. In the end, Toronto is a good spot for him to develop behind proven vets in a championship culture.
The Lakers have developed a foolproof plan to contend: have LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The rest of the roster isn’t particularly impressive, but it doesn’t really matter. As long as James and Davis are on the court, the Lakers are borderline favorites to win it all.
This draft gives L.A. the chance to add young, cheap talent around James and Davis, which isn’t particularly abundant on the current roster. In an attempt to save cap space for 2022 and beyond, the Lakers signed a slew of veterans to short-term deals. At some point, the Lakers need to cultivate reliable, long-term depth.
Devon Dotson is a prime option late in the first round. He’s a jitterbug scorer who can space the floor and fill the Lakers’ void at point guard. He’s not a true lead playmaker, but James’ presence nullifies the need for one. Dotson can fill it up, and that’s all L.A. needs from him.
The Celtics need more immediate help at center than Pokusevski, who probably won’t come over for a year or two. Jalen Smith emerged this season as one of college basketball’s top centers, and his skill set should translate well to the NBA.
Smith can space the floor and shoot at a high volume. The draw of a floor-spacing center alone typically warrants first-round consideration. Smith is also an efficient finisher at the rim, using his 7-foot-2 wingspan and soft touch to finish over and around defenders. He’s agile, skilled, and ready to contribute to a professional offense.
Concerns for Smith manifest on the defensive end. He’s mobile, but he can get stiff when asked to defend in space. And, despite a listed weight of 225 pounds, Smith’s frame can cause problems on the block. He’s a highly adept shot blocker, but more physical NBA centers may get the better of him early on.