MEYER MCCAULSKY
Special to The Leader
Timberwolves select Anthony Edwards first overall
Edwards was the safest pick the Timberwolves could’ve made out of him, James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball. It might’ve been tempting to draft the other two, but the fit with Edwards makes the most sense. This selection is reminiscent of when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Andrew Wiggins as first overall instead of Joel Embiid in 2014. Ironically, Wiggins was eventually traded to Minnesota two months later. Edwards’ game has shades of Victor Oladipo and Donovan Mitchell. He has an explosive burst going downhill, can score off the dribble and has the tools to become a good defender. Edwards needs to improve his defensive effort and shot selection if he wants a chance to reach his full potential. If not, his worst case scenario is as an irrational confidence player like Dion Waiters.
Warriors select James Wiseman second overall
Like the Edwards selection, the Wiseman selection made too much sense for the Warriors to pass on him. To start his career, Wiseman will be asked to be a rim-running rim protector. However, he has the potential to become much more than that. He’s flashed the potential to become a three-level scorer. He also has a post-up and face-up game that he can go to. He needs to show that he can hit shots with consistency as well as improve his toughness on both ends of the floor.
Hornets select LaMelo Ball third overall
Some may question this pick because the Hornets already have starter quality guards in DevonteꞌGraham and Terry Rozier. However, when you’ve been as mediocre as the Hornets have been, the best strategy is to draft the best available player and figure the rest out. This pick works because Rozier and Graham know how to play off the ball and Ball is the size of a wing. In order for Ball to reach his full potential, he will need to use his tools on defense and clean up his decision making. As good of a passer as he is, he needs to know when to make the home run play versus when to make the simple play.
Bulls make a surprise pick at No. 4
Many view the selection of Patrick Williams at four as questionable. Fans are concerned about the fact that his stats weren’t impressive and that he came off the bench at Florida State. However, other recent draftees haven’t put up impressive stats or came off the bench, and became much better as pros than they were as college players — such as Devin Booker and Zach Lavine. Make no mistake — Williams is a project. He’s raw offensively, but shows potential as a three and D-wing.
Cavaliers select Okoro fifth overall
Isaac Okoro’s skill set complements the back court of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton as well as the frontcourt of Kevin Love and Andre Drummond. He is perceived as the best perimeter defender in the entire draft. Not only that, he’s explosive going downhill and shows potential as a playmaker. However, like Patrick Williams, he’s a project. If Okoro wants to last in today’s NBA, he will need to improve his shooting — both from the perimeter and the free throw line.
Hawks select Okongwu sixth overall
You could argue that Atlanta could’ve gone with Tyrese Haliburton to complement Trae Young. However, the Hawks believed Onyeka Okongwu was the best player available, and rightfully so. Okongwu could serve as a good backup center to Clint Capela and give Trae Young another lob threat. Okongwu compares favorably to Bam Adebayo as far as being an undersized center who can catch lobs, rebound and protect the rim. The question about him is if his offense can catch up to his defense.
Pistons select Hayes seventh overall
The Pistons are currently shopping Derrick Rose, so it only made sense for the Pistons to draft Killian Hayes to replace him and potentially become the face of the franchise. Hayes is the most polished guard in the draft as far as his offense is concerned. He’s a smooth, craft lefty and has an advanced off-the-dribble game, reminiscent of D’Angelo Russell. However, Hayes is not known for his defense and needs to improve on avoiding turnovers.
Knicks go big at eight
Instead of drafting a point guard, the Knicks decided to draft Obi Toppin. Initially, this seemed like a questionable pick because of how many bigs were on the roster at the time. However, they ended up letting Bobby Portis and Taj Gibson go, which made the pick make a little more sense. This probably means Julius Randle’s days as a Knick are numbered. As far as what Toppin brings to the table, he’s a jack of all trades but a master of none. He’s a world-class athlete but nothing else really stands out about his game, which is reminiscent of Aaron Gordon. Toppin did shoot 39 percent from three last season but don’t let that fool you; it was on one make and two attempts per game. As a four, Toppin will need to prove that he can make threes while shooting at a higher volume as well as using his world-class athleticism on the defensive end.
Wizards select Avdija ninth overall
Deni Avdija slipped a lot further than many experts predicted. The opportunity to take the best player available presented itself, so the Wizards took advantage of it. Avdija relies more on deception than athleticism. He’s not a speed merchant, and he won’t jump over you but he knows how to play, which is reminiscent of Boris Diaw. It can be argued that he’s a questionable fit next to Rui Hachimura, but time will tell.
Suns make a surprise pick at 10
Similar to the Patrick Williams selection, no one could’ve predicted that Jalen Smith would be a top 10 pick. However, this selection actually makes sense because he’s a stretch big that can complement Deandre Ayton, who’s more of an interior big. Smith also gives the Suns more rim protection. In order for Smith to maximize his potential, he will need to get stronger to bang with NBA bigs.
Spurs select Vassell 11th overall
Players like Devin Vassell can fit on any team. He probably won’t be a star, but he has a clear niche in the NBA from day one: three and D-wing. It takes some top 10 picks a while to figure out their niche in the NBA, but having a clear-cut niche in the NBA can serve a lot of players well. If Vassell wants to become more than a role player, he will have to improve his ball handling and his ability to score off the dribble as well as adding more strength to his frame.
Tyrese Haliburton falls to the Kings at 12
Many were surprised when the Knicks passed on Haliburton at eight and the Suns even had a chance to steal him at 10. Like many teams in this lottery, the Kings decided to take the best player available rather than drafting for need. As far as what Haliburton brings to the table, he’s a creative passer, a good defender and a good shooter off the catch. However, he has unorthodox shooting mechanics, which hinders his ability to shoot off the dribble. His scouting report compares favorably to that of Lonzo Ball’s coming out of UCLA.
Pelicans make head-scratching pick at 13
The New Orleans Pelicans decided to draft another point guard despite already having Eric Bledsoe, Lonzo Ball, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Frank Jackson. They drafted Kira Lewis Jr. from Alabama. Lewis is a speedy guard who is aggressive to score but will need to get stronger and cut down his turnovers. His skill set is similar to that of Dennis Schroder’s. On paper, the Pelicans needed (and still need) a stretch big who could potentially play next to Zion Williamson, who is more of an interior big. This selection could mean one of two things: they either don’t believe in Lonzo Ball anymore, or the GM might’ve put himself on the hot seat. This looks like a questionable pick, not because of the player, but the fit, but time will tell.
Celtics add shooting at 14
In today’s NBA, you can never have enough shooters. In this draft, Aaron Nesmith is the poster child in that regard. This pick is probably what led to Gordon Hayward opting out of his contract and leaving for the Charlotte Hornets. Many expected the Celtics to draft a center, but the prospect they potentially liked at 14, Jalen Smith, was already selected four picks ago. They didn’t want to reach for a big, so they elected to take the best player available. Although Nesmith is labeled as a shooter, he has potential to become more than that. He’s flashed the potential to become a three level scorer. Nesmith isn’t known for his defense, but isn’t exactly a slouch either. Knowing what we know now about Hayward, this pick makes sense.
Magic selects Anthony 15th overall
Besides LaMelo Ball, Cole Anthony is easily the most polarizing prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft. Some experts had him mocked as a top 10 pick while others had him as a late first round pick. Ironically, Anthony landed dead smack in the middle of the first round. Anthony is a score-first guard and is really a two guard trapped in a point guard’s body, reminiscent of Jamal Murray. He’s not known for his defense and isn’t switchable on other positions. With that being said, this is a great value pick for the Magic.
Pistons trade for Stewart at 16
At the time of the draft, the trade (among the Pistons, Rockets and Trail Blazers) for Isaiah Stewart made a lot of sense for the Pistons since they were going young and needed a center with upside. However, the Pistons decided to sign Mason Plumlee and Jahlil Okafor in free agency, which defeats the purpose of trading for Stewart in the first place. It’s not like any of them can play together, either. None of them provide floor spacing. In today’s NBA, you can’t have two non-shooting bigs on the court at the same time. At least one of them, if not both, need to be able to space the floor. You could argue that they have Blake Griffin. The counter argument to that is he’s not exactly an accomplished shooter either, and they’re looking to trade him anyway. Time will tell whether or not this was actually a good trade.
Thunder trade for Pokuševski at 17
It’s clear that the Thunder want to go young and rebuild, and this trade is symbolic of that. Aleksej Pokuševski is the youngest player in the draft, and won’t turn 19 until the end of December. His skill set is reminiscent of Thon Maker’s as far as being a seven-footer who can shoot and handle the ball for his size. Everything is potential with him at the moment, but he’s one of those high risk-high reward prospects. This is one of those trades that will either work out really well or fall flat on its face. Time will tell.
Mavericks select Green 18th overall
As good as the Mavericks were last season, they needed a wing with upside, and Josh Green fits that description. Green is another one of those three and D-wing prospects. However, like Devin Vassell, if Green wants to raise his ceiling to become more than a role player, he’ll have to improve his ball handling skills. Besides that, this is a great value pick for the Mavericks.
Pistons trade for Saddiq Bey at 19
Saddiq Bey is arguably the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft and already has a clear niche: a three and D-wing. His skill set is reminiscent of Jae Crowder’s in that regard. Bey likely won’t create his own offense in the NBA. He’s not a great athlete, but he knows how to play. In today’s NBA, you can never have enough three and D-wings. This trade made a lot more sense on paper than their trade for Isaiah Stewart three picks ago.
Heat selects Achiuwa 20th overall
Many people don’t know about Precious Achiuwa, but the way he plays fits the Miami Heat culture. At the stage of his career, he’s an energy big that can hit an occasional three, similar to a younger Jerami Grant. He probably won’t start right away for the Heat, but if Achiuwa maximizes his potential, he and Bam Adebayo have potential to become a dangerous defensive frontcourt duo while also having Jimmy Butler as their leader.
76ers select Maxey 21st overall
The 76ers decided to take a scorer rather than a shooter. To be fair, Tyrese Maxey is a better shooter than his percentages indicate. Maxey is arguably the steal of the draft. He’s a spark plug off the bench, and he’s a good defender. However, he’ll need to become a more efficient scorer and tighten up his handle, especially because he’s an undersized two guard. You can’t fault Philly for going best available at this spot.
Nuggets select Nnaji 22nd overall
Initially, this selection didn’t make a lot of sense. However, now that Mason Plumlee left Denver for Detroit, it makes more sense. They needed a backup center with some upside that can play alongside Nikola Jokić and Bol Bol. Zeke Nnaji had the most upside out of all the bigs left on the board, so the Nuggets decided to take a chance on him. The Nuggets have taken a lot of chances in their recent draft history, and they have worked out well so far. Hopefully the same can be said about Nnaji.
Timberwolves trade for Bolmaro at 23
Leandro Bolmaro decided to stay overseas for the next couple of seasons. When he eventually comes over, he’s going to give the Timberwolves a wing-sized guard with versatility. His game has shades of Evan Turner, Denzel Valentine and Greivis Vásquez. Bolmaro won’t wow you with his athleticism, and he’s not a great shooter. But he’s another one of those players that just knows how to play. Minnesota fans will have to wait a year or two for Bolmaro, but if he’s used properly, this trade will work out well for Minnesota.
Nuggets trade for Hampton at 24
To reiterate, the Nuggets have taken a lot of chances in their recent draft history. They traded for R.J. Hampton, who was once projected to be a top 10 pick this year. Hampton’s decision to play overseas might’ve helped him for the long run, but it hurt his draft stock. This makes three years in a row that the Nuggets traded for a player that was supposed to be a top 10 pick and then they somehow slip to them (Michael Porter Jr. in 2018 and Bol Bol in 2019). At the moment, Hampton is a project. His game has shades of Jordan Clarkson and Dejounte Murray. He’s a score-first guard but didn’t shoot a good enough percentage from behind the arc. He’ll likely see minutes as a backup point guard this season, but will need to improve as a shooter as well as his decision making.
Knicks trade for Quickley at 25
Immanuel Quickley was a surprise pick at 25. He was projected as a second round selection. However, this selection makes a lot of sense because they needed a guard whose skill set complements that of R.J. Barrett. Quickley was up there with the best shooters in college basketball last season. Not to sound like a broken record, but you can never have enough shooters.
Celtics select Pritchard 26th overall
Now that their former backup point guard, Brad Wanamaker, decided to leave for the Golden State Warriors, this selection makes a lot more sense. Like Wanamaker, Pritchard is one of those steady backup point guards that possesses a high basketball IQ. Not only that, he’s a good shooter and a gritty defender. Pritchard should provide good relief minutes while Kemba Walker is on the bench.
Jazz selects Azubuike 27th overall
The Jazz could’ve used a wing at this spot, but they decided to go big and take Udoka Azubuike out of Kansas. The only question about this pick is now that they signed Derrick Favors, how will Azubuike have a chance to develop? Azubuike, Favors and Gobert are all non-shooting bigs, so they won’t share the court together. There’s no guarantee that the G-League season will happen this year if he’s not seeing minutes in the NBA but we’ll see.
Timberwolves trade for McDaniels at 28
At this time last year, Jaden McDaniels was projected to be a top 10 pick in this year’s draft. However, he, along with his team didn’t perform as well as expected. This led to his draft stock plummeting. Hopefully for McDaniels, this gives him a chip on his shoulder and makes him hungrier to succeed in the NBA. At this point in his career, he’s looked at as a project. His game has shades of Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Jonathan Isaac. He shows great upside on both ends of the floor, but his motor is inconsistent. If McDaniels wants to have a long career, he’s going to have to rev up that motor. For Minnesota to trade for someone as talented as McDaniels at 28, this is a steal for them.
Raptors select Flynn 29th overall
Even though the Raptors have Fred VanVleet, they decided to take a player that’s similar to him. Like VanVleet, Malachi Flynn is undersized, even for a point guard. But he is a good shooter, can play on and off the ball and competes on defense. Flynn should provide good relief minutes while Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet catch a breather.
Grizzlies trade for Bane at 30
Trading for Desmond Bane was a sneaky move for the Grizzlies. Bane gives Ja Morant another shooter to kick the ball out to for three, but he also gives the Grizzlies a secondary ball handler. He’s drawn comparisons to Malcolm Brogdon and Eric Gordon. Overall, Bane just knows how to play, and you can never have enough players who are wired that way.