Nick’s Very Late NBA Mock Draft 2020

After a long wait, the 2020 NBA Draft is finally here. This Wednesday, teams will make big steps towards the future of their organization. Months of projecting, predicting, and speculating have gone into expert mock drafts. But now it’s time for Nick’s Very Late Mock Draft: 2020 Edition.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards (Georgia)

Coming off an impressive freshman season at the University of Georgia, Anthony Edwards is almost a lock to be taken first by Minnesota. Coming in at 6’5, 225 pounds, Edwards is an athletic freak with impressive driving ability and a knack for finding open shots. Edwards has the potential to become a better on-ball defender and a more consistent shooter once he arrives in the league.

2. Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman (Memphis)

With elite skilled paired with an other-worldly frame, James Wiseman is the perfect fit for the championship-contending Warriors. Wiseman clocks in at 7’1, with an astounding 7’6 wingspan, Wiseman has the perfect body for his work in the paint. Averaging 3 blocks per game in his freshman season, Wiseman has proven his ability to best an elite rim protector, when he doesn’t bite on pump fakes. Wiseman showcased his impressive athleticism and shooting touch for his size.

3. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball (USA)

The flashy younger brother of famed Lonzo and Liangelo Ball, Lamelo took the unconventional route, opting to play overseas instead of attending UCLA like his brothers. Lamelo has proven his uniqueness on the court since his high school days, with Harlem Globetrotter like playmaking ability. Listed at 6’7, Lamelo is a taller point guard with impressive ball-handling and touch around the rim. Charlotte has been in a rough patch for over a decade, and could look to take a huge gamble this year.

4. Chicago Bulls: Onyeka Okongwu (USC)

Reminiscent of Bam Adebayo, Okongwu is a 6’9 center who plays with the intensity and size of a 7-footer. An excellent finisher around the rim, he shows promise in his ability to create shots in the post. Added with his ability to defend on the ball and to protect the rim, Chicago can look to add another star player to Zach Lavine and hope to load up for the future. While Lamelo may go a pick before Okongwu, I think he is a better player.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Deni Avdija (Israel)

If one word comes to mind when you think of Deni Avdija, it’s versatility. A 6’9 wing with the playmaking abilities of a guard, Avdija has proven himself to be a one-of-a-kind prospect in this draft. He excels in his off-ball defense and feel on both sides of the ball.

6. Atlanta Hawks: Obi Toppin (Dayton)

Sometimes extremely undervalued, Obi Toppin has proven to be a pure scorer. With an explosive bounce, Toppin can easily drive in the paint and finish with ease. Toppin has also shown skill in his long ball, despite not using it much. His main problem is his defense, which has a lot of room to improve, with the jumping ability to be an impressive shot-blocker down low.

7. Detroit Pistons: Patrick Williams (Florida State)

A 6’8 wing with playmaking abilities, Williams is an overall offensive threat. Efficient scoring at the rim, and a hustler on the defensive end, he can prove to be a major asset for an organization like Detroit trying to make a return. If he can improve on his spot-up shooting, he has the potential to be a major threat in the league.

8. New York Knicks: Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa State)

A sharp playmaker, Haliburton has a great sense for the game. He excels at off-ball defense, as he always knows where the ball is. While he lacks the explosiveness you might find in other prospects, he makes up for it in his finesse and soft touch around the rim. An excellent shooter, Haliburton can prove to be a great pick for any team.

9. Washington Wizards: Killian Hayes (France)

The crafty lefty from Florida, Hayes grew up in France and developed his unique game. A brilliant touch with his left hand, Hayes has proven that he is different than other prospects in this draft. With his improving touch beyond the arc, he can prove to be a great addition to Washington.

10. Phoenix Suns: Isaac Okoro (Auburn)

An impressive defender, Okoro has a knack for locking up the opposition both on and off the ball. He also shows promise in his finishing and dribbling abilities. If he can improve on his shooting ability, he can prove to be an all-around threat in the league. Okoro would be a great fit in Phoenix, and can learn from star guards Chris Paul and Devin Booker.

11. San Antonio Spurs: Kira Lewis Jr. (Alabama)

An agile hustler, Lewis is a coach’s dream in a guard. An active defender on and off the ball that can pressure the ball-handler, he has a knack on either side of the ball. He has a smooth stroke, and is a great pick-and-roll playmaker. San Antonio is coming off of their first missed playoff appearance in 23 years, and is looking to return very quickly in a stacked western conference. Lewis might be the future piece they need to return to greatness.

12. Sacramento Kings: Saddiq Bey (Villanova)

A great 3-and-D wing, Bey has the potential to flourish in any system. His suffocating on-ball defense matched with his aware off-ball defense is the perfect recipe for an elite defender. Paired with his clean spot-up jumper, he is reminiscent of players like Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler. In the Sacramento system he can perfectly match the tempo of De’Aaron Fox’s offense.

13. New Orleans Pelicans: Devin Vassell (Florida State)

Another excellent 3-and-D wing, Vassell is the second draftee out of Florida State so far this draft. Much like Saddiq Bey, Vassell excels at his on and off ball defense, paired with his perimeter shooting and hustle on both sides. While he has a tight handle, he may lack the explosiveness to beat defenders to the rim. Vassell can prove to be a major asset to a promising Pelicans team, filled with a young core led by Zion Williamson.

14. Boston Celtics: RJ Hampton (USA)

An athletic guard, Hampton can prove to be a major gamble in this draft. Hampton opted to play overseas instead of at a university, where he displayed the craftiness to be an elite interior finisher. He has plenty of question marks however, as he lacks a consistent jumpshot, something that is a necessity in today’s league for guards.

15. Orlando Magic: Cole Anthony (North Carolina)

An explosive leader, Anthony brings his offensive prowess to the table. A great finisher around the rim with either hand, Anthony can finish around the best defenders. Paired with dynamic ball-handling ability and a smooth jumpshot, he can come into a system that needs a star and provide that role. Anthony can be perfect for Orlando, who can needs an elite guard to combo a rapidly-growing Nikola Vucevic.

16. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyrese Maxey (Kentucky)

While Portland has found their franchise leader in Damian Lillard, this doesn’t mean that they can’t pursue a great guard in Tyrese Maxey. An elite defender in all aspects, Maxey has a knack for getting the ball in his hands. A crafty finisher around the rim combined with an improving jumper, Maxey is a hustler and can prove himself in any system.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Josh Green (Arizona)

Another impressive 3-and-D wing, Green is a great shooter off the catch and shoot. Coming off of a surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, hopefully he can prove that the injury is a non-factor in his development as a player.

18. Dallas Mavericks: Aleksej Pokusevski (Serbia)

Probably the most unique prospect in this year’s draft, Pokusevski is a 7-footer who plays like a guard. With his 7’3 wingspan he dribbles, passes, and shoots like a premier guard in the league. The major downside to him is his skinny frame. If he can build muscle and grow into his body, he has the potential to be the next Kevin Durant. If there’s any team that likes to take tall Europeans, it’s the Dallas Mavericks so I can see him realistically being taken here.

19. Brooklyn Nets: Precious Achiuwa (Memphis)

Achiuwa is a great paint player, with a nice touch around the rim and a knack for finding the ball on rebounds. Whether this pick is traded to Houston in a package for James Harden or not, Achiuwa is the best choice either way.

20. Miami Heat: Aaron Nesmith (Vanderbilt)

An elite shooter, Nesmith shot an astounding 52.2% from deep range on 115 attempts. He can shoot off the catch, off the dribble, and anywhere in the gym. Nesmith is the perfect addition to a Miami team that fell just short of beating a stacked Laker team in the Finals.

21. Philadelphia 76ers: Jalen Smith (Maryland)

Jalen Smith is a versatile big man that can shoot off the catch and finish around the rim. He handles the ball well for a 6’10 big, and excels at rebounding and shot blocking. While he may need to improve his defense while in the league, he’s a very promising prospect and should be a major target for Philly.

22. Denver Nuggets: Jaden McDaniels (Washington)

After an underwhelming freshman season after heavy recruitment, McDaniels is ready to prove that he is a threat in the league. Great on the offensive side, he can shoot, handle the ball, and is athletic. If he can work on his defense and finishing around the rim, he can prove to be a force for the Nuggets. The Nuggets, who already have a great duo in Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, lack an elite wing, which McDaniels can fill the role for.