NBA Draft season is upon us!
'With the 2020 NBA Draft slated for Nov. 18, it's time to learn up on all the top prospects of this year's draft class. Below is our draft expert Kyle Irving's Mock Draft, which provides some insight on where each player might get selected, what their strengths and weaknesses are, as well as a couple NBA player comparisons for each individual.
For a different perspective, check out our other draft expert Eric Fawcett's Mock Draft.
Without further ado, with the first pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select...
1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards, Georgia
Position: Guard
Age: 19
Plays like: Donovan Mitchell, Victor Oladipo
Edwards is an explosive guard with the body of a 6-foot-5 NFL running back, punishing defenders when he attacks the basket. He has a tight handle with the ability to create his own shot off the bounce and should thrive as a shotmaker, even at the NBA level. He can finish in a variety of ways and is confident enough with the ball in his hands to play the 1 or the 2, but his playmaking could use some polishing. His effort on the defensive end leaves much to be desired at times, but he has the physical attributes to become a solid defender in the league.
2. Golden State Warriors – James Wiseman, Memphis
Position: Centre
Age: 19
Plays like: DeAndre Jordan, Nerlens Noel
Wiseman is a super athletic big man who has flashed a ton of potential as a rim protector and rim-runner in the NBA. Even in an age where some teams look to play smaller and faster, his game still translates because of his speed and potential as a perimeter shooter. He brings a ton of energy on the glass and on the defensive end, although his defensive IQ and positioning could use some improvement. He doesn't have an arsenal of post moves and his passing needs work, but he should thrive as a lob target and has both the strength and touch to become an effective post scorer.
3. Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball, Illawarra Hawks (NBL, Australia)
Nationality: United States
Position: Guard
Age: 19
Plays like: Jason Kidd, Jason Williams
Ball is the most talented playmaker in this draft class. He excels as a pick-and-roll ball handler and has next-level court vision in finding open teammates with even the slightest window of availability. He has the potential to lead the league in assists one day. He's a terrific rebounder and a true triple-double threat, although his most glaring weakness is his inability to score efficiently. While he has a wide range of floaters with great touch in the paint, he needs to improve at finishing through contact at the rim. His jumper also needs work, shooting 25% from 3 in the NBL. He has the physical attributes to be a good defender in the NBA but a more keen focus on that end of the floor, as well as packing on some weight (as his brother Lonzo did) would help that come to fruition.
4. Chicago Bulls – Deni Avdija, Maccabi Tel Aviv (EuroLeague, Israel)
Nationality: Israel
Position: Forward
Age: 19
Plays like: Gordon Hayward, Hedo Turkoglu
Avdija turns heads with his playmaking skills as a player who stands at 6-foot-9. He's confident with the ball in his hands and has no trouble pushing the ball up the floor in transition or working in a pick-and-roll setting in the halfcourt. He's a true point-forward. Avdija is a savvy defender who overcomes his limitations athletically with a high defensive IQ. His biggest concern is his jump shot, shooting 33.6% from 3 and 52.0% from the free throw line this past season with Maccabi Tel Aviv. If he can find a pure shooting stroke in the league, he has the potential to be the best player in this draft class.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers – Obi Toppin, Dayton
Position: Forward
Age: 22
Plays like: John Collins, Amar'e Stoudemire
Toppin was a force this past season at Dayton, earning Naismith Player of the Year for his efforts. He's a high-flying forward who runs the floor and cuts extremely well, which should suit him nicely in the NBA. While he doesn't have an array of post moves, Toppin will likely do the majority of his damage attacking from the perimeter to the rim. He can also spot up as a shooter, converting 39% of his 3s last season. His biggest question is his ability to switch pick-and-rolls on defence, as he's a bit stiff on that end of the floor. He's strong and explosive and fits the mold of a power forward in today's NBA.
6. Atlanta Hawks – Onyeka Okongwu, USC
Position: Centre
Age: 19
Plays like: Brandon Clarke, Bam Adebayo
Okongwu is a big man who can do a little bit of everything. He runs the floor, has a nice touch around the rim, passes out of the post, works well as the roll man in pick-and-roll situations and is a good shot blocker and rim protector. His mobility on both ends is what separates him with an ability to handle the ball on offence and successfully switch pick-and-rolls on defence. His jump shot is inconsistent and adding some weight would help him hold his own in the paint against grown men, but both are things that could come with time. His versatility and vast skill set as a centre is what makes him so intriguing.
7. Detroit Pistons – Killian Hayes, Ulm (Bundesliga, Germany)
Nationality: France
Position: Guard
Age: 19
Plays like: Goran Dragic, Jamal Murray
Hayes is a playmaker first but he's not afraid to score. He thrives in the pick-and-roll and often makes the right decision on whether to set up a teammate or score the ball himself. He can create his own shot off the dribble and has true potential as a three-level scorer despite shooting 29% from 3 for Ulm this past season. His size as a 6-foot-5 and 215 lbs. point guard gives him an edge against most players at his position. He's not a superb athlete, which hinders his ability to beat his opponent to the rim or create separation on jumpers, but his instincts on offence and defence can make up for that.
8. New York Knicks – Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State
Position: Guard
Age: 20
Plays like: Dejounte Murray, Lonzo Ball
Haliburton is a true two-way point guard. He's a great decision-maker and passer, finding open teammates in pick-and-rolls, off of screens and on cuts to the basket. His length is an asset on both ends of the floor, using it to his advantage on offence to get to the rim and on defence to disrupt ball handlers and fill passing lanes. His jump shot is a bit unorthodox, but he was an efficient scorer in two seasons at Iowa State. His athleticism won't wow you and he struggles to create offence for himself on the perimeter, but he's a high-IQ player who should make a good floor general.
9. Washington Wizards – Isaac Okoro, Auburn
Position: Forward/Guard
Age: 19
Plays like: Matisse Thybulle, Andre Iguodala
Okoro is regarded by many as the best wing defender in this year's draft class. He's versatile on that end of the floor and will have no trouble guarding 1-through-4, inside or out. His strength makes up for his height (6-foot-6) in defending bigger players. He's ideal defensively for the free-flowing, small-ball, position-less basketball we're starting to see in the NBA. Okoro is not much of a factor on offence outside of his athleticism and physicality carrying his ability to finish at the basket. His ball handling needs work and he shot 28.6% from 3 in his one season at Auburn. Polishing his jumper will be the key to his development into a 3-and-D threat in the league.
MORE: Best defenders in the draft
10. Phoenix Suns – Patrick Williams, Florida State
Position: Forward
Age: 19
Plays like: OG Anunoby, PJ Tucker
Williams' combination of size and ability to score the ball has him rising up mock draft boards. The 6-foot-8 forward can create his own shot, attack the rim off the dribble, work as a screener to roll to the hoop or pop to the perimeter and uses his athleticism to finish at the basket. He's a versatile defender who can serve on the wing or in the paint. While he only shot 32% from 3 in his lone season at Florida State, his mechanics are there to be a good spot-up shooter in the NBA. The team that selects him should find no trouble plugging him into various positions in any lineup.
11. San Antonio Spurs – Devin Vassell, Florida State
Position: Forward/Guard
Age: 20
Plays like: Trevor Ariza, Mikal Bridges
As the 3-and-D player grows more valuable with every season that passes in the NBA, a player like Vassell becomes that much more desirable. At 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Vassell's physical attributes complement his elite defence perfectly, although he's under 200 lbs., limiting his ability to guard wings at the NBA level for now. He has a nose for the ball and is a pest on that end of the floor, averaging over one steal and block per game this past season at Florida State. He's a sharpshooter, converting over 40% of his 3s in each of his two collegiate seasons. He could improve at creating his own shot, but we've seen plenty of wings make a living off of defence and spot-up shooting.
12. Sacramento Kings – Saddiq Bey, Villanova
Position: Forward
Age: 21
Plays like: Jaylen Brown, Jimmy Butler
Bey is another prototypical 3-and-D wing who is built for the NBA, except he's more than capable of scoring from all three levels of the floor. Averaging 16.1 points per game in a breakout sophomore season, he showcased his ability to score off the dribble, as a spot up shooter and as a cutter, using his size to finish at the basket. His ball handling could use improvement and he's not going to blow you away with his athleticism or first step. He's a talented and intelligent defender who makes winning plays. He could end up being the steal of the draft, consistently projected outside of the top-10.
13. New Orleans Pelicans – Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt
Position: Forward
Age: 20
Plays like: Danny Green, Wesley Matthews
Nesmith is one of the best 3-point shooters in this draft class. Burying a blistering 52.2% of his 3s this past season at Vanderbilt, he saw his scoring average jump from 11 points per game as a freshman to 23 points per game as a sophomore. He can shoot off screens, off the dribble or spotting up. He doesn't excel at attacking the basket and his playmaking is nothing to write home about. He's a solid defender and there's room for improvement there. All in all, he's a sniper with potential in other areas.
14. Boston Celtics – Precious Achiuwa, Memphis
Position: Centre
Age: 21
Plays like: Montrezl Harrell, Kenneth Faried
Athleticism and energy is what you're going to get from Achiuwa. He has the physical tools at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan to sit back and protect the rim, but he's athletic enough to hold his own on the perimeter. He also averaged over one block and one steal per game his freshman season at Memphis. He's a great rebounder, exerting a lot of effort on the glass. Offensively, he has good footwork that makes him effective in pick-and-rolls and in the post, as well as a lob target. His shooting touch could use some work and he's not a known passer but he handles the ball well for his size. He could play the 4 or the 5 in today's NBA.
15. Orlando Magic – Tyrell Terry, Stanford
Position: Guard
Age: 20
Plays like: CJ McCollum, Seth Curry
Terry is a creator who can score from all over the floor. He shot over 40% from 3 in his one season at Stanford, and that doesn't begin to describe all the different ways he can put the ball in the hoop. He's a point guard, but he works well off-ball because of his score-first mentality. He's smaller at 6-foot-2 and 174 lbs., but his crafty package of layups and floaters helps him finish amongst the trees. He's a solid passer when he's looking for his teammates, but he'll surely be targeted in pick-and-roll switches because of his size.
16. Portland Trail Blazers – RJ Hampton, New Zealand Breakers (NBL, New Zealand)
Nationality: United States
Position: Guard
Age: 19
Plays like: Jamal Murray, Jordan Clarkson
Hampton is a combo guard who uses his explosive first step to score at the rim. He's a plus athlete with reliable handles and shows flashes of a player who could become a solid playmaker and passer in the NBA. He can do damage as a cutter when playing off-ball, but his inconsistent jump shot puts a limit on his ceiling until he gets that figured out. He has the potential to be a great perimeter defender.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves – Jalen Smith, Maryland
Position: Forward
Age: 20
Plays like: Serge Ibaka, Luol Deng
Smith is a power forward with a soft shooting touch and soft hands. He can score with his back to the basket with a variety of post moves or face up and knock down jump shots. He's a threat as a roller or popper after setting a screen. He has a high motor, runs the floor with a purpose and chases down rebounds. He's not necessarily a bad passer, his reads just come a tad slow at times. His length helps him as a shot blocker and rim protector, but he could run into some trouble switching onto guards on the perimeter. He's a bit stiff and his athleticism isn't anything that jumps off the page. Smith has bulked up since we last saw him take the floor, but he could still struggle against NBA size at first.
18. Dallas Mavericks – Josh Green, Arizona
Nationality: Australia
Position: Guard
Age: 19
Plays like: Gary Harris, Josh Richardson
Green is a reliable 3-and-D wing who brings consistent shooting on offence and great energy on defence. He shot 36.1% from 3 in his one season at Arizona but has a crisp shooting stroke that should translate to the NBA's extended 3-point line. On defence, he has the size at 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan to defend any guard or wing and is an on-ball pest with a knack for filling passing lanes when he's off-ball. He's not a great ball handler or finisher at the rim, but in the right role, Green should thrive in doing what he does well – shoot and defend.
19. Brooklyn Nets – Jaden McDaniels, Washington
Position: Forward
Age: 20
Plays like: Jonathan Isaac, Andrew Wiggins
McDaniels is one of the more raw prospects in this draft class but possesses massive upside potential. At 6-foot-9, he's capable of scoring off the dribble as an attacker or shooter – that's not something you see every day. His length, quickness and athleticism make him an enticing defender in the future, although he's still thin at just 200 lbs. Patience will be key for the team that rolls the dice on McDaniels.
20. Miami Heat – Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky
Position: Guard
Age: 19
Plays like: Lou Williams, Dennis Schroder
Maxey is one of the best pure scorers in this draft class. He's best when playing off-ball as his playmaking skills are lacklustre, but he has no problems creating his own shot on the perimeter. He's a tough shot maker who can pull up on a dime to score, using a variety of dribble moves or stepbacks to get open looks, but his shot selection can leave you scratching your head at times. He's a solid finisher because of his craft and his effort on defence makes him an on-ball pest.
21. Philadelphia 76ers – Kira Lewis Jr., Alabama
Position: Guard
Age: 19
Plays like: Darren Collison, Darius Garland
Lewis Jr. is a blazing fast guard who can use his speed to help him get to anywhere he wants on the floor. He's a good decision maker in pick-and-rolls but his playmaking and ball handling could improve. He's a solid enough shooter to keep opponents weary of him and has no trouble creating his own shot. On defence, his quickness comes in handy but his size (6-foot-3, 165 lbs.) makes him a target in pick-and-roll switches. Sometimes he's moving too fast for his own good, but it's a plus more than a minus.
22. Denver Nuggets – Aleksej Pokusevski, Olympiacos (EuroLeague, Greece)
Nationality: Serbia
Position: Forward/Centre
Age: 18
Plays like: Toni Kukoc, Dragan Bender
Pokusevski is a 7-footer with a variety of skills, making him an interesting option for teams that can afford to wait for his development. He has a thin frame (201 lbs.) but very long arms (7-foot-3 wingspan). His playmaking and ball handling is more than just impressive for a player of his size. His decision-making is a plus, in addition to his court vision and passing. His shooting touch is solid and his size allows him to shoot over the top of defenders. If he fills out, Pokusevski could become a versatile point-forward in the league.
23. Utah Jazz – Malachi Flynn, San Diego State
Position: Guard
Age: 22
Plays like: Fred VanVleet, Jalen Brunson
Flynn is a reliable decision-maker and defender perfectly suited for a team looking for a piece to help them win now. He's a confident ball handler who works well in pick-and-rolls and rarely forces offence. He's a quality shooter who can spot-up, knock down shots off the dribble or off of a catch-and-shoot. He brings an attitude on the defensive end and moves well laterally, fighting around screens. While there are questions about his athleticism, the rest of his game is polished for the NBA.
24. Milwaukee Bucks – Desmond Bane, TCU
Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 22
Plays like: Gary Trent Jr., Allen Crabbe
Bane is a veteran compared to the rest of these first-round prospects, playing four seasons at TCU. He's not the most athletic or most explosive player, but his well-rounded game is well-suited for a team late in the draft, looking to add an NBA ready prospect. He shot over 40% from 3 in three of his four seasons at TCU, proving to be a knock-down perimeter shooter, finishing his career at 43% from long range. He's not going to beat you off the dribble but can shoot off the bounce if necessary. He's a strong defender with the potential to be a quality role player.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder – Robert Woodard II, Mississippi State
Position: Forward
Age: 21
Plays like: Jae Crowder, Tobias Harris
Woodard is yet another 3-and-D player in this draft class who will surely find a home on a team in need of shooting. He showed major improvements on his perimeter shot from his freshman to his sophomore season at Mississippi State, going from 27% as a freshman to 43% as a sophomore. He's a good rebounder and defender, possessing the qualities to be a good role player for a winning team.
26. Boston Celtics – Theo Maledon, ASVEL (LNB Pro A, France)
Nationality: France
Position: Guard
Age: 19
Plays like: Elfrid Payton, George Hill
Maledon has potential as a sound floor general who both passes and scores, making him a candidate to be a late steal. He's a pick-and-roll maestro who uses strong playmaking to complement his nifty shot creating, but a lack of a first-step burst hinders his ceiling as a scorer. At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, he has the size to match up with just about any point guard defensively, barring his lateral quickness. According to EuroHoops, he's been mentored by all-time great Tony Parker.
27. New York Knicks – Cole Anthony, North Carolina
Position: Guard
Age: 20
Plays like: Austin Rivers, Jerryd Bayless
Anthony was a top prospect coming out of high school but never quite put things together in his one and only year at UNC before an meniscus injury ended his season. He has all the tools to be a scorer off the bench for an NBA team, but his shot selection needs improvement. His handle is tight, he's good at changing pace and he's an athletic finisher at the rim. He has a variety of moves he can use to create an open shot and plays hard on the defensive end. His playmaking and defensive versatility – again, a target for pick-and-roll switches – are other areas for concern.
28. Los Angeles Lakers – Tyler Bey, Colorado
Position: Forward
Age: 22
Plays like: Trevor Ariza, Dorian Finney-Smith
Bey's defence is his most redeeming quality as a draft prospect. He's a versatile defender who can switch out onto the perimeter but also has the size and strength to defend bigger players in the paint. At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, he's a forward but could play centre in a small-ball lineup. His shot will have to improve if he's going to make an impact in the NBA, but he showed promise by converting 42% of his 31 3-point attempts this past season at Colorado.
29. Toronto Raptors – Tre Jones, Duke
Position: Guard
Age: 20
Plays like: Fred VanVleet, Jevon Carter
Doubling as the ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, Jones brings everything a team could want in a late draft pick. He's a trusty ball handler and floor general who can keep the wheels turning on offence, whether it's finding open teammates or creating his own shot. He's an aggressive and physical perimeter defender who takes pride on that end of the floor. Jones is a player who could make an immediate impact as a backup point guard.
30. Boston Celtics – Leandro Bolmaro, Barcelona (Liga ACB, Spain)
Nationality: Argentina
Position: Guard
Age: 20
Plays like: Joe Ingles, Evan Turner
Bolmaro brings a playmaking savviness to the floor as a 6-foot-7 point guard. He makes his teammates around him better with a high IQ and elite passing skills. He has great touch around the hoop with an arsenal of finishes but his jump shot isn't quite there yet. He's lacking in athleticism but uses his intelligence to make up for that on defence. If he can become a consistent shooter, his game will round out nicely.
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