Memorable and unique, the 2020 NBA draft is in the books.
Far from the usual hustle and bustle of New York City, this year's draft class were spread right across the world, as the coronavirus pandemic turned the event virtual. While it was not what we are used to on this night, it gave us an incredible glimpse into the emotions of not only the athletes being drafted, but also their loved ones who shared the moment with them at home.
While the order of the top 3 in this year's draft was unknown, the names were expected, with Anthony Edwards (Minnesota), James Wiseman (Golden State), and LaMelo Ball (Charlotte) dropping in that order.
As the night went on there were surprises aplenty, so let's take a look at which team got the biggest steal, which team made the biggest reach, and which team can consider themselves a certified winner after the draft.
Biggest winner - Deni Avdija (Pick No. 9 to Washington)
This one was easy.
Avdija is one of the most exciting prospects in the draft and could arguably have the most superstar potential. Widely tipped to drop in the top-5, the 19-year-old from Israel continued his slide until the Washington Wizards snaffled him with the 9th overall pick.
At 6-foot-9, Avdija possesses impressive ball-handling and passing ability, using his size to find passing lanes and create for his teammates. There is still a question mark over his shooting ability, particularly from the free-throw line where he hit just 58 percent of his attempts across 59 appearances for Maccabi Tel Aviv last season.
The pick. The analysis. The story. 🇮🇱
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) November 19, 2020
Deni Avdija is the newest addition to the #DCFamily! #WizDraft | @GEICO pic.twitter.com/NkJNN8Awd7
Despite those concerns, players will his size and skillset are coveted in the modern NBA and perhaps more importantly, the Wizards desperately need to fill the four position to compliment All-Star guards, Bradley Beal and John Wall.
Falling to the Wizards was a surprise, but this might just be the perfect landing spot.
Biggest reach - Patrick Williams (Pick No. 4 to Chicago)
In the weeks leading up to the draft, Williams began to skyrocket into top-10 calculations, with multiple teams reportedly having interest.
With that being said, it was still a major shock to see Williams taken by the Bulls.
With a significant hole at point guard, many thought Chicago may try to make a trade to move up and select LaMelo Ball. Even with Ball off the table, Isaac Okoro, Killian Hayes, and Tyrese Haliburton presented as high-level guard options for Billy Donovan's squad.
The moment Pat became a Bull ❤️@ATT | @PatrickLW4 pic.twitter.com/hVAlsUCs1d
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 19, 2020
Instead, they opted to go with Williams, who came off the bench with Florida State to average 9.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 29 appearances.
Standing 6-foot-8, Williams will battle with Wendell Carter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen for minutes in Chicago, making it hard to project what kind of role he figures to play as a rookie.
Williams is an excellent defender with a high IQ and is likely to be a long-term player in the league. This isn't a bad pick, it will just be interesting to see how those young guards in particular pan out as their careers move on.
Biggest steal - Malachi Flynn (Pick No. 29 to Toronto)
The Toronto Raptors look to have drafted a gem here and it arguably couldn't have come at a better time.
Flynn, a 6-foot-1 guard out of San Diego State is a ready-made prospect at the guard position, with strong playmaking and scoring ability.
Flynn averaged 17.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season and at 22 years old and is a mature body ready to compete at the next level. He competes hard on the defensive end and is far from a liability despite his size.
When dreams become a reality. @malachi_flynn3 | #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/kKsUVF4poS
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 19, 2020
Some experts had Flynn dropping in the top-20 which made his slide to 29 a little surprising and a big bonus for the Raptors.
Keeping in mind the Fred VanVleet is about to hit free agency, the Raptors may need some help at the guard position, in which Flynn appears ready to do so.
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