Re-Drafting the 2020 NBA Draft After LaMelo Ball and Deni Avdija Breakouts
The 2020 NBA draft didn't take long to exceed expectations, and it's value continues growing nearly six years later.
It's just that the original selection order shows a lot of big swings and misses with early picks. Re-drafting was needed almost right away, though the practice has grown trickier with time, especially with Deni Avdija having now reached the All-Star ranks and LaMelo Ball having finally quarterbacked a legitimately competitive club.
How high does Avdija land after his emergence? Is Ball still a top-three pick? Which All-Star guard named Tyrese comes off the board first? And just how many lottery picks fall out of the first round entirely?
Let's answer those questions and more with a freshly re-drafted revisiting of the 2020 talent grab.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards
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Original Pick: Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards' Original Draft Position: No. 1
Minnesota could have a lifetime of hindsight at its disposal. It wouldn't switch this selection. Setting aside how all-caps AWESOME Edwards is at basketball, he's exactly what franchises want in a face: charismatic, contagiously confident and ferociously competitive.
As for those basketball attributes, he's on a short list of the league's top scoring threats. His downhill drives have fueled many defenders' nightmares, but he's also a self-made knockdown shooter who rains down triples like a long-lost Splash Brother. His game also feels in a perpetual state of improvement, a terrifying thought for non-Gopher State residents given that he still has new levels he could reach as a defender, distributor and rebounder.
This draft already spawned multiple stars, but Edwards is the only one to reach superstardom.
2. Golden State Warriors: Tyrese Haliburton
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Original Pick: James Wiseman
Tyrese Haliburton's Original Draft Position: No. 12
The No. 2 pick in a re-draft basically boils down to a coin flip. Only, it's a two-headed coin showing a Tyrese on either side: Haliburton on one, Maxey on the other. And folks will surely—and fiercely—argue on Maxey's behalf, since he's the better athlete, the more potent scorer and, you know, not finding his way back from an Achilles tear.
So, why opt for Haliburton here? Well, with his playmaking and efficiency, it's just easier for him to elevate an entire team around him. Maxey would probably be the preference for a 1-on-1 tournament, but Haliburton is who you'd rather have piloting an offense.
Now, Maxey might fit more systems since he can get to his spots regardless, but Haliburton establishes an empowering, egalitarian identity built on pace, space and ball movement. He already engineered one NBA Finals run. He has twice been honored as an All-NBA selection—feats that, so far, are absent from Maxey's résumé.
3. Charlotte Hornets: Tyrese Maxey
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Original Pick: LaMelo Ball
Tyrese Maxey's Original Draft Position: No. 21
It was obvious early on that Maxey was one of this draft's biggest heists, but the degree of larceny has only grown clearer with each passing campaign. His efficiency perhaps popped first, and volume increases came later, but the way he's now managing to balance both is the clearest measure of an elite NBA talent.
It felt for a quick second he might have to lean on his burst and binge on close-range buckets, but his bag has been in a perpetual state of expansion. He's a legitimate quantity-plus-quality shooter from distance now. A player who gets to the foul line when he wants (and basically converts 90 percent from there). Also, a primary playmaker who nearly triples his turnovers with assists.
This class isn't hurting for high-end contributors. To be labeled the third pick in a re-draft should be a badge of honor. And yet, with Maxey's trajectory to this point and potential to keep improving, it's hard not to wonder whether this undersells who he is now and who he might still become.
4. Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija
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Original Pick: Patrick Williams
Deni Avdija's Original Draft Position: No. 9
On a lot of re-draft boards, this selection spot would typically be reserved for LaMelo Ball (if he hadn't been re-drafted already). And, frankly, had this exercise been held at any point prior to this season, Avdija would've landed behind Ball here, too.
But with Avdija ascending into All-Star territory and Ball continuing to play the risk-reward style that's been characterized as "unserious," this feels like a flip worth making. Ball might have more obvious star qualities, but Avdija plays a much more efficient game with better all-around strengths and fewer weaknesses.
Avdija, the key catalyst behind the Portland Trail Blazers' playoff return after a four-year hiatus, delivered an across-the-board impact that few elites can even match. His stat sheet ran heavy with career-highs, culminating in him being one of only three players—along with Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić—to average at least 24 points, six rebounds and six assists.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: LaMelo Ball
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Original Pick: Isaac Okoro
LaMelo Ball's Original Draft Position: No. 3
Ball's mini-skid stops here. For all of his clear, obvious, frustrating flaws, there's still so much to like about a 6'7" primary playmaker with a supercomputer's processing skills and scoring range that demands defensive attention as soon as he crosses half-court.
His scoring numbers took a hit this season, but much of that was due to the Charlotte Hornets finally having viable alternative offensive sources. Being able to split playmaking duties helped trim his turnovers (2.8, tied for a career-low), though it would've been nice to see the scoring support elevate his shooting efficiency more (40.7 field-goal percentage, second-worst of his career).
All of that said, he proved that, warts and all, he can still pilot a winning team. His ambitious shot selection and scatterbrained off-ball defense prevented him from going higher, but he's still perched within the top five.
6. Atlanta Hawks: Desmond Bane
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Original Pick: Onyeka Okongwu
Desmond Bane's Original Draft Position: No. 30
While this isn't the most flattering distinction for any NBA player, Bane is moving up the rankings of the league's best contributors who've yet to make an All-Star appearance. He'd be over his skis serving primary duties as both a scorer and distributor, but he's a great tertiary option in either capacity.
He is, generally speaking, the kind of high-level role player who consistently meets expectations. He'll author the occasional eruption and isn't immune to a couple of clunkers, but you still typically feel good penciling him in for an efficient 20-ish points, a handful of assists with reliable, energetic defense.
7. Detroit Pistons: Jaden McDaniels
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Original Pick: Killian Hayes
Jaden McDaniels' Original Draft Position: No. 28
McDaniels does this weird thing where he often leaves you wanting more, but it happens in this encouraging way. His tireless, disruptive defense is a bankable asset. His offense is on the slow-and-steady trail to improvement.
He'll show flashes, though, as both a shooter and self-creator, that make you wonder whether this big breakout is still coming. Like, you love to see the growth in his perimeter game (career-high 41.2 percent from distance with pull-up triples worked into his shooting diet), but you wish he'd launch more (3.4 attempts per contest) and maybe worry his efficiency would suffer if he did.
8. New York Knicks: Onyeka Okongwu
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Original Pick: Obi Toppin
Onyeka Okongwu's Original Draft Position: No. 6
Okongwu lacks the length and heft of a unicorn big man, but he might be as rare as that label implies. He can baton-toss right along with the best switching bigs in basketball. He has suddenly become a true quantity-plus-quality floor spacer (career-highs of 1.9 makes a night and a 37.6 percent splash rate).
Throw in his value as a connective passer, and you're looking at a unique skill set for a position that's spawned an impressive number of archetypes. The biggest, burliest centers present physical challenges Okongwu can't always handle, but outside of those matchups, his shape-shifting value shines bright.
9. Washington Wizards: Payton Pritchard
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Original Pick: Deni Avdija
Payton Pritchard's Original Draft Position: No. 26
Is this aggressive for a career reserve who might be most valuable in an instant-offense role? Possibly, but Pritchard has shown enough to wonder whether he might be regarded as a positive starter had he wound up with a team decidedly less stacked than the contending-in-a-gap-year Boston Celtics.
His physical challenges are what they are, but he's so good about playing within the confines of them (or rising above them), you often forget they exist. They clearly haven't prevented him from becoming an elite shooter or genius decision-maker, but they also don't stop him from contributing as a rebounder and defender, either.
10. Phoenix Suns: Devin Vassell
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Original Pick: Jalen Smith
Devin Vassell's Original Draft Position: No. 11
Vassell is a three-and-D swingman who challenges the limitations of that label—for better and worse. On one hand, consistency is often lacking from both sides of that label. On the other hand, he offers a lot more off-the-ball verve than the label typically implies.
He's still at his best in that kind of support role, especially when he's shooting arrows from distance and disrupting actions on the defensive end. But the fact he can zip around closeouts and either pull from midrange or finish above the rim is what really helps him draw attention away from—and therefore elevate—the brighest stars on the San Antonio Spurs.
11. San Antonio Spurs: Immanuel Quickley
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Original Pick: Devin Vassell
Immanuel Quickley's Original Draft Position: No. 25
Quickley is a bit of a polarizing player. Some of that is by no fault of his own. He is probably overpaid, but it's always weird—and never fair—to hold a player's contract against him. He has limitations as both a scorer and a passer, but those are probably magnified by the Toronto Raptors' collective offensive challenges.
He doesn't really have a standout skill (unless you count speed), but he does have a lot of above-average abilities. His fiery three-ball is a threat from all over. His shooting touch is soft. His defense is active while his assist count typically towers over his giveaways.
12. Sacramento Kings: Isaiah Stewart
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Original Pick: Tyrese Haliburton
Isaiah Stewart's Original Draft Position: No. 16
If Stewart had a couple of extra inches of height or just a bit more bounce, he might be serving as someone's starting center right now. Since he doesn't, he serves as one of the NBA's premier backup bigs, offering tenacity, toughness, super-stingy paint protection and just enough outside shooting to keep opponents honest.
He could be more active on the glass. He's more of a capable finisher than a dynamic one, but he's a helpful offensive player and an elite defensive force. Players lost a whopping 13.7 percentage points off their normal shooting rates within six feet of the basket against him this season.
13. New Orleans Pelicans: Aaron Nesmith
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Original Pick: Kira Lewis Jr.
Aaron Nesmith's Original Draft Position: No. 14
The 2025-26 season wasn't a banner year for Nesmith, but that's basically true for every member of the Tyrese Haliburton-less Indiana Pacers. With Nesmith being so reliant on others to create his scoring chances, it's no wonder he suffered without one of the league's top table-setters steering the ship.
When Nesmith can play off of others, though, he does what you'd want a three-and-D wing to do: shoot a great percentage from distance (40-plus each of the previous two years), handle a variety of tough assignments and finish with force when there's a clear path to the cup.
14. Boston Celtics: Isaiah Joe
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Original Pick: Aaron Nesmith
Isaiah Joe's Original Draft Position: No. 49
Joe's skill tree may not have many branches, but it's all supported by a strong foundation of elite shot-making. He just cleared 40 percent from three for the fourth consecutive campaign. He averaged better than two triples in three of them.
There isn't a lot else worth discussing, but he is an active off-ball mover and a scrappy defender.
15. Orlando Magic: Naji Marshall
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Original Pick: Cole Anthony
Naji Marshall's Original Draft Position: Undrafted
Sorry if this spoils anything—and not totally sure what it would—but Marshall is the lone undrafted player to be taken in this re-draft. Executives clearly guessed wrong on something with him, probably his ability to carve out a useful niche without the benefit of a reliable three-ball.
Well, that three-ball has never really come around (career 30 percent), but he just handled his biggest role to date in his sixth NBA go-round. His energy and versatility make him a highly coveted chess piece on the defensive end. He's an inside-the-arc offensive asset for his slashing, downhill attacking and pinches of playmaking.
16. Portland Trail Blazers: Saddiq Bey
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Original Pick: Isaiah Stewart
Saddiq Bey's Original Draft Position: No. 19
While it's hard to imagine Bey describing the ACL tear he suffered in March 2024 as a blessing in disguise, it sure seems like he made the most of his time stuck on the sideline. Because his 2025-26 season may have been his best to date, featuring a slew of career-highs, including his 17.7 points, 45.1 field-goal percentage and 57.9 true shooting percentage.
His lateral quickness limits his defensive versatility a bit, but he'll never lose matchups for a lack of energy or physicality.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Sam Merrill
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Original Pick: Aleksej Pokuševski
Sam Merrill's Original Draft Position: No. 60
Is this too early for a specialist? Probably not. Not for one as good at their specialty as Merrill, at least.
There just aren't many peers when it comes to perimeter shooters with this blend of volume and efficiency. Merrill was one of only 18 players to average at least three triples this season. His 42.1 percent connection clip was the third-highest in that exclusive group of elite marksmen.
18. Dallas Mavericks: Tre Jones
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Original Pick: Josh Green
Tre Jones' Original Draft Position: No. 41
Jones is sort of the NBA equivalent of a game manager quarterback. There's really nothing flashy in his game, but there is a whole lot of function.
He just makes smart, simple decisions with metronomic consistency. His offensive range is limited. His lack of size shows up defensively, but it's still hard to knock these numbers: 14.1 points on 55.3 percent shooting with 5.4 assists against just 1.4 turnovers.
19. Brooklyn Nets: Isaac Okoro
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Original Pick: Saddiq Bey
Isaac Okoro's Original Draft Position: No. 5
When the Cleveland Cavaliers initially made Okoro the No. 5 pick, they were clearly counting on a lot of offensive growth. The fact that he's no longer residing in Cleveland—he was flipped last offseason for the ghost of Lonzo Ball and a trade exception—speaks to his lack of growth on the game's most glamorous end.
That's why he no longer sniffs the lottery range of a re-draft, but he's still comfortably inside of the first round as a toolsy defender with some slashing and finishing abilities. It'd be awesome if he ever added an outside shot, but hopes of that happening are either fleeting or flatlined.
20. Miami Heat: Vit Krejčí
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Original Pick: Precious Achiuwa
Vit Krejčí's Original Draft Position: No. 37
Krejčí took the long road to rotation relevance, spending his would-be rookie season abroad and not really seeing consistent action here until the 2024-25 campaign. He has made it here now, though, and looks like he could have some staying power.
NBA teams will forever be interested in 6'8" shooters, and that's exactly what he is. This season's 39.0 three-point percentage was actually his worst over the past three years, yet he still found ways to post a personal-best 8.5 points in 21.4 minutes per game.
21. Philadelphia 76ers: Jalen Smith
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Original Pick: Tyrese Maxey
Jalen Smith's Original Draft Position: No. 10
It'd be an oversell to label Smith as a true unicorn big man, but there are times you'll swear you're seeing a horn and some hooves on him. He doesn't take a ton of threes or block a ton of shots, but he's at least adequate on both fronts. Add rebounds and some point-blank finishing to the mix, and you can talk yourself into him being the 21st-best player in this class.
22. Denver Nuggets: Paul Reed
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Original Pick: Zeke Nnaji
Paul Reed's Original Draft Position: No. 58
An analytical favorite for years, Reed has struggled to secure the real-life minutes to truly showcase the full array of his arsenal. He is, in theory, a fascinating blend of versatile skills, but in practice, he might be a walking reminder that 'tweeners still exist, since he lacks the size for the 5 spot and the perimeter skills to play the 4.
23. New York Knicks: Obi Toppin
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Original Pick: Leandro Bolmaro
Obi Toppin's Original Draft Position: No. 8
Toppin is one of the more electric play-finishers in this class, as he has started to integrate a pinch more passing into his approach. His defense is better than it was (but still not great). His shot menu shows a smart approach, featuring point-blank looks, long-range shots and not much in between.
24. Milwaukee Bucks: Josh Green
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Original Pick: R.J. Hampton
Josh Green's Original Draft Position: No. 18
Green's limitations can become glaring if his role is too big, but as a modest-minute, high-energy reserve, they're much more manageable. He offers no creation or rebounding, but he does meet the baseline requirements for a three-and-D support role.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nick Richards
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Original Pick: Immanuel Quickley
Nick Richards' Original Draft Position: No. 42
Richards is adequate—nothing more, nothing less. He fares just fine in rim-running duties, but it'd take better hands and defensive awareness to entrust him with more than a high-energy reserve role.
26. Boston Celtics: Patrick Williams
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Original Pick: Payton Pritchard
Patrick Williams' Original Draft Position: No. 4
There were no bigger believers in Williams than Artūras Karnišovas, who drafted him fourth overall and later handed him a $90 million extension. The Chicago Bulls have since run Karnišovas out of town, and Williams would probably be next if they could find a taker. But if Williams was ever fully removed from the expectations and frustrations in Chicago, maybe he could still turn his physical tools and perimeter shooting into something semi-useful.
27. Utah Jazz: Cole Anthony
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Original Pick: Udoka Azubuike
Cole Anthony's Original Draft Position: No. 15
Since last June, Anthony has been traded twice and waived as many times. The NBA's appetite for undersized scoring guards decreases by the day. He didn't help himself with below-average shooting (career 34.3 percent) and forgettable playmaking. Still, he engineered enough scoring outbursts to remain in the first round.
28. Los Angeles Lakers: Xavier Tillman Sr.
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Original Pick: Jaden McDaniels
Xavier Tillman Sr.'s Original Draft Position: No. 35
Playing time is starting to come fewer and farther between for Tillman, who might cling onto break-glass-in-case-of-emergency duties for as long as this league will have him. He has good awareness and championship experience, but his skills underwhelm from virtually all angles.
29. Toronto Raptors: Precious Achiuwa
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Original Pick: Malachi Flynn
Precious Achiuwa's Original Draft Position: No. 20
Achiuwa has an elite motor, a decent amount of defensive versatility and the ability to finish with force around the basket. But there's a reason he was looking for work before the Sacramento Kings came calling in November. He's neither a shooter nor a shot-blocker. At 6'8", there's only so much value he can offer on the interior.
30. Boston Celtics: Zeke Nnaji
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Original Pick: Desmond Bane
Zeke Nnaji's Original Draft Position: No. 22
Nnaji is still on the same Denver Nuggets team that drafted him, so he's got that going for him. But that's kind of all he's got, because the Nuggets have never shown a ton of trust in him, save for the four-year, $32 million extension a since-fired executive gave him in October 2023. Either we don't know who Nnaji is yet, or we know he's too limited on offense to handle regular rotation minutes.
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