2020 NBA Mock Draft: Current Projections for Every 1st-Round Prospect

Fans get surprised annually during the NBA draft, but even teams may get blindsided during 2020's instalment Wednesday.

Over the past few months, draft boards have varied widely as different murmurings tie teams to vastly different players on a weekly basis. As such, it's hard for anyone to know how each pick will be made. There's no consensus top pick like Zion Williamson was last year. Accordingly, a number of the class' standout prospects are fairly polarizing.

Most agree that the three best players are, in some order, Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball. Past them, projections get significantly muddier. Here we share our latest 2020 mock draft, followed by analysis of two of the more intriguing lottery teams' likely selections.

2020 NBA 1st-Round Mock Draft

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1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia

2. Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman, C, Memphis

3. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawarra Hawks

4. Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija, SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Obi Toppin, PF, Dayton

6. Atlanta Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC

7. Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes, PG, RatiopharmUlm

8. New York Knicks: Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Iowa State

9. Washington Wizards: Isaac Okoro, SF, Auburn

10. Phoenix Suns: Kira Lewis Jr., PG, Alabama

11. San Antonio Spurs: Devin Vassell, SF, Florida State

12. Sacramento Kings: Saddiq Bey, SF, Villanova

13. New Orleans Pelicans: Aaron Nesmith, SF, Vanderbilt

14. Boston Celtics: Precious Achiuwa, PF, Memphis

15. Orlando Magic: Tyrese Maxey, SG, Kentucky

16. Portland Trail Blazers: Patrick Williams, SF, Florida State

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaden McDaniels, SF, Washington

18. Dallas Mavericks: Cole Anthony, PG, North Carolina

19. Brooklyn Nets: Jalen Smith, PF, Maryland

20. Miami Heat: Theo Maledon, PG, ASVEL

21. Philadelphia 76ers: Desmond Bane, SG, TCU

22. Denver Nuggets: Josh Green, SG, Arizona

23. Utah Jazz: RJ Hampton, SG, New Zealand Breakers

24. Milwaukee Bucks: Nico Mannion, PG, Arizona

25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Xavier Tillman, PF, Michigan State

26. Boston Celtics: Jahmi’us Ramsey, SG, Texas Tech

27. New York Knicks: Cassius Stanley, SG, Duke

28. Los Angeles Lakers: Tre Jones, PG, Duke

29. Toronto Raptors: Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington

30. Boston Celtics: Leandro Bolmaro, SF, FC Barcelona

Rising Okongwu Earns Atlanta's Confidence

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Perhaps no NBA prospect has risen as steadily among mock drafts than Onyeka Okongwu. After sitting toward the bottom of the lottery in most early projections, the 6'9" big man has quietly earned enough respect that a top-five selection wouldn't be shocking.

Okongwu doesn't have the size of a traditional center, and he also lacks the proven perimeter play of a modern one. Still, he's explosive, capitalizes on his 7'1" frame in rim protection and has shown enough finesse to suggest the perimeter upside is there. Given his effort and sense for the game at just 19, teams are rightfully confident in his likelihood to develop.

If the Charlotte Hornets opt for Ball's upside at No. 3, the next sensible landing spot for Okongwu is with the Atlanta Hawks at No. 6. With Trae Young complemented by a young group of wings, Atlanta's frontcourt future lies in John Collins and Clint Capela. Okongwu is more defensively versatile than the former and more offensively versatile than the latter.

As Collins approaches unrestricted free agency next summer, Atlanta should take a chance on a new big man with a more dynamic ceiling.

Detroit Helps Hayes Reunite with Doumbouya

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The Detroit Pistons have numerous holes to fill and various windows to align. Luke Kennard and Sekou Doumbouya are both under 25 and intriguing long-term cornerstones. Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose, on the other hand, are past 30 and better suited to short-term aspirations.

At No. 7, the Pistons should target a possible franchise point guard. And that point guard should be Killian Hayes. While Tyrese Haliburton's selection would be reasonable given his high floor, Hayes boasts a higher ceiling and, for a personal touch, the confidence of Doumbouya.

Hayes and Doumbouya grew up playing together across the French circuit and that comfort could accelerate the 6'5" point guard's development. He already has a good frame, a nice feel for the game and, most importantly, the appearance of a nasty skill set.

A lefty who can create, handle and step back into wet jumpers, Hayes' fluidity is worth gambling on at No. 7.