2020 NBA Draft: Latest Mock Draft and Top Rumors Surrounding 1st-Round Prospects
The Minnesota Timberwolves have unofficially been on the clock for months, but they'll be officially pressed into action when the 2020 NBA draft gets underway Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
The Wolves have surely searched far and wide for a suitable trade by this point. They tried accelerating their rebuild with the trade-deadline deal for D'Angelo Russell last season and will hope he and Karl-Anthony Towns can get them back into the postseason. An impact veteran could help that effort more than a raw rookie, but with question marks around even the top prospects in this class, that type of player may not be available.
That could leave Minnesota deciding between Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman at No. 1. Usually, there would be some type of indication by now which direction the draft will take at the top, but the race is too close to call, which sets up what should be a fascinating event.
After updating our mock first round, we'll break down the latest buzz around the annual talent grab.
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/SG, Illawarra Hawks
4. Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija, SF/PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Obi Toppin, PF/C, Dayton
6. Atlanta Hawks: Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Iowa State
7. Detroit Pistons: Patrick Williams, PF, Florida State
8. New York Knicks: Killian Hayes, PG, Ratiopharm Ulm
9. Washington Wizards: Onyeka Okongwu, PF/C, USC
10. Phoenix Suns: Kira Lewis Jr., PG, Alabama
11. San Antonio Spurs: Isaac Okoro, SF/PF, Auburn
12. Sacramento Kings: Devin Vassell, SF, Florida State
13. New Orleans Pelicans: Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Memphis
14. Boston Celtics (via Memphis Grizzlies): Aleksej Pokusevski, PF, Olympiacos II
15. Orlando Magic: Aaron Nesmith, SF, Vanderbilt
16. Portland Trail Blazers: Saddiq Bey, SF/PF, Villanova
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Brooklyn Nets): Jalen Smith, PF/C, Maryland
18. Dallas Mavericks: Tyrese Maxey, SG, Kentucky
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Philadelphia 76ers): Cole Anthony, PG, North Carolina
20. Miami Heat: Desmond Bane, SG, TCU
21. Philadelphia 76ers (via Oklahoma City Thunder): Tyrell Terry, PG, Stanford
22. Denver Nuggets (via Houston Rockets): RJ Hampton, SG, New Zealand Breakers
23. Utah Jazz: Josh Green, SG, Arizona
24. Milwaukee Bucks (via Indiana Pacers): Theo Maledon, PG/SG, ASVEL
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Denver Nuggets): Zeke Nnaji, C, Arizona
26. Boston Celtics: Jaden McDaniels, SF/PF, Washington
27. New York Knicks (via Los Angeles Clippers): Jahmi'us Ramsey, SG, Texas Tech
28. Los Angeles Lakers: Grant Riller, PG/SG, Charleston
29. Toronto Raptors: Robert Woodard II, SF, Mississippi State
30. Boston Celtics (via Milwaukee Bucks): Xavier Tillman, PF/C, Michigan State
Hornets Prefer Drafting Big Man but Have Other Options
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The Hornets have no long-term solution at the center spot. They have one player at the position signed for 2020-21, and it's 28-year-old Cody Zeller, who will be an unrestricted free agent in 2021.
If things break right at the top of the draft, they'd like to address this position. The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported Charlotte's preference is "to trade up for Wiseman or pick Okongwu." Both would instantly address the void at the 5 now and going forward.
But the Hornets aren't married to that idea. O'Connor continued, stating that "there are people within Charlotte's front office—possibly even [Hornets governor Michael Jordan] himself—who want LaMelo." Should the Hornets wind up with Ball, O'Connor added they could shop the 6'7" playmaker to teams like the Pistons or Knicks and perhaps try to land Okongwu in a trade down.
The Hornets should ultimately let their draft board dictate their action.
If they see Wiseman as the clear-cut top prospect in this class, it probably makes sense to move up and get him. If they think Okongwu is being undervalued, a trade down that gets him and extra assets might be worth it. But if they're on the clock and have Ball or Edwards as the highest-rated prospect, they should take that player and worry about their roster fits later.
Obi Toppin Won't Get Past Knicks
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New York's list of roster needs is...well, too extensive to list in detail here. Among the many player types it could use is a turbo-charged combo big with a flashy and functional offensive arsenal.
In other words, Obi Toppin—who swept the Player of the Year awards in men's college basketball—makes all kinds of sense in the Big Apple. And the Knicks know it.
"League sources believe the Knicks will take Toppin if he's still on the board [at No. 8]," O'Connor reported.
That qualifier is key, because Toppin could draw interest before that selection spot. O'Connor mentioned the Cavaliers, who hold the No. 5 pick, as one team that has already shown interest.
Toppin has some question marks on the defensive end, but his offensive arsenal could be fully loaded. He's perhaps most known for his aerial exploits, but he's much more than a dunking specialist. He really ramped up his shooting this past season (32 triples at a 39 percent clip) and is a quietly effective distributor.
Sixers Made Promise to Sharpshooter
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The Sixers will have a perpetual need for shooting as long as they keep the Joel Embiid-Ben Simmons duo intact. They apparently have targeted a prospect to help scratch that itch.
"Draft rumor making the rounds: Speculation that Isaiah Joe has a promise from the 76ers, either at 21 or 34," B/R's Jonathan Wasserman tweeted.
Joe's stat sheet doesn't do justice to his shooting ability. A cursory glance at the numbers will show an alarming field-goal percentage (36.7) and a forgettable connection rate from distance (34.2). But context is key.
For starters, he launched at a level few even attempt (10.6 long-range looks per game). Plus, his mechanics all past the eye test with ease. His feet are always where he needs them to be, his balance is excellent and his release is quick and repeatable.
While his mock draft range would suggest the promise is likelier tied to the latter pick, Philly might have to consider using the earlier selection on him if it thinks he's the best option to keep the floor properly spaced for its stars.
