The NBA offseason has finally settled down. With this being said, teams are already formulating their own mock draft and looking forward to the list of prospects in 2020. Front offices never sleep, and neither do the league’s fans.
First Look at the 2020 NBA Lottery Mock Draft
2020 NBA Mock Draft picks one to five
1.) Cleveland Cavaliers – Anthony Edwards, Shooting Guard, Georgia
Edwards is one of the top recruits coming into college. At the University of Georgia, Edwards should immediately become the star and go-to player. The Cleveland Cavaliers just drafted Darius Garland and see him as their point guard of the future. Collin Sexton‘s position with the team is under question, and Edwards is the ideal combo-guard for the team.
2.) Charlotte Hornets – James Wiseman, Center, Memphis
The Charlotte Hornets are finally entering a rebuild. The team is set at point guard with Terry Rozier‘s huge contract, but all other positions scream mediocrity. Wiseman has NBA size and can stretch the floor at center. Adding him to a young core along Miles Bridges and PJ Washington would speed the rebuild.
3.) Phoenix Suns – Cole Anthony, Point Guard, North Carolina
The Phoenix Suns “solved” their point guard problem for now by signing Ricky Rubio. With a young core of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, however, the Suns should still be building for the future. Anthony has elite handles and can score buckets, and will be in no rush behind Rubio for at least a season.
4.) New York Knicks – RJ Hampton, Guard, USA
Hampton will be playing abroad for a season instead of attending college. The New York Knicks just drafted RJ Barrett, but he can play minutes at shooting guard or small forward while Hampton can play both guard positions. Hampton is an electric scorer with range and will be a welcomed addition in a team desperate for talent.
5.) Memphis Grizzlies – Theo Maldeon, Shooting Guard, France
Maldeon is seen as the top international prospect, however. Both his offensive and defensive games have plenty of promise and he has great size for a guard alongside Ja Morant. The Memphis Grizzlies have big men depth, so will likely look for help in the backcourt.
Mock Draft Picks Six to 10
6.) Washington Wizards – Isaiah Stewart, Power Forward/Center, Washington
Stewart may play the most minutes in college at center, but he can become an old-fashioned below-the-basket power forward. The Washington Wizards still have John Wall coming back, so pairing Stewart up with Thomas Bryant can complete the starting five.
7.) Minnesota Timberwolves – Vernon Carey, Center, Duke
The Duke Blue Devils have a reputation of producing successful big men and Carey is next in line. The Minnesota Timberwolves should be looking to add help alongside Karl-Anthony Towns after targeting backcourt help in the 2019 Draft.
8.) Atlanta Hawks – Deni Avidja, Guard/Forward, Israel
The Atlanta Hawks have a great young core and should be willing to take a risk here. Avdija is playing in the Euroleague, so he’ll quickly gain experience versus pro-style players. He has a talented passing game with a knack for slashing at the basket. This should translate well being surrounded by shooters.
9.) Oklahoma City Thunder – Jaden McDaniels, Forward, Washington
The Oklahoma City Thunder have hit the reset button. They already have a stash of young players to build around, but power forward should be the next position to target. McDaniels has great length with an ability to run the floor and knock down open jumpers.
10.) Chicago Bulls – Samuell Williamson, Small Forward, Louisville
The Chicago Bulls have decent youth and depth on their team. With pending free agents, however, they should target Williamson. He’s a lengthy defender and great shooter. His athleticism should take him far and he would immediately contribute behind Otto Porter.
End of The Lottery
11.) Sacramento Kings – Charles Bassey, Center, Western Kentucky
The Sacramento Kings have created a solid roster but still, lack talent at center. Bassey is a double-double machine and can step in as the day one starter if needed. He’s also a modern-day center with his ability to run the floor and play above the rim.
12.) Detroit Pistons – Nico Mannion, Point Guard, Arizona
The Detroit Pistons have been lacking a talented point guard for years now. This has created a heavy workload for star Blake Griffin. Mannion is athletically gifted and finds his teammates with ease. He’ll have to add to his frame to succeed in the NBA, however.
13.) New Orleans Pelicans – LaMelo Ball, Guard, USA
Ball, like Hampton, opted to play overseas. He’s arguably the best shooter in the draft and overall an exciting offensive player. He does, however, have plenty of questions surrounding his motor and drive. Of course, as a Ball, he brings baggage teams may not want. The New Orleans Pelicans may be the best spot for him with Lonzo Ball already there.
14.) Dallas Mavericks – Kahlil Whitney, Small Forward, Kentucky
The Dallas Mavericks depth at small forward is relatively weak behind Luka Doncic who can play minutes there. Whitney is an explosive athlete who plays both sides of the floor. He’s still raw, but the Mavericks are building and not in a win-now mode just yet.
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