This basketball season has been peculiar, to say the least. The superteams era of the 2010s seems to be coming to an end and numerous duos have sprouted across the league. The 2020 NBA Draft Lottery could create more of those duos, as well as bolster already exciting young cores.
Predicting the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery
1. Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman (C, Freshman, Memphis)
Height: 7 foot, 1 inches; Weight: 240 lbs
There is a real possibility that the Golden State Warriors will be back to the top of the Western Conference as early as next season. Those elite Warriors teams of the 2010s were always lacking one thing, a dominant center. The starting five of Stephen Curry, D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and James Wiseman can compete for titles as soon as 2021. In three games played at Memphis, Wiseman recorded 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3 blocks, in 23 minutes per game. Wiseman is the most dynamic player in this draft class. He can shoot from outside, dominate down low, and protects the paints at an elite level. He provides a lob threat for Curry and Green to utilize and will benefit immensely from the elite spacing this line-up provides.
2. Atlanta Hawks: Anthony Edwards (SG, Freshman, Georgia)
Height: 6 foot, 5 inches; Weight: 225 lbs
The Atlanta Hawks need a reliable shot-creator to pair with Trae Young and Anthony Edwards provides that. Offensively, Edwards is already a threat at all three levels. The strength of Edwards is possibly his best offensive weapon. He has shown the ability to muscle through Forwards and Guards when he decides the get to the basket. He can knock down the three-ball as well as effectively move off the ball. These are all things that will pair him nicely with Young for the foreseeable future and create a dynamic backcourt in Atlanta. Not to mention, Edwards has the defensive capabilities Young lacks and can help boost the Atlanta defense along with their two other young and long wings, Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter.
3. New York Knicks: LaMelo Ball (G, International, Illawarra)
Height: 6 foot, 7 inches; Weight: 181 lbs
The second Ball brother to be hyped up by fans and the media, LaMelo Ball, will end up with the New York Knicks. Along with the ability to make highlight plays, Melo has an uncanny ability to control the pace of the game. He can create for any player on the floor in Pick ‘n Roll and Mitchell Robinson will be a large target for him to hit with his creative passing. Some may think that the foot injury Ball sustained is concerning but his willingness to rehab is reassuring. There is a question of Melo’s efficiency, as he shot 37.5 percent from the field and 25 percent from three in Australia. Melo is clearly a ball dominate player who will be a volume shooter at least early on in his career and that might be what the New York Knicks need.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Obi Toppin (F, Sophmore, Dayton)
Height: 6 foot, 9 inches; Weight: 220 lbs
Obi Toppin has improved his game in every way from his freshman to sophomore year at Dayton. Last year the athletic forward gained 15 starts out of his 33 games played and this year he already has 19 starts and has solidified himself into Dayton’s line-up. He’s an elite roller that can and will dunk on anyone unfortunate enough to be standing in the restricted area. He has built up an impressive set of post-moves to create offense for himself as well and will deeply benefit from NBA spacing. Speaking of spacing, he has shot 34% from three this year and could effectively play a stretch four for the Cleveland Cavaliers if they decide to part ways with Kevin Love. Toppin’s athleticism would also make him a viable small-ball center. His defense in the paint and on the perimeter is nothing to scoff at.
5. Washington Wizards: Nico Mannion (PG, Freshman, Arizona)
Height: 6 foot, 3 inches; Weight: 190 lbs
The Washington Wizards are possibly in the most awkward state of any NBA team at the moment. When healthy, they possess one of the best backcourts in the entire league. John Wall and Bradley Beal are an amazing duo to watch but again, when healthy. Some have talked about Nico Mannion and his sneaky athleticism but there is nothing sneaky about it. Mannion is a fast and crafty point guard who keeps his head up on the break and is always looking for an open man. He has become adept at throwing live dribble passes and he can blend quickly with new teammates. Mannion’s floater game and deep NBA range are impressive weapons to bolster coming into the draft.
6. Charlotte Hornets: Vernon Carey Jr. (PF/C, Freshman, Duke)
Height: 6 foot, 10 inches; Weight: 270 lbs
The Charlotte Hornets season has been a pleasant surprise. PJ Washington and Devonte’ Graham are two good young pieces that Charlotte can really build around and Vernon Carey Jr. is the perfect man to create a trio. Carey will be a perfect roll man to play alongside Graham. The power and speed of Carey will make him a match-up nightmare for some slower bigs in the NBA. His athleticism allows him to guard smaller players on the perimeter, similar to Anthony Davis. While the Hornets are still deep within the lottery, their young core shows good promise and Carey would only benefit their future.
7. Sacramento Kings: Deni Avdija (G/F, International, Israel)
Height: 6 foot, 7 inches; Weight: 215 lbs
Deni Avdija will get unfairly compared to Luka Doncic. He is a talented foreign-born player who has a high basketball IQ, especially for his age, but he is still a very raw prospect compared to Doncic. Avdija’s shot is probably the best part of his game. He confidently pulls from deep and his high release point makes him a threat even when contested effectively. His athleticism allowed him to have moments playing as a stretch four for Israel during the FIBA U20 European Championship where he earned MVP as one of the youngest players there. He is much better suited as a wing, however, and the Sacramento Kings could use some forward depth behind Harrison Barnes. Avdija can also run the break well and paired with De’Aaron Fox will be a good weapon to kick it out to for catch-and-shoot threes.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves: Cole Anthony (PG, Freshman, North Carolina)
Height: 6 foot, 3 inches; Weight: 190 lbs
There are rumors of the Minnesota Timberwolves inquiring about D’Angelo Russell to pair him alongside his good friend Karl-Anthony Towns and that trade would more than likely involve this pick, however, Cole Anthony would pair nicely with Towns. Anthony is a dynamic scoring point guard who could lessen the burden placed on KAT. He has been out since mid-December with injury but it is believed he will be back for an early February clash with Duke which will be a great assessment of how his rehab went and if he can come back and revitalize the North Carolina offense. Anthony is one of the players that could jump up the lottery depending on the rest of his college career. If he doesn’t climb the ladders though, Minnesota would be a great home for him.
9. Chicago Bulls: Jaden McDaniels (F, Freshman, Washington)
Height: 6 foot, 9 inches; Weight: 200 lbs
The tall, lanky Jaden McDaniels has garnered comparisons to Kevin Durant. McDaniels is undoubtedly the most skilled wing is this draft class, whether or not those comparisons to KD are accurate is another story. The Chicago Bulls need a weapon besides Zach LaVine and McDaniels could be that. That being said, McDaniels seems to be more of a project and will need time to develop his game and increase his efficiency overall. If he does polish his skills, McDaniels will be a lethal threat to defenses around the league for a long time. His large wingspan makes him an annoyance on the perimeter as well as in the paint and has gained him a steal and one and a half blocks per game.
10. New Orleans Pelicans: Tyrese Haliburton (G, Sophmore, Iowa State)
Height: 6 foot, 5 inches; Weight: 172 lbs
Tyrese Haliburton is shooting 41.1 percent from downtown on 6.3 attempts per game. His long frame makes him an effective finisher at the rim as well. While he does have a tendency to leave his feet before making a pass, having the likes of Lonzo Ball and/or Jrue Holiday mentor him will curb that quickly. His shooting ability will pair nicely with Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans should look to continue to surround Williamson with talented shooters like Haliburton. The lengthy guard also is far from a liability on the defensive end of the ball, averaging 2.5 steals a game. His playmaking ability is highlighted by his 7.4 assists and he could easily take over a secondary playmaking role behind Ball once Holiday’s contract is up.
11. Detroit Pistons: Daniel Oturu (C, Sophmore, Minnesota)
Height: 6 foot, 10 inches; Weight: 225 lbs
With the unfortunate and continuous injury issues with Blake Griffin, the Detroit Pistons have been a major topic of trade talks. Derrick Rose and Andre Drummond have been talked about a lot as potential trade pieces to help streamline the Pistons rebuild and help them gather resources. Considering that, Daniel Oturu is a quality pick late in the lottery. The second-year man is averaging a 20-point double-double along with nearly three blocks per game. He has a serviceable outside shot as well at 33.3 percent. The trio of Luke Kennard, Sekou Doumbouya, and Oturu could be a solid foundation for Detriot to build with. Oturu is also quick enough to drive past other, slower bigs which is an increasingly valuable skill for big-men.
12. Phoenix Suns: Theo Maledon (PG, International, France)
Height: 6 foot, 4 inches; Weight: 198 lbs
The Phoenix Suns started off the 2019-2020 season on fire and, while they have cooled off over halfway into the year, it shed some light on the young core of Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Kelly Oubre. The veteran point guard, Ricky Rubio, has been very effective alongside this core but they need someone that better fits their timeline. Theo Maledon fits the timeline perfectly. The 18-year-old Frenchman has gained experience over three seasons in various Euro-Leagues and already looks like a seasoned point guard at times. He is a multitalented offensive threat and his large frame and quick reactions makes him seem right at home on the defensive side of the ball.
13. Portland Trailblazers: Precious Achiuwa (F, Freshman, Memphis)
Height: 6 foot, 9 inches; Weight: 225 lbs
In his 18 played games this season Precious Achiuwa has 11 double-doubles. Not to mention, when James Wiseman left Memphis, Achiuwa picked up where he left off and filled in as the team’s number one option keeping them afloat with a 14-5 record. Achiuwa’s size and speed will let him guard smaller wings along with bigs in the post. He will be a valuable asset in guarding Pick ‘n Roll offenses that are increasingly difficult to deal with. It is evident that the loss of Maurice Harkless and Al-Farouq Aminu critically damaged the Portland Trailblazers’ defense and Achiuwa’s versatility can help remedy those losses.
14. Memphis Grizzlies: Josh Green (G/F, Freshman, Arizona)
Height: 6 foot, 6 inches; Weight: 210 lbs
Josh Green has elite athleticism and can beat even the fastest players down the court. With Ja Morant‘s love and ability to pass, the two would make an entertaining backcourt at the very least. Green’s shot is smooth and his confidence to pull open shots matches his stroke. Taking into account his athleticism, Green is no slouch on the defensive end. His efficiency from three-point land does leave something to be desired, but he is far more of a positive than a negative. Green could help the rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies.
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