After a five-month delay, the 2020 NBA Draft finally took place virtually on Wednesday night. The 2020 NBA Draft Lottery took place back in August, officially deciding the placement of teams for picks one through fourteen. Check out the official results from the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery selections.
2020 NBA Draft – Lottery Results
1.) Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards, Guard
After months of anticipation, the Minnesota Timberwolves kicked off draft night by taking Anthony Edwards with the number one pick. The freshman guard from the University of Georgia is an explosive athlete and one of the best scorers in this draft. Edwards averaged 19.1 points per game while shooting close to 40 percent last season. This pick was no surprise. Edwards was considered mostly a consensus number one pick on most draft boards. With his versatility, Edwards fits the Timberwolves’ need for more consistent scoring.
2.) Golden State Warriors – James Wiseman, Center
The second pick of the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery went to the Golden State Warriors. Golden State selected James Wiseman, a center from Memphis. While Wiseman only played three games in college before an eligibility battle, the 7-footer was highly regarded in this draft. A lengthy former five-star recruit, Wiseman possesses a huge wingspan and exceptional athleticism. The big-man is incredibly mobile, which is a necessity for centers in today’s NBA. It will be exciting to see Wiseman in the pick-and-roll with Stephen Curry.
3.) Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball, Guard
With the third pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets selected LaMelo Ball. Ball, a skilled guard from Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball Association, is one of the biggest risk-reward picks graded by NBA scouts. Ball will attempt to step outside the shadow of his older brother, Lonzo Ball.
With this selection, the Ball family made NBA history on Wednesday. Lonzo and LaMelo became the first set of brothers to both be selected as top-five picks in league history. For LaMelo, the 6-foot-7 guard possesses a ton of ball-skills, yet needs work on his jump shot. Ball needs some seasoning, which is part of a long rebuild for the Hornets.
4.) Chicago Bulls – Patrick Williams, Forward
The Chicago Bulls selected forward Patrick Williams from Florida State University with the fourth pick. Williams is the youngest college player in this draft and the first somewhat surprising selection of the night. While at Florida State, Williams recorded zero starts for a disciplined Leonard Hamilton program. His size and raw skills leave a big upside for the 6-foot-8 forward, who recorded average numbers last season. The Bulls continue to build around a young and talented core including Coby White, Lauri Markkanen, and Zach LaVine.
5.) Cleveland Cavaliers – Isaac Okoro, Forward
With the fifth pick, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Isaac Okoro from Auburn University. Okoro is considered the best lockdown wing defender in this draft. He has the frame and instinct on defense to make him a long-term starter in the league. If Okoro can develop consistency with his jump shot, he will become one of the stars of this draft. Auburn Head Coach Bruce Pearl commended Okoro for his coachability and his speed in transition. Okoro will look to expand his offensive skillset alongside Darius Garland and Collin Sexton in Cleveland.
6.) Atlanta Hawks – Onyeka Okongwu, Forward/Center
The Atlanta Hawks took Onyeka Okongwu from the University of Southern California with the sixth-overall pick. Okongwu is considered one of the better bigs in this draft class. In 28 games with USC, he shot 61.6 percent from the field, proving his ability to take high-percentage shots at the rim. Atlanta is another team loaded with young talent, including Trae Young, Cam Reddish, and DeAndre Hunter. Of course, Okongwu will benefit from playing beside six-year NBA veteran Clint Capela.
7.) Detroit Pistons – Killian Hayes, Guard
The Detroit Pistons selected Killian Hayes, a French guard from the Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany). Hayes displays great size and is regarded as one of the best guards in the pick-and-roll. Hayes enjoyed a breakout year for Ulm, taking on full-time point guard duties and showcasing a great decision-making ability. His passing is highlighted by a creative ball-handle, which makes up for his lack of athleticism. Like many other NBA rookies, Hayes will need to improve on his jump shot. According to scouts, Hayes has a huge upside.
8.) New York Knicks – Obi Toppin, Forward
It never fails. With the eighth overall pick, the New York Knicks made waves amongst fans and league scouts. New York selected Obi Toppin from the University of Dayton. Toppin won the John R. Wooden Award last year, given to the top college basketball player in the country. This picks marks a homecoming. Toppin hails from Brooklyn, N.Y. One of the better stories on draft night, the explosive athlete was not highly recruited in high school. In fact, Toppin grew several inches during his senior year of high school. Add in a New York City kid coming home to play for the Knicks. This picks makes for good news.
9.) Washington Wizards – Deni Avdija, Forward
The Washington Wizards selected Deni Avdija ninth overall. The 6-foot-9 stretch forward played for Maccabi Tel Aviv of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He displays a unique shooting and playmaking ability for a player of his size. He averaged 12.3 points per game last year overseas and became the highest-ever drafted Israeli prospect. This is a noteworthy pick because of the Wizards’ defensive struggles. The Wizards ranked dead-last in defensive ratings this year while Avdija is touted for his scoring ability.
10.) Phoenix Suns – Jalen Smith, Forward
The Phoenix Suns took Jalen Smith, a forward from the University of Maryland, with the 10th pick. Smith is an athletic freak at the center position with the ability to run in today’s NBA. The near 7-footer is an intriguing prospect and by far, the best shot-blocker in this draft class. As a solid shooter, he won’t be stuck playing side. Smith owns a great shooting touch, especially for a big, and displays the ability to be a pick-and-pop player. Last season, he shot 37 percent from three-point range. Smith entered college around 200 pounds. He now stands at 225 pounds but will need to continue to add strength to his game.
11.) San Antonio Spurs – Devin Vassell, Guard/Forward
With the 11th pick, the San Antonio Spurs took Devin Vassell from Florida State. The combo guard/forward becomes the second Florida State player taken in this year’s draft lottery. Vassell enjoyed a breakout season, proving to be a strong team defender who can knock down open shots. He’s a lengthy wing at 6-foot-7 and his size will easily transition into a successful NBA wing defender. He can guard multiple positions and hit most of his open shots. Vassell fits well with Gregg Popovich and the Spurs. The guard is coachable and has improved drastically from a lower-rated high school prospect.
12.) Sacramento Kings – Tyrese Haliburton, Guard
Tyrese Haliburton waited longer than expected on draft night. Considered one of the best guards in the draft, Haliburton went 12th overall to the Sacramento Kings. The Kings were more than happy to take Haliburton with this selection, especially with rumors surrounding De’Aaron Fox‘s future in Sacramento. The point guard stands at 6-foot-5 and plays as a lead guard with terrific transition and shooting from deep. He averaged 15.2 points and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 41.9 percent from three-point range. This pick is the first steal of the night.
13.) New Orleans Pelicans – Kira Lewis Jr., Guard
The New Orleans Pelicans took Kira Lewis Jr. from the University of Alabama with the 13th pick. Lewis upped his draft stock in the last half of his sophomore campaign. He scored a lot in Alabama’s fast-paced system, averaging 16.7 points per game, and has shot at least 35 percent from deep in two consecutive years. Another youngster, Lewis just turned 19-years-old in April. Of course, with his speed, Lewis pairs perfectly with the fast-paced and young Pelicans roster. Fans are already picturing Lewis throwing deep alley-oops to Zion Williamson in transition.
14.) Boston Celtics (via Memphis Grizzlies) – Aaron Nesmith, Guard/Forward
The Boston Celtics took the 14th pick in tonight’s draft thanks to a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies involving Jeff Green back in 2015. With the 14th pick, the Celtics took the best shooter in the draft, Aaron Nesmith from Vanderbilt University. Nesmith is regarded as the best shooter in tonight’s draft. Last season, he shot 52 percent from three-point range in his 14 games of action. His shooting ability is an excellent addition to the playmaking abilities of Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum.
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