{"id":35743,"date":"2020-12-15T10:00:49","date_gmt":"2020-12-15T15:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=35743"},"modified":"2020-12-14T21:57:11","modified_gmt":"2020-12-15T02:57:11","slug":"2020-nba-draft-grades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2020\/12\/15\/2020-nba-draft-grades\/","title":{"rendered":"2020 NBA Draft Grades"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2020 NBA Draft was unlike any other. After a five-month hiatus, the league resumed its annual draft, held virtually this season, last month. With the start of the 2020-21 campaign less than a few weeks away, it&#8217;s time to issue official grades for the 2020 NBA Draft.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Grades for the 2020 NBA Draft<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Atlanta Hawks: B<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/o\/okongon01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Onyeka Okongwu<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/skylar-mays-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Skylar Mays<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite a 2020 NBA Draft class that lacked a ton of immediate impact players, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/atlanta-hawks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Atlanta Hawks<\/a> found one of them with the sixth overall selection. Onyeka Okongwu is considered one of the better bigs in this class. His size, standing at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and weighing 245 pounds, should translate well into the league. Okongwu excels at rim-running and rim-protecting. The University of Southern California product is lauded for his defensive abilities, which is a big need for Atlanta. Offensively, he&#8217;ll need some work. The Hawks also added Skylar Mays, a senior guard out of LSU, who should be able to contribute offensively off the bench next season. Both will benefit from playing alongside the youthful and talented <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/capelca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clint Capela<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/y\/youngtr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trae Young<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Boston Celtics: C<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/aaron-nesmith-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Aaron Nesmith<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/payton-pritchard-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Payton Pritchard<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/draft\/2020\/prospects\/yam-madar\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Yam Madar<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/boston-celtics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boston Celtics<\/a> failed to make any major splashes on draft night. Consider this grade as an average draft. The Celtics entered the night with four selections in the Top 50. With the 14th overall pick, Boston selected the best shooter in this year&#8217;s draft, Aaron Nesmith from Vanderbilt. Then, with the 26th pick, Boston picked up Payton Pritchard, a four-year guard from Oregon. Both project as good rotational pieces, which works with the talented Celtics&#8217; lineup of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/walkeke02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kemba Walker<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/tatumja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jayson Tatum<\/a><\/strong>, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brownja02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaylen Brown<\/a><\/strong>. Lastly, Boston added Yam Madar, a defensive-minded guard from Hapoel Tel Aviv. While the Celtics traded away for future draft selections, they fell short of adding any additional rim protection.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Brooklyn Nets: B+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/reggie-perry-2.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Reggie Perry<\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/nets\/\" target=\"_self\">Brooklyn Nets<\/a> superteam will be healthy next year, and there&#8217;s still potential to add another superstar in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hardeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Harden<\/a><\/strong>. While the Nets only acquired one draft selection during the 2020 NBA Draft, this was a smart decision. Brooklyn sent the 19th pick away to acquire <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/shamela01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Landry Shamet<\/a><\/strong>, a lengthy wing who can immediately contribute as a role player. The Nets also swapped out the 55th pick, Jay Scrubb, for Reggie Perry from Mississippi State. Perry is a classic late second-round selection: an offensive-minded big who needs plenty of development.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Charlotte Hornets: D<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/lamelo-ball-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>LaMelo Ball<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/vernon-careyjr-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Vernon Carey Jr.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/nick-richards-2.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Richards<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/grant-riller-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Grant Riller<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/charlotte-hornets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Charlotte Hornets<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> took the exciting and newsworthy LaMelo Ball with the third pick. Ball is considered one of the biggest risk-reward selections in this draft, which could be concerning for a team in full rebuild mode. Yes, Ball is one of the flashiest ball-handlers and passers in this draft. However, Ball&#8217;s jump shot needs work and his defense is a question mark. Add in a crowded guard corps in Charlotte with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/roziete01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Terry Rozier<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/grahade01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devonte&#8217; Graham<\/a><\/strong>, this pick is only smart for selling tickets. It will be interesting to see how Charlotte&#8217;s three second-round picks fare, in Vernon Carey Jr., Nick Richards, and Grant Riller.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Chicago Bulls: B-<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=willia006pat&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patrick Williams<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/draft\/2020\/prospects\/marko-simonovic\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Marko Simonovic<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p>With the fourth-overall selection, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/bulls\/\" target=\"_self\">Chicago Bulls<\/a> took Patrick Williams from Florida State. Williams was the youngest player in the 2020 NBA Draft and still very raw. The freshman recorded zero starts during his lone collegiate season. The upside? The Florida State product has a prototype build to succeed as an athletic forward in this league. Standing at 6-foot-8 and 225 pounds, Williams jumped on draft night thanks to his outstanding team workouts. With the 44th pick, Chicago took 6-foot-11 center Marko Simonovic out of Montenegro. Simonovic is a lengthy outside threat, who needs help on the defensive end. Still, the Bulls are years away from serious contention.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Cleveland Cavaliers: B+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/isaac-okoro-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isaac Okoro<\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/cleveland-cavaliers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> only had one pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the front office got this one right. Cleveland selected Isaac Okoro, a wing forward from Auburn, with the fifth overall selection. Heading into draft night, Okoro was one of the most polished wings in this draft. Like many of his fellow draftees, Okoro still needs to develop some consistency on the offensive side of the floor, especially with his jump shot. However, the 6-foot-6 and 225 pound forward has an NBA-ready body, and the ability to defend multiple positions. Okoro fits nicely with Cleveland&#8217;s young nucleus of guards in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/garlada01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Darius Garland<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sextoco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Collin Sexton<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><b>Dallas Mavericks: A+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=green-003jos&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Green<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/tyrell-terry-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyrell Terry<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/tyler-bey-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Bey<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/mavericks\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Mavericks<\/a> had a busy draft night and walked away with one of the best grades from the 2020 NBA Draft. Dallas entered the night with just two picks but walked away with three and the five-year NBA veteran <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/richajo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Richardson<\/a><\/strong>. With their two original picks, Dallas selected Josh Green, a standout wing from Arizona, and Stanford&#8217;s Tyrell Terry. Terry should be considered the steal of this draft at 31st overall. Terry is one of the best shooters in this draft, and despite his smaller frame, should work nicely in the modern NBA ala Young or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/curryst01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stephen Curry<\/a><\/strong>. Dallas then turned a trade for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/curryse01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Seth Curry<\/a> <\/strong>into Richardson and Tyler Bey, the 36th pick. These four additions are key pieces to building a more talented and diverse roster around budding superstar <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/doncilu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luka Doncic<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Denver Nuggets: B<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/zeke-nnaji-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zeke Nnaji<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hamptrj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">R.J. Hampton<\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/denver-nuggets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Denver Nuggets<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> enjoyed a successful run last season. Denver finished as the third seed in a stacked Western Conference and earned a berth in the conference semifinals against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/lakers\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Lakers<\/a>. With <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/murraja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jamal Murray<\/a> <\/strong>and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jokicni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikola Jokic<\/a> <\/strong>in store, Denver wasn&#8217;t in desperate need of adding talent to this roster. The Nuggets selected the floor-spacing 7-footer Zeke Nnaji with the 22nd pick. Nnaji hails from Arizona. There&#8217;s no question that Nnaji can further develop his game alongside Jokic as both play a very similar style of play. Denver also drafted R.J. Hampton with the 24th pick. Hampton has the potential to be a steal of this draft. The explosive guard was a top recruit coming out of high school. He opted to play overseas in New Zealand instead of a single college basketball season. An injury-riddled campaign shorted Hampton&#8217;s draft stock, but he has all the tools to become a star in the league.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Detroit Pistons: A<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hayeski01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Killian Hayes<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=isaiah-stewart-1,isaiah-stewart-2&amp;search=Isaiah+Stewart&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isaiah Stewart<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/saddiq-bey-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Saddiq Bey<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/saben-lee-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Saben Lee<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/detroit-pistons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Detroit Pistons<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> had one of the busiest nights during the 2020 NBA Draft. Detroit walked away with three Top 20 selections, all of whom possess serious potential. The Pistons took Killian Hayes seventh overall, a lefty guard from France. Hayes is lethal in the pick-and-roll and one of the better guards in this draft. Detroit also added Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey, two athletic wings with floors of being solid 3-and-D options in the league. Detroit finished 20-46 last season and was one of the least talented teams in the league. It&#8217;s all about adding prospects and developing those prospects in this type of situation. The Pistons also added veterans <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/arizatr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trevor Ariza<\/a><\/strong><strong>,<\/strong> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcgruro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rodney McGruder<\/a><\/strong><strong>,<\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bradlto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tony Bradley<\/a><\/strong> in draft-night deals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Golden State Warriors: A-<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=wisema000jam&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Wiseman<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/nico-mannion-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nico Mannion<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/justinian-jessup-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Justinian Jessup<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/golden-state-warriors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Golden State Warriors<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> were in a unique position on draft night. After the loss of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/duranke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Durant<\/a> <\/strong>to the Nets two years ago and a year of injuries to Curry and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/thompkl01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Klay Thompson<\/a><\/strong>, Golden State ended up with the second pick. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The idea was to add an NBA-ready talent with the second pick and place this rookie into a talented lineup of Curry, Thompson, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wiggian01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andrew Wiggins<\/a><\/strong>, and\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/greendr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Draymond Green<\/a><\/strong>. Unfortunately, the news of Thompson\u2019s Achilles injury throws a wrench into this equation, but the Warriors still enjoyed a successful draft night. Golden State added James Wiseman, a rim-running-and-protecting center with the potential for great things. The Warriors also picked up Nico Mannion, a very smooth pass-first point guard from Arizona.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Houston Rockets: F<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/247sports.com\/player\/kenyon-martin-46046321\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Kenyon Martin Jr.<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/rockets\/\" target=\"_self\">Houston Rockets<\/a> are a sinking ship. First, general manager Daryl Morey stepped down. Then, the Rockets traded away\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/westbru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Russell Westbrook<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>after the superstar requested a ticket out of Houston. While the Rockets added\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=wall--003joh&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Wall<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>in return, another superstar in the form of Harden desperately wants out. To add more bad news for Houston fans, the Rockets suffered an unsuccessful draft night. They traded away Ariza and a mid-first round pick for future draft selections. In the end, Houston added one prospect in Kenyon Martin Jr. with the 52nd pick. Martin Jr. is the son of former 15-year NBA veteran <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/martike01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kenyon Martin<\/a><\/strong>, a player with simply average potential.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Indiana Pacers: C+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/cassius-stanley-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cassius Stanley<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not easy to grade a team with one late second-round selection. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/indiana-pacers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Indiana Pacers<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> took Cassius Stanley, an explosive freshman wing from Duke, with the 54th pick. Stanley was fairly inconsistent at Duke, playing mainly in off-the-ball situations. Regardless, he&#8217;s one of the most explosive athletes in this draft and has a lot of raw potential in the league.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Los Angeles Clippers: A-<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/daniel-oturu-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel Oturu<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/scrubja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Jay Scrubb<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/los-angeles-clippers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Los Angeles Clippers<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are another team looking to add talented pieces to a playoff roster. Los Angeles accomplished just that with the 2020 NBA Draft. The Clippers turned Shamet, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcgruro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rodney McGruder<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the 57th pick into two middle-late-round picks and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kennalu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luke Kennard<\/a><\/strong>. Kennard is a valuable asset to go alongside the other stars with the Clippers. Daniel Oturu should fill in as a nice rotational big, and Jay Scrubb was a JUCO star in college.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Memphis Grizzlies: A<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/desmond-bane-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Desmond Bane<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/xavier-tillman-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Xavier Tillman<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/memphis-grizzlies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Memphis Grizzlies<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a team that has a clear-cut identity and looking to build into it. They accomplished this on draft night. Desmond Bane and Xavier Tillman are two gritty and tough-minded players who both fit this bill. Bane hails from TCU and profiles as a big-bodied and physical guard. Tillman is a 6-foot-8 power forward\/center with Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors. Both should transition seamlessly into the grit-and-grind mentality of the Grizzlies, led by <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/moranja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ja Morant<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brookdi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dillon Brooks<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=jacksja01,jacksja02&amp;search=Jaren+Jackson&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a><\/strong>, and<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/clarkbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brandon Clarke.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Miami Heat: B+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/precious-achiuwa-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Precious Achiuwa<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/miami-heat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Miami Heat<\/a> used their only pick of the night at 20th overall to draft Precious Achiuwa from the University of Memphis. Achiuwa is a solid fit for this franchise, especially with the ability to study playing behind <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/adebaba01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bam Adebayo<\/a><\/strong>. The forward\/wing combo stands at 6-foot-9 and a strong 223 pounds. In addition to his solid stature, Achiuwa has a proven ability to play above the rim. Scouts describe his energy as his greatest asset, which fits very nicely into Miami&#8217;s system.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Milwaukee Bucks: F<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/jordan-nwora-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jordan Nwora<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/sam-merrill-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Merrill<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heading into draft night, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/bucks\/\" target=\"_self\">Milwaukee Bucks<\/a> hoped to add valuable pieces around superstar <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/antetgi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a><\/strong>. Milwaukee possessed just two late-round picks that night, so this was better accomplished through trades. There was an apparent sign-and-trade deal with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/kings\/\" target=\"_self\">Sacramento Kings<\/a> for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bogdabo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bogdan Bogdanovic<\/a><\/strong>. This would have been a great addition, but Bogdanovic never agreed to the deal and it was quashed. Since then, the Bucks successfully traded for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/holidjr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jrue Holiday<\/a><\/strong>, but this was accomplished post-draft.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Minnesota Timberwolves: B<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=anthony-edwards-1,anthony-edwards-2&amp;search=Anthony+Edwards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Edwards<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bolmale01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Leandro Bolmaro<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/jaden-mcdaniels-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaden McDaniels<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/timberwolves\/\" target=\"_self\">Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> entered the 2020 NBA Draft with the number one pick. Unfortunately for Minnesota, the 2020 draft class was void of a clear-cut number one selection. Ultimately, the Timberwolves went with Anthony Edwards from the University of Georgia, the consensus first pick. This move was successful and necessary. Edwards fills a need next to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/townska01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/russeda01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">D\u2019Angelo Russell<\/a><\/strong>, however, there are questions about his ceiling. Minnesota also flipped the 17th pick into\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rubiori01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ricky Rubio<\/a><\/strong> to add an NBA veteran to the roster. Leandro Bolmaro went 23rd while Jaden McDaniels went 28th. Bolmaro is a lengthy guard that struggles with his jump shot, while McDaniels has the necessary tools and size for a wing at 6-foot-10, but struggles mightily with consistency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>New Orleans Pelicans: A-<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/kira-lewisjr-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Kira Lewis Jr.<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/pelicans\/\" target=\"_self\">New Orleans Pelicans<\/a> continued to build for the future on draft night. The Pelicans took Kira Lewis Jr.from the University of Alabama with the 13th pick. Lewis scored a lot in Alabama\u2019s fast-paced system, averaging 16.7 points per game, and has shot at least 35 percent from deep in two consecutive years. He&#8217;s another guard that needs to develop defensively, but his game works nicely with the young talent in New Orleans. The Pelicans also added a lottery-protected pick for 2023 and two future second-round picks in pick-swaps.<\/p>\n<h3><b>New York Knicks: C+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/obadiah-toppin-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Obi Toppin<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/immanuel-quickley-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Immanuel Quickley<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The 2020 NBA Draft got off to a great start for the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/knicks\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Knicks<\/a>. New York took the homegrown talent, Obi Toppin, with the eighth overall pick. The Knicks had eyed Toppin for a long time, and while the 22-year-old needs a lot of defensive development, this pick is exciting and should sell seats. It&#8217;s a natural Knicks&#8217; pick. Take the kid from New York who throws &#8220;dunk-contest&#8221; style throwdowns in-game, and you sell some seats. Draft night went downhill from there. New York stood with the 23rd pick while a few talented names remained on the board in Terry, Desmond Bane, and Hampton. Instead, New York traded down to take Immanuel Quickley at 25. It&#8217;s not to say Quickley is a bad pick, considering he won SEC Player of the Year honors, but Terry and Bane were likely better fitted here.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Oklahoma City Thunder: C-<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/pokusal01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Aleksej Pokusevski<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/maledth01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Theo Maledon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/krejcvi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Vit Krejci\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/oklahoma-city-thunder\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> General Manager Sam Presti had a busy night. Shortly after acquiring <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/greenda02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Danny Green<\/a><\/strong> from the Lakers for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/schrode01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dennis Schroder<\/a>,<\/strong> the Thunder sent Green to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/76ers\/\" target=\"_self\">Philadelphia 76ers<\/a>. In exchange, the Thunder received an aging <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/horfoal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Al Horford<\/a><\/strong> and two draft picks. The Thunder ended up with Theo Maledon at 34th because of this deal. Oklahoma City also ended up taking Aleksej Pokusevski at 17th in the aftermath of the blockbuster <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/paulch01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Paul<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>trade with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/suns\/\" target=\"_self\">Phoenix Suns<\/a>. Finally, the Thunder swapped their 53rd pick with Washington for their 37th pick which became Vit Krejci. Oklahoma City heads into a rebuild, and it should be noted how these three international prospects pan out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Orlando Magic: B+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/cole-anthony-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cole Anthony<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p>After an injury-riddled freshman campaign at the University of North Carolina,\u00a0Cole Anthony&#8217;s draft stock fell. Still, Anthony has the potential to be one of the more talented players in this draft. In addition, Anthony fuels some competition into the point guard position in Orlando, currently led by <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/fultzma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Markelle Fultz<\/a><\/strong>. It&#8217;s easy to draw comparisons between the two. Both were high-profiled high school recruits that struggled during their one season in college. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/magic\/\" target=\"_self\">Orlando Magic<\/a> fans are hopeful a little competition brings out the best in both of these young guards.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Philadelphia 76ers: A<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/tyrese-maxey-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyrese Maxey<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/isaiah-joe-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isaiah Joe<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=paul-reed-2,paul-reed-5,paul-reed-4,paul-reed-3,paul-reed-1&amp;search=Paul+Reed&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paul Reed<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s a new day for the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/philadelphia-76ers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Philadelphia 76ers<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey. The highlights from the 2020 NBA Draft night come from Morey&#8217;s ability to add veteran shooters to a roster that desperately needs them. Philadelphia added both Green and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/curryse01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Seth Curry<\/a> in exchange for future picks. It&#8217;s unfortunate to let go of valuable draft pieces, but Philadelphia is in a win-now mode. The 76ers were also gifted with Tyrese Maxey still available at 21. Maxey is a very capable combo guard standing at 6-foot-3. The Kentucky product can score in bunches, displays a nice shooting touch, and can create open shots with his handles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Phoenix Suns: D<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=smith-000jal&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Smith<\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/phoenix-suns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Phoenix Suns<\/a> entered draft night with the 10th pick. The Suns have a couple of roster needs to surround the new duo of Paul and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bookede01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devin Booker<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>One, for certain, is adding length and strength in the paint. However, the less obvious need is adding a score-first combo guard that could create a lethal three-guard lineup with Paul and Booker. Phoenix reached in selecting Jalen Smith, a big-bodied and athletic shot-blocker from the University of Maryland, with the 10th pick. At the time, both Haliburton and Lewis Jr. were still available. It fits a need, but this pick was too much of a stretch for the Top 10.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Portland Trail Blazers: C+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/cj-elleby-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CJ Elleby<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/portland-trail-blazers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Portland Trail Blazers<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> acquired <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/covinro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Robert Covington<\/a><\/strong> ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft. This is a good addition to the lineup of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lillada01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Damian Lillard<\/a> <\/strong>and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mccolcj01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CJ McCollum<\/a>. <\/strong>Unfortunately, Portland had to depart with their first-round pick in this deal. As a result, the Trail Blazers took CJ Elleby at 46th overall. Elleby is a left-handed wing with a proven ability to score. While Elleby isn&#8217;t super athletic or explosive, he may find rotational minutes in the coming years. This was an uneventful and less-than-sexy night for Portland.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Sacramento Kings: A+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/tyrese-haliburton-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyrese Haliburton<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/woodaro01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Robert Woodard II<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/jahmius-ramsey-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jahmi&#8217;us Ramsey<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/kings\/\" target=\"_self\">Sacramento Kings<\/a> had one of the best draft nights in the league. It started with a gift because Tyrese Haliburton was still available at 12. Haliburton is viewed as a perfect complementary guard to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/foxde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>De\u2019Aaron Fox<\/strong><\/a>. The contrast of speed versus size and Haliburton&#8217;s advanced basketball IQ is seen as an exemplary move by the Kings. Sacramento also landed\u00a0Robert Woodard II\u00a0at 40th, which is considered a steal. The Kings then took\u00a0Jahmi&#8217;us Ramsey at 43rd, an unproven gamble with a higher ceiling than most late-round picks. Additionally, the Kings added a pair of future picks.<\/p>\n<h3><b>San Antonio Spurs: A<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/devin-vassell-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devin Vassell<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=jones-004tre&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tre Jones<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/spurs\/\" target=\"_self\">San Antonio Spurs<\/a> did what they do best in selected high-IQ players who fit perfectly in the system. While Devin Vassell and Tre Jones are not super-sexy picks, both provide high value at their respective draft slots. Vassell is one of the purest shooters in this draft and Jones was one of the best guards in the college landscape. Jones doesn&#8217;t possess a ton of NBA athleticism or size, but if he could succeed with Duke&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/mike-krzyzewski-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mike Krzyzewski<\/a>, then he&#8217;ll likely do well with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/gregg-popovich-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gregg Popovich<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Toronto Raptors: B+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/malachi-flynn-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malachi Flynn<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=jalen-harris-13,jalen-harris-2,jalen-harris-1&amp;search=Jalen+Harris&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Harris<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/toronto-raptors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Toronto Raptors<\/a> are another franchise that usually holds its own on draft night. The 2020 NBA Draft is no different. In a draft lacking future superstars, the Raptors successfully drafted two prospects that fill needs and fit the system. Toronto took Malachi Flynn with the 29th pick, a guard that looks and players similar to both <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lowryky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyle Lowry<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vanvlfr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fred VanVleet<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>Flynn stands at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, which may be considered small, but displays a high basketball IQ and toughness in his game. Jalen Harris went 59th overall from the University of Nevada. Harris offered great offensive production for a mid-major school and could be a dark horse pick. Toronto knows a thing or two about dark horse picks as VanFleet produced offensively as a junior for a mid-major school.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Utah Jazz: B+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/udoka-azubuike-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Udoka Azubuike<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/elijah-hughes-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Elijah Hughes<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/utah-jazz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Utah Jazz<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> kicked off draft night by successfully dumping <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bradlto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tony Bradley<\/a> <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for cash and future considerations. Utah then selected Udoka Azubuike at 27th and Elijah Hughes at 39th. Azubuike is a bruising 7-footer that may not have a place in today&#8217;s NBA. Still, he&#8217;ll mature playing besides <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rudy Gobert<\/a>. <\/strong>Hughes is a prototypical wing-build from Syracuse. While his stock wasn&#8217;t incredibly high, this is a good selection at 39.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Washington Wizards: B<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Picks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/deni-avdija-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Deni Avdija<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/cassius-winston-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cassius Winston<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Analysis:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/nba-teams\/washington-wizards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Washington Wizards<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> had a solid draft night, adding two high-IQ players in Deni Avdija<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>at ninth overall and Cassius Winston at 53rd. Avdija enjoyed a highly-successful overseas career and possesses a high ceiling because of his playmaking and defense. Winston is considered undersized for a point guard, but he&#8217;s another great system guy coming from Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Main Photo<br \/>\n<a id=\"kHKszv4WTkttFhehAci15w\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1206758768\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'kHKszv4WTkttFhehAci15w',sig:'Ax9FT3ikTwsZdVs3t2xQu-pnyjbuaAJT4y_nvdB6FsQ=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1206758768',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2020 NBA Draft was unlike any other. After a five-month hiatus, the league resumed its annual draft, held virtually this season, last month. With the start of the 2020-21 campaign less than a few weeks away, it&#8217;s time to issue official grades for the 2020 NBA Draft.\u00a0 Grades for the 2020 NBA Draft Atlanta [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3508,"featured_media":35855,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[556,1608,62],"tags":[2697,96,605,563],"class_list":["post-35743","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba-draft","category-basketball","category-nba","tag-2020-nba-draft","tag-nba","tag-nba-eastern-conference","tag-nba-western-conference"],"modified_by":"Nicolette Rojo, Associate Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3508"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35743"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35743\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35743"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}