The 2020 NBA Draft is underway. Follow along with NBA Draft analyst Sam Vecenie and The Athletic’s front office insider John Hollinger for instant analysis as each pick is made — with instant grades, projections, trade analysis and more.
Going into tonight’s draft, Vecenie’s latest big board listed the top 10 available players as follows: 1. LaMelo Ball (18, G, Ilwarra Hawks), 2. James Wiseman (18, C, Memphis), 3. Anthony Edwards (18, G, Georgia), 4. Onyeka Okongwu (18, F/C, USC), 5. Isaac Okoro (19, W, Auburn), 6. Tyrese Haliburton (20, G/W, Iowa State), 7. Deni Avdija (19, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv), 8. Obi Toppin (22, F/C, Dayton), 9. Killian Hayes (18, G, Ulm), 10. Patrick Williams (19, F, Florida State).
Now Available: SamVecenie’s final Mock Draft
Sam Vecenie’s 2020 NBA Draft Guide
— Top 100 prospects, player tiers, evaluations and more
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LIVE DRAFT TRACKER
TRADE: Pistons acquire No. 16 pick, Trevor Ariza
From James Edwards III: Pistons are getting No. 16 in tonight and Ariza (counts as $7.1 million on books) from Houston in exchange for a future first. As I reported, the pick is top-16 protected for the next 4 years, top-10 protected the following two and then top-9 protected. After that, it becomes seconds.
TRADE: Presti, Thunder add Al Horford, more draft capital
The Philadelphia 76ers agree to trade Al Horford to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Danny Green, a source told The Athletic, confirming ESPN’s initial report. Oklahoma City will also receive a first- and second-round pick for Green who was traded to the Thunder from the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week. The Thunder will get the No. 34 overall pick in tonight’s draft.
Round 1
Pick: 1 | Team: Timberwolves | Player: Anthony Edwards | 6-5 guard | 225| 19, freshman | Georgia
Vecenie’s scouting report: Edwards has every single physical attribute in order to become an All-Star. That translates into him being a high-level shot creator. But right now, he just doesn’t play winning basketball due to his shot decisions and poor defensive effort. Basically, Edwards’ future comes down to Edwards himself. If he wants to become an All-Star, he can do that. All it will take is hard work and an insatiable desire to be great.
Ranking: No. 3
Hollinger’s team fit: A powerful shooting guard with upside, Edwards fits here better than LaMelo Ball or James Wiseman. Unfortunately, he also fits because he coasts along at about 35% effort on defense. At least one of those three will need to actually try on that end.
I would have picked…
Vecenie: Trade Down | Hollinger: LaMelo Ball
Related Reading: Vecenie: 2020 NBA Draft College Coaches Poll: Varying opinions on Anthony Edwards | Ethan Strauss: Anthony Edwards, Isaac Okoro and more: NBA Draft talk with Evan Zamir, Part 2
Pick: 2 | Team: Warriors | Player: James Wiseman | 7-1 center | 245 | 19, freshman | Memphis
Vecenie’s scouting report: Wiseman profiles as one of the NBA’s elite rim protectors. He’s also going to be an elite finisher and I’d buy into him as a shooter. The big question surrounds how good he can be as a defender away from the rim. If he can become a guy who doesn’t struggle away from the hoop when on an island with a guard, he has real all-star upside. If not, he’ll be more of a solid starter.
Ranking: No. 2
Hollinger’s team fit: I’m not a fan of drafting centers, especially this highly. Wiseman certainly fits the Warriors’ needs, however, as a big, rangy center who can run the floor and showed flashes of perimeter skill. With Golden State in win-now mode, his high trade value helps too.
I would have picked…
Vecenie: Wiseman | Hollinger: Onyeka Okongwu or trade down
Related Reading: Ethan Strauss: 2020 NBA Draft: A word of warning on James Wiseman | Seth Davis: James Wiseman goes to the Warriors: Here’s what they’re getting
Pick: 3 | Team: Hornets | Player: LaMelo Ball | 6-6 guard | 175 | 18 years old | Illawarra Hawks
Vecenie’s scouting report: Ball should enter the NBA as one of the most creative passers in the league from Day One. He’ll make plays at a high level early because of his basketball IQ, his live dribble passing and his experience playing up in competition level from a young age. His ability to be an elite-level distributor and creator who can get separation from defenders and break down defenses at this age gives him a higher upside than anyone in the class.
Ranking: No. 1
Hollinger’s team fit: Ball is the most talented player in the draft, and Charlotte needs an infusion of talent above all else. There are no sure things in this draft, but this is an absolute no-brainer of a pick that gives the Hornets a chance at a star.
I would have picked…
Vecenie: Sprint to podium for Ball| Hollinger: Ball
Related Reading: Joe Vardon: Doing LaMelo things: What four wild months in Ohio taught us about Ball
Pick: 4 | Team: Bulls | Player: Patrick Williams | 6-8 forward/wing | 225 | 18, freshman | Florida State
Vecenie’s scouting report: Williams has risen in the minds of teams throughout the draft process. He ticks the boxes of being a potential two-way forward in an NBA that continues to crave them. As long as Williams knocks down 3s at a 35 to 37 percent level off the catch, he’s going to be a really high-level player for a long time. There’s a somewhat low-likelihood outcome of star upside, too. But I think he probably settles in more as a starting caliber 4.
Ranking: No. 9
Hollinger’s team fit: I understand the lure – Williams is the youngest collegian in the draft and had an alluring combo of size and perimeter skill, and he fits the roster. But I see more of a role player than a star here. I had Williams 14th on my board.
I would have picked…
Vecenie: Isaac Okoro| Hollinger: Tyrese Haliburton
Related Reading: NBA agent survey: 20 reps talk star trades, free agency, draft, bubble, best GMs
Pick: 5 | Team: Cavaliers | Player: Isaac Okoro | 6-6 wing | 225 | 19, freshman | Auburn
Vecenie’s scouting report: Ultimately, everything hinges on the shot. If he shoots it at even a reasonable level, he’s a monstrous role player who helps you win as a secondary player. He does a lot of similar things to Andre Iguodala entering the NBA out of Arizona. His feel is off the charts, he defends multiple positions at a high level, and he can pass. If the jumper breaks right, he has real all-star upside. If it stays poor, he’s probably more just a rotation guy.
Ranking: No. 5
Hollinger’s team fit: Okoro fills a need on a Cleveland team that has been pitiful defensively the past two seasons. He’s a strong, athletic wing who should be the Cavs’ stopper right away. His offensive limitations are a concern, however, especially the shooting. One wonders if Cleveland could have grabbed him further down.
I would have picked…
Vecenie: Isaac Okoro| Hollinger: Obi Toppin
Related Reading: Kelsey Russo: Bruce Pearl on Auburn’s Isaac Okoro and his fit with the Cavs
Pick: 6 | Team: Hawks | Player: Onyeka Okongwu | 6-9 center | 245| 19, freshman | USC
Vecenie’s scouting report:It’s hard to find centers who can close games because they can credibly protect the rim, rebound and also play switchable coverages on the perimeter. Okongwu can be that guy because he’s so strong and has such quick footspeed. Plus, he has a great motor. This skillset is in high demand across the NBA. Where the upside for Okongwu will be is if he can take any strides offensively as a playmaker and creator. If he does, he has some All-Star potential.
Ranking: No. 4
Hollinger’s team fit: Okongwu was the most talented player on my board, but this is a tough fit. The Hawks already have John Collins and Clint Capela in the frontcourt and need wing help in a major way. He’ll be a big plus defensively on a team that struggled to guard, but one also wonders if this portends another trade.
I would have picked…
Vecenie: Tyrese Haliburton| Hollinger: Tyrese Haliburton
Related Reading: Ethan Strauss: Buying stock in USC big Onyeka Okongwu
Pick: 7 | Team: Pistons | Player: Killian Hayes | 6-5 guard | 215 | 18, freshman | Ulm
Pick: 8 | Team: Knicks | Player:
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Round 2
Pick: 31 | Team: Mavericks (from GSW) | Player:
Pick: 32 | Team: Hornets (from CLE) | Player:
Pick: 33 | Team: Timberwolves | Player:
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Pick: 58| Team: 76ers (from LAL) | Player:
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(Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
