2020 NBA Draft prospects

[Domejandro]

I have to be the jerk here, that comp is actually abysmal. Wiggins was excruciatingly passive, which has never been a concern with Edwards.

With respect, I don’t think a lot of you understand/appreciate the dynamic of that Georgia team. I have criticisms of him, but people are missing the mark badly here.

You pointed to one aspect of Wiggins.

I posted this in another thread, but I'll bring it back here. Obviously, they're not the same as prospects, but there are similarities between Edwards and Wiggins. Right or wrong, I am scared you-know-what of ending up with another player of that ilk.

Based on what I've read and seen:
- Edwards, like Wiggins, has an iso-heavy offensive approach. Can he play off the ball?
- Edwards, like Wiggins, relies too much on his pull-up jumper for his offense. The numbers on that are not great.
- Edwards, like Wiggins, has questions about his motor.
- The potential of Edwards, like Wiggins, lies in his physical tools. What skill can you point to?

It’s genuinely a bad comparison.

Edwards is aggressive going to the basketball, is far stronger physically (albeit less naturally athletic), is a better ball-handler, and doesn’t even play like Wiggins.

It’s just one those comparisons where people think it conveniently lines up with the point they are trying to make, but it just isn’t a good comparison.

If the point is “questionable shot selection and spotty defense”, Russell Westbrook is a less ridiculous comp, I guess.

[King Ken]

Wiggins to me was a better prospect for his era coming in compared to Edwards. You knew his game and how he would play.

Slashing, drawing fouls, athletic highlights on defense, and a crazy talented athletic wing with a lanky frame. You knew it would work day 1 and why he had some success early but realized potential was always a question for Wiggins. Always which is why people compared him to DeRozan which never came into fruition

Edwards plays this modern NBA style but badly. Inefficient, boneheaded plays, mixed with wow plays, showcasing tremendous talent and body control with poor game film

He's clearly not really to be a starter day 1 like Wiggins was but there is a chance he can reach his potential and surpass what some think is his realized potential. He has a good motor at times and bad at others but we seen this from Ben Simmons, Bam Adebayo and Gary Trent Jr. Now, I get it, there are a lot more that showcase this that fail but the potential of this working is a case and point.

If I am Minnesota, I'll resign Beasley. Draft Edwards and make him earn everything. That simple.

He's best in the Coby White 6th man role. Considering Minnesota doesn't have anyone in it right now, there is a fit for him in the rotation

[Neeva]

Wiggins to me was a better prospect for his era coming in compared to Edwards. You knew his game and how he would play.

Slashing, drawing fouls, athletic highlights on defense, and a crazy talented athletic wing with a lanky frame. You knew it would work day 1 and why he had some success early but realized potential was always a question for Wiggins. Always which is why people compared him to DeRozan which never came into fruition

Edwards plays this modern NBA style but badly. Inefficient, boneheaded plays, mixed with wow plays, showcasing tremendous talent and body control with poor game film

He's clearly not really to be a starter day 1 like Wiggins was but there is a chance he can reach his potential and surpass what some think is his realized potential. He has a good motor at times and bad at others but we seen this from Ben Simmons, Bam Adebayo and Gary Trent Jr. Now, I get it, there are a lot more that showcase this that fail but the potential of this working is a case and point.

If I am Minnesota, I'll resign Beasley. Draft Edwards and make him earn everything. That simple.

He's best in the Coby White 6th man role. Considering Minnesota doesn't have anyone in it right now, there is a fit for him in the rotation

Did the wolves have someone like Beasley to start over a rookie Wiggins back then?

[whatisacenter]

I don't at all buy into those being the top three. Wiseman yes, Edwards and Ball with horrible shooting and no defense no.
Wiseman would be my preferred pick for us and IMO is by far the best pick for you. If we decide not to take Wiseman I hope we can trade down to Charlotte and get an asset like PJ Washington thrown in. If you guys don't want Wiseman that's perfect for you. If you do want Wiseman maybe we swap with you if you give us next years pick back.

Yeah this is a tough draft to rank the players confidently, I see a lot of players to like throughout the draft but not one to love at the top. Like you I kind of like Wiseman the best because he seems the safest pick but I worry he will just end up an average motor rim runner.

I really can't see a scenario with the Warriors wanting to trade up with no clear number 1 pick.

For the Warriors there is a clear #1 pick. It's Wiseman. Every other spot is filled. He is beyond obvious the best draft pick for them. If we want Wiseman draft him. If we don't offer him to Charlotte who would obviously take him. Then let the Warriors know that if they want him they have to pony up.

I hear you with the fit aspect but wings are the most important position to load up on and the center position in the NBA is becoming the RB position of the NFL where every team needs one but you don't want to use too much of your salary cap on one, IMO. I also think when you are picking at the top of the draft you go for the best player available over fit and Wiseman doesn't grade out as the top player in the draft according to many. I just don't think he would be worth giving up assets for as far as the Warriors are concerned.

[KGdaBom]

Yeah this is a tough draft to rank the players confidently, I see a lot of players to like throughout the draft but not one to love at the top. Like you I kind of like Wiseman the best because he seems the safest pick but I worry he will just end up an average motor rim runner.

I really can't see a scenario with the Warriors wanting to trade up with no clear number 1 pick.

For the Warriors there is a clear #1 pick. It's Wiseman. Every other spot is filled. He is beyond obvious the best draft pick for them. If we want Wiseman draft him. If we don't offer him to Charlotte who would obviously take him. Then let the Warriors know that if they want him they have to pony up.

I hear you with the fit aspect but wings are the most important position to load up on and the center position in the NBA is becoming the RB position of the NFL where every team needs one but you don't want to use too much of your salary cap on one, IMO. I also think when you are picking at the top of the draft you go for the best player available over fit and Wiseman doesn't grade out as the top player in the draft according to many. I just don't think he would be worth giving up assets for as far as the Warriors are concerned.

if the Warriors go for anybody other than Wiseman they will regret it. Weeping and gnashing of teeth level regret it. Wiseman is by far the best player at the biggest position of need. My hope is the Wolves take him to relieve you of that opportunity for regret. . If not we trade him to Charlotte.

[ClarkeW]

Where in the draft do you think Nesmith might fall? I am wondering if it’s worth trading up a handful of spots if he falls into the 12-15 range. A 3-D prospect with the shot already figured out, he’s basically the opposite of someone like Josh Okogie. Play them both together off the bench and they might balance each other out.

What about a trade with the Pelicans that was something like...

Culver & 17 for Melli & 13

Is that selling too low on Culver? I’m not sure where Melli’s value is at league wide but he’s a stretch 4 with Euro experience who I think could be our first big off the bench if we draft Wiseman. Is under contract for $4M next year.

Thoughts about this one?

[Jedzz]

Did the wolves have someone like Beasley to start over a rookie Wiggins back then?

Well yes LaVine. But he was another rookie.

No, no others were brought in because they made absolutely sure not to bring anyone in to compete with him directly. By using LaVine at the 1 or bringing him in off the bench at the 2 they kept him away from Wiggin's role. No vets were brought in that would mess with this. Besides Wiggins originally was supposed to play SF. It wasn't until he started failing at that where everyone started calling him a 2, or even wanting him onball ohmy. Now in Warrior country he's going to have to own the 3 again.

[King Ken]

Where in the draft do you think Nesmith might fall? I am wondering if it’s worth trading up a handful of spots if he falls into the 12-15 range. A 3-D prospect with the shot already figured out, he’s basically the opposite of someone like Josh Okogie. Play them both together off the bench and they might balance each other out.

What about a trade with the Pelicans that was something like...

Culver & 17 for Melli & 13

Is that selling too low on Culver? I’m not sure where Melli’s value is at league wide but he’s a stretch 4 with Euro experience who I think could be our first big off the bench if we draft Wiseman. Is under contract for $4M next year.

Thoughts about this one?

I wouldn't sell early on a top 10 pick.

[SO_MONEY]

Where in the draft do you think Nesmith might fall? I am wondering if it’s worth trading up a handful of spots if he falls into the 12-15 range. A 3-D prospect with the shot already figured out, he’s basically the opposite of someone like Josh Okogie. Play them both together off the bench and they might balance each other out.

What about a trade with the Pelicans that was something like...

Culver & 17 for Melli & 13

Is that selling too low on Culver? I’m not sure where Melli’s value is at league wide but he’s a stretch 4 with Euro experience who I think could be our first big off the bench if we draft Wiseman. Is under contract for $4M next year.

Thoughts about this one?

I wouldn't do it.

[KGdaBom]

Where in the draft do you think Nesmith might fall? I am wondering if it’s worth trading up a handful of spots if he falls into the 12-15 range. A 3-D prospect with the shot already figured out, he’s basically the opposite of someone like Josh Okogie. Play them both together off the bench and they might balance each other out.

What about a trade with the Pelicans that was something like...

Culver & 17 for Melli & 13

Is that selling too low on Culver? I’m not sure where Melli’s value is at league wide but he’s a stretch 4 with Euro experience who I think could be our first big off the bench if we draft Wiseman. Is under contract for $4M next year.

Thoughts about this one?

Nesmith IMO is the best shooter in the draft so he's a great 3 guy, but he's not a D guy at all. Would he be worth moving up for? Maybe. I think you're selling way too low on Culver. Culver would be enough value for Nesmith by himself.

[jpatrick]

I still am not sure if Ball/Russell can work together, although being 6’5” and 6’7”, because each like the ball. However, watching OKC take the lead against the Rockets with three PGs on the floor (Paul, Schroeder, SGA) makes me think it’s possible.

[Baseline81]

It’s genuinely a bad comparison.

Edwards is aggressive going to the basketball, is far stronger physically (albeit less naturally athletic), is a better ball-handler, and doesn’t even play like Wiggins.

It’s just one those comparisons where people think it conveniently lines up with the point they are trying to make, but it just isn’t a good comparison.

If the point is “questionable shot selection and spotty defense”, Russell Westbrook is a less ridiculous comp, I guess.

You didn't respond to the similarities I posted. Do you agree/disagree with one, some, all or none?

[KGdaBom]

I still am not sure if Ball/Russell can work together, although being 6’5” and 6’7”, because each like the ball. However, watching OKC take the lead against the Rockets with three PGs on the floor (Paul, Schroeder, SGA) makes me think it’s possible.

All three of those guys can shoot.

[KGdaBom]

I'm going to stop acting like Ball and Edwards are completely worthless. That is over the top. It just irritates the hell out of me that any team would consider drafting a player who can't shoot and can't or won't play defense at #1. My updated order for the draft.

1 Wiseman
2 Okongwu
3 Avdija
4 Toppin
5 Hayes
6 Edwards
7 Haliburton
8 Okoro (but not for us)
9 Vassell
10 Ball
11 Nesmith
12 Pokusevski

At the positions I rate Ball and Edwards it is extremely unlikely that I would draft either even in a trade down scenario, but they aren't worthless and it was a bit immature of me to act like they were. If we draft either I will go into full on support mode.

[Norseman79]

I'm going to stop acting like Ball and Edwards are completely worthless. That is over the top. It just irritates the hell out of me that any team would consider drafting a player who can't shoot and can't or won't play defense at #1. My updated order for the draft.

1 Wiseman
2 Okongwu
3 Avdija
4 Toppin
5 Hayes
6 Edwards
7 Haliburton
8 Okoro (but not for us)
9 Vassell
10 Ball
11 Nesmith
12 Pokusevski

At the positions I rate Ball and Edwards it is extremely unlikely that I would draft either even in a trade down scenario, but they aren't worthless and it was a bit immature of me to act like they were. If we draft either I will go into full on support mode.

Those rankings are not unreasonable and definitely defendable and your rationale makes sense. There are a few I would rank differently, but you can definitely make a case for why you have them.

[KGdaBom]

I'm going to stop acting like Ball and Edwards are completely worthless. That is over the top. It just irritates the hell out of me that any team would consider drafting a player who can't shoot and can't or won't play defense at #1. My updated order for the draft.

1 Wiseman
2 Okongwu
3 Avdija
4 Toppin
5 Hayes
6 Edwards
7 Haliburton
8 Okoro (but not for us)
9 Vassell
10 Ball
11 Nesmith
12 Pokusevski

At the positions I rate Ball and Edwards it is extremely unlikely that I would draft either even in a trade down scenario, but they aren't worthless and it was a bit immature of me to act like they were. If we draft either I will go into full on support mode.

Those rankings are not unreasonable and definitely defendable and your rationale makes sense. There are a few I would rank differently, but you can definitely make a case for why you have them.

Yeah I think they're reasonable. The talking heads on ESPN and such would crucify me for how low I have Edwards and Ball, but that is the way I see it.

[southern wolf]

I think Beasley will be 6th man.

Yeah you don't bring the #1 pick off the bench. If we draft...

oh my, history repeats like a dagger.

History lesson #1. Wiggins #1 overall. (We must start him!/Can't play off bench!/Make LaVine 6th man!) Epic Fail.

History lesson #2. Already have Rubio. (Dunn! and he should start 10 games in!/Culver! starting PG!) Epic Fails.

History lesson #3. OKC Harden. Zero starts in first season. 7 starts over three OKC seasons. 6th man! Getting minutes without having to start against starters. Less pressure. Carrot to improve and earn starting job over time. Becomes...greatness?


minimus' idea sort of doable if that's their choice. neeva/southern wolf...No. Virtual slap. Wake up. We've already made coffee. Shake it off.

Wiggins didn't have an NBA ready build, so that wasn't going to work and Dunn was just awful apart from some defensive flashes. They will probably resign Beasley on big money and pick someone other than Edwards anyway, so we might not have to worry about making that call.

[jpatrick]

I'm going to stop acting like Ball and Edwards are completely worthless. That is over the top. It just irritates the hell out of me that any team would consider drafting a player who can't shoot and can't or won't play defense at #1. My updated order for the draft.

1 Wiseman
2 Okongwu
3 Avdija
4 Toppin
5 Hayes
6 Edwards
7 Haliburton
8 Okoro (but not for us)
9 Vassell
10 Ball
11 Nesmith
12 Pokusevski

At the positions I rate Ball and Edwards it is extremely unlikely that I would draft either even in a trade down scenario, but they aren't worthless and it was a bit immature of me to act like they were. If we draft either I will go into full on support mode.

I appreciate different points of view and I do like both centers, just don’t think we’ll take either because of Towns and the devaluation of centers.

The other thing to note is that you say shooting is so critical but you have Deni high (love him btw) who has a career FT% in the low 60s (which is generally the best sign of shooting ability) as well as Hayes who shot 28 or 29% from three last year.

Note that I do believe in both Deni’s and Hayes’ shots because they have nice form similar to how I believe in Edwards’ shot.

[southern wolf]

I'm going to stop acting like Ball and Edwards are completely worthless. That is over the top. It just irritates the hell out of me that any team would consider drafting a player who can't shoot and can't or won't play defense at #1. My updated order for the draft.

1 Wiseman
2 Okongwu
3 Avdija
4 Toppin
5 Hayes
6 Edwards
7 Haliburton
8 Okoro (but not for us)
9 Vassell
10 Ball
11 Nesmith
12 Pokusevski

At the positions I rate Ball and Edwards it is extremely unlikely that I would draft either even in a trade down scenario, but they aren't worthless and it was a bit immature of me to act like they were. If we draft either I will go into full on support mode.

I could definitely see Wiseman becoming the best player in this years draft, but can we make the twin towers work with him and KAT? Looking at the way all these playoff teams are constructed at the moment it's mainly small ball or one 7 footer lineups. The Davis and Boogie experiment is the only time two legit star bigs have started together in recent years and that didn't last long.

[jpatrick]

I'm going to stop acting like Ball and Edwards are completely worthless. That is over the top. It just irritates the hell out of me that any team would consider drafting a player who can't shoot and can't or won't play defense at #1. My updated order for the draft.

1 Wiseman
2 Okongwu
3 Avdija
4 Toppin
5 Hayes
6 Edwards
7 Haliburton
8 Okoro (but not for us)
9 Vassell
10 Ball
11 Nesmith
12 Pokusevski

At the positions I rate Ball and Edwards it is extremely unlikely that I would draft either even in a trade down scenario, but they aren't worthless and it was a bit immature of me to act like they were. If we draft either I will go into full on support mode.

I could definitely see Wiseman becoming the best player in this years draft, but can we make the twin towers work with him and KAT? Looking at the way all these playoff teams are constructed at the moment it's mainly small ball or one 7 footer lineups. The Davis and Boogie experiment is the only time two legit star bigs have started together in recent years and that didn't last long.

You’re forgetting Philly’s Embiid/Horford experiment this year, which much like Boogie/Davis, was a disaster.