The Ringer. This was their predictions last year.
https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/9/14/21435542/nba-mock-draft
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards (Guard/Wing, Georgia)
Edwards brings a downhill scoring presence that could complement both Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. Decision-making and shooting were apparent flaws during his freshman season at Georgia, but he has undeniable long-term upside as a scorer and shot creator. It’s not a great year to have the first pick, but if Edwards pans out he could complete a Big Three in Minnesota.
2. Golden State Warriors: Deni Avdija (Wing, Maccabi Tel Aviv)
Everything is on the table for the Warriors with this pick. They could stay put, trade down, or move entirely out. Sources from multiple front offices believe Golden State’s preference is to draft a wing. That could mean Edwards, who has size. But Edwards is a shaky decision-maker at this stage of his career (and he’s off our board anyway). Avdija makes logical sense as a highly experienced player who projects as a versatile 6-foot-9 forward with playmaking skills. Ideally, the Warriors would be able to trade down for him since two bigger-name prospects are still on the board.
3. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball (Guard, Illawarra)
Don’t let Devonte’ Graham’s presence or Terry Rozier’s contract fool you. The Hornets are a blank canvas. Ball would immediately give them an identity as an up-tempo team with his flashy playmaking. That said, it’s a risk since Ball needs to prove he can shoot efficiently and put in effort on defense. He may lack some foundational skills, but his upside is clear.
4. Chicago Bulls: James Wiseman (Big, Memphis)
New Bulls front office head Arturas Karnisovas is in an intriguing position; he’s inheriting a roster with lots of young guards like Coby White and Zach LaVine, and bigs like Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter. Wiseman is a large, imposing center who flashes perimeter skills and would immediately land atop Chicago’s depth chart, and drafting him will signal trades on the horizon. He probably won’t give Karnisovas pause, as the Bulls need to be shaken up.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Isaac Okoro (Wing, Auburn)
The Cavaliers need someone who can defend at a high level, especially with such a small backcourt. Okoro is arguably the best defender in this class and a competitor who brings versatility and a competitive mindset. Okoro isn’t a safe pick, though; his jumper doesn’t fall with any consistency.
6. Atlanta Hawks: Obi Toppin (Big/Wing, Dayton)
Why not find Trae Young another athletic lob threat? Toppin played like Amar’e Stoudemire on offense at Dayton and his skills could translate seamlessly to the pros. He’s a gravity-defying leader and he can shoot 3s. That’s if he’s able to stay on the floor on defense. But multiple scouts and executives recently expressed they project Toppin as a wing on defense; he measures 6-foot-9, 220 pounds—similar to Kyle Kuzma, a great example of a player who’s improved dramatically on defense. It’d be a risky pick, but Toppin could improve similarly with an NBA strength and conditioning program and a superior supporting cast.
7. Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes (Guard, Ulm)
Hayes is my top-ranked prospect in the draft, but scouts have dramatically mixed opinions. Some view him as a mid-first-round prospect because of his raw ball-handling and trouble making 3s. Others see him as a top-five prospect for his dynamic playmaking, heady defense, and projectable scoring upside due to his high free throw percentage and smooth stepback jumper. Detroit shouldn’t hesitate to roll the dice, especially in a draft with so many question marks and the team’s need for a high-level shot-creator.
8. New York Knicks: Patrick Williams (Wing, Florida State)
The Knicks have not been connected to Williams, but multiple front office sources around the league say Williams has drawn heavy interest from teams in the mid-to-late lottery. He came off the bench as a freshman and averaged only 9.2 points, but at 6-foot-8 he displayed a knack for scoring off the dribble and playing solid defense. Shot creation and versatility are premium skills: Shouldn’t that make Williams a lottery pick, as underdeveloped as he might be?
9. Washington Wizards: Onyeka Okongwu (Big, USC)
In a feature I wrote about Bradley Beal and the Wizards, general manager Tommy Sheppard told me he sees an opportunity to “swing for the fences, take a wild card, buy a lottery ticket, if you will.” But the team is targeting a big, which makes Okongwu a logical choice. He has drawn comparisons to Bam Adebayo, which is high praise considering the Heat star’s excellent defense and facilitating skills on offense. Okongwu shares similar strengths, which means he could become a foundational piece of a franchise.
10. Phoenix Suns: Tyrese Haliburton (Guard, Iowa State)
Ricky Rubio has shown the importance of having a second playmaker next to Devin Booker. Rubio pushes Booker off the ball more often, giving him a more balanced offensive diet that leads to more efficient results. But Rubio turns 30 in October and has only two seasons left on his contract. Haliburton, another high-IQ passer who can play well with or without the ball, could be an immediate contributor and Phoenix’s ideal successor for Rubio.
11. San Antonio Spurs: Devin Vassell (Wing, Florida State)
Vassell is my top-ranked wing in the class. He’s a smart defender and a blossoming offensive talent who plays hard and unselfishly within his role. Sounds like a classic Spurs pick to me.
12. Sacramento Kings: Precious Achiuwa (Big, Memphis)
The Kings don’t even have a GM yet. But don’t expect the new hire to stick with the current core; Marvin Bagley III was Vlade Divac’s mistake and won’t prevent Sacramento from drafting another big. Achiuwa is raw, but brings energy and bouncy athleticism.
13. New Orleans Pelicans: Jalen Smith (Big, Maryland)
Smith is receiving interest from teams in the mid-first round, according to league sources. He makes far too much sense for the Pelicans; he’s a big who can space the floor with shooting off movement like screens and handoffs. The Pelicans will need a big like Smith next to an interior player like Zion Williamson. Smith needs to make strides on defense, but maybe an NBA program can help him become less stiff and more plia
14. Boston Celtics: Aleksej Pokusevski (Big, Olympiacos B)
The Celtics don’t really need anything. They’re deep at wing, have low-cost centers, and have plenty of lead ball handlers. With two more first-rounders later, why not take a boom-or-bust player here? Pokusevski is the draft’s biggest gamble: He’s a 7-foot beanpole who can shoot and handle like a guard. He’ll become the second-youngest player drafted since high schoolers were barred from entering. Pokusevski might not pan out if he doesn’t add weight, but the Celtics can afford to roll the dice.
15. Orlando Magic: Cole Anthony (Guard, North Carolina)
I’m not buying the Markelle Fultz renaissance as much as everyone else is. It’s great he’s improving, but he still shot only 26.7 percent from 3 and 36.8 percent on all jumpers. And his shot remains ugly. Fultz can contribute, but he can’t be counted on as a building block, so the Magic could use a lead ball handler. Anthony is a former top high school prospect who struggled as a freshman but remains a dynamic scoring talent.
16. Portland Trail Blazers: Aaron Nesmith (Wing, Vanderbilt)
What a gift Nesmith would be for the Blazers. He’s a knockdown shooter who could develop into a solid defender. If Gary Trent Jr. can excel in Portland, then so could Nesmith.
I thought everyone would be hyped with all of the top talent in upcoming draft.
) - I want that kid from Illinois and the one with the cool nickname who can shoot really well (Bones?).
