Appropriately early 2020 NBA Draft Thread

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2020 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Anthony Edwards Leads Early Projections

Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman headline our first mock draft of the season

1. Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia

Height: 6’5” | Weight: 225 | Age: 18 | Freshman

Spoiler:

By my estimation, Edwards is the early answer to the No. 1 pick conundrum, offering the most appealing combination of athleticism, shot-creation, defensive potential and sheer upside. Though far from a finished product, he checks the right boxes from a physical perspective, and possesses the base skills to eventually justify a high-usage backcourt role down the line. His pull-up game and off-dribble scoring continues to improve, and his natural strength and explosiveness are a plus, even if he’s a bit undersized for a two-guard. He shoots jumpers naturally enough to project with optimism, and it helps in all facets that he’ll be one of the younger players in this draft class. Edwards’ passing and decision-making skills are a work in progress, but so long as he can score the ball efficiently and learns the value of shot selection, he’ll have a chance to be quite good, and a legitimate building block worthy of the hype.

2. Knicks — LaMelo Ball, G, Illawarra Hawks

Height: 6’6” | Weight: 180 | Age: 18

Spoiler:

If you cut through all the hype and off-court drama that’s surrounded his family, Ball, in a vacuum, possesses a wealth of attractive on-court traits. His size, playmaking feel, jump shooting potential, and capacity to play uptempo gives him a chance to be a high-impact player at the NBA level, with a logical pathway to augmenting a team’s offense with his unique skill set. In a best-case scenario, Ball could become a productive lead guard, with potential to serve as the engine for a high-powered offense as his pull-up game continues to improve. His play, predictably, has been up and down in Australia so far, and accounting for his age, that’s to be expected—the simple fact he’s been productive, and a key part of his team’s offense, means something in itself. Safe to say, teams are monitoring him quite closely, and a respectable body of work in the NBL may legitimize his case as a top selection.

The biggest impediment Ball will face moving forward comes from his lack of plus strength and explosiveness. He’s been able to compensate to this point with a shifty handle and his ability to change speeds, and while his size helps a great deal, Ball still has a ways to go to fully account for his weaknesses at the highest level. Defensively, he might be a sieve. And while fun to watch, it’s unclear how much his freewheeling style of play contributes to winning basketball in a vacuum. Like his older brother Lonzo, LaMelo might project best as an above-average supporting player, rather than as a star who can prop up a successful team by way of his own ability. If we’re comparing the two, LaMelo is a much more scoring-oriented guard, with a natural level of comfort attacking off the dribble and playing in tight spaces that his brother still lacks on some level.

3. James Wiseman, C, Memphis

Height: 7’1” | Weight: 240 | Age: 18 | Freshman

Spoiler:

Wiseman enters the season with a relatively defined case as the No. 1 pick, but also with a lot to prove. He essentially went rail to rail as the top-ranked prospect in his high school class, with obvious upside tied to his sheer size, body type, and explosiveness off the floor. There’s no question Wiseman fits in the NBA athletically, and he’s added an impressive amount of muscle over the past year. The elite physical component (he boasts a 7’4.5” measured wingspan and stands 6’11” barefoot) makes him the rare center potentially worth an early-draft investment, particularly given the associated financial commitment. Still, he’ll have to translate those tools into production, and the Tigers will benefit from a rather soft schedule.

Defensively, Wiseman should eventually be impactful, with solid shot-blocking instincts and the ability to cover distance quickly both on the ground and in the air. That alone will earn him meaningful NBA minutes in due time. He could be more Myles Turner than Deandre Ayton. But his offensive skill set is still a work in progress, and his game remains rather left-hand dominant. He tends to play more of a finesse style and fall back on shooting jumpers rather than bang on the interior. While Wiseman isn’t the first blue-chip center to enter college with that type of problem, he must prove he can consistently be a threat to justify many of the shots he takes. It’s also noteworthy that NBA teams continue to question his occasionally dispassionate approach. All that being said, a productive, efficient season can go a long way.

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Spoiler:

Tyrese Maxey (Kentucky, SG, Freshman)



No prospect helped himself more on Tuesday in New York than Tyrese Maxey. He finished with 26 points and controlled Kentucky's offense, giving it timely penetration and shot-making.

He also buried Michigan State in the final minute with a dagger isolation pull-up from NBA range.

A 6'3", powerful combo guard, Maxey shook defenders with hesitations, leading to 10 free-throw attempts and high-percentage floaters. He looked comfortable scoring and passing off ball screens, and he demonstrated his signature shot-making with three triples.

Nitpickers may point out he lacks traditional size at 6'3" for a 2 and natural playmaking skills to run the point full time. But his driving ability, build for taking contact, runner game, shooting and defensive toughness are too strong for an inch or two to make a difference when evaluating his fit and potential.

Regardless of who's drafting at No. 5, Maxey appears on his way toward becoming a "best player available" option after Anthony, Edwards, Ball and Wiseman.

Bleacher Report

[CP War Hawks]

Maxey does like 6-3 at best with the eye test. Has some quasi Donovan Mitchell vibes. No brainer with the Nets pick. Could actually outplay the Hawks pick being a Kentucky guy where most pan out.

[Jamaaliver]

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[jayu70]

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Four prospects Warriors could take with No. 1 pick

James Wiseman, C, Memphis

Wiseman was ruled ineligible by the NCAA's No Fun Police on Friday, but a Shelby County judge halted the ruling for the time being, later that day. When Wiseman is on the floor, however long that might be, he looks like possibly the best fit for the Warriors, as well as the best player in the country.

The 7-foot freshman was the top recruit in the country for a reason, and through two games, he is averaging 22.5 points, 10 rebounds and 4.0 blocks over 23.5 minutes per game for Memphis. With his size and explosiveness, Wiseman easily should be a lob threat and big-shot blocker right away at the next level. He has the skill and upside to work on post moves, and quickly add an outside game as well.

Spoiler:

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Cole Anthony, G, North Carolina

No other big man is close to Wiseman when it comes to next year's draft. It's likely that a run of guards and small forwards will be called atop the lottery, but the Warriors can't worry about fit.

Even with such a star-studded roster when healthy, Golden State should add the best player available if it's selecting No. 1. At the worst, the pick becomes one of the most valuable assets in the game and could be an early contributor off the bench if he doesn't fit in the Warriors' starting five.

Anthony looks about as pro-ready as any prospect, too. The son of former 11-year pro Greg Anthony, Cole has put on a show to begin his college career at North Carolina. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Anthony scored 34 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in his first college game, a 76-65 win over Notre Dame. Through two games, Anthony, the No. 2 recruit last year behind Wiseman, is averaging 27 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists over 35.5 minutes per game.

Spoiler:

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Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia

Edwards has played in only one game thus far, and looked like a star in Georgia's 91-72 win over Western Carolina. The sturdy 6-5, 225-pound shooting guard scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and also went 4 of 7 from 3-point range.

Edwards screams potential with his strength and explosiveness. He also could be an impressive slasher right away, and will use his athleticism to find ways to score. Edwards shot 7 of 16 from the field in his first game, and will have to prove he can be a consistent jump shooter in the NBA.

Comparisons to Donovan Mitchell will have lottery teams eyeing Edwards' every move.

Spoiler:

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LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawarra Hawks

LaMelo, the younger brother of former No. 2 overall pick Lonzo Ball, continues to be one of the more polarizing prospects in years. Questions about his maturity on and off the court quickly have gone away, as he has looked like one of the best players in Australia's NBL at just 18 years old.

Ball is a 6-7 point guard who sees the floor with next-level vision. He has touch around the rim, and should improve from beyond the arc with more strength and NBA coaches' help in tweaking his shooting form.

His ability to set up his teammates and control the game as a play-maker are extremely advanced, though. Ball is averaging 14.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game as a pro in Australia.

Spoiler:

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NBC -- Bay Sports

[King Ken]

We are a low floor, high ceiling team who expect to win 38-44 games but that was with Collins in the fold. Right now, this is a 30 win team like we were last year.

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

This definitely seems like something this flaky kid would do. (Pretty sure it's what happened in Lithuania.)

Illawarra Hawks Reject Rumors LaMelo Ball Could Depart Team Midseason

Illawarra Hawks coach Matt Flinn denied speculation that LaMelo Ball could leave the team early to the United States, saying he expects the star guard to play the entire season in the NBL.

"As far as I'm concerned, he's contracted for the season, and he's buying in like every other player we've got," Flinn told reporters Saturday. "I hear speculation, but we just treat it day by day. "

Flinn's comments came after Ball had 24 points, eight assists and six rebounds while leading the Hawks to a 101-91 win over the Cairns Taipans. While Ball has been sensational during his run with the NBL, it was just Illawarra's second win of the season.

The 2-7 Hawks' struggles to compete at the top of the league has fueled speculation Ball could return to the U.S. to prepare for the 2020 NBA draft. He's given scouts more than enough film to show vast improvement from his high school days and has put himself in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

A draft candidate for that Brooklyn pick:

(He's #23 for the Blue Team)

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Isaac Okoro (Auburn, SF/PF, Freshman)

Expected to fill Chuma Okeke's role at Auburn, Okoro projects as an immediate contributor for his defensive toughness and ability to guard inside and out. He'll win over scouts with his physical tools, at 6'6" and 225 pounds, and impact over stats and flashy scoring.

Shooting will be a key that unlocks his draft stock, and though not known for it, the eye test believes in his made jump shots in high school.

Bleacher Report

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[kg01]

Which pg you scouting for us this week, 'mal?

[Jamaaliver]

Which pg you scouting for us this week, 'mal?

As much as we need a competent backup-PG to run the offense when Trae sits, I'm on the lookout for scoring wings.

A big, bruising SG/SF who can create his own shot. Cam isn't ready and Huerter is a limited player.

With that in mind:

Shooting Guard: RJ Hampton (New Zealand Breakers, 2001)

The 6'5" Hampton, who's used on and off the ball, has flashed impressive burst and a good first step attacking off the catch. He's at his best getting downhill in transition or slashing in the half court, demonstrating strong footwork on the move and body control around the basket.

His jump shot isn't a huge strength, but it isn't a major problem, either. He hit at least one three in six of his first seven games (including a season-high four against Cairns). He looks comfortable when set and is capable of pulling up over his man.

Hampton will add value with secondary playmaking as well. Using his vision when driving to the basket, he picks up kick-out and dump-down assists off ball screens and penetration. Praised for his maturity, Hampton figures to become viewed as a safer 2020 pick in the late-lottery range. He's likely to develop into a solid role player and NBA starter, not a future All-Star.

Shooting Guard: Tyrese Maxey (Kentucky, Freshman)

Maxey looks poised to give the class and NBA general managers another exciting guard prospect. He immediately pops for his 198-pound frame, which diminishes some concern about his 6'3", 2-guard size.

Maxey isn't even that explosive, but defenders have a tough time staying in front of him since he's terrific at using hesitations to freeze his man before gaining a step and penetrating. Still, finishing will wind up being a signature strength, as he has a knack for finding the right angle to bank in a runner or activating touch on floaters.

With a powerful body, he bounces off and scores through contact on layup attempts, despite lacking highlight bounce.

Shot-making is another key element of Maxey's offense, as he loves to pull up in transition with defenders on their heels. And he demonstrates plenty of range and good technique hopping into catch-and-shoot threes off the ball.

Bleacher Report

[kg01]

Which pg you scouting for us this week, 'mal?

As much as we need a competent backup-PG to run the offense when Trae sits, I'm on the lookout for scoring wings.

A big, bruising SG/SF who can create his own shot. Cam isn't ready and Huerter is a limited player.

With that in mind:

Shooting Guard: RJ Hampton (New Zealand Breakers, 2001)

The 6'5" Hampton, who's used on and off the ball, has flashed impressive burst and a good first step attacking off the catch. He's at his best getting downhill in transition or slashing in the half court, demonstrating strong footwork on the move and body control around the basket.

His jump shot isn't a huge strength, but it isn't a major problem, either. He hit at least one three in six of his first seven games (including a season-high four against Cairns). He looks comfortable when set and is capable of pulling up over his man.

Hampton will add value with secondary playmaking as well. Using his vision when driving to the basket, he picks up kick-out and dump-down assists off ball screens and penetration. Praised for his maturity, Hampton figures to become viewed as a safer 2020 pick in the late-lottery range. He's likely to develop into a solid role player and NBA starter, not a future All-Star.

Shooting Guard: Tyrese Maxey (Kentucky, Freshman)

Maxey looks poised to give the class and NBA general managers another exciting guard prospect. He immediately pops for his 198-pound frame, which diminishes some concern about his 6'3", 2-guard size.

Maxey isn't even that explosive, but defenders have a tough time staying in front of him since he's terrific at using hesitations to freeze his man before gaining a step and penetrating. Still, finishing will wind up being a signature strength, as he has a knack for finding the right angle to bank in a runner or activating touch on floaters.

With a powerful body, he bounces off and scores through contact on layup attempts, despite lacking highlight bounce.

Shot-making is another key element of Maxey's offense, as he loves to pull up in transition with defenders on their heels. And he demonstrates plenty of range and good technique hopping into catch-and-shoot threes off the ball.

Bleacher Report

So we giving up on dudes after 10 games? Good thing you weren't in charge of Trae's development last season. We would've traded him for DJ Augustin after summer league, right?

I'm just messin with you, don't yell at me (again).

I think we need bigs more. So now that you're a mod, and presumably work for us (I'm sure that's how it works), I'd like you to focus your efforts there.

Thanks.

[Jamaaliver]

Which pg you scouting for us this week, 'mal?

As much as we need a competent backup-PG to run the offense when Trae sits, I'm on the lookout for scoring wings.

A big, bruising SG/SF who can create his own shot. Cam isn't ready and Huerter is a limited player.

So we giving up on dudes after 10 games? Good thing you weren't in charge of Trae's development last season. We would've traded him for DJ Augustin after summer league, right?

I'm not giving up on Huerter at all. I think he's a starter on this team moving forward. I still like Hunter D quite a bit, too.

Cam, though...whew.

He looks really bad right now. And it's been a long time since he looked like an efficient, productive player. I wouldn't pass on a stud SG just because Reddish is here.