2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watch - Revised Poll

[Ghost of Kleine]

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The @ringer’s NBA Draft experts, @KevinOConnorNBA, @JonathanTjarks, and @jkylemann, answer the 10 biggest questions leading up to the 2020 NBA draft!

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[bwgood77]

LA Times mock:

1. Minnesota: Anthony Edwards, SG, 6-5, 225, Georgia

The Timberwolves have to be thrilled to have the No. 1 pick — their core is close to being complete — and with this pick they can find the right pairing for Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. Scouts love Edwards’ size, strength and ability to get his own shot. He’s a streaky shooter who needs to improve his selection, but he’s the most logical choice for the Timberwolves.

2. Golden State: James Wiseman, C, 7-1, 240, Memphis

Teams as good as the Warriors almost never pick this high in the draft. They have a lot of options (some people say they really like Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton), but the smart money is on Wiseman, the center of the Warriors’ future. He can dominate at the rim on both ends of the court and is skilled enough to eventually be a focal point on offense. Of course, a trade could be an option as the Warriors want to get right back to the NBA Finals after a lost season because of injuries.

3. Charlotte: LaMelo Ball, PG, 6-6, 181, U.S.

The Hornets are rumored to be in the market for a center, and Wiseman would be perfect. But if he’s off the board, would they look elsewhere for the big man they need? They’ve got point guards in Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham, but neither of those players should keep you from taking Ball, maybe the most talented player in the draft. He’s perfect for the NBA pick-and-roll and can stretch defenses with his range. His defense is bad, but with effort and reps, there’s room for growth.

4. Chicago: Obi Toppin, 6-9, 220, PF, Dayton

Toppin gives the Bulls a do-it-all offensive big, a player with a lot of bounce to catch lobs while still having great touch from outside the three-point line. The Bulls have invested a lot of draft capital in bigs with limited success, but Toppin could pair with either Lauri Markkanen or Wendell Carter Jr. He’ll probably never affect games defensively, but he showed at Dayton that he’s the real deal on offense.

5. Cleveland: Deni Avdija, SF, 6-9, 215, Israel

Scouts love Avdija’s all-around game, and in a perfect world he’d join a team that doesn’t need him to be a first (or maybe even a second) option on offense. The strengths in Avdija’s game are spread more evenly, with the biggest questions surrounding his ability to take over games. Cleveland has two guards in Collin Sexton and Darius Garland willing to take those shots. A playmaking wing would be a good fit.

6. Atlanta: Tyrese Haliburton, PG, 6-5, 175, Iowa State

Haliburton’s skills pair perfectly with Trae Young. He’s comfortable playing off the ball and good enough defensively to help cover for Young’s deficiencies on that side of the ball. And when the Hawks need another playmaker, Haliburton is more than comfortable running an offense.

7. Detroit: Patrick Williams, SF, 6-8, 225, Florida State

Some scouts and executives believe Williams has a promise to the Pistons if he’s still on the board here. Detroit must like Williams’ combination of measurables, potential and youth, an ideal complementary player to any rotation. He wasn’t that productive last season, but Williams’ athleticism and two-way potential is eye-catching.

8. New York: Onyeka Okongwu, C, 6-9, 245, USC

Okongwu might not be on the board this late — he’s got fans much higher in the draft because of his potential to be a dominant defensive big man. He’s a prototypical modern center who can defend at the rim and on the perimeter in switches.

9. Washington: Isaac Okoro, SF, 6-6, 225, Auburn

Okoro is a high-impact defender, the kind of player who helps you win with his willingness to dedicate himself to slowing the other team’s top player. He’s a smart player on offense and can play off of talent. There are questions about his shooting and, ultimately, scoring abilities.

10. Phoenix: Killian Hayes, PG, 6-5, 192, France

Hayes has great size for a point guard and has shown plus instincts when it comes to running a team while playing in Germany. The Suns can’t have enough guys willing to put the ball in Devin Booker‘s and Deandre Ayton’s hands.

11. San Antonio: Aaron Nesmith, SF, 6-6, 213, Vanderbilt

Nesmith is one of the best shooters in the draft, and the Spurs could use some valuable floor spacing. Nesmith has a reputation for being a good leader, the kind of player the Spurs’ system seems to value.

12. Sacramento: Devin Vassell, SG, 6-7, 195, Florida State

While some scouts are alarmed with the changes to Vassell’s shooting mechanics, the Kings need backcourt help with Buddy Hield’s unhappiness and Bogdan Bogdanovic’s free agency.

13. New Orleans: Saddiq Bey, F, 6-8, 216, Villanova

Bey is a favorite of some scouts who would have him in the second tier of wings in this draft. He’s a really good shooter despite some funky mechanics. New Orleans has to be looking for spacing to pair with Zion Williamson.

14. Boston: Precious Achiuwa, PF, 6-9, 225, Memphis

The Celtics need some physical players, and Achiuwa projects as a high-energy big with some shooting range on the offensive end.

15. Orlando: Kira Lewis Jr. PG, 6-3, 165, Alabama

The Magic need a point guard, so why not go get the fastest one in the draft? Lewis is skinny, but he can fly.

16. Portland: Josh Green, SG, 6-6, 210, Arizona

Green has the ideal size and stroke for a 3-and-D wing, and the Trail Blazers badly need depth at the position.

17. Minnesota: Jaden McDaniels, PF, 6-10, 200, Washington

The Timberwolves should hunt for the most talented player available, and while he’s incredibly raw, McDaniels could be that guy.

18. Dallas: Isaiah Stewart, C, 6-9, 250, Washington

Stewart’s got an NBA body ready to go from Day One, the kind of bulk Dallas needs next to 7-3 Kristaps Porzingis.

19. Brooklyn: Aleksej Pokusevski, PF, 7-0, 195, Serbia

There are interesting guard options available, but Pokusevski’s combination of size and skill is rare.

20. Miami: Jahmi’us Ramsey, PG, 6-4, 195, Texas Tech

A tough-nosed combo guard who cares about winning? Sounds like Miami’s kind of guy.

21. Philadelphia; Cole Anthony, PG, 6-3, 190, North Carolina

The 76ers should welcome a player hell-bent on putting the “points” in the “point guard.”
22. Denver: Tyrese Maxey, SG, 6-3, 198, Kentucky

Maxey is a tough, versatile guard who can play either position in the backcourt and would give Denver another option.

23. Utah: Theo Maledon, PG, 6-5, 180, France

Maledon has great size for a point guard and has a lot of experience for a 19-year-old.

24. Milwaukee: Jalen Smith, PF, 6-10, 225, Maryland

Smith is an active big man who also has the potential to be a floor-spacer, a must in Milwaukee’s system.

25. Oklahoma City: RJ Hampton, G, 6-5, 185 pounds, U.S.

The Thunder’s rebuild appears to be fully on, so why not grab a combo guard with room to grow?

26. Boston: Leandro Balmero, SG, 6-7, 185, Argentina

Balmero has good size and great vision, but there are questions about his scoring. Boston can afford the risk.

27. New York: Tyrell Terry, PG, 6-2, 160, Stanford

Terry has the kind of shooting, IQ and feel that could make him a great value if he’s still on the board.

28. Lakers: Nico Mannion, PG, 6-3, 190, Arizona

Mannion didn’t shoot well enough to be taken much higher, but his smarts make him an attractive fit for the playmaking-starved Lakers.

29. Toronto: Desmond Bane, SG, 6-6, 215, TCU

Bane is an aggressive scorer with prototypical size and some room to grow as a complete player.

30. Boston: Tyler Bey, F, 6-7, 215, Colorado

Bey was the best defender in the Pac-12 and can guard anyone 1-4 while making a respectable number of threes.

[darealjuice]

Bey's interesting because he's actually pretty skilled as an offensive player while shooting so well from 3. He handles the ball well, shoots the 3 well off the catch and dribble, is comfortable posting up on mismatches, and has a decent isolation game. I don't think he has the burst and quickness to consistently create his own shot against wings in the NBA, but he should be good to attack hard closeouts. He should be able to play some 4 in the NBA, and you can never have enough 3 and D.

I do wonder if it's worthwhile to draft another wing when we already have Oubre, Bridges, and Cam fighting for minutes and Dario and/or Frank potentially returning though, especially when our point guard spot is so murky after Rubio. Then again, I'd also hate to be relying on a rookie point guard to be productive as a back-up when we're trying to make the playoffs.

[TheLogician]

Bey's interesting because he's actually pretty skilled as an offensive player while shooting so well from 3. He handles the ball well, shoots the 3 well off the catch and dribble, is comfortable posting up on mismatches, and has a decent isolation game. I don't think he has the burst and quickness to consistently create his own shot against wings in the NBA, but he should be good to attack hard closeouts. He should be able to play some 4 in the NBA, and you can never have enough 3 and D.

I do wonder if it's worthwhile to draft another wing when we already have Oubre, Bridges, and Cam fighting for minutes and Dario and/or Frank potentially returning though, especially when our point guard spot is so murky after Rubio. Then again, I'd also hate to be relying on a rookie point guard to be productive as a back-up when we're trying to make the playoffs.

Totally agree. I think we would be in good shape with Carter, Payne, and a rookie like Riller in the second unit.

[darealjuice]

Bey's interesting because he's actually pretty skilled as an offensive player while shooting so well from 3. He handles the ball well, shoots the 3 well off the catch and dribble, is comfortable posting up on mismatches, and has a decent isolation game. I don't think he has the burst and quickness to consistently create his own shot against wings in the NBA, but he should be good to attack hard closeouts. He should be able to play some 4 in the NBA, and you can never have enough 3 and D.

I do wonder if it's worthwhile to draft another wing when we already have Oubre, Bridges, and Cam fighting for minutes and Dario and/or Frank potentially returning though, especially when our point guard spot is so murky after Rubio. Then again, I'd also hate to be relying on a rookie point guard to be productive as a back-up when we're trying to make the playoffs.

Totally agree. I think we would be in good shape with Carter, Payne, and a rookie like Riller in the second unit.

I'd still try to bring in a back-up point guard in free agency, even if we even up drafting a guard. We need someone that we can rely on to get a bucket and distribute a bit off the bench. I loved Payne in the bubble, but I'm hesitant to believe he can be that guy for a full season given his history, and Carter isn't much of a facilitator.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Bey's interesting because he's actually pretty skilled as an offensive player while shooting so well from 3. He handles the ball well, shoots the 3 well off the catch and dribble, is comfortable posting up on mismatches, and has a decent isolation game. I don't think he has the burst and quickness to consistently create his own shot against wings in the NBA, but he should be good to attack hard closeouts. He should be able to play some 4 in the NBA, and you can never have enough 3 and D.

I do wonder if it's worthwhile to draft another wing when we already have Oubre, Bridges, and Cam fighting for minutes and Dario and/or Frank potentially returning though, especially when our point guard spot is so murky after Rubio. Then again, I'd also hate to be relying on a rookie point guard to be productive as a back-up when we're trying to make the playoffs.

Totally agree. I think we would be in good shape with Carter, Payne, and a rookie like Riller in the second unit.

I'd still try to bring in a back-up point guard in free agency, even if we even up drafting a guard. We need someone that we can rely on to get a bucket and distribute a bit off the bench. I loved Payne in the bubble, but I'm hesitant to believe he can be that guy for a full season given his history, and Carter isn't much of a facilitator.

I really like the idea of low cost options such as Shaquille Harrison or Shabazz Napier for around 3 million per, Or Maybe Rondo or Teague for around 4-5 million, Or if we prioritize the MLE for a veteran backup guard, Then either Augustine at around 6-7, Or even toss the full MLE at Kris Dunn ( try and steal him away from Chicago).

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[Ghost of Kleine]

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The Miami heat drafted and stashed Duncan Robinson in the G league to develop into an impact contributor and lethal floor spacing wing. I think that Justinian Jessop could be that for us as an undrafted two way player stah option. His shooting, Much like Merrills' is ELITE! It would cost us near to nothing to draft and stash Jessop ( or Merrill really) in the G league. And have them developed for us!

** If having one Cam Johnson is awesome, Imagine how awesome having two would be? Or having a Cam Johnson AND a Duncan Robinson on the same roster with a Booker/ Bridges/ Oubre/ Ayton!

[Ghost of Kleine]

I love the fit for Tyrell Terry as a backup guard option for our team.

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[Blonde]

Tyrell Terry is climbing up my draft board as well, and is one of the bigger “reaches” that I would be pretty comfortable with at 10. People need to understand that he is not Trae Young, but I do believe he’s just scratching the surface of what he can become. If he can show a more advanced handle and floater game then I’d be fully sold.

In terms of PGs for the Suns my board right now goes: Hayes, Ball, Lewis, Haliburton, Terry, Maxey, Anthony. I’d be okay with any of those guys at 10.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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IF we were to trade up into the top 4, And all of : Hayes, Haliburton, Toppin, Vassell, Okungwu were still on the board, Whom do you choose as your top choice? And why?

[WeekapaugGroove]

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[Saberestar]

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If the Suns finally draft Kira we all can stop saying that the FO is tight as ****.

[Djedefre]

I do not want us to have anything with Ball. With him reaching his full 'potential' or not. Doesn't matter. Also, trading up in this draft is, imo, borderline stupid.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I do not want us to have anything with Ball. With him reaching his full 'potential' or not. Doesn't matter. Also, trading up in this draft is, imo, borderline stupid.

Also, trading up in this draft is, imo, borderline stupid

Perhaps?

But then again, It really depends on a couple of things:

- Whose available at that hypothetical spot.
- What the front offices' full plan is, And the projected fit/ role of the target prospect to our team.
- What kind of value could be mined from possibly flipping that acquired pick along with another piece to another team? I'd have to see the full framework of the trade in order to properly determine value.

[DirtyDez]

Spoiler:

LA Times mock:

1. Minnesota: Anthony Edwards, SG, 6-5, 225, Georgia

The Timberwolves have to be thrilled to have the No. 1 pick — their core is close to being complete — and with this pick they can find the right pairing for Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. Scouts love Edwards’ size, strength and ability to get his own shot. He’s a streaky shooter who needs to improve his selection, but he’s the most logical choice for the Timberwolves.

2. Golden State: James Wiseman, C, 7-1, 240, Memphis

Teams as good as the Warriors almost never pick this high in the draft. They have a lot of options (some people say they really like Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton), but the smart money is on Wiseman, the center of the Warriors’ future. He can dominate at the rim on both ends of the court and is skilled enough to eventually be a focal point on offense. Of course, a trade could be an option as the Warriors want to get right back to the NBA Finals after a lost season because of injuries.

3. Charlotte: LaMelo Ball, PG, 6-6, 181, U.S.

The Hornets are rumored to be in the market for a center, and Wiseman would be perfect. But if he’s off the board, would they look elsewhere for the big man they need? They’ve got point guards in Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham, but neither of those players should keep you from taking Ball, maybe the most talented player in the draft. He’s perfect for the NBA pick-and-roll and can stretch defenses with his range. His defense is bad, but with effort and reps, there’s room for growth.

4. Chicago: Obi Toppin, 6-9, 220, PF, Dayton

Toppin gives the Bulls a do-it-all offensive big, a player with a lot of bounce to catch lobs while still having great touch from outside the three-point line. The Bulls have invested a lot of draft capital in bigs with limited success, but Toppin could pair with either Lauri Markkanen or Wendell Carter Jr. He’ll probably never affect games defensively, but he showed at Dayton that he’s the real deal on offense.

5. Cleveland: Deni Avdija, SF, 6-9, 215, Israel

Scouts love Avdija’s all-around game, and in a perfect world he’d join a team that doesn’t need him to be a first (or maybe even a second) option on offense. The strengths in Avdija’s game are spread more evenly, with the biggest questions surrounding his ability to take over games. Cleveland has two guards in Collin Sexton and Darius Garland willing to take those shots. A playmaking wing would be a good fit.

6. Atlanta: Tyrese Haliburton, PG, 6-5, 175, Iowa State

Haliburton’s skills pair perfectly with Trae Young. He’s comfortable playing off the ball and good enough defensively to help cover for Young’s deficiencies on that side of the ball. And when the Hawks need another playmaker, Haliburton is more than comfortable running an offense.

7. Detroit: Patrick Williams, SF, 6-8, 225, Florida State

Some scouts and executives believe Williams has a promise to the Pistons if he’s still on the board here. Detroit must like Williams’ combination of measurables, potential and youth, an ideal complementary player to any rotation. He wasn’t that productive last season, but Williams’ athleticism and two-way potential is eye-catching.

8. New York: Onyeka Okongwu, C, 6-9, 245, USC

Okongwu might not be on the board this late — he’s got fans much higher in the draft because of his potential to be a dominant defensive big man. He’s a prototypical modern center who can defend at the rim and on the perimeter in switches.

9. Washington: Isaac Okoro, SF, 6-6, 225, Auburn

Okoro is a high-impact defender, the kind of player who helps you win with his willingness to dedicate himself to slowing the other team’s top player. He’s a smart player on offense and can play off of talent. There are questions about his shooting and, ultimately, scoring abilities.

10. Phoenix: Killian Hayes, PG, 6-5, 192, France

Hayes has great size for a point guard and has shown plus instincts when it comes to running a team while playing in Germany. The Suns can’t have enough guys willing to put the ball in Devin Booker‘s and Deandre Ayton’s hands.

11. San Antonio: Aaron Nesmith, SF, 6-6, 213, Vanderbilt

Nesmith is one of the best shooters in the draft, and the Spurs could use some valuable floor spacing. Nesmith has a reputation for being a good leader, the kind of player the Spurs’ system seems to value.

12. Sacramento: Devin Vassell, SG, 6-7, 195, Florida State

While some scouts are alarmed with the changes to Vassell’s shooting mechanics, the Kings need backcourt help with Buddy Hield’s unhappiness and Bogdan Bogdanovic’s free agency.

13. New Orleans: Saddiq Bey, F, 6-8, 216, Villanova

Bey is a favorite of some scouts who would have him in the second tier of wings in this draft. He’s a really good shooter despite some funky mechanics. New Orleans has to be looking for spacing to pair with Zion Williamson.

14. Boston: Precious Achiuwa, PF, 6-9, 225, Memphis

The Celtics need some physical players, and Achiuwa projects as a high-energy big with some shooting range on the offensive end.

15. Orlando: Kira Lewis Jr. PG, 6-3, 165, Alabama

The Magic need a point guard, so why not go get the fastest one in the draft? Lewis is skinny, but he can fly.

16. Portland: Josh Green, SG, 6-6, 210, Arizona

Green has the ideal size and stroke for a 3-and-D wing, and the Trail Blazers badly need depth at the position.

17. Minnesota: Jaden McDaniels, PF, 6-10, 200, Washington

The Timberwolves should hunt for the most talented player available, and while he’s incredibly raw, McDaniels could be that guy.

18. Dallas: Isaiah Stewart, C, 6-9, 250, Washington

Stewart’s got an NBA body ready to go from Day One, the kind of bulk Dallas needs next to 7-3 Kristaps Porzingis.

19. Brooklyn: Aleksej Pokusevski, PF, 7-0, 195, Serbia

There are interesting guard options available, but Pokusevski’s combination of size and skill is rare.

20. Miami: Jahmi’us Ramsey, PG, 6-4, 195, Texas Tech

A tough-nosed combo guard who cares about winning? Sounds like Miami’s kind of guy.

21. Philadelphia; Cole Anthony, PG, 6-3, 190, North Carolina

The 76ers should welcome a player hell-bent on putting the “points” in the “point guard.”
22. Denver: Tyrese Maxey, SG, 6-3, 198, Kentucky

Maxey is a tough, versatile guard who can play either position in the backcourt and would give Denver another option.

23. Utah: Theo Maledon, PG, 6-5, 180, France

Maledon has great size for a point guard and has a lot of experience for a 19-year-old.

24. Milwaukee: Jalen Smith, PF, 6-10, 225, Maryland

Smith is an active big man who also has the potential to be a floor-spacer, a must in Milwaukee’s system.

25. Oklahoma City: RJ Hampton, G, 6-5, 185 pounds, U.S.

The Thunder’s rebuild appears to be fully on, so why not grab a combo guard with room to grow?

26. Boston: Leandro Balmero, SG, 6-7, 185, Argentina

Balmero has good size and great vision, but there are questions about his scoring. Boston can afford the risk.

27. New York: Tyrell Terry, PG, 6-2, 160, Stanford

Terry has the kind of shooting, IQ and feel that could make him a great value if he’s still on the board.

28. Lakers: Nico Mannion, PG, 6-3, 190, Arizona

Mannion didn’t shoot well enough to be taken much higher, but his smarts make him an attractive fit for the playmaking-starved Lakers.

29. Toronto: Desmond Bane, SG, 6-6, 215, TCU

Bane is an aggressive scorer with prototypical size and some room to grow as a complete player.

30. Boston: Tyler Bey, F, 6-7, 215, Colorado

Bey was the best defender in the Pac-12 and can guard anyone 1-4 while making a respectable number of threes.

[Kerrsed]

I’d be pretty surprised if the Hawks go with a Trae/Halliburton backcourt. I know there’s rumors of there being pressure on Atlanta to make the playoffs but Okongwu would be nice if they don’t trade it.

Wiseman to Golden St really sucks for everyone in the West.

I really like Okongwu, i really do. I have him right at the very top (#2) of my Big Board. But he is still pretty raw and will take years to develop into the player he can be. If Atlanta isnt willing to move Collins or Capella, Okongwu wont really get the minutes or actual game time (NOT garbage game time minutes) to really develop.

[Ghost of Kleine]

David Kevin (@theIVpointplay) Tweeted:
When we get very little, then all this stuff matters.

However, I'm also reminded that the Suns worked out Jarrett Culver at his hometown HS then traded out of a position to take him.

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[Ghost of Kleine]

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[DirtyDez]

I’d be pretty surprised if the Hawks go with a Trae/Halliburton backcourt. I know there’s rumors of there being pressure on Atlanta to make the playoffs but Okongwu would be nice if they don’t trade it.

Wiseman to Golden St really sucks for everyone in the West.

I really like Okongwu, i really do. I have him right at the very top (#2) of my Big Board. But he is still pretty raw and will take years to develop into the player he can be. If Atlanta isnt willing to move Collins or Capella, Okongwu wont really get the minutes or actual game time (NOT garbage game time minutes) to really develop.

They should make move for Gobert they have the prices.