The NBA Draft is an annual event that is arguably the most exciting moment in basketball that isn’t an actual game. Tonight, 60 new players will enter the National Basketball Association, each with their own goals and aspirations in the league, and with different skillsets, potentials, and excitement to go with each prospect.
Who will be the biggest star? Who will take the most unexpected steal? Who will be the biggest bust? All of these questions asked by NBA fans from across the world will begin to form their answers tonight, as 60 new players enter the league.
The Phenom writers are providing live, instant analysis for every pick in this 2020 Draft. Make sure to refresh this article after every 5 picks to see the next batch of analysis, and continue to check throughout the night.
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Round One:
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- Minnesota Timberwolves
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- Pick: Anthony Edwards
- Analysis: Despite some questionable comments today, Edwards is by far the best fit for the Minnesota defense with his immense two-way potential. Minnesota needed defense next to Karl Anthony-Towns and D’Angelo Russell which other prospects in the top five wouldn’t provide but Edwards. (Jacob LeRea)
- Analysis: Edwards was not a good pick. Today he admitted that he prefers football. This pick might not age well. He has talent, but is he committed? If he’s not, prepare for Edwards to become a new Dion Waiters. (Mike Green)
- Analysis:
- Golden State Warriors
- Pick: James Wiseman
- Analysis: Wiseman is an interesting pick for Golden State as they are in need of another big man, but the main concern surrounding Wiseman is his lack of games played. (Kellan Raterman)
- Analysis: The Warriors’ biggest team needs ahead of this draft/free agency was adding a key 5 to strengthen the defense, and add more inside-scoring to take offense. With Wiseman in Golden State, the Warriors have now added much needed size, to keep up with the pace of their fast-paced offense. Known for his ability to make plays around the basket, Wiseman’s rim-protecting talent will also make him stand out amongst other rookies in this year’s class. (Shane Rich)
- Charlotte Hornets
- Pick: LaMelo Ball
- Analysis: LaMelo is a talented player who has by far the highest potential in the draft. Assuming that Russell Westbrook is not a Hornet, he gets to command the offense and could elevate that offense to new heights. (Noah Gufleisch)
- Analysis: Ball is a solid pick for the Hornets, as they got the fairly obvious pick for who is on the board. He has great passing ability, he’s a good finisher, and he has an awkward but pretty effective jumper. LaMelo Ball could be a bust, but he arguably has the most potential in this draft. (Richard Duma)
- Chicago Bulls
- Pick: Patrick Williams
- Analysis: This is a pick not a lot of people expected as either Deni was the expected pick. Williams has been flying up draft boards due to his incredible versatility on both sides of the floor. Williams will be a project with a lot of potential due to his athleticism. (Jacob LeRea)
- Analysis: This is a complete shock and honestly unneeded. Williams is best as a Power Forward, while Markkanen occupies this spot. This is a bit baffling and I don’t think he’ll fit in with the Bulls. Okoro or Deni Avdija was a better option. (Noah Gutfleisch)
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Pick: Isaac Okoro
- Analysis: A solid defensive pick who will help the Cavs out is Isaac Okoro. They already have some offensive pieces in Garland, Sexton, and a big man in Andre Drummond, so Okoro is a good pick for the Cavs. (Richard Duma)
- Analysis: Why is everyone passing on Deni Avdija? (Mike Green)
- Analysis: Great pick for the Cavs. Needed a defensive stalwart on the perimeter to pair with Sexton, Garland, and Porter Jr. If he develops a jump shot, he could be a deadly three and d player. (Ismail Sy)
- Atlanta Hawks
- Pick: Onyeka Okongwu
- Analysis: Okongwu is one of the safest picks in the draft and will be one of the best defenders in the draft. He has the potential to be a spacer and is a great undersized center.
- Analysis: Okongwu is a good pick for the Hawks as they are in need of defense and Okungwu, although undersized, is a great defender who can score some points inside. (Kellan Raterman)
- Detroit Pistons
- Pick: Killian Hayes
- Analysis: A playmaker from France, Hayes is a solid choice for Detroit, and Pistons fans are hoping he’s the guy to feed Sekou Doumbouya and Blake Griffin down low. With his scoring ability, he could be the PG Detroit needs to begin making a playoff push in the East. (Dean Wendel)
- Analysis: An amazing pick for the Pistons, who has great playmaking ability, can get you buckets from outside the arc, and can occasionally drive to the rim. He is great in transition and in the pick and roll and should be a great player for years to come. (Richard Duma)
- New York Knicks
- Pick: Obi Toppin
- Analysis: Obi Toppin was the Naismith Player of the Year from the 2019-20 NCAA basketball season, and has proved that he is an extremely athletic forward who has a solid jumpshot. Although he is an older prospect, he has lots of raw talent and has the potential to be good immediately. (Kellan Raterman)
- Analysis: Obi Toppin is a refined offensive player but lacks defensive hustle and has a very slow release, which is concerning. He is also one of the oldest players in the draft and has limited potential. He reminds me of Enes Kanter, who is good off the bench. He is a typical Knicks pick. (Noah Gutfleisch)
- Analysis: Obi Toppin has a high ceiling. That should be good for the Knicks, who need a superstar. Best case scenario: Obi Toppin struggles next year. The Knicks are bad and get to draft another top player next year. Obi overcomes his struggles and he and the other player lead New York to the promised land. Worst case scenario: Obi Toppin turns into Marvin Williams.
- Washington Wizards
- Pick: Deni Avdija
- Analysis: Washington just took the possible steal of the draft. Deni’s has the best Basketball IQ in the draft. Deni plays physical defense and can guard almost every position. Avdija’s shooting is very questionable due to his inability to shoot free throws which is crucial for today’s wings. It would be interesting to see how he plays with Bradley Beal and the rest of the squad. (Jacob LeRea)
- Analysis: The Wizards got a major steal in Deni Avdija. This guy was number one in my rankings. He had better stats than Luka Doncic in the Euro League’s U18 tournament! Deni Avdija will most likely be a great contributor to Washington for years to come. The shooting is an issue, but playing with Bradley Beal means that he has a shooter to pass to. Excellent pick. (Mike Green)
- A very talented player who can do almost anything, except shooting. Even if his subpar shot is not a detractor and could be a Swiss Army Knife player. His ceiling is incredible and could easily be the best player in this draft. (Noah Gutfleisch)
- Phoenix Suns
- Pick: Jalen Smith
- Analysis: I watched Smith destroy Ohio State for years, and is definitely an NBA-caliber player. Smith is a solid modern-day four that can shoot the three and guard multiple positions. He has shown an ability to be a good rim protector and rebounder at Maryland, and he’s improved his shot each season. He could still add some more muscle and size to his frame, which will help him against the larger players in the league. He will create some matchup problems offensively, though. He also crashes the boards on both sides of the ball exceptionally well, and there’s a belief in him that he’s the best, which is a good trait to have. Great work ethic, solid IQ player, and scrappy. (Treyvon Hastings)
- San Antonio Spurs
- Pick: Devin Vassell
- Analysis: Amazing 3&D Player who will greatly help the Spurs. Can never go wrong with a great shooter. (Noah Gutfleisch)
- Sacramento Kings
- Pick: Tyrese Haliburton
- Analysis: I am very surprised Haliburton fell all the way to 12. Kings got an absolute steal. Haliburton is good at everything. He is a pure floor general with a very high IQ. Haliburton is able to play amazing off-ball which works great with De’Aaron Fox. Before his injury, Haliburton was the best player in college. His biggest question is if he will be able to shoot the ball at a consistently high volume. (Jacob LeRea)
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Pick: Kira Lewis Jr.
- Analysis: A good, young finisher who is also good in pick and roll situations is Tyrese Maxey. Even though they already have Eric Bledsoe and George Hill, Lewis will help them out in the backcourt.
- Analysis: Kira Lewis is a speedy 19-year-old guard who can help space the floor for the Pelicans. Kira is an electric finisher at the rim who can blow by the defense while still being able to be active on the defensive side. (Kellan Raterman)
- Boston Celtics (via MEM)
- Pick: Aaron Nesmith
- Analysis: Brad Stevens has a pure shooter on his roster for the first time in a while. Nesmith has been regarded as the best shooter in the draft. Boston was missing shooters and scorers off the bench. The Celtics now don’t have to rely on players like Grant Williams and Semi Ojeleye to make threes.
- Orlando Magic
- Pick: Cole Anthony
- Analysis: A man people had going in the top 3-5 at the beginning of the past college season, Anthony’s scoring, especially from the outside, will be a huge help for Orlando. Whether he starts or plays behind Markelle Fultz, he’ll be a definite energizer for the Magic’s offense. (Dean Wendel)
- Detroit Pistons (via POR)
- Pick: Isaiah Stewart
- Analysis: While Isaiah Stewart has the potential to be solid, there were better options available such as Saddiq Bey. Not a very good pick by the Pistons. (Richard Duma)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via BKN)
- Pick: Aleksej Pokusevski
- Analysis: OKC traded Ricky Rubio for this pick. Aleksej is a potential unicorn. At 7’0 with a 7’3 wingspan and the ability to shoot, OKC can replace free agent Danillo Gallinari easily. Adding more players who are projects to their core is exactly what Sam Presti needs to do. (Jacob LeRea)
- Dallas Mavericks
- Pick: Josh Green
- Analysis: Josh Green is an athletic versatile 3 and D player who can effectively guard multiple positions on the floor.
- Detroit Pistons (via PHI)
- Pick: Saddiq Bey
- Analysis: I was disappointed with the Pistons in their last Isaiah Stewart pick, but this pickup of Saddiq Bey is very solid for Detroit. Bey is a solid, versatile big man who can shoot the rock, is a solid playmaker for a power forward, and plays gritty and physical defense. (Richard Duma)
- Miami Heat
- Pick: Precious Achiuwa
- Analysis: Miami needed a versatile big due to Jae Crowder and Meyers Leonard being free agents. Achiuwa is another piece of young talent added to Miami. Achiuwa is a beast on the boards and can guard every position. I really like this pick for Miami. (Jacob LeRea)
- Philadelphia 76ers (via OKC)
- Pick: Tyrese Maxey
- Analysis: In my opinion, a decently underrated point guard out of Kentucky who, since he is young, has lots of room to improve, and can be a solid piece for Philly to back up Ben Simmons at the point if they choose to go that route. (Richard Duma)
- Denver Nuggets (via HOU)
- Pick: Zeke Nnaji
- Analysis: Nnaji was an interesting pick for Denver at 22. In the few games of Arizona basketball I watched, Nnaji has some useful tools for the Nuggets. He may not have the most potential, but he definitely has a solid floor, so he will be an impact player in a few years. He is versatile and athletic enough to guard forwards and centers, especially with his length. He has some potential as a shooter, rim protector, and rebounder. Nnaji can effectively run the pick-and-roll as the roll man and does not make too many mistakes. For now, he may have ironed out a role in the rotation as a scrappy, glue guy; doing the little things. He has a similar frame to Jerami Grant, so expect him to fill that role at some point. (Treyvon Hastings)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via UTAH)
- Pick: Leandro Bolmaro
- Analysis: Solid international prospect with nice potential. May not play in the NBA this year, but can be a nice piece down the road in OKC.
- Denver Nuggets (via IND)
- Pick: RJ Hampton
- Analysis: Hampton is a pretty raw prospect, but he could flourish into a good piece for Denver if they develop him the right way behind Jamal Murray and Monte Morris. (Richard Duma)
- New York Knicks (via DEN)
- Pick: Immanuel Quickley
- Analysis: Nice add for New York. Has Kentucky ties to Kenny Payne, the new Knicks Assistant Coach. Fills a need at guard for depth. Solid pick. (Cole Nevins)
- Boston Celtics
- Pick: Payton Pritchard
- Analysis: A point guard out of Oregon who will likely not be in the rotation to start the season is Payton Pritchard. He was a great scorer in college, but the Celtics are too deep in the backcourt to make room for him. (Richard Duma)
- Utah Jazz (via LAC)
- Pick: Udoka Azubuike
- Analysis: Udoka has been the big man for Kansas and he has dominated the paint by being able to rack up boards and score inside the paint. Azubuike has great size which allows him to be a solid rim protector. (Kellan Raterman)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAL)
- Pick: Jaden McDaniels
- Analysis: McDaniels was a highly-regarded prospect in High School that underachieved expectations in college at Washington. He is a bit raw and relies on his athleticism rather than true basketball skill. However, he has an amazing ceiling; he’s full of potential. If Oklahoma City can develop him, he could be a Top-10 player from this draft class. He can shoot the ball, but he turns it over too much and it’s a little suspect defensively. (Treyvon Hastings)
- Toronto Raptors
- Pick: Malachi Flynn
- Analysis: Flynn’s a perfect pick for this Raptors team. Flynn was a prolific scorer at San Diego State last season, and he can shoot the lights out. He is also a smaller guard, which the Raptors have a history of interest in players of similar size, like Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet. Flynn can also get very scrappy defensively, he’s willing to take contact and play through it. He is vastly similar to Fred VanVleet, so if VanVleet happens to leave via free Agency, Flynn can handle a similar role. (Treyvon Hastings)
- Boston Celtics (via MIL)
- Pick: Desmond Bane
- Analysis: Desmond Bane is a sleeper pick in this draft because of his elite ability to shoot the ball. He shot over 43% from 3 last year on 575 attempts which prove he has the potential to become a great floor spacer for a team. He also has an unusually strong build for a sharpshooter which allows for him to be able to finish at the rim and play solid defense around the arc. (Kellan Raterman)
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