While the delay of the NBA Lottery and NBA Draft Combine seems disappointing, teams now have more time to review prospects which gives them more flexibility.
Today, a simulated lottery was conducted and a mock draft was completed. Here are the results and predicted picks:
1. Detroit Pistons: LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawarra
The 6’6″ point guard has had the hype around him for a while now, being one of the most talked-about prospects of all time. With Derrick Rose most likely getting moved this off-season and the point guard position being relatively weak in Detroit, Ball would make a perfect fit.
LaMelo is one of the best shooters and playmakers in this draft. Getting Ball would allow Detroit to have a bonafide young star.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia
Edwards proved this year at Georgia why he is one of the most talented players in this draft averaging 21 points in a tough SEC conference. His offensive game is near perfect for a young player as his ability to use his strength and speed is top-notch. The Timberwolves would be getting their third star and scoring option to complement Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell.
3. Golden State Warriors: Deni Avdija, SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv
For the Warriors, this is the perfect player. Deni is a polished player who can shoot the rock and has amazing ball-handling skills for a wing. The Warriors will be competitive next year with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson returning fully healthy, and they don’t need a young player who will be a long project. They will be looking for complementary players and Deni fits the bill.
4. Charlotte Hornets: James Wiseman, C, Memphis
The Hornets are the big winner in this draft scenario as they would jump up four picks and select the player with the most potential in the draft. Wiseman has the physical tools to dominate as he is 7’1″ and has a 7’6″ wingspan.
Wiseman can become an amazing scorer and great defender with his athletic ability but the question is how prepared he is for the NBA with playing only three college games. He will have to lengthen his outside game to fully succeed in this NBA.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Onyeka Okongwu, PF/C, USC
Onyeka won’t be putting up 20 points a night but his defensive impact will be prevalent for this Cavs team. With Kevin Love’s tenure most likely ending with the Cavs soon, Onyeka can become a great starter for this roster.
6. Atlanta Hawks: Killian Hayes, SG, Germany
The Hawks roster should be ready for the playoffs next year as Trae Young will only get better and the Hawks will have Clint Capela and John Collins for the whole year.
Killian Hayes’s biggest strength is his ability to play off-ball. Hayes will also provide much-needed defense next to Trae.
7. New York Knicks: Cole Anthony, PG, North Carolina
Despite another year of falling out of the top 5, the Knicks fortune could change with Cole Anthony. Anthony is one of the most known players and can definitely thrive in the New York environment. His attitude is built for NY.
8. Chicago Bulls: Isaac Okoro, SF, Auburn
Many mocks have the Bulls taking a guard but I believe in Coby White, so the Bulls will select 3&D player Isaac Okoro. Okoro is a phenomenal perimeter defender and will add a great deal to this young Bulls roster.
9. Washington Wizards: Obi Toppin, PF, Dayton
POY Toppin falls in this draft and the Wizards get lucky as Toppin can complement a healthy John Wall and Bradley Beal perfectly as he doesn’t need the ball to succeed. Fearless.
10. Phoenix Suns: Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Iowa State
Before his injury, some mocks had Haliburton as a top 5 pick. Haliburton is a great playmaker and defender which is what the Suns need in a guard next to Devin Booker.
11. San Antonio Spurs: Aaron Nesmith, SF, Vanderbilt
The Spurs do not need a guard as they have a handful of young guards on this roster. Nesmith may be the best shooter in this draft and can lead this young Spurs core.
12. Sacramento Kings: Devin Vassell, SG, Florida State
The Kings may be done with Buddy Hield so getting a shooting guard here makes sense. Vassell is a great two-way player and excels on defense as well.
13. New Orleans Pelicans: RJ Hampton, SG, NZ Breakers
Hampton can play multiple positions on the court and can be another ball-handler for the Pelicans.
14. Portland Trailblazers: Saddiq Bey, SF, Villanova
Villanova players usually succeed in the NBA due to their defensive talent and that is exactly what the Blazers need. Also, he can shoot the ball and the Blazers would love that.
Photo Credit: Anthony Au-Yeung / Getty Images
