2020 NBA Draft: 1st-Round Grades
#1: Minnesota Timberwolves - Anthony Edwards (B+)
Edwards slides right into the backcourt next to D’Angelo Russell and will be a high-impact player for Minnesota right away. Ant-Man is a natural scorer and an explosive athlete who is raw but has loads of upside as a future go-to scorer for his team. Russell and Karl Anthony-Towns will help his efficiency stabilize in his rookie year, and this young trio of scorers should give Minnesota a potent offense in Year One. There are two reasons this is a B+ instead of in the A range - first off, LaMelo Ball is the highest-upside player in this draft, and the Wolves may end up regretting not taking him as they went for the team fit over potential. Second, this team may struggle defensively, and a more defensive-oriented prospect might have made more sense. However, Edwards is an electric player and should be lots of fun to watch as a rookie.
#2: Golden State Warriors - James Wiseman (A-)
The Warriors tried to trade away this pick in several hypothetical scenarios but ultimately wound up with the highest-graded big man in this class. Wiseman only saw the floor for three games at Memphis before his season was prematurely ended with an NCAA sanction. However, he was imposing in those three games as he averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game in just 23 minutes per game. He’s a hyper-athletic player who likely provides this team with a high level of interior scoring, rebounding, and rim protection right away. The key to unlocking his full potential will come from his ability to stretch to the perimeter both offensively as a shooter and defensively against stretch bigs. With Myles Turner-esque movement and Hassan Whiteside-Esque rebounding/rim protection, Wiseman’s baseline is strong with the upside for more as he grows into his 7’1” height and 7’4” wingspan.
#3: Charlotte Hornets - LaMelo Ball (A)
It’s incredibly difficult to find any fault with the Hornets drafting the player I had graded as the top overall prospect here at the #3 pick. LaMelo gets a bad rap from the media, with his family being under the spotlight for years due to his dad, LaVar Ball. However, the young guard was able to mature while playing overseas and his reaction to being drafted by a bit of a downtrodden franchise in the Hornets was precisely what they would have hoped to have seen. Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham both played quite well in the backcourt for this team last year, and they’ll help take some playmaking pressure off Ball early on. LaMelo is the best natural passer in this draft, and his combination of court vision, touch, and feel for the game is rare for a player of his stature at 6’6”. Hornets coach James Borrego has helped turn around this franchise’s culture in a hurry, and he’s the right guy to get the most out of such a high-upside, enticing prospect.
#4: Chicago Bulls - Patrick Williams (B-)
I get the intrigue here with Williams, I do. At 6’8”, 225 lbs, and a nearly 7-foot wingspan, he’s a super enticing athlete, and as the second-youngest player in his draft class, he carries with him plenty of upside. However, this is still a player who didn’t start a single game at Florida State in his freshman season and averaged just 9.2 points per game with 32% 3-point shooting. If he can bump up that deep-range shooting to about 35% and get more comfortable with the ball in his hands, he carries a ton of offensive upside. The defensive end should translate right away with his lateral speed and combination of strength and size. Williams also played high school ball with Coby White, so the two know each other well. However, I view Patrick Williams as more of a role player than a player with future All-Star upside. I believe the Bulls would have been better off swinging for the fences here rather than drafting a player who at his peak may not be much better than Marcus Morris or Jeff Green.
#5: Cleveland Cavaliers - Isaac Okoro (B+)
This is a far better pick for the Cavaliers than it is for Okoro. Cleveland is a bit of an island of misfit toys at the moment as they’ve drafted two point guards over the past two years who aren’t really point guards - Collin Sexton and Darius Garland - while most of the team’s financial flexibility has been invested into the center spot with Kevin Love, Andre Drummond, and Larry Nance the team’s three highest-paid players. The Cavs don’t have much in the way of defensive talent, and they’re likely going to ask Okoro to guard the opposing team’s top scoring option on most nights. For the team, this makes a ton of sense as I had Okoro graded as the top perimeter defender in the draft. However, guarding Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, and James Harden night after night will take its toll on the young rookie and may not be the best approach to getting his feet wet in the NBA.
#6: Atlanta Hawks - Onyeka Okongwu (A)
This is one of my favorite draft picks of the first round. Okognwu is a head-smart, physical basketball player who plays with a chip on his shoulder every time he steps on the court. He averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game at USC last season and is my favorite defensive big man in this draft. With it almost being mandatory for big men in the NBA to be able to switch and cover smaller players on the perimeter, Okongwu’s foot speed and range make him the prototypical modern defender. His offensive game needs some real polish, and I’m not sure how much he plays in Year One with John Collins and Clint Capela in Atlanta, but Okungwu is the future of the frontcourt for this team, and he’s going to form a dynamic partnership with Trae Young for years to come.
#7: Detroit Pistons - Killian Hayes (B+)
There are many well-connected,, and knowledgeable basketball analysts who had Hayes graded even higher than this, including the Ringers’ Kevin O’Connor, who had Hayes as his top overall prospect in this class. He needs to get more comfortable using his off-hand and learn how to play within a professional offense more readily, but Hayes’s toolbox of off-the-dribble jumpers and stepbacks make him a clear fit for the style of basketball the NBA has continued to embrace. Hayes has the potential to become a dynamic pick-and-pop or pick-and-roll ball-handler, one who can drive into the lane and dish or stay on the perimeter and find space for shots. The real issue for Hayes here is that the Pistons won’t offer him enough ancillary shooting to fully embrace his skillset, although they do have an intriguing collection of big men for screen-and-roll partners. Hayes has a ton of upside as a lead ball-handler and is a smart direction for this rebuilding franchise to take.
#8: New York Knicks - Obi Toppin (A-)
The Knicks made a smart move, folks. We had seen reports earlier in the week that the Knicks were highly interested in Obi Toppin, but I somehow thought those were smoke screens, and they would end up taking Cole Anthony or R.J. Hampton here. Alas, the Knicks did the right thing and took a player in Obi Toppin who should help them improve right away. Toppin won just about every NCAA award last season, including the Naismith and Wooden awards, as he led Dayton to their best season ever and a #3 final AP ranking. Toppin is a dynamic scorer who averaged 41.7% from 3 across his two collegiate seasons and can get buckets from all three levels. Toppin has some work to do defensively, but he has a great work ethic, and I expect Tom Thibodeau to significantly help him along in that regard. Toppin isn’t the new face of the franchise for the Knicks, but he’s going to be a high-impact player for this team.
#9: Washington Wizards - Deni Avdija (A)
As the highest-drafted Israeli basketball player in NBA history, Deni Avdija has an entire nation supporting him. His Euro-League numbers won’t wow you, but he was playing in a highly-competitive lineup for Maccabi Tel Aviv, and we shouldn’t hold it against him that it took him some time to find playing time. Avdija’s got a natural basketball skillset complete with passing, shooting, dribbling, and a tremendous feel for the game - offensively, he can fill any role you need him to. He also showed some defensive versatility, and at 6’9” and 220 lbs, he’s ready to contribute as a stopper as well. His all-around skill set and jack-of-all-trades repertoire remind me of a pre-injury Danny Granger, a player who can help your team win in a number of ways. He has the potential to end up being the steal of the draft as the #9 pick here.
#10: Phoenix Suns - Jalen Smith (C)
I just don’t quite get it. I do really like Jalen Smith as a prospect - his mobility and sharpshooting ability are rare traits for a guy of his size, and he does fill a need for the Suns who are likely set to lose Aron Baynes. However, with Devin Vassell and Tyrese Haliburton still on the board, this just feels like poor value for Phoenix. I find it hard to believe that they couldn’t have traded down a handful of spots and still gotten Smith if they had their hearts set on him, especially with teams picking later in the first round enamored with Vassell and Haliburton. Smith isn’t going to put the ball on the floor and score, but he does have a complete pick-and-pop package. He isn’t an elite rim protector, but he does have solid athleticism and mobility to get out and guard on the perimeter. I do like the player quite a bit, but the fit is questionable as I’m just not sure if a Smith-DeAndre Ayton frontcourt will work for long periods of time.
#11: San Antonio Spurs - Devin Vassell (A)
As teams picking ahead of the Spurs got cute with their selections, San Antonio hung in there and took a guy who should have been off the board a few picks ago. Vassell profiles as a smart 3-and-D player who shot 41.7% from 3 across two years at Florida State. He’s a hard-working defensive player who flies around the court to muck up the opposing team’s offensive possessions. His switches and closeouts are routinely on-time and quicker than the defense can account for, and that intelligent off-ball defense makes him a perfect player for this team’s culture. With Dejountae Murray, Derrick White, and Lonnie Walker in the backcourt, the Spurs needed a 3-and-D wing to groom with their young crop of players,, and I doubt they expected Vassell would still be available here.
#12: Sacramento Kings - Tyrese Haliburton (A+)
This is my only A+ so far. Tyrese Haliburton ranked as the 6th-best prospect on my big board and I expected him to be well and gone by this point. He’s one of the smartest players in this draft with a natural feel for the game and the ability to play both on and off the ball. He’s a crafty inside finisher, and while teams were concerned with his unconventional shooting motion, he shot 42.6% from 3 across his two college seasons. At 6’5” and with a 6’7.5” wingspan, he’s able to guard point guards, shooting guards, and even some small forwards. His off-ball defense is smart, and he already carries himself like a 10-year veteran. The Kings signed De’Aaron Fox to a 5-year max extension this week, and Haliburton joins him in one of the best young backcourts in the NBA. When we look back at this draft, Tyrese Haliburton will be the one that got away for teams picking in the lottery.
#13: New Orleans Pelicans - Kira Lewis Jr. (B-)
Speed, speed, and more speed. Kira Lewis Jr. is considered by many to be the fastest player in this draft class, and his open-floor transition scoring is reminiscent of De’Aaron Fox, one of the fastest players in the NBA today. Lewis averaged 18.5 points, 5.2 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game last season as Alabama’s leading player. Lewis’s efficiency wasn’t the best at Alabama, but his raw speed and skills make him a very exciting prospect. The real key to his long-term development will be his 3-point shooting - he shot 36.6% from deep last year - and his ability to play alongside other ball-dominant players in the NBA. Lewis has a wide range of outcomes, but images of fast-break alley-oops with Lewis and Zion Williamson have to have Pelicans’ fans thrilled at the future.
#14: Boston Celtics - Aaron Nesmith (B)
Many people considered Aaron Nesmith to be the best 3-point shooter in this year’s draft class as he shot 52.2% from deep on 8.2 attempts per game last year at Vanderbilt. That came in just 14 games, though, and the year prior, he shot only 33.7% from deep, so it remains to be seen how sustainable that uptick will be. However, his ability to move and relocate without the ball to create easy passing lanes for teammates is reminiscent of one of the best shooters in the NBA today. With Gordon Hayward on his way to Charlotte, the Celtics needed to add another role-playing forward, and Nesmith’s playing style will allow Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker to have the ball in their hands even more frequently. Nesmith may not have a huge upside, but the shooting talent will translate, and he’s an immediate high-impact role player for Boston.
#15: Orlando Magic - Cole Anthony (A-)
During a decidedly down year for UNC in which the Tar Heels went 14-19 overall and 6-14 in-conference, Cole Anthony’s draft prospects dipped significantly. However, he clearly wasn’t surrounded with enough ancillary help, and his counting stats were impressive with 18.5 points, 4.0 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. However, he shot just 38% from the field and 34.8% from the 3-point range, and his efficiency will need to advance in the NBA. The other big concern with Anthony stems from his incredible explosiveness and athleticism - it makes him a dynamic scorer but also puts him in risky situations and led to a partially torn meniscus in his right knee last season. Despite those efficiency and health concerns, Anthony was once seen as a clear-cut top-five prospect in this class, and to land him here provides great value for the Magic. He’s the ultimate boom-or-bust prospect, and I love the pick for Orlando, who is in need of a lead ball-handler in their offense.
#16: Detroit Pistons - Isaiah Stewart (C-)
This is the first really head-scratching selection in this draft. Stewart is a throwback big man, and while he stands just 6’9”, he has a 250-pound frame with a 7’4” wingspan that is one of the biggest in the NBA. However, he lacks real vertical explosiveness, and it’s unclear if he has the mobility to be an elite rim protector in the NBA. Additionally, his offensive game doesn’t really extend past the post, and he’s not your modern rangy big man. He shot just 20 3-point attempts last year while at Washington, making just 5 of them, and he hit just 77.4% of his free-throw attempts. I had him graded as an exact second-round pick, and I don’t see his upside as being much higher than a backup, role-playing big man in the NBA unless he suddenly develops more 3-point shooting or defensive mobility than we’ve seen.
#17: Oklahoma City Thunder - Aleksej Pokusevski (B+)
One of the worst-kept secrets of this draft was the Thunder’s love for Aleksej Pokusevski, and in every iteration of a mock draft I did, I had him landing in Oklahoma City. He’s still just 18 years old and has a ton of developing to do, but he’s arguably the most enticing long-term project from this class. At 7’0” and just 208 pounds, he could stand to add a ton of muscle. However, he needs to retain his mobility around the perimeter, as that’s the most intriguing part of his game. He can handle the ball like a guard, and he’s shown flashes of high-level 3-point shooting. With a 7’3” wingspan and 9’1” standing reach, his defensive upside is massive as well. For a franchise undergoing a multi-year rebuild, they have the time to wait and see how Pokusevski develops. I can’t wait to see how this turns out.
#18: Dallas Mavericks - Josh Green (A-)
The Mavericks had a clear plan to surround Luka Doncic with two-way, big-bodied wings this offseason. Josh Green undoubtedly fits that mold as a 6’6”, 210-pound wing with a 6’10” wingspan. Funnily enough, the player who Green reminded me the most of in scouting him was Josh Richardson, who the Mavericks also added this offseason. Like Richardson, Green is an active defender with strong hands and quick feet that provide him the ability to guard a variety of opposing players. Green also provides a ton of explosiveness and scoring burst in the open court where he can finish off fast-break opportunities with vicious dunks. He’s likely a future starter for this team, but for the time being, he’ll be a high-level backup wing who can help this team in a number of ways.
#19: Detroit Pistons - Saddiq Bey (A)
This draft pick makes up for the Pistons’ earlier drafting of Isaiah Stewart, without a doubt. Saddiq Bey is one of my favorite prospects in this class, and there was a scenario where a team in the lottery sold themselves on him that high. At #19, he’s a steal, and he has a ton of long-term upside for this rebuilding team. At 6’8”, 216 lbs, and with a 6’10” wingspan, his dimensions are ideal for the modern-day NBA, and he can guard 1-5 on the floor. He followed up Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges as Villanova players to win the Julius Erving Award for the best small forward in the nation. With his incredible motor, all-around skillset, and defensive versatility, Bey profiles as the type of role-playing winger that championship-focused franchises would love to have.
#20: Miami Heat - Precious Achiuwa (B-)
With how strong Miami’s player development staff has been in recent years, it’s always a treat to see who they end up taking in the draft. Precious Achiuwa makes a ton of sense for this team as a multi-positional, versatile forward who’s one of the most athletic players in this draft class. His high-energy rebounding, defensive versatility, and off-the-dribble scoring should translate right away, and if he can continue to work on his 3-point shot, he has future All-Star upside. The 3-point shot will be important, though, as the Heat are obviously sold on Bam Adebayo as their long-term center, and it’s difficult to play two non-shooters in the frontcourt for long stretches. However, Achiuwa’s going to be a high-energy role player with two-way ability at the very least and his work ethic suggests the upside for much, much more.
#21: Philadelphia 76ers - Tyrese Maxey (C+)
This was an interesting direction for the Sixers to go. While I did have Maxey graded as a clear-cut first-round prospect, he doesn’t help address the team’s biggest weakness - shooting. As the first draft pick in the Daryl Morey era for Philly, Maxey will provide some spark-plug off-the-bench scoring a la Lou Williams, but he’s not nearly the long-range shooter Williams has become. Maxey shot just 29.2% from 3-point range last season, and that will have to improve if he wants to share the floor with two effective non-shooters in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Maxey’s got an enticing scoring profile, but I’m not sure how much he plays this season,, and Philly needed win-now help.
#22: Denver Nuggets - Zeke Nnaji (C-)
This is another head-scratcher. Zeke Nnaji was a fun player to watch at Arizona as a high-energy, athletic rebounder who plays with a high motor and works very hard in the paint. He’s capable of scoring in the paint and can push the pace in transition. However, his defense isn’t built for the modern NBA as he’s neither a high-level rim protector nor a mobile player who can chase down guards on the perimeter. He averaged under one block per game in his one season at Arizona. He’s a fine role player, but I had him graded as a second-round pick, and I’m not sure if his skill set will ever allow him to share the court with Nikola Jokic for significant periods of time.
#23: Minnesota Timberwolves - Leandro Bolmaro (C)
A 6’7” Argentinian guard who plays for Barcelona, Bolmaro isn’t going to play for the Timberwolves right away as he’ll likely remain abroad for at least another season. Bolmaro plays with incredibly impressive court vision and feel for the game as he’s a high-level playmaker who creates shot attempts for his teammates. His shooting is inconsistent and needs a good bit of work, but his ability to switch on the perimeter and fight through screens suggests his ability to be an above-average defender in the future. However, at 20 years old and with at least another season abroad, I don’t believe Bolmaro was the right choice given the other young, high-upside talent still available.
#24: Denver Nuggets - R.J. Hampton (A+)
This is one of my favorite picks of the first round. R.J. Hampton is one of my favorite prospects of this draft class and I’m surprised he fell this far, but this is the absolute perfect landing spot for him. Hampton can continue to work on his 3-point shooting and defense to match his impressive dribbling and ball-handling skills. He’ll undoubtedly benefit from the Nuggets’ player development program as well as the presence of two established young stars, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, alongside him. Hampton is a fluid player with raw playmaking skills and enticing ball-handling ability - the future is bright for him in Denver.
#25: New York Knicks - Immanuel Quickley (C+)
Plenty of analysts trashed the Knicks for this pick, but I think it makes some sense given the rest of their roster. Quickley won SEC Player of the Year last year as he averaged 16.1 points per game with 42.8% 3-point shooting. The Knicks do need a scoring point guard eventually, and Quickley isn’t going to become a high-level isolation scorer overnight, but Quickley plays with a lot of heart and works harder than just about anyone. His defense will translate right away and if he can make 3s as a rookie, he’ll earn some solid playing time.
#26: Boston Celtics - Payton Pritchard (A-)
Brad Wannamaker and Carsen Edwards didn’t quite get it done as the Celtics’ backup point guards last season, and Pritchard immediately steps in as the team’s top ball-handler off the bench. He won Pac-12 Player of the Year last year as he averaged 20.5 points, 4.3 rebound, and 5.5 assists per game with 41.5% shooting from 3-point range. He’s 22, so it’s not like he has future All-Star potential at this point, but Pritchard has played in some big moments and brings some much-needed experience and dynamic play to this team’s second unit. For a team looking to win now, Pritchard provides some impact play right away.
#27: Utah Jazz - Udoka Azubuike (B)
If this were 1976, Udoka Azubuike would have been a clear-cut lottery pick. He’s a mountain of a man at 7’0”, 270 pounds with an absurd 7’7” wingspan. He’s an elite rebounder with great explosiveness and is one of the strongest players in this draft class. The Jazz traded away Tony Bradley to clear the way for Azubuike to be the primary backup to Rudy Gobert, and this is a Utah type of player as he compares favorably to Gobert in his physical profile and skill set. He’ll play a key role off the bench for this team right away, although at 21 years old, he’s pretty much a finished product.
#28: Minnesota Timberwolves - Jaden McDaniels (B+)
McDaniels has dealt with ankle and calf injuries as of late, and an unstable medical profile likely led to his fall almost all the way out of the first round. However, his ambidextrous ball-handling and flashes of elite pull-up shooting ability make him a very interesting prospect. McDaniels has a lot of work to do on his passing, defense, and scoring off the dribble, but the upside he possesses is undeniable. Even if there’s just a 15% chance he hits his ceiling, it’s worth taking the chance on his long-term development at this point in the draft.
#29: Toronto Raptors - Malachi Flynn (B-)
Many believed this pick came as a result of the Raptors feeling worried that Fred VanVleet might have left the team this offseason, but he agreed to a 4-year, $85 million extension. Still, Kyle Lowry is now 34 years old and there’s a realistic possibility that this is his last season in Toronto. Flynn is an older prospect at 22 years old and a shorter prospect at 6’1”, but he can shoot off the dribble and has impressive shooting range. He can also succeed as a downhill scorer and pick-and-roll ball-handler. Flynn also won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Flynn will learn from Lowry and VanVleet, and is a strong fit with this squad, but with Tyrell Terry and Theo Maledon both still available, both of whom I had ranked ahead of Flynn, I’m not thrilled about the value here.
#30: Memphis Grizzlies - Desmond Bane (B+)
A four-year starter at TCU, Desmond Bane comes into this draft as one of the older players in this class but also one of the most experienced. He will provide the Grizzlies with a high level of defense and 3-point shooting as he made 44.2% of his 6.5 3-point attempts per game during his seniro season. Bane also averaged 6.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game and provides this team with some much-needed defensive ability as a player who can guard multiple positions. He’s a high-value role player who can come off the bench or start for the Grizz and is a nice fit next to Ja Morant and their other young prospects.
