NBA mock draft 2020: Our writers make picks for their favorite teams

NBA mock draft 2020: Our writers make picks for their favorite teams

The Minnesota Timberwolves are lastly on the clock. After an almost five-month hold-up because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 NBA Draft is set to be held on Wednesday, Nov.18

As the draft techniques, the SB Nation NBA neighborhood sites have held a mock draft.

Click the related link to each SB Nation NBA neighborhood for more analysis of the selection, and sign up with the discussion in the comments. In a draft with little agreement at the top, there’s certainly going to be plenty to discuss. We start the draft with Canis Hoopus picking for the Wolves.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia

Sans the ability to trade choices in this Blog writer Mock Draft, this becomes the most logical move for Gersson Rosas at the top. The Wolves presently have their cornerstone PG/C duo (for much better or even worse), so choosing either James Wiseman or LaMelo Ball does not appear to make much sense for Minnesota. While Edwards does bring the minor threat of becoming Andrew Wiggins 2.0 in the land of 10,000 lakes, his general athleticism and offensive potential are too great to miss for a team desperately in requirement of skill on the wing.

– Kyle Theige, Canis Hoopus

2. Golden State Warriors – James Wiseman, C, Memphis

Since we can’t trade the choice, I chose the player who is the very best offered and fills a big requirement for the Warriors Wiseman has all of the tools to be an excellent center in the league. He is one of the very best professional athletes readily available and will develop into a strong rim-protector. His college sample size is small, Wiseman has actually obviously been killing it during exercises. General manager Bob Myers can focus on including a wing by means of free firm and take a flier on a low-cost PF/C to submit the roster.

– Jas Kang, Golden Mindset

3. Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawara Hawks

The Hornets are in skill acquisition mode, and LaMelo Ball may be the most talented prospect in this draft. Ball is positionally redundant with the Hornets’ existing 2 best players, however his size allows him to share the floor with either Terry Rozier or Devonte’ Graham, and even both for stretches.

– Jonathan DeLong, At the Hive

4. Chicago Bulls – Killian Hayes, G, Ulm

Like Charlotte, Chicago is also in talent acquisition mode and ought to be intending to take the very best gamer on the board. That gamer is Killian Hayes. He also fits Chicago’s requirement for a lead guard who can get everyone into the best areas on offense together with developing some scoring of his own, especially with his shooting off the dribble. Hayes has already shown he can play over in Europe and has the tools to be a good gamer in the NBA. With Coby White saw more as a two guard, Hayes will easily slot in as Chicago’s point player of the future. There is a great deal of benefit with this pick.

– Vijay Vemu, Blog-a-Bull

5. Cleveland Cavaliers – Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC

Andre Drummond simply isn’t that. Okongwu’s capability to cover ground, rotate properly and play smart defense is required for a franchise that has been traditionally bad on defense for the past 2 seasons.

– Chris Manning, Worry the Sword

6. Atlanta Hawks – Isaac Okoro, F, Auburn

This is a draft class in which a number of the prospects are bunched tightly together, indicating that a lot of the picks in this range come down to individual preference. The Hawks would’ve considered Killian Hayes as an upside swing if he fell to No. 6, however with him off the board, the decision came down to Okoro and Devin Vassell. There isn’t a huge gap between those two players in a vacuum, but Okoro brings an appealing ability, with athleticism, strength and defensive benefit. Offensively, he can assault close-outs, surface at the rim, make plays as a passer and serve as a secondary developer. His jump shot is a work in development but, if he can end up being a league-average border shooter, the sky is the limitation. Even if he can’t, his other skills, headlined by his defense, will carry the day.

– Brad Rowland, Peachtree Hoops

7. Detroit Pistons – R.J. Hampton, G, New Zealand Breakers

This was an extremely difficult choice based on how crucial it is for a franchise frantically in need of top-end playmaking and skill to reach in the draft for a gamer with the prospective to fill that objective. Do you take a player with well-rounded skills you are positive in or do you assess who might have that small possibility of being a No. 1 choice? That was the excellent Patrick Williams vs. RJ Hampton debate in the Pistons war space. In the end, we chose first-year GM Troy Weaver should swing for the fences on guard R.J. Hampton who has athleticism and playmaking abilities to lead the Pistons offense at the one or the two, whichever he naturally fits best. Williams, on the other hand, would be a fantastic complementary piece, but Detroit really requires that piece he ‘d be complementing. Other consider Hampton’s favor are a) his youth, b) that Hampton has actually been working to remake and transform his shot into something that would work at the next level. If he can become a powerful border shooter, he could be an extremely effective offensive gamer in the NBA and while he has a lot to deal with from a protective viewpoint, he has the athletic tools to be effective with devoted development time.

– Sean Corp, Detroit Bad Boys

8. New York City Knicks – Devin Vassell, G, Florida State

The Knicks require a little bit of everything, however one thing they need most is outdoors shooting. Devin Vassell shot over 40%in both of his seasons at Florida State, and is a certified genius in team defense. He rose from outside the top 200 in the high school recruiting rankings to a top-10 choice in 2 years, so we’re wagering there is still some benefit to be had.

Joe Flynn, Posting and Toasting

9. Washington Wizards – Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State

The Wizards need defensive assistance at every position. We were hoping for Okongwu or Okoro to be at No. 9 but both were gone. In addition, Valuable Achiuwa was more of a reach with the No. 9 choice and we can’t trade down. While Avdija appeared tantalizing considering that he was up to No. 9, Washington does need another guard who could play a significant function if the team gets into firesale mode in a year. And if the team begins winning many video games, he can still be a strong alternative off the bench. Halliburton is a strong three point shooter and can be a good point guard alternative for the Wizards in a post Wall/Beal world. However he can also help right away with their playoff hopes which the Wizards want to perform in the immediate term.

– Albert Lee, Bullets Forever

10 Phoenix Suns – Kira Lewis Jr., G, Alabama

The Suns truly need a point player of the future to take over for Ricky Rubio in 2021 or 2022, which PG is Kira Lewis Jr. He and Booker can share the ball handling duties, playing off the ball beside each other along with leading the 2nd system when the other is resting. Lewis has a bright future as a combo guard who can even get minutes his rookie season playing off ball next to Rubio in Booker-less lineups. The Suns got a take here, in my opinion. Lewis might be among the absolute best players in this draft.

– Dave King, Bright Side of the Sun

11 San Antonio Spurs – Deni Avdija, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Entering into the draft with an appetite for frontcourt skill, the Spurs were shocked to discover themselves with a handful of enticing, and contrasting, alternatives at11 Those included Avdija and Obi Toppin, both people they expected to be off the board, and the raw Patrick Williams. They went with the Israeli prospect, who exists somewhere in the vast ocean that covers Toppin’s ready-made offensive video game and Williams’ two-way capacity. Avdija’s playmaking and adaptability are welcome matches to a Spurs youth motion that’s heavy on guards and light on shot development, and his expert experience makes him the uncommon Spurs rookie that can expect a function early in their profession.

– Bruno Passos, Pounding the Rock

12 Sacramento Kings – Patrick Williams, F, Florida State

Williams’ numbers aren’t eye-popping however he provides something the Kings frantically need: durability. The Kings could lose Alex Len and Harry Giles in totally free agency, so they require to reinforce their frontcourt.

– Sabreena Merchant, Sactown Royalty

13 New Orleans Pelicans – Aaron Nesmith, SG, Vanderbilt

With the futures of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson in mind, the Pelicans would be happy to score a high-end role gamer in a weak draft lacking expanding potential. Aaron Nesmith fits the expense completely as his amazing shooting skills (522 percent from three-point range on 8.2 3PA) will keep driving lanes open for years to come for the 2 New Orleans foundations. Mentoring under JJ Redick might prove important, and between Van Gundy’s mentors and Aaron Nelson’s training staff, a likelihood exists for the 6’10 wingspan of Nesmith to reach his ceiling as an above average defender.

– Oleh Kosel, The Bird Writes

14 Boston Celtics – Obi Toppin, F, Dayton

The Celtics have 3 first-round choices, and should thread the needle in between taking best player readily available and filling the requirement for instant impact. While there are genuine defensive issues, the skill and impact was too much to pass on at 14, and Boston supplies him the chance to play the 5, most likely his finest NBA position

– Adam Spinella, Celtics Blog

15 Orlando Magic – Cole Anthony, G, North Carolina

It’s no secret that the point player position has actually been a hot topic for the Orlando Magic over the last few years. While Markelle Fultz showed some positive signs last season, the Magic still require some depth at the position, specifically with both D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams hitting the free agent market. Taking Cole Anthony provides the Magic a guard that can create his own shot, and can shoot the ball from beyond the arc some. Anthony will provide the Magic the needed depth, and the capability to go out some two point guard lineups too.

– Zach Oliver, Orlando Pinstripe Post

16 Portland Trail Sports Jackets – Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova

In a draft class filled with unpredictability, Saddiq Bey is on a short list of safe bets. Again, this isn’t a fancy pick, but it is one that falls inside Damian Lillard‘s prime.

– Steve Dewald, Blazer’s Edge

17 Minnesota Timberwolves – Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky

One of the core competencies at Canis Hoopus is easy: Choose Kentucky Players (shoutout John Meyer). Maxey’s speed, athleticism, and capability to finish around the rim would immediately be a big increase to Minnesota’s 2nd unit, and if his stroke from deep can (regularly) establish, he would right away end up being the next Wildcat alum to take a substantial leap from college into the pros.

– Kyle Theige, Canis Hoopus

18 Dallas Mavericks – Aleksej Pokuševski, F, Serbia

With the 18 th pick the Dallas Mavericks select possibly the most polarizing gamer in the 2020 draft. The Mavericks will not have a choice this high (or a choice, duration) for years, so this is their last possibility to include raw and young talent to their lineup.

– Kirk Henderson, Mavs Moneyball

19 Brooklyn Webs – Valuable Achiuwa, F/C, Memphis

This pick is all about size and athleticism. Having a huge like Achiuwa who is incredibly athletic, quick, can safeguard and rebound the basketball slip to No. 19 is a nice get here. For his size, to be able to equal the similarity Durant and Irving, plus having the ability to provide an additional body on the growing list of athletic fours in the game; you can see where Achiuwa and his 7′ 2″ wingspan can be available in and make an effect right now.

– Tom Lorenzo, Nets Daily

20 Miami Heat – Jalen Smith, F, Maryland

20, the Heat are looking for a factor to their core. Jalen Smith provides the length, protective flexibility, and shooting they lacked to combine with or behind Bam Adebayo in the playoffs.

– Matt Pineda, Hot Hoops

21 Philadelphia 76 ers – Desmond Bane, G, TCU

Bane was a four-year gamer at the NCAA level which might terrify some other teams off, but Philly is quite smitten with how things turned out with Matisse Thybulle(also a four-year gamer). Longer term, he could be an ideal complement to Ben Simmons as a secondary ball-handler.

– Kevin Love, Liberty Ballers

22 Denver Nuggets – Tyler Bey, F, Colorado

The Nuggets take the regional kid, getting a forward who reportedly signed up a 43.5″ vertical jump in his combine measurements. Bey is an athletic defender whose skills as a rebounder help enhance among the Nuggets strengths. He does not need to be available in as a shooting risk, and his capability to score around the rim plays well beside Nikola Jokić, Michael Porter Jr., and possibly Jerami Grant. If Grant leaves, Bey can slot in as the forward defender the team needs. He might have a lot of emphasize reel plays finishing lobs on a crammed Nuggets group.

– Daniel Lewis, Denver Stiffs

23 Utah Jazz – Josh Green, G, Arizona

After their frustrating surface in the playoffs, Dennis Lindsey said Utah’s objective in the offseason would be to enhance their defense while not sacrificing spacing. Josh Green need to help with both those things. Green has terrific size at the wing standing 6′ 6″ with a 6’10” wingspan and uses it well on the protective end filling lanes and playing excellent on-ball defense. Green also shot 36 percent from 3 and has a great looking shot that needs to only enhance with time.

– James Hansen, SLC Dunk

24 Milwaukee Bucks – Theo Maledon, G, AVSEL

Milwaukee is looking for more dynamism in their backcourt after yet another playoff flameout and Maledon uses the upside and playmaking capacity that might fit the expense. While his iffy shooting figures offer some time out, the hope is that Bud’s personnel can offer him a salvageable deep ball to accompany his cool death abilities to reduce Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton‘s playmaking problem. With 6’ 9″ length, if he improves his body he could follow in George Hill‘s steps as a solid guard efficient in scoring capably on a number of levels offensively.

– Adam Paris, Brew Hoop

25 Oklahoma City Thunder – Leandro Bolmaro, G, Barcelona

He can provide the Thunder a point forward off the bench so Dennis Schroder does not have to be completely responsible for creating all the plays for the bench unit. He’s versatile and he ‘d be a solid addition to the group.

– Sarah Dewberry, Welcome to Loud City

26 Boston Celtics – Tyrell Terry, G, Stanford

Another man with lottery game rumors falling to our pick, Terry has the prospective to be the long-term point guard of choice next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown

– Adam Spinella, Celtics Blog Site

27 New York City Knicks – Malachi Flynn, G, San Diego State

Malachi Flynn was one of the best players in college basketball last season, a pick-and-roll master who can shoot it from anywhere.

Joe Flynn, Posting and Toasting

28 Los Angeles Lakers – Grant Riller, G, Charleston

Riller is a three-level scorer for a group that might benefit substantially from an on-ball developer, as outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis to an extent, no other gamer on the group was a reputable source of border production in the halfcourt (Playoff Rondo regardless of).

– Ben Rosales, Silver Screen and Roll

29 Toronto Raptors – Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington

It’s a bit of a surprise to see McDaniels still on the board, and considering that the Raptors assured to be aggressive in their objective to add skill to their young core, he’s their person at no. Noted at 6’10” and 200 lbs, 20- year-old McDaniels has the skill and two-way capacity to move his way into the conversation as one of the better gamers in this year’s draft class.

– JD Quirante, Raptors HQ

30 Boston Celtics – Isaiah Joe, G, Arkansas

The Celtics didn’t enter this draft anticipating to take three domestic players, however we can finagle things to include the best 3. If there’s one theme in our picks, it’s that shooting guidelines the roost. We have a superstar scorer, some fantastic slashers and sufficient defensive versatility and firepower to remain a danger. Isaiah Joe might quickly end up the very best shooter in this class, and bringing he and Terry to Boston, in addition to a choice & pop risk in Toppin, ought to open the floor plenty for Tatum and business.

– Adam Spinella, Celtics Blog Site

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