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As we all know the 2020 season has come to an abrupt stop due to COVID-19, causing a ton of confusion around the league.

With the most crucial time to judge future talent essentially crossed out, coaches and front offices alike are forced to scour the limited sample size they were given.

In this article I will do my best to put myself in the shoes of every GM across the NBA, and complete the lottery of the 2020 NBA Draft.

The Draft Lottery

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Photo: Tankathon
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1) Cleveland Cavaliers // Lamelo Ball

Point Guard 6’7 190lbs

Role: Primary Creator

NBL (18)

17.0 PTD 7.6 REB 6.8 AST 0.1 BLK 1.6 STL

(.459) TS (.235) FT Rate (2.73) AST/TO

(55%) at rim (32.5%) other twos (25%) Threes

 

Strengths

  • Draft Age
  • Vision
  • Handle
  • Touch
  • Transition
  • Team defense
  • Size
  • PnR creation

Weakness

  • Effort
  • Shot Selection
  • Balance
  • Strength

Swing Factors: Defensive Intensity, Shot Selection

Player comp: Unicorn

Now I know a lot of Cleveland fans may be surprised or even angry with this selection, due to the fact they are overloaded at the guard position. That being said the Cavaliers are in no position to draft for need, instead, they should be looking for that cornerstone piece to give their rebuild some direction.

At the point guard position he stands at a staggering 6’7 and is more than capable to fit that billing. Ball’s potent mix of size and skill is only shared by some of the best our game has ever seen. If he can fix some of his balance issues and tweak his shooting mechanics just a tad, he could become a dominant player in this league.

2) Washington Wizards // Onyeka Okongwu

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Center 6’9 245lb

Freshman (19)

Role: Defensive Anchor

16.2 PTS 8.6 REB 1.1 AST 2.7 BLK 1.2 STL

(64.5%) TS (.504) FT Rate (122.8) ORTG (88.5) DRTG

(72.6%) At Rim (41.5%) Other Twos (25%) Threes

Strengths

  • High-Level PnR Roll Man
  • Soft Ambidextrous touch
  • Rebounding Machine
  • Post
  • High IQ
  • Adept PnR defender
  • Quick Feet/ Lateral Movement
  • Defensive instincts

Weaknesses

  • Size
  • Shot (Although has upside)
  • Over Gambling

Player Comp: Smaller Joel Embiid

Swing Factors: Shot, Handle

With John Wall and Bradley Beal finally being able to rejoice next season, Wizards fans have a reason to be excited. Adding a polished game ready prospect like Onyeka Okongwu makes them a threat to do damage in the playoffs as early as next year. They struggled mightily on the defensive end in the 2019-20 season so adding the best defender in the class is a no brainer.

Okongwu’s quick-twitch feet allow him to play a variety of PnR coverages while his tree trunk legs give him the ability to bang inside as a defensive anchor.

3) Minnesota Timberwolves // Anthony Edwards

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Freshman (18)

Combo 6’5 225lbs

Role: Offensive Threat

19.2 PTD 5.2 REB 2.8 AST 0.6 BLK 1.3 STL

(52%) TS (.339) FT Rate (105.8) ORTG (103.6) DRTG

(69%) at rim (30.3%) other twos (29.1%) Threes

Strengths

  • Finishing Through contact
  • Getting to line
  • Transition
  • Athleticism
  • Size
  • Defensive versatility
  • Difficult Shot making
  • Shot creation
  • Draft age

Weaknesses

  • Shot Selection
  • Playmaking (has shown potential)
  • Defensive effort

Player Comp: More Physical Zach LaVine

Swing Factors: Shot Selection, Defensive intensity

It’s no secret the Wolves star player Karl Anthony-Towns is getting restless in Minnesota. While trading for Russell from Golden State is a step in the right direction, there is far more work that needs to be done. Anthony Edwards is a volatile scorer with an exceptional ability to get downhill and can bring great value immediately as an off-ball shot creator.

To reach his ceiling and truly make this selection a game-changer for the Wolves’ future, he would need a boost to his defensive intensity. At Georgia, he was rather lazy on that side of the ball, but when engaged he showed he could be an elite on and off-ball defender. A 2 guard who can cover some of Russell’s lackluster defense is something the Wolves front office is begging for.

4) New York Knicks // Killian Hayes

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Point Guard/Combo 6’5 192lbs

BBL (18)

Role: Lead Ball Handler

11.2 PTD 5.4 AST 0.3 BLK 1.5 STL

(58.5%) TS (.313) FT Rate (1.68) Ast/TO

(58%) at rim (44%) Other twos (33%) Threes

Strengths

  • Shot Creation
  • PnR Wizard
  • Live Dribble Feeds
  • Draft Age
  • Experience
  • Court Awareness
  • Active Hands off ball
  • High IQ
  • Pace

Weaknesses

  • Athleticism
  • Right hand

Player Comp: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Swing Factors: Improved handle with the right hand, along with Burst/Athleticism

Killian Hayes might be the most NBA ready prospect, being that he comes from the German BBL. It is a league filled with PnR actions and high pressure, two things he’ll see a ton of in the NBA. He is not blessed with blazing speed or jump out of the gym bounce so instead he tends to play a more tactical game. A game rich in live-action passes and strong combo dribble moves.

Hayes is a great shooter going right but struggles going left, a theme all too common in his overall skillset. All in all a PnR specialist with solid defensive versatility would fit amazing alongside RJ and Mitchell Robinson.

5) Golden State Warriors // James Wiseman

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Freshman (19)

Center 7’1 250 lbs

Role: Rim Runner/Defensive Anchor

19.7 PTS 10.7 REB 0.3 STL 3.0 BLK

(76%) TS (1.038) FT Rate ORTG (149.8) DRTG (80.8)

(89.5) at rim (50%) other twos (0%) Threes

Strengths

  • Lob Threat
  • Verticality
  • PnR Roll man
  • Transition
  • Rebounding
  • Rim presence
  • Screening
  • Draft Age

Weakness

  • Slow Footed
  • Clogs paint
  • Low Bball IQ
  • Low Awareness

Player Comp: Hassan Whiteside

Swing Factors: Consistent Face Up, Postgame, Shooting, Burst

The Warriors will most likely package this pick with their other assets to find a star who can have more of an immediate impact, but if they were to keep the pick taking an athletic and physical specimen like Wiseman would be a great decision.

At 7’1 with a 7’6 wingspan he mirrors some of the best rim protectors in the game such as Rudy Robert (7’1/7’9) and Hassan Whiteside (7’0/7’7). These attributes point to the possibility of him being an elite defensive anchor, something the Warriors have not been able to acquire during their reign.

James can also space the floor vertically giving Draymond Green a great lob target down low while playing the dunker spot. Being rather slow laterally, his versatility defensively will be severely limited. Knowing Steve Kerr and the esteemed Warriors organization, this will be a focal point for them to hone in on going forward.

6) Atlanta Hawks // Tyrese Haliburton

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Combo Guard 6’5 175lbs

Sophomore (20)

Role: 2 Way Initiator

15.2 PTS 5.9 REB 6.5 AST 0.7 BLK 2.5 STL

(63.1%) TS (.184) FT Rate (121.5) OTRG (101.1) DRTG

(74%) at rim (43.3) other twos (41.9) threes

Strengths

  • Court Vision
  • Passing creativity
  • Passing manipulation
  • Active hands
  • Team defender
  • Spot up shooting
  • High IQ

Weaknesses

  • Strength
  • Burst
  • Wiggle with handle
  • Self Creation
  • Getting to FT line

Player Comp: Lonzo Ball

Swing Factors: Off dribble shooting, Strength

Tyrese Haliburton is second only to Lamelo when it comes to passing creativity in this class. As an NFL quarterback, he uses his eyes to shift the defense opening up lanes to gift his teammates with easy buckets. Hali is a high IQ team defender with a long frame that allows him to pickpocket the offender with ease. With a few years of NBA strength training he could become an elite NBA defender.

There are so many different things to like from Haliburton that one of the more important qualities for a lead guard gets lost in the fold, and that’s a consistent pull-up jump shot. He is very accurate from 3 as a spot-up shooter, but his form is rather funky not allowing for a smooth pull up. Haliburton also lacks any form of self-creation, but being on a team with Trae Young, who handles most of that for himself is a pretty seamless fit.

The Hawks’ two main concerns last year were defense and a secondary initiator, they get aid in both of those by selecting Haliburton.

7) Detroit Pistons // Cole Anthony

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Point Guard 6’3 190lbs

Freshman (20)

Role: Primary Creator

19.1 PTS 5.7 REB 3.4 AST 0.4 BLK 1.9 STL

(48.2%) TS (.368) FT rate (99.9) ORTG (102.4) DRTG

(53.6) at rim (33.3) other twos (34.8) threes

Strengths

  • Shot creation
  • Shooting
  • On Ball defense
  • Team D
  • Handle
  • Scoring instincts
  • Athleticism

Weaknesses

  • Vision
  • Finishing through contract
  • Decision making

Swing Factors: Vision/Willingness to pass, Finishing through contact

Player comp: Kemba Walker, Damian Lillard

Cole Anthony may be one of the hardest prospects to project in this year’s class. He started out the year atop most scouts big boards, but after a tough knee injury, and struggles under coach Roy Williams, he fell quite a bit.

The question at hand is how much of the sub-optimal season is really Cole Anthony, and how much of it is the terrible spacing on the worst UNC team in 17 years. My answer basically coincides with the saying “you’re a product of your environment”, and he was not exactly appetizing. Maybe in a better situation, we could see him revert to the top 3 prospects we came to love at Oak Hill. All wasn’t lost this season along with the flashes of high-level shot creation, I saw something more within Cole Anthony this season. He could have walked away after his meniscus tear (especially after how poorly UNC performed this year), but instead he came back with a warm heart and was there for his team.

To give another example, Anthony busted his head open in a game against Ohio State and was bleeding profusely. He could have quit, but once again he made the conscious decision to get up and fight. He got bandaged up and was back onto the floor all within 5 minutes. This type of leadership and mental toughness is not something that can be taught, and is a big reason I have him going to the Pistons. Detroit, who have decided to reboot their franchise needs a leader like Cole Anthony to set a precedent going forward.

8) Chicago Bulls // Isaac Okoro

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Freshman (19)

Small Forward/ Power Forward 6’6 225lbs

Role: Defensive Stopper/Secondary Creator

12.8 PTS 4.4 REB 2.0 AST 0.9 STL 0.9 BLK

(58.5%) TS (.541) FT rate (116.5) ORTG (101.3) DRTG

(67.8) at rim (16%) other twos (28.6%) Threes

Strengths

  • Size
  • Finishing
  • Court Vision
  • On Ball Defense
  • Team defense
  • High IQ
  • Decision Making
  • Draft age
  • Defensive Playmaking

Weaknesses

  • Shooting Gravity
  • Could improve handle

Player Comp: Jimmy Butler

Swing Factors: Shooting Gravity, Handle

Isaac Okoro, to put it simply is a winner. He makes all the winning plays, from collecting loose balls, to shutting down the opposing teams best player. During his time under basketball savant, Bruce Pearl, he was constantly referred to as his “Freshenior” because of his poise on the court. He is a great playmaker and is always willing to make the extra pass. This part of his game, though very advanced, could prove to be less useful than previously imagined.

With Okoro being devoid of a jump shot, defenders in SEC play started to completely leave Okoro open resulting in clogged lanes for his team. If Isaac was ever able to evolve his rather disheartening shot into a decent one, there is reason to believe he could be the top player in this class.

Chicago would love to finally get their hands on a defensive wing stopper like Okoro, after having to play the majority of the season without a wing readily available to play.

9) Charlotte Hornets // Reggie Perry

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Power Forward/Center 6’10 250lbs

Sophomore (20)

Role: Versatile Forward/Center

17.4 PTS 10.1 REB 2.3 AST 0.8 STL 1.2 BLK

(58.7%) TS (.530) FT Rate (116.5) ORTG (97.5) DRTG

(70.3%) At rim (35.1%) other twos (32.4%) Threes

Strengths

  • Strength
  • Rebounding
  • Face up
  • Post
  • Shooting
  • Mobility
  • Hands
  • Transition
  • Willing passer

Weaknesses

  • Team Defense
  • Decision making

Player Comp: Offensive Minded Bam Adebayo

Swing Factors: Consistent 3pt shot, Rim Protection

Reggie Perry might be the strongest player in the 2020 draft class and pound for pound the most nimble. He effortlessly glides from end to end punishing the rim and ripping down boards, but his game is so much more. He has developed a solid mid-range game and has aspirations of taking it even further (to the 3PT line). His willingness to pass is something you love to see out of a young star, producing 3 assists per game for his ball club.

To reach his peak outcome he will need to continue to develop as a rim protector. This should be no problem for Perry considering the way he was playing defensively towards the end of the year looked fantastic for his future outlook. The Hornets select Perry to add firepower to an offense that ranked dead last in PPG in 19-20 and solidify the 5-spot next to budding rookie PJ Washington.

10) Phoenix Suns // Deni Avdija

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Wing/Forward 6’9 215 lbs

Maccabi Tel Aviv (19)

Role: Point Forward

7.7 PTS 4.1 REB 1.7 AST 0.6 BLK 0.5 STL

(58.2%) TS (.272) FT Rate (1.37) AST/TO

(52%) FT line (33.6%) Threes

Player Comp: Dario Saric, Lamar Odom

Swing Factors: Shot creation, Burst, Strength.

Deni Avdija is a very interesting prospect, at 6’9 he possesses an exceptional ability to push the pace. This skill allows him to excel in transition, picking out driving angles and teammates like it is nothing. He also showed his ability as a defender during his recent season at Maccabi tel Avivv.

Hyperactive when off-ball, often jumping at any opportunity to lend a helping hand. He would allow the Phoenix Suns to get out and run a little more, all while giving aid to some of Deandre Ayton’s defensive mishaps. Where my concern lies with Avdija is in the half-court, without the presence of a reliable jump shot it could be hard for him to see constant production early in this facet of the game. He has shown some flashes of shooting potential, one being his legendary FIBA u20 MVP run, but for the most part it has been horrific. That being said Ayton and Booker can help overcast some of these shortcomings with their above-average play in the half-court.

11) San Antonio Spurs // Obi Toppin

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Forward 6’9 220lbs

Sophomore (22)

Role: Stretch 4/ Small ball 5

20.0 PPG 7.5 REB 2.2 AST 1.0 STL 1.2 BLK

(82.7) at rim (44.7) other twos (39%) threes

(68%) TS (.344) FT rate (125.3) ORTG (90.3) DRTG

Strengths

  • Vert
  • Finishing
  • Shooting
  • PnR roll man
  • Floor spacing
  • Mobility
  • High IQ

Weaknesses

  • Weak lower body
  • Defensive Awareness
  • Draft Age

Player Comp: John Collins

Swing Factors: Interior Defense

Obi Toppin had the best season in college basketball. A super high flyer who finished everything in his vicinity. Offensively he has a lot of tools in his bag, a reliable 3pt shot to help spread the floor, a decent handle, and playmaking promise to name a few.

Toppin will be especially great running the floor with his long strides and explosion to the rim. The Spurs love the fact he was able to slip into their hands at 12, and will now turn to him as the eventual LaMarcus Aldridge replacement.

12) Sacramento Kings // Devin Vassell

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Wing 6’7 194lbs

Sophomore (19)

Role: 3nD Wing/Guard

12.7 PTS 5.1 REB 1.6 AST 1.0 BLK 1.4 STL

(58.5%) TS (.221) FT Rate (126.9) ORTG (93.6) DRTG

(69.9%) at the rim (42.6%) other twos (41.5%) Threes

Strengths

  • High-Level Spot up shooter
  • Motion Shooter
  • Mid Range shooter
  • Elite Team defender
  • High IQ
  • Athleticism
  • Transition
  • Range

Weaknesses

  • Gambles defensively
  • Passive

Player comp: Robert Covington/Danny Green

Swing Factors: Improved shot creation

Devin Vassell, like many FSU prospects, seems to slip under the radar at first glance. With a second look you’re able to see the amazing qualities he can bring to any NBA team. Vassell will be extremely valuable offensively as a floor spacer, this season he shot over 41% from three, and an incredible 43% from NBA range.

Under the likes of Leonard Hamilton, he really started to come into his own defensively. Using his high basketball IQ, he encapsulates team defense. Pre-rotations, communication, and being an absolute pest off-ball are all things that come to mind.

13) New Orleans Pelicans // Kira Lewis Jr.

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Point Guard 6’3 165lbs

Sophomore (19)

Role: Primary/Secondary Creator

18.5 PTS 4.8 REB 5.2 AST 0.6 BLK 1.8 STL

(56%) TS (.292) FT Rate (109.8) ORTG (103.5) DRTG

(57.9) at rim (34.8) other twos (36.7%) threes

Strengths

  • Blinding speed
  • Off Dribble shooting
  • Live Dribble feeds
  • PnR creation
  • Spot up Shooting
  • Transition
  • High IQ
  • Floaters/Runners
  • Draft age

Weaknesses

  • Strength
  • Court Vision

Swing Factors: Strength, Improved decision making

Player Comp: Dennis Schroder

Kira Lewis Jr. has all the tools that you would want out of a lead guard. He is a blur in the open court and can finish with a variety of crafty acrobatic moves at the rim. Lewis Jr. has progressed throughout the season as a passer, now including one hand, live dribble feeds into his offensive repertoire. He has great defensive instincts, but it will not matter much if he cannot put on some weight. Plain and simple being 165lbs soaking wet, will severely limit his upside defensively, and as a scorer.

Mike Schmitz always said to cling to the prospects that have that one transcendent skill and Lewis falls directly in that category with his killer speed. Putting him into the mix of the already electric New Orleans pelicans sounds like a tasty concoction.

14) Portland Trailblazers // Tyrese Maxey

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Freshman (19)

Combo 6’3 200lb

Role: Two way off guard/secondary initiator

14.0 PTS 4.3 REB 3.2 AST 0.4 BLK 0.9 STL

(53%) TS (.342) FT Rate (107.1) ORTG (99.6) DRTG

(65%) at rim (35.7) other twos (29.2) threes

Strengths

  • Finishing at rim
  • High IQ
  • On Ball defense
  • Team defense
  • Physicality
  • Body Control
  • Draft age
  • Lateral movement

Weaknesses

  • Shot consistency
  • Vision
  • Burst

Player Comp: Higher IQ Collin Sexton

Swing Factors: Consistent shooting stroke

Tyrese Maxey is cool calm and collected at all times. At Kentucky he had a better season than his stats might suggest, he proved he can score off the bounce and finish inside with the big dogs. His shot, though sub-par this year, is projectable due to his 82% stroke from the FT line and soft touch.

For the Trailblazers, he would provide a solid off-ball presence when sharing the floor with the face of the organization, Damian Lillard. When Dame Dolla is not on the floor, Maxey could overtake the reins as the primary ball-handler circumventing the offense at a great pace.

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