NBA Draft 2020

Analysis by Joe Capo

November 16, 2020

Hello my friends. I know, I know, where have I been? I wrote a few entries in April and May and then radio silence ever since. I don’t even have a legitimate excuse. I guess life just got in the way. I apologize. I hope this blog entry finds all of you and your families happy and healthy over these past 6 months. So at this point, sports has fully kicked into high gear. I mean since I’ve last been on, the Dodgers won the World Series, the Lightning hoisted the Stanley Cup, the Lakers are NBA Champs, and football is halfway through their season. Pretty exciting to see sports back in full swing. Many of you have been asking me why I stopped writing, as well as, when I’ll be back on? A few of you have also suggested I do a write-up on the NBA Draft and I promised you guys that I would do so. I had a blast making predictions for the NFL Draft, as impossible as that was, so let’s take a crack at the hardwood. This will be equally tough, especially with no NCAA Tournament this past year to showcase many of these players skills, as well as all the foreign talent the NBA keeps bringing into the league, but let’s give it a shot. With that said…let’s do this!!

1.Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards – Guard – Georgia

Let’s start off by saying that I don’t believe this is a strong draft class at all. However, there is a Big 3 headlining this group. Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, and James Wiseman. The T-Wolves are led by D’Angelo Russell and Karl Anthony Towns who just happen to play the same positions as Ball and Wiseman respectively. Enter Edwards, whose freak athleticism seems like the logical fit. Don’t complicate what should be an easy decision.

2. Golden State Warriors – James Wiseman – Center – Memphis

The rich keep getting richer. Should the Warriors trade this pick? Yea, sure. If they can find a valuable veteran piece to go with their NBA title-worthy squad, why not? As we all know, this is not your average rebuilding team picking at number 2 here. This was an injury-riddled team that will be returning all of their superstars. Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, and Green could use a little help in the frontcourt. James Wiseman…come on down!!! The athletic big man should throw down many lobs and have plenty of room to operate in the post with the insane perimeter play of the Dubs.

3. Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball – Guard – Australia

Well here we are, with Charlotte hopefully taking the last of my Big 3. Funny thing is, the other 2 are a much better fit. The Hornets are led by guards Terry Rozier and Devonte Graham. A slasher like Edwards or a big man like Wiseman would be more appealing, but hopefully they don’t pass up on a talent like Ball. This should be a case of simply taking the best player available. If for nothing else, Ball will make many a highlight reel with his ridiculous passing ability and court vision.

4. Chicago Bulls – Deni Avdija – Forward – Israel

Now it gets tricky as the Big 3 are off the board. I think the Bulls will snag the versatile Avdija with the 4th overall pick. This 6’9″ big man plays more like a point-forward with his ability to handle the ball and his playmaking skills. Those qualities can turn into a nice role playing piece on a team with many young scorers.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers – Obi Toppin – Forward – Dayton

The Cavs recent draft picks have landed them guards Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. It’s now time to work on the frontcourt. Toppin has freakish athletic ability and runs the floor extremely well. He can even step out and spot up from 3 point land. Sure his defense leaves something to be desired, but this seems like a safe pick for a team that is in need of much help.

6. Atlanta Hawks – Tyrese Haliburton – Guard – Iowa State

Ok, full disclosure, for those of you that don’t know, I’m an Atlanta Hawks fan! Yes, you read that correctly and are probably thinking “Wow, I don’t know any of those.” My boys are a talented, young team that have no trouble scoring the ball, but seriously lack defense! This pick better be Haliburton, Okoro, or Okongwu, as all 3 will be nice defensive additions to this squad. Now it’s just a matter of guard, wing or frontcourt, so let’s break it down. With taking 3 and D wing players Hunter and Reddish in last years draft, I’m tossing Okoro even though he’s probably the best defensive player of my 3 choices. Enough is enough with Top 10 wing players. Then the signing of Clint Capela adds some nice rim protection up front, but with John Collins contract up at the end of this year, I wouldn’t be opposed to bringing in Okongwu, but he’s not my choice either. Tyrese Haliburton makes the most sense to me as a high IQ, defensive guard, who has great playmaking ability, and can also shoot the 3. He can sub for Trae Young or play alongside him. His defense and versatility make him the pick for me.

7. Detroit Pistons – Patrick Williams – Forward – Florida State

The Pistons appear to be in full rebuild mode right now and I suppose a guard like Killian Hayes would be a good place to start. While that pick would make a lot of sense to me, I have them taking Patrick Williams out of Florida State. Versatility is a nice quality to pick up during a rebuild and that’s what you get with Williams. He can play both forward spots, create his own shot, or work off the pick and roll. He brings good size and toughness on the defensive end as well.

8. New York Knicks – Killian Hayes – Guard – Germany

With a new coach in town, in the defensive minded Tom Thibodeau, Isaac Okoro, who I mentioned earlier as being the best defensive player in this draft, could easily be the pick here and would probably be the smart one. However, this is the Knicks, and with RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson being the current centerpieces of this squad, I think Thibodeau may elect to start his tenure with a floor general of the future in Hayes. This 6’5″, high IQ, lead guard might be just what Barrett and Robinson need to take their games to the next level.

9. Washington Wizards – Onyeka Okongwu – Center – USC

Here is probably the only team in the league that needs defensive help more than my Hawks. I think the Wizards would be thrilled if Okongwu fell to them here at 9. If not, Isaac Okoro, will be a nice back up plan. I’m leaning toward Okongwu here as I think Washington would like a nice rim protecting and shot blocking big to pair with their backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal.

10. Phoenix Suns – Kira Lewis Jr – Guard – Alabama

*This selection was made before the Chris Paul trade was announced. To avoid driving myself crazy by taking Lewis out and playing musical chairs with different picks, i’m leaving him here. Who knows? Maybe the Suns will still grab Lewis and make him Chris Paul’s understudy.

The Suns have been searching for their point guard of the future for some time now and they find their answer with this speedster. Ricky Rubio’s time is coming to an end and Phoenix has desperately been looking for that new face to play alongside Devin Booker.

11. San Antonio Spurs – Devin Vassell – Guard/Forward – Florida State

It must be nice to kick back on your couch and watch a NBA Draft as a Spurs fan. They’re the gold standard for drafting over the last 25 years. They just always seem to make the right choice. This year will be no different. They can use a quality defending forward who can shoot the rock alongside their young, up-and-coming guards. Vassell plays the forward position, is a superb defender, and oh yea, he shoots 40% from 3-point range. Welcome to San Antonio, Devin.

12. Sacramento Kings – Isaac Okoro – Forward – Auburn

Sacramento has a nice pair of guards in De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield, and truthfully, what they really can use with this pick, is a quality rim protecting, rebounding center. However, with 3 picks in the 2nd round, I think they will try and strike gold in that department later on. As for now, I think they will happily take the defensive stalwart, that fell into their lap, at pick number 12, named Isaac Okoro.

13. New Orleans Pelicans – Aaron Nesmith – Forward – Vanderbilt

Let’s see, the Pelicans have a subpar shooting point guard in Lonzo Ball, who excels at distributing the ball to the open man and an interior beast, in Zion Williamson, who will draw many double teams, but can pass well out of the post. What can this team use? How about a guy who shoots a robust 52% from three! Yea, you read that correctly. Nesmith can flat out shoot it, and this would be the perfect fit.

14. Boston Celtics (from Memphis Grizzlies) – Prescious Achiuwa – Center – Memphis

Boston lands at 14 with the first of three 1st round picks. I don’t believe Boston will be making this selection, as I think they will package some picks to move up in the draft. However, for the case of this entry, let’s say that they stay put. Boston is like the Golden State of the Eastern Conference. Loaded with talent at the 1-4 spots, but can use a quality big man. Unless they trade up for Wiseman or Okongwu, Prescious Achiuwa makes the most sense at this spot. Yes, he’s young and raw, but his athleticism, energy, and defensive skills will fit nicely in Beantown.

15. Orlando Magic – Cole Anthony – Guard – North Carolina

This pick for Orlando could turn into a coin toss, as I can very easily see Tyrese Maxey going at this spot. I’ll lean towards Anthony as he seems to be more of a pure point guard, where as Maxey tends to fit the combo guard type. The Magic will go with Cole, as Markelle Fultz does not seem to be the answer at the point. Sure, he showed flashes last year of what made him the #1 overall pick back in 2017, but his inconsistent play will have Orlando looking for a long term replacement.

16. Portland Trailblazers – Saddiq Bey – Forward – Villanova

Portland came on strong, at the end of last year, in the bubble to secure the #8 seed in the playoffs. Their All Star backcourt of Lilliard and McCollum have been knocking on the Western Conference door for some time now, to compete with the big boys. Nurkic is a legit center. The Blazers problems are at the 2 forward spots and a lack of defense. Enter Saddiq Bey, who, on the wing, has shown defensive versatility to guard multiple positions. He can spot up from 3 with the best of them which fits perfectly in Portland’s offense. I like this kid’s game and think this would be a nice landing spot for him.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Brooklyn Nets) – Tyrese Maxey – Guard – Kentucky

With Russell, Towns, and #1 overall pick Anthony Edwards leading the charge, the T-wolves need to start addressing their lack of defense. Maxey is a nice fit as an in your face defender that can play both guard positions. He also has the ability to run the offense and create his own shot when Russell is not in the game.

18. Dallas Mavericks – Aleksej Pokusevski – Forward/Center – Greece

Ok, so this pick is a big swing for the fence, but if someone is willing to do just that, in international waters, it’s the Dallas Mavericks. Yes, he’s young (actually the youngest player in the draft,) yes, he’s a project, but Pokusevski is a 7-footer, with a 7’3″ wingspan, who dribbles and shoots like a wing player. The Mavs had the most efficient offense in the league last year, led by superstar guard Luka Doncic, so they can afford to reach here. Sure, they can use some help on the defensive end, but this may be too good to pass up.

19. Brooklyn Nets (from Philadelphia 76ers) – Jalen Smith – Forward – Maryland

With KD, Kyrie, LeVert, and Dinwiddie supplying all sorts of offense this year from the perimeter, the Nets could use some frontcourt help. Smith is a high energy guy, with a variety of post moves and a soft shooting touch. Smith also has nice length and defensive versatility to contribute on both ends of the floor.

20. Miami Heat – Tre Jones – Guard – Duke

Aside from Goran Dragic, there’s not much else in a sense of point guards on this team. Dragic is currently playing free agent mind games with the Heat, as he has shown interest to re-sign, but is keeping the door open to explore his options. Being last year’s Eastern Conference champions, this team is in win now mode. If there’s a point guard for me that i can plug in right away, to keep the ball rolling with this squad, it’s Tre Jones. He may not be the sexiest pick right here, but he’s much more NBA ready than other point guards available at this spot. He’s a great perimeter defender, with solid ball control, a high IQ, and makes the right decision while running an offense.

21. Philadelphia 76ers (from OKC Thunder) – Desmond Bane – Guard/Forward – TCU

Desmond Bane is the rare 4-year player, out of TCU, that shot a career 43.3% from 3-point range on 575 attempts. Not bad! He should be a perfect fit in a Ben Simmons led offense. Bane has a nice combination of size and athleticism to help him on the defensive end of the court. His high basketball IQ and ability to create should translate to a legit rotation player.

22. Denver Nuggets (from Houston Rockets) – Isaiah Stewart – Forward – Washington

Denver currently has 4 key, frontcourt players that are all free agents. I would assume they will make this pick to replace a potential departure. Isaiah Stewart is an old-school type forward. He’s a strong, hustling, rebounding machine. A player like that might come in handy, playing alongside a 7-foot center who likes to spot up from 3. Hi Nikola!

23. Utah Jazz – Josh Green – Guard – Arizona

After getting bounced out of the playoffs by the Nuggets in what seemed like a Mitchell/Gobert vs Murray/Jokic offensive explosion, the difference maker might have been Gary Harris’ defense…and he plays for Denver. With this pick, the Jazz go get their own Garry Harris in Arizona’s Josh Green. He has great size, with a 6’10” wingspan, and is a solid on-ball defender. Additionally, in Green’s one season for the Wildcats he shot 36% from three.

24. Milwaukee Bucks (from Indiana Pacers) – Tyrell Terry – Guard – Stanford

What a disappointing ending to last season when the Bucks, as the overwhelming Eastern Conference favorites, got ousted by the Miami Heat. The Heat locked down on Giannis, leaving their shooters wide open, who couldn’t hit water if they fell out of a boat! The Bucks seem to be moving on from Eric Bledsoe. Enter Tyrell Terry, who is undersized, but can fill it up in a variety of ways, which includes shooting over 40% from three.

25. OKC Thunder (from Denver Nuggets) – RJ Hampton – Guard – New Zealand

The way OKC let’s superstars walk out the door (Harden, Durant, George, Westbrook, and now Paul) they seem to be in no rush to make another trip to the NBA Finals. That’s why i have them taking RJ Hampton, who can turn out to be draft gold at this point in the draft. He will probably get picked much sooner than this, but a late-season hip injury might have made teams back off from this potential lottery selection. His jump shot needs work, but he’s a plus athlete, with a nice handle, and an explosive first step.

26. Boston Celtics – Robert Woodard II – Guard/Forward – Mississippi State

Another pick that may not belong to the Celtics on draft day, but I’ll have them taking the versatile Woodard here. He’s raw, but physically gifted with over a 7-foot wingspan and an improved jump shot. Woodard’s strength and high octane energy serve him well in being able to play multiple positions.

27. New York Knicks (from LA Clippers) – Tyler Bey – Forward – Colorado

Now this seems more like a Thibodeau kind of guy. After selecting their point guard of the future with the 8th pick, I’ll have the Knicks going with this versatile defender here. Tyler’s size, strength, and athleticism give him the ability to guard the perimeter as well as bigger players in the paint. He has a 43.5″ vertical, and will probably throw down many lobs just like his new teammate, Mitchell Robinson.

28. OKC Thunder (from LA Lakers) – Leandro Bolmaro – Forward – Spain

*The 28th pick still belongs to the Lakers as of this writing, but a trade of Dennis Schroder for Danny Green and this pick seems inevitable, so I’ll be making it for OKC

As I had the Thunder doing at pick 24, they select the best player available here as well, with another international player, in Leandro Balmaro. He fits the low risk, high reward, draft-and-stash kind of player i think the Thunder will be intrigued by. He has a high motor, to go with an above average 3 point shot, and attacks the rim with fury. He has quality playmaking ability and a nice feel for the game.

29. Toronto Raptors – Malachi Flynn – Guard – San Diego State

With Kyle Lowry nearing free agency and Fred VanVleet already there, this would be the smart pick to cover the possible departure of one of their stars. Flynn is actually a VanVleet clone in being an undersized gritty point guard, who is a lockdown defender and has all the tools on the offensive end. He has great playmaking ability and is a reliable decision maker. I love this player and love this pick for Toronto!

30. Boston Celtics (from Milwaukee Bucks) – Xavier Tillman Sr – Michigan State

With Boston’s 3rd pick in the 1st round, they’ll again look for some frontcourt help. Tillman is an undersized center at 6’8″ with a 7’1″ wingspan. He’s a big body, with quick feet and great defensive instincts. He has playmaking ability as an elite passer from the post which should serve well for Boston’s perimeter shooters.