2020 NBA Mock Draft 8.0: The draft date is set — again
With the NBA Draft now set for Nov. 18 (for now, at least), let's run back the mock draft machine.
Once again, the 2020 NBA Draft has a date: Nov. 18, roughly one month later than its previously scheduled Oct. 16 date.
In that new month of space, the league is reportedly planning a more fleshed out combine and will aim to iron out modifications to the current CBA once the financial ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic are fully known.
And who knows? Perhaps that date will be delayed again. The league's restart bubble continues to go off without a hitch, but the start of the 2021 season remains shrouded in mystery. Everything is fluid in a mid-pandemic reality.
For now, all teams can do is continue their evaluation process. Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley face unprecedented circumstances in their first draft atop the Bulls' basketball operations masthead — especially owning the No. 4 overall pick, and kicking off group workouts at the Advocate Center Sept. 21.
The unprecedented nature of the 2020 draft, combined with the prevailing perception that this prospect class is a weak one, make teams' thought patterns all the more unpredictable.
But let's fire up the mock draft machine once more. There remains much to parse through.
Two notes:
- Take no measurables as gospel until official combine results are available. All of the below come courtesy of Draft Express unless otherwise indicated
- All ages listed are as of the draft’s currently-scheduled date, Nov. 18
Stats: 32 G, 33 mpg
Measurements: 6-3, 225 lbs
Age: 19
There’s no perfect pick for the Timberwolves at No. 1 overall in a draft whose top prospects all come flush with red flags. But in Edwards, they secure perhaps the best pure scoring prospect in the class and a wing with elite measurables and athleticism to slot alongside core pieces in D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns. Edwards won’t immediately help Minnesota’s defensive ails, but has the tools to grow into a two-way sensation if he applies himself.
Stats: 12 G, 31.3 mpg
Measurements: 6-7, 190 lbs
Age: 19
Will the Warriors use this selection? That’s anyone’s guess. If they do, nabbing the best talent available in Ball to develop behind and alongside its legendary backcourt of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson could make sense. There isn’t a better situation for the 19-year-old to step into. His passing, ball handling and dynamism in transition would add an exciting aspect to the Dubs’ already-potent offensive attack, and Golden State’s championship-caliber infrastructure would afford him space to iron out the kinks in his game.
For what it’s worth, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Connor Letourneau recently reported the Dubs are “higher on” Israeli forward Deni Avdija, who makes a tad more positional sense, than both Ball and “possibly” James Wiseman. Whether genuine or smokescreen, that’s something to consider.
Stats: 3 G, 23 mpg
Measurements: 7-1, 240 lbs
Age: 19
Wiseman is a polarizing prospect, but the Hornets’ gaping hole at center — and franchise player — makes this fit an intriguing one. So does Wiseman’s rare blend of size (with a wingspan reportedly in the 7-5 range), athleticism and flashes of perimeter skill. He was the No. 1 player in his high school recruiting class for a reason.
And while some may turn their noses at drafting a traditional center in the top three, we know Michael Jordan wouldn’t be afraid. You could do a lot worse than a starting five of Devonte’ Graham, Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, P.J. Washington and Wiseman.
Stats (I-BSL): 33 G, 27.6 mpg
Stats (Euroleague): 26 G, 14.3 mpg
Measurements: 6-9, 215 lbs
Age: 19
Another top-five pick, another polarizing prospect. So is the way of the 2020 draft.
In Avdija, the Bulls take a swing on a skilled playmaking forward — probably a four in the NBA — to augment their stable of promising yet unproven talent. A smart defender, fluid fastbreak handler and burgeoning pick-and-roll decision-maker, Avdija has the potential to plug holes all over the floor for the Bulls.
His outside shot is his biggest swing skill. 41 percent post-pandemic-hiatus 3-point shooting (seven games) inspires optimism. A sub-60 percent season-long free-throw mark, plus shooting just 25 percent from deep in the I-BSL playoffs, tempers it. He did become the youngest MVP in the Israeli Basketball Premier League's history in 2019-20, though, and helped lead Maccabi to a title.
Stats: 28 G, 31.5 mpg
Measurements: 6-6, 225 lbs
Age: 19
Okoro would bring defensive zeal and tact as a slasher on the wing for a Cleveland team that’s invested back-to-back top-10 picks in its backcourt. If his jumper comes around, Okoro is exactly the brand of all-around impact forward NBA teams so often clamor for. Even if it doesn’t, his all-world athleticism and tenacious on-ball defense will carve him a niche in the league for years to come.
Stats: 28 G, 30.6 mpg
Measurements: 6-9, 245 lbs
Age: 19
Okongwu could very easily wind up the best center in this class. His versatility across defensive coverages, shot blocking chops and rim-running prowess scream modern big, even if he is a tad undersized. Yes, Atlanta is paying Clint Capela through 2023. But Okongwu can be a much-needed anchor for a porous Hawks defense and complement Trae Young and John Collins’ skills on the offensive end while developing on a similar timeline as them.
Stats (G-BBL): 20 G, 25 mpg
Stats (Eurocup): 10 G, 26.8 mpg
Measurements: 6-5, 192 lbs
Age: 19
Similar to the man mocked above him, Hayes’ ceiling outcome could be the best at his position of the class — a crafty three-level scorer (with encouraging shooting splits), passing maestro and rangy defender with plus height and wingspan for a lead guard. With a full rebuild ahead, the Pistons would be fortunate to snag him. He can be the foundation and glue of whatever type of team new general manager Troy Weaver looks to build.
Stats: 31 G, 31.6 mpg
Measurements: 6-9, 220 lbs
Age: 22
Toppin is a contribute-now pick for a Knicks team that could be looking to retool quickly under new coach Tom Thibodeau. Adding another 4/5 to New York's already-overflowing frontcourt rotation might seem redundant on the surface, but Toppin's inside-out scoring game and high-flying finishing ability could inject some life into a team that hasn’t finished better than .500 since 2013. He’d be great value if he slipped to No. 8. Plus, he’s a CAA signee.
Stats: 30 G, 28.8 mpg
