2020 NBA Draft

The NBA draft is the most important offseason event where only the best draft prospects get the opportunity to play at the professional level. Every year NBA teams look forward to the draft in hopes of recruiting the next big thing. It’s where legends are born. 

The 2020 draft class is full of talent with names such as LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and Deni Avdija who are just a few of the top prospects with high expectations. Although the draft did not go as many thought it would with some players being drafted at a higher/lower pick than mock drafts had predicted, the top 3 picks were not as shocking.  During draft night Anthony Edwards was drafted no. 1 overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves, James Wiseman 2nd overall to the Golden State Warriors, and LaMelo Ball 3rd overall to the Charlotte Hornets.

Anthony Edwards has been regarded to be the most talented scorer in his draft class. According to sports-reference.com Edwards has averaged 19.1 points (40.2 FG%), 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game at the University of Georgia. 

I believe the Timberwolves were smart in their decision to choose Anthony Edwards as he had high value being one of the best prospects in the 2020 draft class. Edwards being a natural scorer will benefit the Timberwolves offense filling in for the two or three positions. However, one thing Edwards needs to work on is his scoring efficiency from three as he is shooting a below-average percentage at 29.4% from beyond the arc. If Edwards improves his shooting efficiency it can prove to be lethal on the offensive end.

James Wiseman has been scouted to be a very talented center being 7’1 with a 7’6 wingspan. Wiseman is athletic, explosive around the rim, and is an excellent defender with high block and rebound numbers. At the University of Memphis, he averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game (only played three games) according to sports-reference.com.

The Warriors were smart in drafting James Wiseman as they were lacking in the center position. However, Wiseman would still need to adjust to the shooting heavy offense of the Warriors as he is still developing his jumper. Also, it is hard to predict how easily he will adjust to the NBA as Wiseman had only played 3 games for Memphis University before he dropped out.

LaMelo Ball on the other hand is one of the more NBA-ready draft prospects as he played overseas in Australia in the NBL. LaMelo is an excellent scorer, a reliable ball-handler, and is one of the better playmakers in the NBA draft as he is known to set up other scorers on the team. While playing in the NBL he averaged 17 points, 6.8 assists, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game according to sports-reference.com.

LaMelo is an incredible fit for the Hornets and the organization as he can be seen as an upcoming franchise player along with Gordon Hayward who has signed a four-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets. LaMelos offense and playmaking will improve the Hornets as at 6’8 he can run as a point-forward with his efficient ball handling and set up scorers such as Gordon Hayward, Devonte’ Graham, and Terry Rozier. However, LaMelo needs to work on his shooting efficiency as in the NBL he recorded a shooting field goal percentage of 37.5% overall and a low 25% from beyond the arc.

The 2020 draft class is full of potential. Though it’s still too early to tell it is expected that star players will come from the 2020 draft class and shock the NBA. All we can do right now is wait for the 2021 season to commence to see these rookies in action and potentially become the next best thing.