Right up against the clock, it is officially time to release our one (and only) 2020 NBA Mock Draft! There is no need for a ton of foreword or introduction here, but I want to describe the format of our mock. First, there will be no trades conducted (things get too messy that way), although we will discuss some potential trades that could work or ones we believe may happen. Second, this draft is us taking on the role of general manager for each team on the clock. If you are interested in hearing legitimate NBA intel from locked-in reporters, I recommend checking out the mock drafts on ESPN+, The Ringer, The Athletic, Sports Illustrated, and many more. By no means am I (or anyone at The Chirp) a plugged in reporter with sources, so we will take the fun route and make this a mock of what we think these teams should do. With that being said, expect some deviance.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: G-LaMelo Ball (Illawarra Hawks)
-The fit with LaMelo Ball in Minnesota might not be the “cleanest”, but I think LaMelo is the best prospect in the class. One thing evident to me while watching the NBA this past season (and the postseason) is while shooting is extremely important, playmaking is even more important. Having guys who can create their own shots not only for themselves, but also create easy looks for others, is the most valuable skill in the NBA. LaMelo is the best playmaker in this class, with his gifted passing skills and innate court awareness and vision. He needs work defensively and his shooting stroke is inconsistent, but his offensive potential is, in my opinion, the highest in the class, and he has a solid floor as well. The fit might be a bit clunky with D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns, but when you are picking #1 overall, “fit” should not be a worry.
-As a note, I think Minnesota should be trying to trade down here. They could really use a wing or rangy forward and I am fascinated by Deni Avdija’s fit in Minnesota. If a team like Chicago or Charlotte were willing to deal for the rights to take Ball or James Wiseman, I think the T-Wolves should move down a few slots, select a great playmaker in Avdija, and acquire some more assets.
2. Golden State Warriors: C-James Wiseman (Memphis)
-The Golden State Warriors are going to be coming back with a vengeance this upcoming season. Not only do they have Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson healthy, but their biggest weakness, their bench, has been dramatically shored up because of all the playing time those players were forced into. The Warriors can run out a starting five of Curry, Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney opening night, while having starters from a year ago like Damian Lee, Ky Bowman, Eric Paschall, and others functioning as key bench contributors. That is all before we mention how they have the #2 pick. I think Golden State is a prime candidate to trade here, as they are still in their title window and do not have a desperate need for any of the top players. They could really use another wing (Devin Vassell or Isaac Okoro), but if they stay put, James Wiseman is my best player available and also a really good fit. He’s an athletic, rim-running center with incredible physical skills and lots of upside. He fits the bill of a modern five and would give Golden State a really strong interior presence.
3. Charlotte Hornets: C-Onyeka Okongwu (USC)
With the news today that Onyeka Okongwu has a fractured toe, I do expect he may slide a touch during the Draft. Depending on the mocks you read, Okongwu’s range is anywhere from 3-9, but Kevin O’Connor in his recently updated mock mentioned how Okongwu could slide on draft night. Personally, I am struggling to see why. Okongwu is a menace defensively; he can switch 1-5, protect the paint at a high level, move on the perimeter, and play against traditional post bigs. He has consistently been compared to Bam Adebayo defensively and I do not disagree. Okongwu averaged 1.6 SPG and 3.5 BPG per 40 minutes this past season. Offensively, Okongwu is not a star or go-to guy, but he’s a great athlete who could thrive as a vertical spacer. I think Okongwu has some Clint Capela comparisons as well, but a higher ceiling. Okongwu is not only a safe pick, but he’s got plenty of upside and fulfills a need for Charlotte.
4. Chicago Bulls: G-Anthony Edwards (Georgia)
-It is borderline crazy to put Anthony Edwards at #4, but once again, this is a mock of what teams should do in my opinion, not what they will do. I am a bit lower on Edwards than the consensus; while he is explosive and physically impressive, I question how polish and consistent of a player he is. While he has plenty of potential and room to grow, I think people overrate his current game. Edwards is an explosive athlete with a great first step and burst, and has the potential to be a physical finisher who absorbs contact. His shooting is a bit hit-or-miss and I worry whether he’ll ever be consistently above-average from deep, but I do think he’ll be a 16-18 PPG scorer in the NBA. A big question is how efficient he could be; Edwards didn’t get much help at Georgia, but I also don’t think he helped himself a ton either. Defensively, Edwards has all the physical tools to thrive, and if he buys in, I think there’s some Victor Oladipo potential out of him. That may not be the traditional comparison you see, as Edwards has gotten Dwayne Wade comps, but I think that is a bit over-the-top. He’s an interesting fit in Chicago alongside Coby White and Zach LaVine, but I think he has a slight edge over Avdija in my mind to warrant the selection here. Accumulate the talent first, then work on making it mesh together.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: F-Deni Avdija (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
-For starters, I should say that I am a huge Deni Avdija fan. Even with Luka Doncic’s stardom, I believe there is still a slight stigma and hesitancy to draft international prospects. Avdija is an extremely talented playmaker and an improving defender. Once again, I think playmaking is the most overlooked skill in the modern-day NBA; too many teams try to avoid having multiple playmakers because they fear it sacrifices shooting. Yet, the top lineup last season was OKC’s three guard lineup of Chris Paul, Dennis Schroder, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
-Moving on from that small rant, Avdija makes a lot of sense in Cleveland and gives them a plethora of playmakers. While Collin Sexton needs to improve his ability to create for teammates, having him, Darius Garland, and Avdija gives the Cavaliers an incredible array of playmakers, all with a different skill. Avdija is not the best shooter and needs improvement in that area, but I think he’s a league-ready prospect with room to grow into a bigger playmaker who is also a solid defender. This would be a homerun pick for the Cavs and give them a very solid core of Sexton, Garland, Kevin Porter Jr., Cedi Osman, and Deni Avdija.
6. Atlanta Hawks: G-Tyrese Haliburton (Atlanta Hawks)
-Another team I think should go the extra playmaker route is the Atlanta Hawks, who find Tyrese Haliburton fall into their laps here. Haliburton is not only lauded for his character, but he’s also a very good basketball player. Haliburton can play on or off-ball, is a solid athlete, and a very underrated shooter. Haliburton shot 43% from deep at Iowa State and is a perfect fit alongside Trae Young in Atlanta. General Manager Travis Schlenk has said he wants to find Atlanta’s version of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson (he came from Golden State), and while Haliburton/Kevin Huerter are not close to Klay Thompson, they both provide strong perimeter shooting skills.
7. Detroit Pistons: G-Killian Hayes (Ulm)
-The Detroit Pistons have been connected to Florida State forward Patrick Williams for weeks, yet I still think Killian Hayes is the better prospect and fit for Detroit. Hayes is a solid playmaker who can be the top guard for a winning NBA team. He’s not the best athlete and is not the most natural facilitator, but his shot creation, consistency, improved shooting, and overall skill is something that is fascinating to me. Hayes still has a lot of room to grow and he’s one of my favorite prospects in the draft.
-It should also be noted that in my opinion, the team that should be least concerned about fit is the Detroit Pistons. I do not see many building blocks for the future on this roster and with the head-scratching trade of Bruce Brown Jr., this team is rather thin on young, productive talent. You take the best player available here and to be honest, Hayes and Sekou Doumbouya is a solid duo to be hopeful about.
8. New York Knicks: F-Obi Toppin (Dayton)
-Obi Toppin is such an intriguing prospect to me. On the one hand, there are legitimate concerns about his defense; he’s not technically-sound on that court and may be a liability at the NBA level. However, his offensive skill set blends in beautifully in the modern NBA and, overall, I think he could pop in the right system. I am not sure the Knicks are the best fit for him; they have a glut of forwards already, but he should be the pick for New York if he’s on the board. Toppin’s athleticism would ignite Madison Square Garden, but I think with a team that is essentially a blank canvas outside of R.J. Barrett (the Knicks can move on from nearly everybody after this year), adding an uber-efficient, high-flying forward who is a versatile offense pieces makes a lot of sense. I see a lot of John Collins in Obi Toppin, and getting a Collins-esque player at #8 is very, very good work for Leon Rose and company.
9. Washington Wizards: G/F-Devin Vassell (Florida State)
-Personally, I am a bigger fan of Devin Vassell than Patrick Williams, which is why I give Vassell the slight nod. Vassell is a prototypical 3-and-D wing who Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer actually compares to Khris Middleton. Vassell reminds me a bit of Middleton, but more of the mold of Mikal Bridges, who I was incredibly high on two years ago. Vassell is a fluid athlete with great defensive technique and skill, but he’s also a smooth perimeter shooter who knocked down nearly 42% of his 3-PT attempts last season. There was an online video circulating of what appeared to be changed shooting mechanics from Vassell, but that has essentially been debunked as “joking around”. Vassell has been mocked around 9 or even below, which I think could make him a steal of the draft. Every year 3-and-D prospects are in high demand, yet teams always overlook them in the draft because of “potential” and “ceiling”. Vassell is a great fit alongside John Wall and Bradley Beal.
-As a note about the Russell Westbrook/John Wall rumors, I am not sure what that deal would actually entail. If Washington could get Westbrook straight up for John Wall, that’s a phenomenal trade for Washington. If not, then what is the point?
10. Phoenix Suns: F-Patrick Williams (Florida State)
-This is without a doubt the lowest you will see Patrick Williams mocked, but I am slightly lower on him than the consensus opinion. I usually do not buy into the pre-draft hype and Williams has arguably been the fastest riser among any prospect. Williams has 3-and-D+ potential, meaning he’s got good playmaking skills to go along with a great 3-and-D skillset. I certainly like him, but I think there are safer (and better) bets to make. Phoenix traded away Kelly Oubre Jr. to acquire Chris Paul and they were already thin on physical, defensive-minded wings. Williams is a really good fit to a team that is looking like a serious playoff contender next season.
11. San Antonio Spurs: F-Isaac Okoro (Auburn)
-I am going to keep my Isaac Okoro writeup short here, because in my opinion, San Antonio is the most fascinating team to keep an eye on. Okoro is a tremendous defender who’s drawn some Andre Iguodala comparisons. Okoro’s defense, length, and athleticism play right into San Antonio’s system. San Antonio desperately needs some more athleticism on this roster and having Okoro would immediately improve that. The Spurs are known for improving player’s shooting mechanics, and that’s by far Okoro’s greatest weakness. This is an ideal player/team fit.
-The one trade I really hope we see on draft night is DeMar DeRozan and pick #11 to the Orlando Magic for Aaron Gordon, Wes Iwundu, and pick #15. The Magic have reportedly dangled Gordon and pick #16 to move into the lottery, but I think this deal benefits both teams. The Spurs are stuck in neutral with DeMar DeRozan; on the one hand, he’s a terrific NBA player who keeps them hovering near a playoff berth. On the other hand, San Antonio has a glut of talented, young guards that are likely going to make it unrealistic for San Antonio to keep DeRozan and stunt their development. With DeRozan hitting FA next summer, now is the time to trade him. San Antonio desperately needs more athleticism, particularly in the frontcourt, and Aaron Gordon gives them that. I think Gordon could be a star in the right system and as a Mavs fan, I hope San Antonio does not grab him, but as a NBA fan, I hope this pairing happens. Iwundu is a good piece as well and sweetens the pot for San Antonio. For Orlando, there really is not room for Gordon on this roster. His ceiling is capped out in Orlando and with Nikola Vucevic, Mo Bamba, Johnathan Isaac, Chuma Okeke, and Al-Farouq Aminu, the Magic do not need Aaron Gordon. Turning him into a scoring, playmaking guard should be a priority, and DeRozan fits the bill as a solid rental. The Magic improve in this deal and move up in the draft, potentially to even draft another wing (like Okoro, wouldn’t that be funny?).
(San Antonio trading up for Onyeka Okongwu would be amazing, also)
12. Sacramento Kings: G-Tyrese Maxey (Kentucky)
-Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that Sacramento’s Bogdan Bogdanovic sign-and-trade is on hold, but this shouldn’t drastically alter Sacramento’s plans. The Kings could certainly use frontcourt help, but at #12, I don’t really see who’s a clean fit and still on the board. I’m a fan of Precious Achiuwa, but I think he’s a bit of a reach at #12. Instead, adding a 3-and-D wing, with plenty of room to grow, in Tyrese Maxey makes sense. Maxey has been an inconsistent shooter, but he’s a really good defender and has shown some shot creation skill as well. A backcourt of De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, and Tyrese Maxey would be fun.
13. New Orleans Pelicans: G-Kira Lewis Jr. (Alabama)
-With the Jrue Holiday trade, New Orleans has a need in the backcourt. Eric Bledsoe was an underrated acquisition, but he is not the long-term solution. Instead, enter Kira Lewis Jr., an electric point guard who reminds me a bit of… De’Aaron Fox. Lewis isn’t the prospect Fox is/was, but he’s built in a similar mold. Lewis running the fastbreak with Zion would be a lot of fun in the future. This is an ideal team/player fit.
14. Boston Celtics: F-Saddiq Bey (Villanova)
-It is unlikely the Boston Celtics draft three players in Round 1, but I said the same thing last year, and they did just that. I have no idea what to expect from Danny Ainge and Boston, but it is rare for them to be quiet. I actually think the Celtics would be wise to keep at least two of their picks; their bench is rather thin and it hurt them at times last year. Saddiq Bey is a quintessential Brad Stevens player who fits like a glove in Boston. He’s a smart, high-IQ player who’s one of the best 3-and-D prospects in the class. He’d likely never be a shot creator off the dribble and may have a lower ceiling than others, but he’s a plug-and-play guy who winning teams will target.
15. Orlando Magic: G-R.J. Hampton (New Zealand Breakers)
-The Orlando Magic have had the same primary need for the past several years and just refuse to address it: adding a primary shot creator. It’s why I think there’s some merit to trading for DeMar DeRozan, but if that trade (or one for Westbrook) doesn’t happen, R.J. Hampton is a strong fit. Hampton had some preseason buzz as a top-7 pick, but he wasn’t overly impressive in New Zealand. Still, he’s a fluid athlete with a well-balanced skillset. He’s not the best shooter or defender, but he’s got plenty of room to grow. He seems like an Orlando Magic type of player too, I might add.
16. Detroit Pistons: F-Jalen Smith (Maryland)
-The Detroit Pistons just acquired this pick from Houston and with them already landing Killian Hayes, adding a big is a really strong idea. The Pistons are super thin up front and they could be a lot thinner if Christian Wood leaves in free agency. Jalen Smith is a really strong option for them; he can play on the perimeter on both ends of the court, but is also a strong shot-blocker with underrated hops. Smith plays a real niche role, but he does a lot of things well. He can space the floor, protect the rim, compete down low, and move on the perimeter. He’s unlikely to ever be a star, but I think a more athletic JaMychal Green is a solid ceiling to aim for.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: F-Precious Achiuwa (Memphis)
-This would be an ideal pick for Minnesota. Precious Achiuwa is one of my favorite prospects in the draft due to his versatility. He can move on the perimeter, switch 1-5, and protect the rim. The ability to deploy Achiuwa in so many different settings defensively will be his greatest value, but he also plays with tremendous energy and passion. Achiuwa is also a strong rebounder with an improving offensive game; he really carried Memphis after James Wiseman was ruled ineligible. We know Minnesota wants to play fast under Ryan Saunders on Achiuwa fits as a terrific transition player. This is Minnesota’s dream scenario at #17, in my opinion.
18. Dallas Mavericks: G-Josh Green (Arizona)
-The Mavericks really need more wing depth. There’s been a ton of buzz that Dallas is shopping this pick and they have been connected to international prospect Aleksej Pokusevski, but I think that doesn’t make any sense. Dallas has never been a team to draft-and-stash players and while there is a strong connection to European players, that doesn’t mean they are destined to take one. Green fits Dallas much better; he’s a phenomenal defender, improving shooter, and really strong glue guy. Green is a plug-and-play prospect despite being just 19 and considering how strong Dallas’ player development program has been, I bet on Green really thriving in Dallas. This is another ideal player/team fit.
19. Brooklyn Nets: G-Desmond Bane (TCU)
-Desmond Bane is criminally underrated in this draft class; how often does a guy who hits 43% of his career 3-PT attempts not even really considered as a top-20 prospect? Bane is on the older side for prospects, but he’s such a good basketball player. He’s an elite shooter, very solid defender, and an incredibly underrated passer. Bane has one of the highest basketball IQs in the class and is a perfect fit for a Nets team chasing a title. People are going to look back and wonder why he fell.
20. Miami Heat: G-Cole Anthony (North Carolina)
-I’m a little surprised I have Cole Anthony so low on my own mock, but I think I opted for this because I aimed for it to be at least a little realistic. Anthony’s range seems to be in the 20s, something I don’t get. Anthony was considered a top-5 prospect preseason, yet his stock has plummeted after an injury-ravaged, disappointing season at UNC. Yet, nothing has really changed about his play; he’s a scoring machine with good explosiveness, underrated athleticism, and a high offensive ceiling. I think Anthony offers some defensive potential as well. He’s not a great playmaker and was inefficient at UNC, but in the right system, he’s going to be really, really good. Miami will gladly scoop him here.
21. Philadelphia 76ers: G-Aaron Neismith (Vanderbilt)
-If the 76ers can land Aaron Neismith at #21, they’d likely be celebrating. Neismith is one of the best 3-PT shooters in the class and Philly desperately needs more floor spacing. Philadelphia just did trade Al Horford, a future first, and a second for Danny Green, but that definitely should not preclude them from adding more shooting. Spacing was a major issue last year and it will continue to be an issue so long as Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons share the court together.
22. Denver Nuggets: F-Aleksej Pokusevski (Serbia)
-I know “Poku” has been heavily connected to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but I think he makes a ton of sense with the Denver Nuggets. We know the Nuggets aren’t afraid to take chances in the NBA Draft (see: Michael Porter Jr., Bol Bol), and they have one of the most extensive international scouting departments. For all the hype we give to the Dallas Mavericks regarding their international prowess, Denver is not far behind. Remember, the Nuggets drafted Nikola Jokic, Jusuf Nurkic, and Rudy Gobert. Poku has an incredibly high ceiling, but is far away from being ready to produce. Denver can stash him and hope he develops down the road.
-As an extra note for Denver, I think they’re a prime team to move back. The Nuggets are fairly tight regarding their finances and if Green, Bane, and Neismith are all gone, they don’t really have a ton of needs in the frontcourt or backcourt. It would be best to trade down, acquire a future asset or two, and draft a player 5-10 picks later.
23. New York Knicks: G-Tre Jones (Duke)
-A few things on this pick for New York. First, I doubt they would actually draft Tre Jones here. I think he’s incredibly underrated, but the Knicks will surely aim for someone much flashier (maybe Nico Mannion, perhaps?). However, why did the Knicks trade #28 and #37 to move up to #23, BEFORE THE DRAFT? Does this make any sense? New York has no idea who will be available five picks earlier. This has to be part of a bigger deal, but so far, there has been crickets.
24. New Orleans Pelicans: F-Jaden McDaniels (Washington)
-The New Orleans Pelicans acquired this pick through the Jrue Holiday trade, and with Kira Lewis already in tow, they could really use some additional frontcourt depth. Jaden McDaniels is a phenomenal pick for New Orleans here. There are some concerns here about his decision-making, efficiency, and attitude/body language, but McDaniels also has an incredible display of natural talent. This is a “swing for the fences” pick for New Orleans, but considering all the draft capital they have coming their way, aiming for McDaniels to hit his upside is worth the risk. If he pays off, I think you’re looking at an above average, rangy forward who can create his own shot at the NBA level.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder: G-Malachi Flynn (San Diego State)
-Malachi Flynn may not fit Oklahoma City’s timeline, but he would be a steal at this pick. Flynn is a fantastic pick-and-roll playmaker, really good shooter, and a strong perimeter defender. He’s not a high-flying athlete and his ceiling is capped, but he’s a highly productive player who would fit nicely alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who seems to profile best as a combo guard who can play on and off-ball.
26. Boston Celtics: F-Xavier Tillman (Michigan State)
-Another underrated prospect, Xavier Tillman has some Draymond Green in his game. Tillman is a really good short-roll playmaker with the ability to stretch to the 3-PT line and play down low. Honestly, there are some similarities with him and Boston’s first-round selection last year, Grant Williams, although Tillman is a better shooter. He’d give Boston another versatile frontcourt piece and possibly replace Semi Ojeleye, who may leave via free agency.
27. Utah Jazz: G-Theo Maledon (France)
-The Utah Jazz are another team in need of a point guard. Mike Conley was not the answer for Utah last season and far too often, they were reliant on Jordan Clarkson and Donovan Mitchell to create all the offense in the bubble. Enter Theo Maledon, who’s an experienced European player with a good shooting stroke and solid feel for the game. He’s not an explosive athlete, struggled a bit this past year, and isn’t great around the rim, but he can certainly play on ball or off-ball, which is valuable next to Donovan Mitchell.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: C-Isaiah Stewart (Washington)
-The Oklahoma City Thunder have a war room full of picks, so continuously adding to the young core is a point of emphasis. Isaiah Stewart gives them a unique dimension the team currently lacks long-term; he’s a bruising big, but also has a nice shooting touch to space the floor in due time. Stewart is an interior stalwart defensively and is an incredibly hard-worker. He’s not only a culture guy, but also a really good big.
29. Toronto Raptors: G-Jahmi’us Ramsey (Texas Tech)
-The Toronto Raptors have amongst the best player development program in the NBA, and I am confident whoever they select here will be terrific. I think Jahmi’us Ramsey is a solid fit because of his upside. Ramsey is a really explosive scorer with great two-way potential, but his decision-making is a huge question mark. Ramsey is only 19 and could learn plenty from Kyle Lowry and potentially Fred VanVleet, if he returns. Ramsey’s ceiling is pretty high for a late first-round prospect and considering Toronto’s culture and development, he could be a steal.
30. Boston Celtics: F-Leandro Bolmaro (Argentina)
-If Boston does select three players in Round 1, one is likely to be a draft and stash. Bolmaro is a point forward who is also a pretty solid defender. He’d be a high-intangible guy who would give Boston a completely new dynamic their team currently lacks. Brad Stevens seems to have an affinity for smaller guards, but adding Bolmaro, who’s 6’7″, gives them some additional versatility without sacrificing playmaking.
The Chirp 