The basketball world now knows where lottery teams will be picking in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Here is a post-lottery 2020 NBA mock draft.
1) Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards
The Timberwolves draft Edwards to play in-between big man Karl-Anthony Towns and point guard D'Angelo Russell. Edwards' aggressive scoring will give head coach Ryan Saunders a source of isolation offense, and the Georgia product benefits from being the team's number-three scorer, as he won't see many double-teams. He essentially replaces Andrew Wiggins from a body standpoint. Minnesota makes the already dynamic west relentless.
2) Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman
The Warriors fill the largest void on their roster, that being center. Wiseman's raw athleticism, which includes rim-rattling dunks, putting the ball on the floor, and denying shots at a considerable rate, gives Golden State's offense a new dimension, as well as a potential defensive anchor. A healthy Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson get an inside threat to pass to when they're double-teamed, and Draymond Green gets more clean looks from the perimeter. The Warriors match talent with fit.
3) Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball
The Hornets capitalize on moving up five spots in the NBA draft lottery by getting head coach James Borrego his floor general of the future. Ball has the scoring ability, specifically getting to the rim off the dribble with ease, to be a go-to scorer in the NBA. He will take some attention off youngsters Devonte' Graham, Miles Bridges, and PJ Washington. Ball's rebounding and nifty passing improve the aforementioned players, too.
4) Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija
The Bulls go with upside and a player who fills a void, that being an athletic frontline scorer. Avdija's court vision and speed make him a point forward candidate but also a player who you can run an offense through. He further weaponizes a young Bulls offense that includes Zach LaVine, Coby White, Lauri Markkanen, and Wendell Carter Jr. Avdija also provides an imminent scoring option if the Bulls endure an offseason roster shakeup.
5) Cleveland Cavaliers: Isaac Okoro
The Cavs add an athletic defensive wing to put next to former lottery picks Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. Okoro's raw speed helps him sky above the rim, and he has a shooting stroke that could improve at the next level. The Auburn product provides some much-needed defensive initiative, as well as another potential scoring option for the Cavs; he'll take some pressure off the team's young backcourt.
6) Atlanta Hawks: Obi Toppin
With no clear path in the draft, the Hawks go with the best talent on the board. Toppin's multidimensional offensive skill set and frame (6-foot-9) add to an already vibrant Hawks offense. He's an impressive outside shooter, can play in the post, and puts the ball on the floor, which makes him a capable NBA center. Toppin can serve as the Hawks center at the end of games while serving as their sixth man in his rookie season.
7) Detroit Pistons: Tyrese Haliburton
Head coach Dwane Casey gets a smooth, two-way player to run his offense in Haliburton. The 6-foot-5 guard shot 42.6 percent from beyond the arc at Iowa State, is a competitive defender, and has superb court vision. He gives the Pistons a floor general who helps young wings/forwards Luke Kennard and Sekou Doumbouya get more touches in their hot spots. Veteran Derrick Rose can push Haliburton.
8) New York Knicks: Devin Vassell
The Knicks take Vassell to complement RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson. Vassell's 41.7 percent shooting from distance at Florida State stretches the floor for Barrett to play in isolation and helps Robinson execute alley-oops/inside buckets. Vassell also brings promising on-ball and perimeter defense to the table, which bodes well for a team looking to establish a defensive mentality under new head coach Tom Thibodeau.
9) Washington Wizards: Saddiq Bey
The Wizards go for shooting and defense around their star backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal. Bey shot 45.1 percent from distance in his sophomore season while serving as a reliable scorer and defender across his two years at Villanova. Bey would further enhance a savvy, young forward rotation that already includes Rui Hachimura and Davis Bertans. If Washington blows up its roster this offseason, Bey gives them a two-way wing to rebuild around.
10) Phoenix Suns: Killian Hayes
The Suns go with a young scorer who will play a prominent role off the bench from the get-go. Hayes takes what the defense gives him, is quick, and a cunning passer. He'll backup veteran Ricky Rubio and be a playmaker off head coach Monty Williams' bench in a unit that, when healthy, could include Cameron Johnson, Mikal Bridges, and Ty Jerome. If Phoenix decides to shop Ricky Rubio over the next two years, they have a starter waiting in the wings in Hayes.
11) San Antonio Spurs: Onyeka Okongwu
The Spurs have a group of blossoming young guards, and big man LaMarcus Aldridge isn't getting any younger, therefore leading them to draft Okongwu. The USC big man has a respectable inside game, can put the ball on the floor, and is a defensive fixture. He'll be a vital part of the Spurs' future, projecting as a frontline starter in the early stages of his NBA career. For the meantime, he'll battle for a starting spot and improve the team's bench.
12) Sacramento Kings: Aaron Nesmith
Nesmith adds perimeter shooting and another scoring option for the Kings. Last season he shot an astounding 52.2 percent from beyond the arc at Vanderbilt. He adds another scoring shooter to an offense run through Buddy Hield and De'Aaron Fox, who have similar offensive skill sets. Nesmith could also serve as a replacement for soon-to-be free agent Bogdan Bogdanovic.
13) New Orleans Pelicans: Tyrese Maxey
The Pelicans go with a pure scorer in Maxey. While a bit of an inefficient shooter at Kentucky, the combo guard is adept at getting to the rim off the dribble and making mid-range jump shots. Maxey will come off New Orleans' bench, providing steady scoring, another young player with upside, and depth for potential veteran departures.
14) Boston Celtics: Precious Achiuwa
Achiuwa is a combination of raw talent and fit for the Celtics. He puts the ball on the floor, finishes inside in fashion, has a functioning outside game, and would add more athleticism to a halfcourt offense. While big men Daniel Theis and Enes Kanter are steady forces, Achiuwa gives head coach Brad Stevens a frontline scorer who could, in time, be the team's center at the end of games given his scoring ability. Plus, Gordon Hayward is a free agent after next season.
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