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NBA Draft 2020 is finally here. Instead of taking place at Barclays Center in June, it was pushed back and went virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there’s still plenty of buzz
NBA Draft 2020 is finally here.
Instead of taking place at Barclays Center in June, it was pushed back and went virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there’s still plenty of buzz surrounding Wednesday night’s draft. Between trade talks and uncertainty over the No. 1 pick, there was no lack of intrigue heading into commissioner Adam Silver announcing the picks from ESPN’s campus in Bristol, Conn.
Here’s how the first round is shaking out, with analysis on all 30 picks:
NBA Draft Tracker: Round 1
1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia
Height: 6-foot-5, Weight: 235 pounds
A pick that was long clouded with uncertainty reportedly came down to the wire before the Timberwolves hung onto it and drafted the explosive scorer who has drawn comparisons to Dwyane Wade.
2. Golden State Warriors – James Wiseman, PF/C, Memphis
Height: 7-foot-1, Weight: 240 pounds
The big man’s college career was cut short after three games, when he was ruled ineligible and then he left school. But the former No. 1 recruit will now get to protect the rim for the Warriors as they try to get back into title contention — though they’re holding their breath after Klay Thompson suffered another injury.
3. Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawarra Hawks (Australia)
Height: 6-foot-7, Weight: 190 pounds
Lonzo’s younger brother offers length and vision as a 6-foot-7 playmaker. His shooting may leave some question marks but he can immediately be the floor captain for Michael Jordan’s team.
4. Chicago Bulls – Patrick Williams, SF, Florida State
Height: 6-foot-8, Weight 225 pounds
The first real surprise of the night. The versatile Williams offers length and athleticism and is the second-youngest player in the class, meaning there may be some untapped potential for Billy Donovan to bring out.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers – Isaac Okoro, SF, Auburn
Height: 6-foot-6, Weight: 225 pounds
The physical wing is one of the top defenders in this draft class and can make an immediate impact on that end of the floor while his offense catches up.
6. Atlanta Hawks – Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC
Height: 6-foot-9, Weight: 245 pounds
An athletic big man, Okongwu can be a handful at the rim. He was revealed on Wednesday to have a fractured toe, but he’s expected to be ready for the start of the season.
7. Detroit Pistons – Killian Hayes, PG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Height: 6-foot-5, Weight 192 pounds
A talented point guard who thrives in the pick-and-roll game. The lefty has already played professionally overseas and could become a playmaking threat in the NBA.
8. New York Knicks – Obi Toppin, SF/PF, Dayton
Height: 6-foot-9, Weight: 220 pounds
The overlooked high school player-turned National Player of the Year comes home to New York. The Brooklyn native is explosive and brings offensive versatility.
9. Washington Wizards – Deni Avdija, SF/PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
Height: 6-foot-9, Weight 215 pounds
The fall finally ends here. Avdija was projected by many to go as high as No. 4 to the Bulls but lands in Washington. Offers versatility as an aggressive offensive weapon.
