Aug 24, 20202 min read

NBA: 2020 Mock Draft 3.0

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards (Georgia/SG): Edwards seems like he's nearly a lock to go first overall to Minnesota because the 6'5 shooting guard fits in perfectly next to point guard D'Angelo Russell, as long as one of them improves their defense. Edwards put up 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in one year at Georgia, and his offensive game is definitely NBA-ready. He's an inch shorter that Caris LeVert but their play style is very similar.

NBA Comp: Caris LeVert

Minnesota projected lineup:

PG: D'Angelo Russell

SG: Anthony Edwards

SF: Jarrett Culver

PF: James Johnson

C: Karl-Anthony Towns

2. Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman (Memphis/C): Wiseman is a little bit overrated, in my opinion, but he is one of three big men that the Warriors should consider, alongside Obi Toppin and Onyeka Okongwu. Steve Kerr needs to take a big man with this pick because it's the only weak spot in their starting lineup. Wiseman will be perfect for catching lobs in Golden State's system. He averaged 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds in three games at Memphis.

NBA Comp: Marvin Bagley III

Golden State projected lineup:

PG: Stephen Curry

SG: Klay Thompson

SF: Andrew Wiggins (unless he's traded)

PF: Draymond Green

C: James Wiseman

3. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball (United States/PG): Ball has to be the pick here if he is still available so we'll see if the 6'8 point guard falls to Charlotte at the third spot. The Hornets need a playmaker to pair with young scorers Devonte' Graham and PJ Washington. He averaged 17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game in Australia last year, but was one of the league's worst perimeter shooters. Ball reminds us of a taller De'Aaron Fox.

NBA Comp: De'Aaron Fox

Hornets projected lineup:

PG: LaMelo Ball

SG: Devonte' Graham

SF: Miles Bridges

PF: PJ Washington

C: Cody Zeller

4. Chicago Bulls: Obi Toppin (Dayton/PF): Toppin was originally our top overall pick to the Golden State Warriors but it looks more likely that he'll fall to at least the Bulls here. Chicago needs a small or power forward heading into next year and Toppin is better than any of the available small forwards. The AP Player of the Year averaged 20.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game with Dayton last season and definitely gave us Kenyon Martin memories.

NBA Comp: Kenyon Martin

Chicago projected lineup:

PG: Coby White

SG: Zach LaVine

SF: Otto Porter

PF: Obi Toppin

C: Lauri Markkanen

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Saddiq Bey (Villanova/SF): Bey wasn't a highly touted recruit and a year ago, he wasn't even a projected first round pick. The 6'8 small forward showed a lot of improvement in his second season at Villanova under Jay Wright, averaging 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. His play style is very Harrison Barnes-esque as he can attack off the dribble and shoot from outside. He will need to increase his range though.

NBA Comp: Harrison Barnes

Cleveland projected lineup:

PG: Collin Sexton

SG: Darius Garland

SF: Saddiq Bey

PF: Kevin Love (unless he's traded)

C: Andre Drummond (unless he's traded)