NBA: 2020 Mock Draft 6.0
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards (Georgia/SG): Edwards seems like he's nearly a lock to go #1 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 (and more explosive) than Caris LeVert but their play style is very similar.
NBA Comp: Caris LeVert
Starting 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
Starting 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
Starting Lineup:
PG: LaMelo Ball
SG: Devonte' Graham
SF: Miles Bridges
PF: PJ Washington
C: Cody Zeller
4. Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija (Israel/SF): Avdija has seen a small bump in each of our mock drafts to this point and we now have him all the way up to fourth overall to the Chicago Bulls. The 6'9 forward has displayed a lot of potential in a short amount of time, as Avdija can attack slower defenders and shoot over smaller defenders. He needs to improve his on-ball defense which should be a point of focus to whoever drafts him. We think Chicago might be the team to do so.
NBA Comp: Nicolas Batum
Starting Lineup:
PG: Coby White
SG: Zach LaVine
SF: Deni Avdija
PF: Lauri Markkanen
C: Wendell Carter
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: 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 or Cavaliers. Cleveland 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 glimpses of Kenyon Martin.
NBA Comp: Kenyon Martin
Starting Lineup:
PG: Collin Sexton
SG: Darius Garland
SF: Obi Toppin
PF: Kevin Love (unless he's traded)
C: Andre Drummond (unless he's traded)
Other Selections:
6. Hawks: Patrick Williams (SF)
7. Pistons: Killian Hayes (PG)
8. Knicks: Devin Vassell (SF)
9. Wizards: Onyeka Okongwu (C)
10. Suns: Tyrese Haliburton (PG)
11. Spurs: Isaac Okoro (SF)
12. Kings: Saddiq Bey (SF)
13. Pelicans: Tyrese Maxey (SG)
14. Celtics: Tyrell Terry (PG)
15. Magic: Kira Lewis Jr. (SG)
Round-up: The top-five prospects remained the same in our recent draft update, as we still have Edwards, Wiseman, Ball, Avdija, and Toppin going in that order. One of the biggest risers from the past few weeks was Patrick Williams (#6), who moved up five spots to the Hawks. It seems likely Atlanta is going to take a wing and it could be Avdija, Williams, Devin Vassell, Isaac Okoro or Saddiq Bey. Meanwhile, Killian Hayes (#7), Onyeka Okongwu (#9), Tyrese Haliburton (#10), and Tyrell Terry (#14) remained in their respective spots. Tyrese Maxey (#13) moved up two picks to the Pelicans, while Kira Lewis Jr. (#15) is a new addition to the Magic. The draft is set for Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 PM.
Photo Credit: SF Chronicle.
