On 18 November, the annual NBA Draft event took place again, bringing a new batch of young talent into the NBA. Are you curious where these future stars are headed? We've put together a summary with a short analysis of the top 8 draft picks of 2020 for you.
#1 Anthony Edwards > Minnesota Timberwolves
1.95 m - shooting guard - Georgia
Edwards is a physically strong guard who is at his best thanks to his explosive first step, which he often uses to get to the basket, make contact and rise up. He's sure to rack up points in the NBA. He's a fast guard who is hard to stop on the fast break, but he also has a pull-up jumper that poses a threat to the defense. His shot can be a bit streaky and his release needs some fine-tuning, but Edwards knows what he's doing and is also a strong defender. Not all scouts love him, but he seems to be a good fit alongside D'Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns at the Minnesota Timberwolves.
#2 James Wiseman > Golden State Warriors
2.15 m - center - Memphis
He has the potential to become one of the best centers in the modern NBA game. He is incredibly mobile and athletic for a big man and also has a wingspan of 2.30 meters. He's definitely someone you want under the basket in decisive moments, because he has great defensive instincts. He also needs seasons of development to get there - Wiseman isn't plug-and-play - and he'll have to accept that role and not try to be the next KD / Giannis / AD. If Wiseman can keep himself motivated to train every day, he can certainly earn an important role with the Golden State Warriors.
#3 LaMelo Ball > Charlotte Hornets
2.03 m - point guard - Illawarra Hawks (Australia).
He has the most potential of anyone in the draft, but also the highest expectations, because he became so popular on his route to the NBA. LaMelo is tall for a guard and he's already a fantastic passer and ball handler. The Charlotte Hornets are in rebuild mode, but with this acquisition they're already well on their way to building a franchise again that has a shot at the playoffs. Despite the hate and love LaMelo gets, he managed to sign a deal with Puma earlier this year, even before his rookie season begins, which already says something, of course. We're very curious what Melo will mean for the Hornets and whether, like LeBron, he'll also get his own Puma basketball shoes in his 1st basketball season in the NBA
#4 Patrick Williams > Chicago Bulls
2.03 m - Small Forward - Florida State
He's someone most scouts slept on, and at the end he shot all the way up into the top four in the mock drafts. Williams has the physical tools to be one of the best players in this draft. He's raw, and a lot of player development awaits him. He's a top athlete and is versatile as a scorer. He makes good decisions as a playmaker and has potential as an elite defender. If Billy Donovan and the Chicago Bulls can develop him, this pick could look like a bargain in a few years.
#5. Isaac Okoro > Cleveland Cavaliers
1.98 m - small forward - Auburn
One of the purest athletes and one of the best perimeter defenders in this draft, an excellent combination for the Cleveland Cavaliers to add to their roster. He's a smart player who works hard; he also makes good decisions and has the athleticism and strength to score easily through contact at the basket. He is a weaker shooter, though, and his technique needs work.
#6 Onyeka Okongwu > Atlanta Hawks
2.02 m - Power Forward/center - USC.
In a few years, he could be the best big man in this draft; thanks to his energy and perseverance, he has earned a role in the NBA. A very strong defender who can do whatever is needed in the pick-and-roll - switch, hedge or drop back - and use his impressive bounce to block shots. Okongwu also has potential on the offensive end; he's a good ball handler and a good passer, but his shot is inconsistent and needs work. He's not yet good enough to start at the five in the NBA, but he has all the potential to become something special. We're looking forward to seeing what Big O can do for the Atlanta Hawks.
#7 Killian Hayes > Detroit Pistons
1.95 m - Point Guard - France.
He was a big point guard and showed that he can be creative as a pick-and-roll ball handler who played a few seasons professionally in France. Good change of pace from a quick guard who likes the pull-up midrange jumper. Hayes isn't yet an elite athlete at NBA level and needs to become a better and more consistent defender; if he manages that, the Detroit Pistons have a real star on their hands.
#8 Obi Toppin > New York Knicks
2.09 m - Forward - Dayton.
Everyone's favorite player to watch in college because of his ferocious dunks and his ability to hit the deep three, two things that translate to the NBA. He'll put on a show on the court. Can be a real threat as a pick-setter in the NBA who can go for three or roll hard to the basket and finish, or he can operate from the dunker spot. Plays hard. He's also a big problem on defense; he's strong and will throw himself into every rebound. The New York Knicks haven't done well in the front office in recent years, but this was a good pick and we're curious whether it can turn the tide at Madison Square Garden.
Although these are mainly predictions based on their college play, we as team Burned are hugely curious to see how these players manage to translate their game from the college level to the NBA.
