2020 NBA Draft Review : Grading the first 3 picks

The 2020 NBA Draft took place in a format never seen before. Players were shown on video from their houses, and there were no fans booing their teams’ poor picks. However, the format was not the only reason why this draft was so unique. The Draft featured no consensus top picks which led to a more surprising draft where fans, and even teams, did not know what to expect. Here are the draft grades for the first 3 picks of the draft:

1. Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards | B+

SEC Freshman of the Year and Georgia guard Anthony Edwards finished his freshman season averaging 19.1 PPG and 5.2 RPG. Out of the top 3 prospects in the draft (Lamelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman), Edwards was the safest pick and best fit for the Wolves. The Timberwolves already have a star center in Karl Anthony-Towns, so there was no reason to draft Wiseman, and many questioned whether Ball, like Wiseman, would be effective since he didn’t play in the NCAA. However, Edwards’ commitment to basketball has worried fans.

In a pre-draft interview, an ESPN reporter asked Edwards how he became passionate about basketball after playing football.

“I’m still really not into [basketball],” he replied. “To be honest, I can’t watch basketball.”

Edwards also said that he would prefer being drafted by the NFL over the NBA because he could perform better celebrations on the field than he could do on the court.

The response alarmed NBA fans who were concerned that Edwards was not focused enough on playing basketball. Because of Anthony Edwards’ rumored bad work ethic and defensive efforts, the selection does not have much upside. If Edwards is not committed to improvement, he will fail to become a star while other prospects will train and practice as much as needed to achieve that level of success. This pick deserves a B+ as he is clearly an elite athlete, but if he continues his lackluster work-habits, he will fail to realize his potential. Though it is unlikely that Edwards will be a bust, his odds of becoming a superstar are lower than other prospects.

2. Golden State Warriors, James Wiseman | A

Obtaining Wiseman fixes the major hole that the Warriors previously had in their roster: the lack of a solid center who can defend the rim and maintain a presence in the paint. With a 7’1” wingspan and solid athleticism, Wiseman’s dominance in the paint could be the key for a return to the Finals. In the NBA, Wiseman’s size and skills will translate to strong defense and rim protection. The Warriors are fueled by three-point shooting, and though Wiseman isn’t a great shooter, he will help Draymond Green on the defensive end. With an already developed offense, Wiseman will improve his defense which will be crucial given that Klay Thompson, an elite defender, will be out for a second consecutive season.

Despite having mediocre centers, the Warriors’ won several titles in the last five years. If Wiseman becomes a star, he would solidify the Warriors’ dynasty moving forward. Some are concerned that Wiseman may struggle to last a full NBA season, since he hardly made any college appearances due to a suspension. However, Wiseman has trained for the past few months, so he should be conditioned to play 20 or more minutes each night. Although Wiseman clearly has the potential to develop into a star, many believe the Warriors should have selected USC forward Oneyka Okongwu, who they say is currently the better player. Compared to Okongwu, Wiseman is a riskier pick due to his at times poor shot selection and average basketball IQ. However, Wiseman may eventually be better for the Warriors’ future, as his chances of becoming a superstar are higher than other prospects at his position. This pick, nonetheless, is a solid one and deserves an A.

3. Charlotte Hornets, LaMelo Ball | A-

LaMelo Ball has more potential than any player in this draft class. Ball is known for his excellent court vision and flashy passes, traits that will bring excitement to Hornets fans during the season. In the past ten years, the Hornets have struggled to draft stars, with the expectation of Kemba Walker who left the team for the Boston Celtics in 2019. The Hornets’ other lottery picks in those years were Frank Kaminsky, Noah Vonleh, Cody Zeller, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, all of whom have career PPG averages under 10 points. Charlotte hopes Ball can significantly impact the franchise, which has failed to make the playoffs in the last four seasons.

Charlotte already has two solid guards in Devonte Graham and Terry Rozier, so Ball will likely begin his career as a back-up to Rozier or Graham. The Hornets also signed Gordon Hayward during the offseason and are looking to make the playoffs for the first time in five years.

Ball’s biggest concerns are his defense, lack of college experience, and his father—Lavar Ball Lavar, in the past, has criticized NBA coaches, notably former Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton when Lonzo Ball played in L.A. His bold and blunt statements have often brought negative media attention and pressure to the team and his sons. If the Hornets want LaMelo to emerge into a star, they have to ensure that LaVar Ball is not associated with the franchise.

Since Ball opted to play for the Hawks in the Australian National Basketball League over the NCAA, scouts found it difficult to compare Ball to current NBA players who played in college. However, many overseas prospects have fared well in the NBA including Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetoknoumpo. In Australia, Ball averaged an impressive 17 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 6.8 APG at 18 years old. LaMelo Ball is a good pick here, and with hard work and proper coaching, Ball could be the best player in the draft.