Makes me wonder if Karim Mane is going in the 1st too...he did say earlier this year that he wouldn't stay in the draft unless he got a promise.
Kevin O'Connor also reporting that Payton Pritchard got a promise in the 1st
The Official 2020 NBA Draft Talk Thread (11/18)
- Thread starter tremonthustler1
- Start date
Makes me wonder if Karim Mane is going in the 1st too...he did say earlier this year that he wouldn't stay in the draft unless he got a promise.
Kevin O'Connor also reporting that Payton Pritchard got a promise in the 1st
TUA TAGOVAILOA
Superstar
I'm not that high on Pritchard and it's a deep PG draft. Definitely wouldn't take him first round
Same. I think he'd be a good backup, but you don't waste a first on a backup point when they're on the market every year
tremonthustler1
aka bx_representer
A bunch of these 1st round PG’s are gonna be backups.
I like Pritchard but I’m not gonna gas him up to where he’s a first rounder. Now he can’t sneak up on anyone.
TUA TAGOVAILOA
Superstar
If I were a GM/scout and needed a PG I'd be all in on Yam Madar in the 2nd round.
Rigby.
The #1 Rated Mixtape of all Time
Tell me if I’m reaching here, but do you see a lot of similarities in Divicenzo and Pritchard? That’s just something that popped up in my head today
Jonathan Givony of DX/ESPN updated his mock this morn. @42 Monks not gonna like this one
Trade talks are still heavily in play for this pick, but most NBA teams are now getting the sense that Edwards is the likely selection if the Wolves stay put. He brings a positional fit with D'Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns, while Wiseman and Ball would overlap with those franchise cornerstones.
Since winning the lottery, the Timberwolves have at times sent out strong signals that they're interested in all three of Edwards, Wiseman and Ball (with whom they conducted another virtual interview over the weekend). That might be an indication of uncertainty or an attempt to juice trade offers. Regardless, the pick remains in flux, though most signs point to Edwards for now.
2 Golden State Warriors
James Wiseman Memphis C Age: 19.6
While Wiseman has long looked like the safest pick and best positional fit here, he no longer appears to be a lock for Golden State after Ball conducted an impressive workout in front of key members of the Warriors' ownership group, front office and coaching staff. Ball's talent presents the possibility for special long-term upside, while Wiseman might be better equipped to immediately help the franchise return to the NBA Finals.
The Warriors have continued to do their due diligence by traveling to watch Anthony Edwards work out for a second time in recent days after an initially underwhelming first viewing.
3 Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball Illawarra G Age: 19.2
Though a serious fall in the draft has never really looked likely, Ball's series of strong private workouts in front of NBA teams this past week seems to have helped his case to stay in the top three.
Ball's incredible size, ball-handling and touch has popped even in a workout setting, according to observers. That could make the Hornets even more comfortable with the idea of selecting the best talent available, avoiding a need to use assets to trade up.
4 Chicago Bulls
Deni Avdija Maccabi G/F Age: 19.8
NBA teams continue to struggle to get a handle on Chicago's intentions with this pick. Over the past few weeks, plenty of chatter revolving around the possibility of selecting FSU wing Patrick Williams has emerged.
Although active in potential trade discussions for a veteran guard, the Bulls already have several interesting, young pieces the new front office probably will want to learn more about firsthand. Avdija's size, versatility, feel for the game and role-playing potential make him a good fit anywhere while offering another playmaking option as he develops.
5 Cleveland Cavaliers
Obi Toppin Dayton F Age: 22.6
There are several reasons for the Cavs to be attracted to Toppin, who played a couple of hours down the road at Dayton and would bring considerable enthusiasm with his explosive style of play. The best player in college basketball last season, Toppin is older than Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Kevin Porter Jr., making him a fit with the team's timeline.
The Cavs are active in the trade market and have plenty of pieces to make a splash on draft night if they decide to be aggressive. Rival front offices point to Onyeka Okongwu and Isaac Okoro as two other options the Cavs might be considering, especially if they can add another pick in the top 10.
6 Atlanta Hawks
Onyeka Okongwu USC F/C Age: 19.9
The Hawks are by far the most active team on the trade market, according to opposing front offices. They could attempt to be players for a veteran guard (such as Jrue Holiday or Victor Oladipo), but could also trade down for a younger player and a pick in the teens.
Though Okongwu doesn't represent an immediate need with Clint Capela and John Collins in the fold, he is considered by some people around the league to be the best big man in this draft. His defensive versatility as a switch-all, rim-protecting center with a strong feel for the game makes him an excellent fit in the modern game, and he has significant upside to grow into offensively, thanks to his reliable hands and soft touch.
7 Detroit Pistons
Patrick Williams Florida State F Age: 19.2
The big winner of the pre-draft process thus far, Williams rocketed into the top 10 as NBA teams gained a comfort level with his film and watched combo forwards in his mold make a significant impact in the playoffs.
Williams has worked out for teams drafting as high as No. 2 (Golden State) and is also in play with Chicago at No. 4. His defensive versatility is coveted in today's NBA, and the flashes he showed as a playmaker and shooter are areas that can theoretically be honed into consistent threats with a strong player-development infrastructure.
8 New York Knicks
Tyrese Haliburton Iowa State G Age: 20.6
This is the low end of Haliburton's draft range. He is also getting looks from Minnesota, Golden State, Chicago and Detroit. Haliburton brings the type of defensive versatility, unselfishness and shooting range that the Knicks were lacking at times last season, making him a strong fit in a backcourt with RJ Barrett, who is at his best with the ball in his hands.
9 Washington Wizards
Isaac Okoro Auburn G/F Age: 19.7
Okoro represents a best-player-available pick for the Wizards, who ranked among the worst defensive teams in the league last season. His ability to guard point guards and power forwards alike also makes him a strong fit here. He has significant upside to grow into, thanks to his budding passing and ballhandling ability, while bringing competitiveness and physicality.
10 Phoenix Suns
Kira Lewis Jr. Alabama G Age: 19.6
The Suns are looking heavily at point guards and wings, particularly those who complement Devin Booker. A young, speedy guard in Kira Lewis, who can both shoot and distribute, makes a lot of sense. The question is whether this pick will belong to them on draft night, as it very well could be involved in a package for Chris Paul.
11 San Antonio Spurs
Devin Vassell Florida State G/F Age: 20.2
The Spurs are exploring both wings and bigs, as they have several positions of need in an aging frontcourt. Vassell is the type of strong 3-and-D role player every NBA team is looking for. A late bloomer physically who showed significant versatility both on and off the ball at Florida State, Vassell has some offensive upside to grow into thanks to his above-average passing and ability to shoot off the dribble.
12 Sacramento Kings
Killian Hayes Ulm G Age: 19.2
Hayes has one of the wider draft ranges of any of the players in this tier of prospects, as he's getting looks from as high as Chicago (No. 4) and Detroit (No. 7). The glut of guards might push him down the board to Sacramento, which could use a solidly sized combo guard who can play alongside De'Aaron Fox while taking over the backup point guard minutes.
13 New Orleans Pelicans
Saddiq Bey Villanova F Age: 21.5
New Orleans has an outstanding core of talent to build around and should look for pieces to complement its existing group. Adding shooting, strong on-court decision-making and defensive versatility likely will be a priority, and Bey ticks all of those boxes very well at 6-foot-8. Many around the league expect the Pelicans to be active in the trade market, potentially moving Jrue Holiday if they can acquire a top-10 pick.
14 Boston Celtics (via MEM)
Tyrese Maxey Kentucky G Age: 20.0
Protecting the health of Kemba Walker, who has quite a few miles on his odometer, probably will be a priority as the Celtics try to position themselves for another deep playoff run. A versatile combo guard such as Maxey could make a lot of sense with his ability to defend multiple positions and play pick-and-roll.
Many teams expect the Celtics to be active on draft night with their three first-rounders while a plethora of established players are available on the trade market.
#1-14
- Minnesota Timberwolves
Trade talks are still heavily in play for this pick, but most NBA teams are now getting the sense that Edwards is the likely selection if the Wolves stay put. He brings a positional fit with D'Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns, while Wiseman and Ball would overlap with those franchise cornerstones.
Since winning the lottery, the Timberwolves have at times sent out strong signals that they're interested in all three of Edwards, Wiseman and Ball (with whom they conducted another virtual interview over the weekend). That might be an indication of uncertainty or an attempt to juice trade offers. Regardless, the pick remains in flux, though most signs point to Edwards for now.
2 Golden State Warriors
James Wiseman Memphis C Age: 19.6
While Wiseman has long looked like the safest pick and best positional fit here, he no longer appears to be a lock for Golden State after Ball conducted an impressive workout in front of key members of the Warriors' ownership group, front office and coaching staff. Ball's talent presents the possibility for special long-term upside, while Wiseman might be better equipped to immediately help the franchise return to the NBA Finals.
The Warriors have continued to do their due diligence by traveling to watch Anthony Edwards work out for a second time in recent days after an initially underwhelming first viewing.
3 Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball Illawarra G Age: 19.2
Though a serious fall in the draft has never really looked likely, Ball's series of strong private workouts in front of NBA teams this past week seems to have helped his case to stay in the top three.
Ball's incredible size, ball-handling and touch has popped even in a workout setting, according to observers. That could make the Hornets even more comfortable with the idea of selecting the best talent available, avoiding a need to use assets to trade up.
4 Chicago Bulls
Deni Avdija Maccabi G/F Age: 19.8
NBA teams continue to struggle to get a handle on Chicago's intentions with this pick. Over the past few weeks, plenty of chatter revolving around the possibility of selecting FSU wing Patrick Williams has emerged.
Although active in potential trade discussions for a veteran guard, the Bulls already have several interesting, young pieces the new front office probably will want to learn more about firsthand. Avdija's size, versatility, feel for the game and role-playing potential make him a good fit anywhere while offering another playmaking option as he develops.
5 Cleveland Cavaliers
Obi Toppin Dayton F Age: 22.6
There are several reasons for the Cavs to be attracted to Toppin, who played a couple of hours down the road at Dayton and would bring considerable enthusiasm with his explosive style of play. The best player in college basketball last season, Toppin is older than Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Kevin Porter Jr., making him a fit with the team's timeline.
The Cavs are active in the trade market and have plenty of pieces to make a splash on draft night if they decide to be aggressive. Rival front offices point to Onyeka Okongwu and Isaac Okoro as two other options the Cavs might be considering, especially if they can add another pick in the top 10.
6 Atlanta Hawks
Onyeka Okongwu USC F/C Age: 19.9
The Hawks are by far the most active team on the trade market, according to opposing front offices. They could attempt to be players for a veteran guard (such as Jrue Holiday or Victor Oladipo), but could also trade down for a younger player and a pick in the teens.
Though Okongwu doesn't represent an immediate need with Clint Capela and John Collins in the fold, he is considered by some people around the league to be the best big man in this draft. His defensive versatility as a switch-all, rim-protecting center with a strong feel for the game makes him an excellent fit in the modern game, and he has significant upside to grow into offensively, thanks to his reliable hands and soft touch.
7 Detroit Pistons
Patrick Williams Florida State F Age: 19.2
The big winner of the pre-draft process thus far, Williams rocketed into the top 10 as NBA teams gained a comfort level with his film and watched combo forwards in his mold make a significant impact in the playoffs.
Williams has worked out for teams drafting as high as No. 2 (Golden State) and is also in play with Chicago at No. 4. His defensive versatility is coveted in today's NBA, and the flashes he showed as a playmaker and shooter are areas that can theoretically be honed into consistent threats with a strong player-development infrastructure.
8 New York Knicks
Tyrese Haliburton Iowa State G Age: 20.6
This is the low end of Haliburton's draft range. He is also getting looks from Minnesota, Golden State, Chicago and Detroit. Haliburton brings the type of defensive versatility, unselfishness and shooting range that the Knicks were lacking at times last season, making him a strong fit in a backcourt with RJ Barrett, who is at his best with the ball in his hands.
9 Washington Wizards
Isaac Okoro Auburn G/F Age: 19.7
Okoro represents a best-player-available pick for the Wizards, who ranked among the worst defensive teams in the league last season. His ability to guard point guards and power forwards alike also makes him a strong fit here. He has significant upside to grow into, thanks to his budding passing and ballhandling ability, while bringing competitiveness and physicality.
10 Phoenix Suns
Kira Lewis Jr. Alabama G Age: 19.6
The Suns are looking heavily at point guards and wings, particularly those who complement Devin Booker. A young, speedy guard in Kira Lewis, who can both shoot and distribute, makes a lot of sense. The question is whether this pick will belong to them on draft night, as it very well could be involved in a package for Chris Paul.
11 San Antonio Spurs
Devin Vassell Florida State G/F Age: 20.2
The Spurs are exploring both wings and bigs, as they have several positions of need in an aging frontcourt. Vassell is the type of strong 3-and-D role player every NBA team is looking for. A late bloomer physically who showed significant versatility both on and off the ball at Florida State, Vassell has some offensive upside to grow into thanks to his above-average passing and ability to shoot off the dribble.
12 Sacramento Kings
Killian Hayes Ulm G Age: 19.2
Hayes has one of the wider draft ranges of any of the players in this tier of prospects, as he's getting looks from as high as Chicago (No. 4) and Detroit (No. 7). The glut of guards might push him down the board to Sacramento, which could use a solidly sized combo guard who can play alongside De'Aaron Fox while taking over the backup point guard minutes.
13 New Orleans Pelicans
Saddiq Bey Villanova F Age: 21.5
New Orleans has an outstanding core of talent to build around and should look for pieces to complement its existing group. Adding shooting, strong on-court decision-making and defensive versatility likely will be a priority, and Bey ticks all of those boxes very well at 6-foot-8. Many around the league expect the Pelicans to be active in the trade market, potentially moving Jrue Holiday if they can acquire a top-10 pick.
14 Boston Celtics (via MEM)
Tyrese Maxey Kentucky G Age: 20.0
Protecting the health of Kemba Walker, who has quite a few miles on his odometer, probably will be a priority as the Celtics try to position themselves for another deep playoff run. A versatile combo guard such as Maxey could make a lot of sense with his ability to defend multiple positions and play pick-and-roll.
Many teams expect the Celtics to be active on draft night with their three first-rounders while a plethora of established players are available on the trade market.
#15-30
RJ Hampton New Zealand G Age: 19.7
Finding a guard who complements Markelle Fultz is probably a priority with D.J. Augustin and potentially Evan Fournier entering free agency. Enter Hampton, who has excellent size and speed with considerable room to grow on both ends of the floor and no glaring flaws that can't be overcome in time.
This is a best-player-available pick for Portland -- a strategy Blazers management usually employs in the draft.
This is probably the lower end of Achiuwa's range. His physical tools and defensive versatility could be attractive to a Portland team looking to add depth to its frontcourt. Achiuwa is arguably the draft's best athlete, with the frame and length to contain big men and the lateral quickness to switch pick-and-rolls.
Portland also appears to have interest in Jaden McDaniels, Aleksej Pokusevski and Jay Scrubb.
This is a bit of a tumble for Nesmith from previous projections. While coming off an injury shortened season, Nesmith is one of the best shooters in the draft and has some multipositional versatility thanks to his excellent size, length and frame.
Mavs general manager Donnie Nelson has had considerable success with international prospects and could very well be intrigued by the upside of Pokusevski, the youngest player in the draft and arguably the most distinctive.
A 7-footer who can dribble, pass and shoot, Pokusevski is several years away physically but has impressive versatility on both ends of the floor. However, several teams are exploring making a trade with the Mavs involving this pick, with the Clippers and Lou Williams being a popular choice around the league as a potential trade partner.
The Nets will need to prepare for the possibility of teams such as the Hawks making aggressive offers for free agent Joe Harris. In that scenario, picking the best available wing to shore up depth could make plenty of sense.
Green will be a popular target in the Nos. 15-25 range as probably the top wing prospect still on the board. The Nets could certainly use an athletic, multipositional defender who can pass and shoot, and Green fits that criteria well. Teams in this range believe RJ Hampton, Leandro Bolmaro and Tyrell Terry are other candidates in play for this pick.
Like many big men in this draft, Smith has a fairly wide range, starting in the lottery and extending to the mid-20s. His length, shooting range and rim-protection prowess should make him a fairly seamless fit on most NBA rosters as a modern stretch big man option, and his fit alongside a player such as Bam Adebayo is particularly interesting.
The Sixers are said to be studying guards who can play both on and off the ball, which makes sense considering their two franchise players, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, are the main focal points of the offense. Anthony, who started the season projected in the top five, is an interesting buy-low candidate with proven scoring credentials and competitiveness.
Flynn has moved up draft boards rapidly, as NBA teams have gotten more exposure to him in the workout hot spot of Las Vegas, where he has spent the pre-draft process. That has helped validate the outstanding season he had as one of the best players in college basketball, as well as his fit in today's NBA as a prolific pick-and-roll player with deep shooting range, strong decision-making and competitiveness defensively.
Maledon started the year projected much higher, but a somewhat disappointing season combined with the glut of point guards could cause him to drop to the latter part of the first round. The Jazz probably would appreciate the versatility, unselfishness and feel the young French guard offers, as he possesses considerable experience at the highest levels of European basketball.
Bane's deep shooting range -- converting 43% of his 3-pointers in his college career -- and strong feel have helped elevate his stock into the first round. The Bucks are in win-now mode and will want to add more shooting, passing and toughness surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo.
McDaniels is getting a lot of buzz lately from teams in the late lottery and could end up being long gone at this stage. The long, fluid and tantalizing wing started the season projected in the top 10 but saw his stock crater in the midst of a disappointing season.
Most teams expect the Celtics -- with three first-round picks and few roster spots -- to end up trading at least one of their selections. Bolmaro's situation as a rotation player in the ACB could make him an attractive stash option. His ballhandling and passing creativity at 6-foot-7 stand out, along with his defensive intensity.
Stewart came into college with a tremendous résumé as the national player of the year, but he wasn't able to help Washington avoid a disappointing season. Still, his length, toughness and motor will serve him well in carving out a role at the NBA level, and there's reason to believe he can expand his shooting range eventually as well.
OKC intends to acquire this pick from the Lakers in the Dennis Schroder trade.
Terry's pure shooting stroke and creativity operating out of pick-and-roll are intriguing considering his youth. Some teams believe the Thunder will look to package this pick along with No. 25 in an attempt to move up into the teens to snag Pokusevski.
It's easy to see Nnaji developing into a capable big man rotation option, thanks to his high activity level and potential as a floor spacer. He's jockeying for position in the first round with several other capable big men, giving him a fairly wide range starting in the early 20s and extending into the second round.
This pick depends heavily on what happens with the Celtics' two previous first-rounders, but many around the league expect them to select a big man if they have not done so already. Tillman stands out as a tough big man with defensive versatility who has shown some flashes as both a passer and a shooter.
Finding a guard who complements Markelle Fultz is probably a priority with D.J. Augustin and potentially Evan Fournier entering free agency. Enter Hampton, who has excellent size and speed with considerable room to grow on both ends of the floor and no glaring flaws that can't be overcome in time.
- Portland Trail Blazers
This is a best-player-available pick for Portland -- a strategy Blazers management usually employs in the draft.
This is probably the lower end of Achiuwa's range. His physical tools and defensive versatility could be attractive to a Portland team looking to add depth to its frontcourt. Achiuwa is arguably the draft's best athlete, with the frame and length to contain big men and the lateral quickness to switch pick-and-rolls.
Portland also appears to have interest in Jaden McDaniels, Aleksej Pokusevski and Jay Scrubb.
- Minnesota Timberwolves (via BKN)
This is a bit of a tumble for Nesmith from previous projections. While coming off an injury shortened season, Nesmith is one of the best shooters in the draft and has some multipositional versatility thanks to his excellent size, length and frame.
- Dallas Mavericks
Mavs general manager Donnie Nelson has had considerable success with international prospects and could very well be intrigued by the upside of Pokusevski, the youngest player in the draft and arguably the most distinctive.
A 7-footer who can dribble, pass and shoot, Pokusevski is several years away physically but has impressive versatility on both ends of the floor. However, several teams are exploring making a trade with the Mavs involving this pick, with the Clippers and Lou Williams being a popular choice around the league as a potential trade partner.
- Brooklyn Nets (via PHI)
The Nets will need to prepare for the possibility of teams such as the Hawks making aggressive offers for free agent Joe Harris. In that scenario, picking the best available wing to shore up depth could make plenty of sense.
Green will be a popular target in the Nos. 15-25 range as probably the top wing prospect still on the board. The Nets could certainly use an athletic, multipositional defender who can pass and shoot, and Green fits that criteria well. Teams in this range believe RJ Hampton, Leandro Bolmaro and Tyrell Terry are other candidates in play for this pick.
- Miami Heat
Like many big men in this draft, Smith has a fairly wide range, starting in the lottery and extending to the mid-20s. His length, shooting range and rim-protection prowess should make him a fairly seamless fit on most NBA rosters as a modern stretch big man option, and his fit alongside a player such as Bam Adebayo is particularly interesting.
- Philadelphia 76ers (via OKC)
The Sixers are said to be studying guards who can play both on and off the ball, which makes sense considering their two franchise players, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, are the main focal points of the offense. Anthony, who started the season projected in the top five, is an interesting buy-low candidate with proven scoring credentials and competitiveness.
- Denver Nuggets (via HOU)
Flynn has moved up draft boards rapidly, as NBA teams have gotten more exposure to him in the workout hot spot of Las Vegas, where he has spent the pre-draft process. That has helped validate the outstanding season he had as one of the best players in college basketball, as well as his fit in today's NBA as a prolific pick-and-roll player with deep shooting range, strong decision-making and competitiveness defensively.
- Utah Jazz
Maledon started the year projected much higher, but a somewhat disappointing season combined with the glut of point guards could cause him to drop to the latter part of the first round. The Jazz probably would appreciate the versatility, unselfishness and feel the young French guard offers, as he possesses considerable experience at the highest levels of European basketball.
- Milwaukee Bucks (via IND)
Bane's deep shooting range -- converting 43% of his 3-pointers in his college career -- and strong feel have helped elevate his stock into the first round. The Bucks are in win-now mode and will want to add more shooting, passing and toughness surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo.
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via DEN)
McDaniels is getting a lot of buzz lately from teams in the late lottery and could end up being long gone at this stage. The long, fluid and tantalizing wing started the season projected in the top 10 but saw his stock crater in the midst of a disappointing season.
- Boston Celtics
Most teams expect the Celtics -- with three first-round picks and few roster spots -- to end up trading at least one of their selections. Bolmaro's situation as a rotation player in the ACB could make him an attractive stash option. His ballhandling and passing creativity at 6-foot-7 stand out, along with his defensive intensity.
- New York Knicks (via LAC)
Stewart came into college with a tremendous résumé as the national player of the year, but he wasn't able to help Washington avoid a disappointing season. Still, his length, toughness and motor will serve him well in carving out a role at the NBA level, and there's reason to believe he can expand his shooting range eventually as well.
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAL)
OKC intends to acquire this pick from the Lakers in the Dennis Schroder trade.
Terry's pure shooting stroke and creativity operating out of pick-and-roll are intriguing considering his youth. Some teams believe the Thunder will look to package this pick along with No. 25 in an attempt to move up into the teens to snag Pokusevski.
- Toronto Raptors
It's easy to see Nnaji developing into a capable big man rotation option, thanks to his high activity level and potential as a floor spacer. He's jockeying for position in the first round with several other capable big men, giving him a fairly wide range starting in the early 20s and extending into the second round.
- Boston Celtics (via MIL)
This pick depends heavily on what happens with the Celtics' two previous first-rounders, but many around the league expect them to select a big man if they have not done so already. Tillman stands out as a tough big man with defensive versatility who has shown some flashes as both a passer and a shooter.
I'm thinking that talk is legit now since he's worked out for the Heat (Heat only have a 1st in this draft) and the Celtics too and you can only work out 10 guys now. No way you waste your in-person look on someone you intend to take in the 2nd
Guessing they linked Haliburton to the Knicks because he's a CAA guy
tremonthustler1
aka bx_representer
ISO
Pass me the rock nikka
Why? They already have Bol Bol.
I wanna see dude in Dallas. KP can take him under the wing. Boston could also take him.