It feels like we've been evaluating this group of pro prospects for seven years, but, in a few hours, the 2020 NBA Draft class will finally learn where they will begin their NBA careers shortly. There is still no consensus on who will be the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, and pretty much every team at the top of the draft has been rumored to be shopping their pick.
We could have a wild night with lots of movement or, as these things sometimes go, the buildup might lead to a whole lot of nothing.
With the moratorium on NBA trades being lifted Monday, the teams picking in each spot might shift, but for now this is my final mock draft before the big day.
I still think LaMelo Ball could go No. 1, but it would take a team trading up for that to happen. My final prediction is that the Wolves keep the pick and take Anthony Edwards, with Ball dropping out of the top three.
Jump to a specific round
Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
It makes sense for the Timberwolves to trade down, but ultimately the No. 1 pick in this draft just may not be enough to entice teams to give up assets. Edwards is a good fit and has as much potential as anyone in the class with his scoring ability and athleticism, so it makes sense for Minnesota to take him.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 2
With all the rumors surrounding the Warriors' pick, I think they end up taking Wiseman. He fills an immediate need as a rim protector/lob catcher and creates a bridge to the future with his tremendous upside -- exactly what Golden State is looking for.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 3
With Wiseman off the board, the Hornets will get a nice consolation prize in Okongwu -- who some draft evaluators have ahead of Wiseman on their boards. He can immediately help on defense as a coveted switchable big and rim protector, and his offensive potential makes him well worth the No. 3 pick.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 4
 
LaMelo Ball
PG
USA
• Jr
• 6'7"
/ 180 lbs
In need of a dynamic playmaker, the Bulls should snatch up Ball if he's still on the board at No. 4. The move would also allow them to explore trade options for some of their other young assets.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 5
 
Deni Avdija
SF
Israel
• Jr
• 6'9"
/ 210 lbs
The Cavs are in need of a facilitator since it seems Collin Sexton is more of a two-guard, and Avdija is a great passer and playmaker from the three or four spot. His shooting upside means he should be a great fit for Cleveland's rebuilding efforts.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 6
Atlanta has loaded up on wings in recent drafts, so it makes sense for it to draft a guard who can take some of the ball-handling duties off Trae Young's shoulders. Haliburton can also play off the ball with his shooting ability, which is an added bonus.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 7
 
Killian Hayes
PG
France
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 195 lbs
Hayes needs time to develop, and the Pistons aren't going to be contenders anytime soon, so the pairing makes sense. Once he matures, Hayes should be a solid starting point guard for a very long time, with the upside to be special.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 8
Sure the Knicks would love a point guard, but at this juncture of the draft they simply have to take the best player, and that's Toppin. He and Mitchell Robinson would provide an intriguing offense-defense punch from the frontcourt, whether they play together or they're staggered.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 9
There are questions about his offense, but Okoro will be a lock-down defender from the second he steps on an NBA court, and that's exactly what the Wizards need -- especially from the wing.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 10
The Suns made tremendous defensive strides last season, and adding a 3-and-D piece like Vassell will only improve things on that end. Offensively, Vassell should be able to make spot-up 3-pointers right away, with potential to do much more if they can develop him.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 11
If there's a player in this draft more tailor-made for the Spurs, I haven't found him. Bey is a hard worker with a high basketball IQ from a great college program who plays with a high motor and gets after it defensively. Add in his 3-point prowess, and this seems like a solid pick for the Spurs if Bey's still on the board.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 12
Williams has risen up draft boards due to his athleticism and 3-and-D potential, and the Kings are pretty thin on the wing. The offense will need to develop, but Williams should be able to defend from Day 1 while playing both the three and four -- maybe even small-ball center at times.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 13
The goal should be to put shooting and ball-handling around Zion Williamson, and that's what Lewis should provide from the point guard position. Lewis is also a blur in transition and can finish at the rim, things that would serve a fast-paced team like the Pelicans well.
| |||
From
Memphis Grizzlies
Round 1 - Pick 14
The Celtics reportedly want to trade up to land Wiseman or Okongwu, but the price might be too steep. Maybe the best shooter in the draft, Nesmith would add to their wing depth and provide floor spacing with defensive upside.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 15
 
R.J. Hampton
SG
USA
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 175 lbs
The Magic are in desperate need of offensive help, and Hampton should eventually provide that after a little seasoning. He has the potential to be a 20-point-per-game scorer and has improved his shooting mechanics since finishing his disappointing season in Australia.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 16
The Blazers will make this pick for the Rockets as part of the reported Robert Covington deal, and Achiuwa is an intriguing prospect for a potential rebuild in Houston. He has the potential to be a game-changing, versatile defender and rebounder, with offensive upside to become an effective 3-point shooter.
| |||
From
Brooklyn Nets
Round 1 - Pick 17
The Wolves need a backup point guard, and Anthony should be able to step into that role right away as a confident ball-handler and bucket-getter.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 18
Bane would fit perfectly into the Luka Doncic-led Mavericks' offense as a knock-down 3-point shooter who can spot up and work off screens. At 22, he should be able to step into the rotation immediately.
| |||
From
Philadelphia 76ers
Round 1 - Pick 19
This pick might not end up playing for the Nets if the James Harden rumors come to fruition, and Maxey is a lottery talent that will be an enticing trade chip. He should be able to play both guard positions while bringing scoring and defense.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 20
Green is just the type of versatile, aggressive wing defender that Miami is looking for, and as a bonus he can also knock down 3-pointers.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 21
The 76ers need 3-point shooting and a secondary ball-handler. Terry checks both boxes with intriguing upside given his ability to shoot 3s off the dribble.
| |||
From
Houston Rockets
Round 1 - Pick 22
The Nuggets are in need of wing depth, and Woodard should be a stout defender from his first minute on the court with his sturdy frame. If his 3-point shooting as a sophomore at Mississippi State wasn't a mirage, he could be a steal at this point in the draft.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 23
Utah needs a backup point guard, and Jones is as low risk as they come. He knows how to run an offense and will give maximum effort on the defensive end. There are questions about his shooting from NBA distance, but he'll certainly make winning plays for you.
| |||
From
Indiana Pacers
Round 1 - Pick 24
 
Aleksej Pokusevski
C
Serbia
• Jr
• 7'0"
/ 190 lbs
The Bucks are making this pick for the Pelicans as part of the reported Jrue Holiday deal, and Pokusevski makes perfect sense for New Orleans. He's a lottery talent, but likely won't be ready to play this season given his slight frame and lower-level previous competition. Pokusevski could be ready to contribute if and when title contention is a real possibility for the young, exciting Pels.
| |||
From
Denver Nuggets
Round 1 - Pick 25
OKC is in the talent acquisition business, and Smith is one of the more talented big men at this stage of the draft. His offensive potential is intriguing given his 3-point shooting ability, to go along with his rim protection on the other end.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 26
 
Leandro Bolmaro
SF
Argentina
• Fr
• 6'6"
/ 200 lbs
Bolmaro can make an impact in transition and as a slasher while eventually providing the Celtics with another wing. He may need some time in the G League or overseas, but the patience could pay off big time.
| |||
From
Los Angeles Clippers
Round 1 - Pick 27
 
Theo Maledon
PG
France
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 175 lbs
Knicks fans may still have PTSD from drafting a French guard, but Maledon is well worth a gamble at the end of the first round. He's already an adept pick-and-roll playmaker and finisher at 19 years old, and his shot shows promise.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 28
It appears the Lakers will be making this pick for the Thunder as part of the Dennis Schroder-Danny Green deal, and they'll be happy to get a player with Stanley's upside at this juncture of the draft. He's just the type of athlete who could thrive in the more open NBA style.
| |||
Round 1 - Pick 29
Tillman will give the Raptors immediate help in the frontcourt in the event that they lose Serge Ibaka and/or Marc Gasol to free agency. A stout defender and a solid playmaker, Tillman should thrive in the Raptors' culture.
| |||
From
Milwaukee Bucks
Round 1 - Pick 30
The Celtics can use help at center, and Stewart should provide that with his 7-4 wingspan and physicality.
|
Mock Draft
Round 2
Round 2 - Pick 1 (31st overall)
McDaniels passes the eye test as a potentially elite wing scorer, and could develop into the perfect complement to Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis down the road.
| |||
From
Cleveland Cavaliers
Round 2 - Pick 2 (32nd overall)
| |||
Round 2 - Pick 3 (33rd overall)
Oturu's profile as a 3-point shooting, shot-blocking big would make him a first-round talent, were it not for the league's de-emphasis on centers. He'll need to improve his lateral quickness to not get killed in pick-and-roll, but it's worth a second-round pick for the Wolves.
| |||
From
Atlanta Hawks
Round 2 - Pick 4 (34th overall)
I really like Riller for the 76ers as an NBA-ready combo guard who can use his strength and ball-handling to initiate offense and get buckets. He's also a capable off-ball 3-point shooter to help give Philly some much-needed floor spacing.
| |||
From
Detroit Pistons
Round 2 - Pick 5 (35th overall)
The Kings could use some scoring punch on the wing, and Joe should provide that as a knock-down shooter with the ability to create space off the dribble.
| |||
From
New York Knicks
Round 2 - Pick 6 (36th overall)
Ramsey could be just what the Sixers are looking for as a bucket-getter with good size for a guard who can also knock down 3-pointers off the catch.
| |||
From
Chicago Bulls
Round 2 - Pick 7 (37th overall)
Flynn is a first-round talent and would be a steal for the Wizards with his combination of defense, ball-handling and shooting. He could step into a backup point guard role right away.
| |||
From
Charlotte Hornets
Round 2 - Pick 8 (38th overall)
Mannion's talent jumps off the screen, but he was inefficient in his only college season. The Knicks should take a chance on developing him as a playmaking point guard.
| |||
From
Washington Wizards
Round 2 - Pick 9 (39th overall)
Nnaji has put on 15 pounds of muscle during workouts since the college season ended to help him defensively. His offense is intriguing as a pick-and-pop option and finisher inside.
| |||
From
Phoenix Suns
Round 2 - Pick 10 (40th overall)
Hughes should be able to slot in at the wing for the Grizzlies as a 3-point shooter with solid playmaking and shot creation.
| |||
Round 2 - Pick 11 (41st overall)
Scrubb is somewhat off the radar because he's coming from junior college, but his film is impressive as both a scorer and pick-and-roll distributor. This is exactly the type of player you'd expect the Spurs to take and somehow develop into an All-Star down the road.
| |||
Round 2 - Pick 12 (42nd overall)
What Winston lacks in size and athleticism, he makes up for in basketball IQ and effort. The Pelicans could use a backup playmaker as they look to get into the playoffs.
| |||
Round 2 - Pick 13 (43rd overall)
Mays could really help the Kings with his ability to operate as a pick-and-roll scorer and as an off-ball 3-point shooter as a combo guard.
| |||
From
Memphis Grizzlies
Round 2 - Pick 14 (44th overall)
Pritchard brings both ball-handling and shooting along with a strong competitive motor. As a four-year player, he should be ready to contribute in Chicago right away.
| |||
Round 2 - Pick 15 (45th overall)
The Magic played at one of the slowest paces in the NBA last season, and Dotson is a human change of pace with his blazing speed and dynamic athleticism.
| |||
Round 2 - Pick 16 (46th overall)
A smooth, playmaking wing from France who can finish and knock down 3-pointers, N'Doye might be well worth a second-round pick as the Blazers look for pieces to put around Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
| |||
From
Brooklyn Nets
Round 2 - Pick 17 (47th overall)
Carey is a physical post-up scorer and rebounder who shows potential to stretch to the NBA 3-point line. Boston needs a bit more size, and Carey would certainly provide that.
| |||
From
Dallas Mavericks
Round 2 - Pick 18 (48th overall)
Reed is intriguing as a four or small-ball five with his shot-blocking and defensive versatility. The offense is going to take a while, but he's athletic enough to contribute on that end from Day 1.
| |||
Round 2 - Pick 19 (49th overall)
Tillie has a defined role as a stretch five, and could do wonders for the 76ers spacing, which is occasionally non-existent.
| |||
From
Miami Heat
Round 2 - Pick 20 (50th overall)
The Hawks need rim protection, and Azubuike can certainly provide that with his 7-7 wingspan and physicality.
| |||
From
Utah Jazz
Round 2 - Pick 21 (51st overall)
The Warriors have a big need on the wing, and Marshall could provide defensive versatility, ball-handling and finishing ability in transition with his athleticism.
| |||
From
Houston Rockets
Round 2 - Pick 22 (52nd overall)
Perry already has an NBA role carved out as a rebounder and rim-runner, with the potential to become a pick-and-pop threat as well. The Kings could use another big man given Marvin Bagley's injury history.
| |||
Round 2 - Pick 23 (53rd overall)
This would be a huge swing for the Thunder, but they have enough draft picks to take a chance. Hall will need a ton of development coming out of prep school, but he has all the tools you're looking for in a young wing.
| |||
Round 2 - Pick 24 (54th overall)
The Pacers were dead-last in 3-point attempts per game last season, and that's presumably going to change under new coach Nate Bjorkgren. Quickley is one of the best 3-point shooters in the draft, and profiles as a great heat-check guy in the NBA.
| |||
From
Denver Nuggets
Round 2 - Pick 25 (55th overall)
At this point the Nets would be drafting talent rather than fit, and Nwora has upside as a four and small-ball five who can step out and knock down 3-pointers.
| |||
From
Boston Celtics
Round 2 - Pick 26 (56th overall)
Shooting is at a premium in the NBA, and Merrill is one of the best in the draft. He has the added bonus of solid playmaking ability.
| |||
Round 2 - Pick 27 (57th overall)
A 23-year-old who should be able to contribute right away, Powell could fill a hole as a ball-handler off the Clippers bench. His 6-7 wingspan should make him a capable defender as well.
| |||
From
Los Angeles Lakers
Round 2 - Pick 28 (58th overall)
Hinton would be a great pick for anyone looking for 3-and-D wings at this stage of the draft. The Sixers certainly fit the bill.
| |||
Round 2 - Pick 29 (59th overall)
One of the best scorers and 3-point shooters in college basketball history, Howard is well worth taking a chance on in the second round despite his defensive liabilities due to his size.
| |||
From
Milwaukee Bucks
Round 2 - Pick 30 (60th overall)
Jones is a scorer and a playmaker who knows how to get to the free throw line. He could compete for wing minutes on the Pelicans, who are looking to fill in the roster around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
|
