Early 2020 NBA Mock Draft
2storm I will only be doing the lottery for now. All draft positions will be based on standings. Don't take into account any trades.1. Atlanta Hawks - James Wiseman | C | 7'0 | 247 | Comparison: Anthony Davis lite
James Wiseman is the next great big man. He has an elite offensive game. He is great at just being dominant. He is great at rolling and he has potential to extend out to three as well. He is a beast on defense and he's a good passer at his position. He still needs to touch up on his defensive IQ. Sometimes he just isn't in the right position on defense and he doesn't know when to switch. He also needs to bring more intensity more often. Otherwise he has great potential. He reminds me a lot of AD or a thinner Joel. In terms of the team taking him, the Hawks may end up trading this pick if they got it. A lot of teams in this league would take Wiseman in a heartbeat.
2. Golden State Warriors - Anthony Edwards | SG | 6'5 | 215 | Comparison: Big Victor Oladipo
Anthony Edwards is a big time starter. He also has some good hopes. He is great defensively and it looks like he can be a great two-way player. He needs to work on his passing ability. I think a player like Oladipo or DeRozan are good comparisons. I think Edwards would be great with a team without a big time scorer, like the Hornets or maybe the Knicks if RJ Barrett can continue to improve his passing game. The Warriors would be an OK fit. The Warriors may end up trading this pick if they got it.
3. New York Knicks - LaMelo Ball | PG | 6'7 | 180 | Comparison: More Flashy Lonzo Ball
LaMelo Ball is going to be the most flashy player we've seen in awhile. That could help his game or hurt it. LaMelo has a good shot and handles. His length will really help him defensively. He has a lot of swag on offense. His effort defensively is weak though. The management of the team that takes him would have to keep him in check. He is a lot like his brother except he is more flashy, but worse defensively. Maybe a bigger Jason Williams. I think he would fit great in New York. It would bring a lot of swag to New York and attention which I think that's all Dolan cares about.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Onyeka Okongwu | PF/C | 6'9 | 220 | Comparison: A Offensive Tristan Thompson
A high energy player. He can bang in the paint and he truly is a dog. He is great at rebounding and just hustling. He is great defensively. He even shows signs of a three-point shot. I really like this guy and I think he can be something special. He is really similar to Tristan Thompson with offense or a shorter Clint Capela. I think almost any team would want him.
5. Washington Wizards - Obi Toppin | PF | 6'9 | 220 | Comparison: Nikola Mirotic
Obi has been lights out this year in college. He has an elite offensive game. He is an OK athlete. He could be better. Defensively he needs to improve. His shooting is what really sets him apart though. He is a lot like Nikola Mirotic. Any team would want him. The Wizards would be do very well with him.
6. New Orleans Pelicans - Jaden McDaniels | SF | 6'10 | 180 | Comparison: Brandon Ingram
I doubt the Pelicans would keep this pick if they got it, so for this one I am going off pure talent. Jaden McDaniels is a talented scorer. He comes from that Brandon Ingram mold. He is also a great athlete for his body. If Jaden McDaniels brings consistent intensity, the sky is the limit.
7. Sacramento Kings - Deni Avdija | SF | 6'8 | 210 | Comparison: Luka Dončić lite
The Israeli forward is coming to the NBA. He is an elite scorer and shooter. He is close to Luka levels in his passing game. He is the classic national player. He is not elite athletically, but he is solid enough. On defense he works really hard and has a really high IQ, making him a great team defender. He is a poor man's Luka. I think he would benefit any team.
8. Detroit Pistons - Nico Mannion | PG | 6'3 | 180 | Comparison: Poor Man's Steve Nash
Nico Mannion is just a overall quick player. He is quick mentally and physically. He has a pretty good shot and scoring ability. He has a excellent floater that helps him shoot over taller defenders. He seems like a really hard worker defensively, but may be a bit too small. Couldn't really think of who he will compare with. Maybe Mike Bobby or a poor man's Steve Nash. The Pistons will probably improve out of this spot, but if they got Nico Mannion, that would be great for them.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves - R.J. Hampton | PG | 6'5 | 175 | Comparison: Jamal Murray
R.J. Hampton deserves to be considered a top point guard and honestly he is being slept on. He reminds me a lot of Jamal Murray. He can get hot quick and he is also a great passer. He is fundamentally sound and I think he will be great. The Timberwolves have been looking for a franchise point and this year gives you a lot of opportunities. I would honestly wait for Cade Cunningham in 2021 though. That kid is going to be a beast.
10. Charlotte Hornets - N'Faly Dante | C | 6'11 | 249 | Comparison: Rudy Gobert
This kid is beaming with potential. He is elite defensively and can block a lot of shots for you. He has a great post game and has unstoppable hook shots. He also shows signs of a mid-range game. Dante can be very good. What is most scary is he has a bit of a handle. Very comparable to a guy like Rudy Gobert.
11. Chicago Bulls - Cole Anthony | PG | 6'3 | 185 | Comparison: Derrick Rose
Everyone has been hyping up Cole Anthony. So far though I just don't know if he will be great. Cole is fast and he can really ball, but he has big injury concerns and he turns the ball over a lot, and I mean a lot. He takes dumb shots...I really don't know why people think he is so good.
12. Memphis Grizzlies - Josh Green | SG | 6'6 | 201 | Comparison: Josh Richardson
A powerful two-thirds who can score from all three levels. He needs to get more creative as a ball handler and fix up his shot a bit, but overall a good prospect. The Grizzlies could get Ja Morant a nice backcourt mate.
13. Phoenix Suns - Tyrese Haliburton | PG | 6'5 | 170 | Comparison: Dejounte Murray
Tyrese is a big point who is a legit offensive threat. He would really complete this Suns team. He is a skilled passer and scorer. He has the length to guard 1-3 effectively.
14. Portland Trailblazers - Killian Hayes | PG | 6'5 | 215 | Comparison: Frank Ntilikina
I doubt the Blazers are going to be picking here, so I picked the best player available and that is Killian Hayes. Hayes is fast, lengthy, and skilled. I am excited to see his game progress.
And that is my Mock Draft. Tell me your thoughts in the comments.