The NBA Draft is hands down my favorite part of the year. It’s time where us fans and analysts evaluate the future of the NBA and who might just be next up. This draft is one of the most unique in recent memory. There’s no true superstar, however there are a ton of potential stars at the top, and plenty of quality role players at the bottom.
The fun part of it all is that no one agrees with one another, which is why most big boards are extremely unique. I’d like to say that mine falls into that category. My player evaluations are made by looking at a player’s potential, their translatable qualities, their physical traits, and their potential to improve in their weak areas. With that being said, here are my top 30 prospects for the 2020 NBA Draft.
30. Tre Jones, Guard
Three Biggest Strengths
- Perimeter Defense
- Playmaking
- Three Point Shooting
Biggest Weakness
- Shot Creation
If I had to bet on one player in this draft to be a surefire role player, I’d likely go with Tre Jones. He’s a smart floor general with great playmaking ability and perimeter defense. He can fit in with any team and make an impact right away. He’ll never be a 20 PPG scorer, but I’m confident in the skills that he’s going to bring to an NBA team.
29. Xavier Tillman, Big
Three Biggest Strengths
- Versatility
- Playmaking
- Interior Finishing
Biggest Weakness
- Three Point Consistency
Xavier Tillman is an interesting player. He’s a 6’8 center who’s extremely versatile on defense and can play off of stars on offense. He’s a smart playmaker for a big man who has also shown some promise from distance. He’s also a great rim protector and switchable defender. The question for me is with his three point shot, and just how real it is at the NBA level. Regardless, Tillman’s ability to make smart plays and quick decisions should allow him to be a first round pick in this NBA draft.
28. Killian Tillie, Big
Three Biggest Strengths
- Three Point Shooting
- Playmaking
- Interior Finishing
Biggest Weakness
- Injuries
In this draft, there aren’t many skilled and polished big men who can come in right away and make an impact. That’s why I think a guy like Tillie could be extremely valuable. He can space the floor offensively, score around the rim, and make plays for others. He’s a high IQ defender who won’t impress you physically but holds his own against all types of offensive players. Tillie is so skilled that he might be a lottery talent if not for his concerning injury history. Nonetheless, he’s still a first round talent that could be a long term contributor if he stays healthy.
27. Ty-Shon Alexander, Guard
Three Biggest Strengths
- Three Point Shooting
- Perimeter Defense
- Off-Ball Movement
Biggest Weakness
- Ball Handling
Ty-Shon Alexander isn’t getting much major media coverage but I think he should. He doesn’t have overwhelming athleticism or a flashy skill set, but he makes winning plays and provides great value to every team. He’s a lights out three point shooter who can shoot it in a variety of ways. He’s also a hard-nosed defender with a knack for locking down great perimeter players. He won’t be a star but I’d feel comfortable taking him in the first round knowing that he’s going to provide elite three point shooting and defense.
26. Cassius Stanley, Wing
Three Biggest Strengths
- Athleticism
- Three Point Shooting
- Perimeter Defense
Biggest Weakness
- Ball Handling
Usually, Duke players are highly touted and often generate a ton of buzz due to constantly playing at the highest stage in college. However, Stanley isn’t generating that kind of buzz, which is a real shame. He’s an otherworldly athlete who can jump out of the gym and make jaw-dropping dunks. In addition, he can also spot up off the ball and shoot the three reliably. On defense, his athleticism and commitment makes him seem like a guy who could be a stopper at the next level. If he improves his ball handling, Stanley could be a great two-way player at the next level.
25. Isaac Okoro, Wing
Three Biggest Strengths
- Perimeter Defense
- Playmaking
- Rebounding
Biggest Weakness
- Scoring Skill Set
Isaac Okoro is getting a ton of hype as a lottery prospect but I’ve got to say that I don’t see it at all. He can defend pretty much anyone on the perimeter with his size and frame. However, what offensive talent does he have? He’s a decent slasher but not enough to overcome his lack of a three point shot. He can’t create off the dribble, he can’t shoot outside of 10 feet, and he’s not a terrific ball handler. He’s a solid playmaker and rebounder but his lack of a scoring skill set is really going to hold him back, and I don’t think he’ll be anything more than a rotational piece in the NBA.
24. Jahmi’us Ramsey
Three Biggest Strengths
- Three Point Shooting
- Isolation Scoring
- Ball Handling
Biggest Weakness
- Defensive Intensity
Jahmi’us Ramsey is a prospect that has really grown on me the past couple of days. He’s an absolute sniper from three point range with some of the best footwork and shooting technique in this draft. He can score in 1 on 1, isolation situations from all three levels of the court. Defensively, the tools are there despite the lackluster energy. He’s 6’4 with a 6’10 wingspan and possesses great athleticism. Ramsey’s ability to score the basketball at a high level makes him a legitimate first round talent, and I think he has potential to grow in other parts of his game.
23. Malachi Flynn, Guard
Three Biggest Strengths
- Three Point Shooting
- Playmaking
- Perimeter Defense
Biggest Weakness
- Size
Malachi Flynn is the classic example of a four year, senior guard with an NBA ready skill set. He was a really good shot creator in college who could shoot it from anywhere. He’s got NBA range as a perimeter scorer and he’s a really good pick-and-roll playmaker. He’s not an all-world athlete but he makes up for his lack of size and athleticism with skill and effort. His scrappiness on the defensive end of the floor should prevent him from being a liability. Flynn is a winning player and a proven leader, as he led SDSU to a top record before the NCAA shut down. He’s got an NBA ready game and should be a Day 1 contributor.
22. Paul Reed, Big
Three Biggest Strengths
- Versatility
- Rebounding
- Interior Scoring
Biggest Weakness
- Three Point Shooting
Another personal favorite of mine, Paul Reed is going to be a great pro. And no, it’s not because he retweeted my draft profile of him on Twitter. His defensive versatility and never ending motor make him a force on defense. Offensively, he keeps it simple for a big man. He can score inside, grab rebounds, and occasionally make plays off the dribble. I have questions about his shooting ability but he’s really well rounded in a lot of other areas. He’s raw and will likely need time before he’s a big time contributor, but I’m confident in his skill set.
21. Theo Maledon, Guard
Three Biggest Strengths
- Playmaking
- Interior Finishing
- Perimeter Defense
Biggest Weakness
- Three Point Consistency
One of the most accomplished players in this draft, Theo Maledon has an extremely polished skill set. He’s a great pick-and-roll player with excellent vision and pace. He’s extremely smart and crafty around the basket as well. He’s got a developing three point shot as well and has gotten better at creating his own shot. If he can consistently play solid defense, I think he’ll be a great floor general for a long time.
20. Daniel Oturu, Big
Three Biggest Strengths
- Interior Scoring
- Three Point Shooting
- Rebounding
Biggest Weakness
- Defense
Daniel Oturu is another extremely skilled offensive big man with a polished arsenal. His old-school, back-to-the-basket game is resemblant of old centers in the 1900’s. However, it’s 2020, and the post up shot is quickly dying out. The good thing is that Oturu looks like he can be a great floor spacer at the NBA level. He also crashes the glass and plays super hard. My questions come on the defensive side of the ball. He’s tall with a long wingspan but he’s uncoordinated and undisciplined. If a team can develop him into a competent rim protector, I think he can be a great pro and a steal in this draft.
19. Desmond Bane, Wing
Three Biggest Strengths
- Three Point Shooting
- Perimeter Defense
- Playmaking
Biggest Weakness
- Athleticism
If we want to talk about guys who can come in a produce right away, Desmond Bane has to be brought up. He’s an elite three point shooter who can occasionally make plays off the dribble. He’s also a really smart passer who can find cutters inside and big men in the pick-and-roll. He plays hard on defense and makes great rotations. He’s simply a high IQ, all-around player with really no fatal flaws outside of his lack of athleticism. Bane provides a sense of stability in a class full of question marks even if he’s never a star player.
18. Jalen Smith, Big
Three Biggest Strengths
- Three Point Shooting
- Shot Blocking
- Interior Finishing
Biggest Weakness
- Playmaking
Jalen Smith is another great example of a very skilled, polished big man who can make an impact right away. He shoots the three ball at a high level and can come off screens and pindowns, which is rare to see from a big. He’s also a great shot blocker and rim protector that can hold his own against perimeter players. Smith has all the makings of a modern day NBA big man, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he ended up going in the lottery.
17. Kira Lewis Jr, Guard
Three Biggest Strengths
- Speed
- Three Point Shooting
- Playmaking
Biggest Weakness
- Strength
Kira Lewis is someone that I’m very confident in to be a starting guard in this league. He’s got elite quickness and burst and is one of the fastest guys in recent memories. He also can create offense in a half court setting with his quick jumper, crafty finishing, and solid playmaking instincts. He’s also a good off ball defender who plays in passing lanes well. A lot of his weaknesses are simply due to his lack of strength. Once he fills out his frame, he’ll be a great all-around point guard for whatever team that drafts him.
16. Tyrese Maxey, Guard
Three Biggest Strengths
- Interior Finishing
- Playmaking
- Perimeter Defense
Biggest Weakness
- Three Point Consistency
Maxey is a legitimate scorer. He can turn on the turbo boost and grind his way to the basket. He can make shots off the dribble, just not quite with great consistency yet. He can make plays for others in pick-and-roll situations as well. On top of that, he’s a great perimeter defender who plays really hard. With the recent success of Kentucky players, it’s hard not to like a guy like Maxey who could be their next success story.
15. Saddiq Bey, Wing
Three Biggest Strengths
- Three Point Shooting
- Perimeter Defense
- Playmaking
Biggest Weakness
- Shot Creation
This class is filled with many great 3-and-D wing players, and Bey is perhaps one of the best examples of them. He hit threes at a high clip in college off the catch and has shown signs of being able to create off the dribble. He’s also an elite perimeter defender who’s got strength and length to bother bigger players at the next level. I think Bey is going to be a quality role player at the next level.
14. James Wiseman, Big
Three Biggest Strengths
- Interior Finishing
- Athleticism
- Rebounding
Biggest Weakness
- Three Point Shooting
A lot of people have Wiseman as a consensus top 3, or top 5 prospect in this draft. However, I do not see it whatsoever. Wiseman provides all the little things that centers can do. He’s a great rebounder, interior finisher, screen setter and paint protector. However, it’s been shown time and time again that those skills are replaceable. To separate yourself from the pack as an NBA big man, you need to be able to either space the floor, make plays for others, or be a switchable man-to-man defender. Wiseman is a poor shooter who takes terrible shots and doesn’t seem to understand that he has a body built by the basketball gods. He also has a bad case of tunnel vision and recorded just one assist in three college games. On defense, his rim protection is great, but his ability to guard perimeter players and switch on screens is lackluster. Wiseman has a lot of areas that he’s really, really good at. With his size and athleticism, there’s no doubt that Wiseman could very well be a beast at the next level. However, he lacks in a lot of skill areas and just doesn’t seem to be a guy that can rapidly improve in all of those areas.
13. Obi Toppin, Big
Three Biggest Strengths
- Athleticism
- Three Point Shooting
- Interior Finishing
Biggest Weakness
- Defense
Obi Toppin is once again a guy that has been highly touted as an elite scorer and big time athlete. His leaping ability, interior scoring, and perimeter shooting all make him an attractive offensive piece. However, he’s a complete and utter defensive liability. He’s not laterally quick enough to play out on the perimeter, and he’s not tall enough to be a great rim protector. On top of that, he’s almost 23 years old already. I see Toppin having a solid NBA career, but I don’t know how good his defense will be at the next level, and I don’t know how much he can grow.
12. Aaron Nesmith, Wing
Three Biggest Strengths
- Three Point Shooting
- Perimeter Defense
- Efficiency
Biggest Weakness
- Shot Creation
Aaron Nesmith is a personal favorite of mine in this class. If all else fails for him, you know he’s going to be a three point sniper at the very least. He shot an absurd 52% from three in his sophomore season at Vanderbilt. He was great in the catch and shoot, but he also showed some stuff off the dribble that really intrigued me. His defense is also really solid as well due to his size and strength. Nesmith is going to be a quality NBA player and if the rest of his game fills out, he’s going to be scary.
11. Patrick Williams, Wing
Three Biggest Strengths
- Defensive Versatility
- Athleticism
- Interior Finishing
Biggest Weakness
- Three Point Consistency
There have been few people who have seen their draft stock skyrocket over the past couple months quite like Patrick Williams has. His college stats won’t blow you away, but his game goes way deeper than the numbers. He’s got an NBA ready body standing at 6’8 with a 225 lbs frame. He’s an extremely versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He’s also shown a lot of promising things off the dribble, whether it’s his ability to rise up over defenders and hit shots from the mid range, or blowing by guys to finish through contact at the rim. I’ve heard the term “safe gamble” being used when describing Williams, and I couldn’t agree more. A lot of his success will come down to whichever team drafts him but his upside is tremendous.
10. Aleksej Pokusevski, Big
Three Biggest Strengths
- Three Point Shooting
- Playmaking
- Shot Creation
Biggest Weakness
- Strength
To kick off the top 10, we’ve got Aleksej Pokusevski, a skilled 7-footer from Serbia. He played in the Olympiacos in Greece and showcased some incredible upside. He passes like a guard and has an extremely smooth jumpshot. On top of that, he can create his own offense off the dribble and has a ton of potential as a three level scorer. The big issue with “Poku” is his body. He’s not ready physically to play in the NBA, as he’s just over 200 lbs. However, once he starts to add strength to his skinny frame, there’s legitimate star upside.
9. Onyeka Okongwu, Big
Three Biggest Strengths
- Defensive Versatility
- Interior Finishing
- Rim Protection
Biggest Weakness
- Three Point Shooting
Onyeka Okongwu is pretty much a lock inside everyone’s top 5-7 range for this upcoming NBA draft but for me, he’s right outside it. There’s not a lot to hate about Okongwu. He’s an extremely versatile big man with elite rim protection, he’s an athletic beast, and he provides great interior scoring offensively. I think he’ll always be valuable to a team and I think he’s got a good amount of room to grow. However, I don’t see him being this ball handler, point center type of player that some people think he can be. He has some similarities to Bam Adebayo but will likely come nothing close to that. Okongwu is definitely going to be a great player, I just don’t see him reaching his All-Star upside.
8. Jaden McDaniels, Wing
Three Biggest Strengths
- Defensive Versatility
- Three Level Scoring
- Shot Blocking
Biggest Weakness
- Decision Making
This is easily one of my more controversial picks. I’m higher on Jaden McDaniels than almost anyone that has scouted the draft. I love his three level scoring potential. At 6’11, he’s got guard-like handles and great shot creating ability. He’s not a proficient shot maker yet but he’s still a very raw player with plenty of room to grow. However, he’s proven to be a versatile defensive stopper who can guard multiple positions. He’s got a pretty big flaw in his decision making but if his scoring ability and defensive versatility can reach a certain level, I think it’ll be enough to overlook that.
7. Tyrell Terry, Guard
Three Biggest Strengths
- Three Point Shooting
- Playmaking
- Shot Creation
Biggest Weakness
- Size
Tyrell Terry is someone being extremely slept on by mainstream media and I will never understand why. He reminds me a lot of Tyler Herro in some ways, someone I was really high on last year as well. Terry is an absolute sniper from downtown. He can shoot off the catch or create off the dribble. He’s also a solid playmaker and passer who can find open big men around the hoop or cutters inside. Despite only being 6’2, he can finish around the rim at an efficient rate as well. Over quarantine, he added 15-20 lbs to his frame and that’s allowed his draft stock to rise. However, I still see too many big boards with him outside the top 20 which in my eyes is a travesty. Terry has all the tools to end up as one of the best point guards and overall players in this draft.
6. Tyrese Haliburton, Guard
Three Biggest Strengths
- Playmaking
- Three Point Shooting
- Perimeter Defense
Biggest Weakness
- Shot Creation
Tyrese Haliburton is quite literally my favorite prospect in this entire draft. I think what he’s going to provide at the next level is extremely valuable. He’s one of the most prolific playmakers in this draft and could perhaps rival Lamelo Ball as the best. He’s also a great three point shooter off the catch and has shown raw ability off the dribble. To top it off, he’s a really good defensive prospect. The only real hole in Haliburton’s skill set is his lack of shot creation. However, he’s already made an effort to speed up his clunky jumpshot and I think he’ll only continue to improve. Haliburton is someone that I trust to be a very good NBA player.
5. Deni Avdija, Wing
Three Biggest Strengths
- Playmaking
- Interior Scoring
- Team Defense
Biggest Weakness
- Three Point Shooting
Deni Avdija is an extremely fun prospect that I could honestly see going down as the best player in the draft. His feel for the game and basketball IQ is just something you can’t teach. At 6’10, he’s a great playmaker for his size and a really crafty finisher. He can get to the cup with ease and has a really nice handle. On defense, he’s no slouch either. He plays with great effort and intensity and I think he can be very versatile if he adds on strength. The problem with Avdija, and it’s a big one, is his three point shooting (or lack thereof). Avdija shot poor percentages from three and from the foul line and he’s going to need to make major improvements. However, Avdija has good mechanics and touch, and there always seems to be one guy who breaks the FT% trend every year. I’m confident that Avdija’s skill set will allow to, at the very least, be a productive role player.
4. Devin Vassell, Wing
Three Biggest Strengths
- Three Point Shooting
- Defensive Versatility
- Shot Creation
Biggest Weakness
- Strength
Devin Vassell is someone that I am extremely high on and I think could one day become an NBA All-Star. At the very least, you know you’re going to get a high end role player due to his excellent three point shooting and awesome perimeter defense. However, what if I told you there was way more to his game than that? As a freshman at FSU, Vassell only created 1 shot off the dribble and as a sophomore, that number jumped to 38. Vassell’s improved ball handling and shot creation could make him a versatile scorer. He’s also displayed high level passing for a wing player that I think could make him a go-to PNR option. Vassell has a foundation for success, and I think that he has the most underrated ceiling in the draft. I’m excited to see what he can do at the pro level.
3. Anthony Edwards, Guard
Three Biggest Strengths
- Interior Scoring
- Athleticism
- Defensive Potential
Biggest Weakness
- Three Point Consistency
Most people see Anthony Edwards as a top 2 prospect if not the best prospect in the draft. I’m personally not one of those people but I do see Edwards as a future All-Star caliber player. He’s a bruising slasher who attacks the basket at will, but can break down a defender in isolation and hit tough shots all over the court. Defensively, there are definitely motor and effort concerns but when locked he’s tough to get past. He’s 6’5, 230 lbs with a 6’10 wingspan. If he buys in on that end of the court he’ll come out as one of the best two-way players in this draft. He’s got question marks no doubt but the talent is clearly there for him to be a star.
2. Killian Hayes, Guard
Three Biggest Strengths
- Playmaking
- Shot Creation
- Off Ball Defense
Biggest Weakness
- Three Point Consistency
You could very well make the case that Killian Hayes is the best player in the draft and I won’t even sit here and argue with you. He’s got tremendous talent both offensively and defensively. He’s one of the best shot creators and playmakers in this class. He can whip passes across the court like Manu Ginobili or find wide open bigs around the rim in the pick-and-roll. His shooting ability raises questions but he shot 39% from three on 4 attempts per game in his last season and he shot 91% from the foul line. Defensively, Hayes gets after it as well. He’s great off the ball and plays in passing lanes really well. I think Hayes is going to be one of the best offensive guards in the league when he really hits his peak.
1.Lamelo Ball, Guard
Three Biggest Strengths
- Playmaking
- Shot Creation
- Rebounding
Biggest Weakness
- Defensive Effort
In my opinion, Lamelo Ball is the best player in the NBA Draft. A lot of people are going to disagree so let me break it down. First, Ball is the best passer in this draft. He makes elite read after elite read and makes everyone around him better. He can make any kind of pass and despite dishing out some wild ones, he didn’t have a ton of turnovers with Illawarra. He’s a wizard in the open court with his ability to handle the ball and he’s a crafty finisher around the basket. Some people have concerns with his shooting but I personally am not that worried. For one thing, he took a lot of terrible, terrible shots and we don’t know how good Ball is when he’s shooting normal shots. He also picked up a really bad habit at Chino Hills where his legs would flare out a ton when he shot, and he carried this habit with him. However, in the later half of the year where he stopped doing that, he went 10-27 from distance. And lastly, he’s had a full year off from basketball. I am guaranteeing that his jumper has improved a lot since then. His defense is definitely concerning but with his size and length, he could be a versatile defender if he even puts a scrap of effort in. That’s why Lamelo Ball is my top-ranked prospect for the 2020 NBA Draft.
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