NBA draft deep dive: Our experts’ perfect pickson November 16, 2020 at 12:56 pm

1 o Minnesota Timberwolves
LaMelo Ball
G o Illawarra o Age 19.2

The draft’s best playmaker at 6-foot-7, Ball is the most talented prospect in this class and a true entertainer on the floor with remarkable vision, handle and touch. Despite defensive concerns alongside D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns, Ball would electrify the Minnesota fan base and give the Timberwolves one of the league’s most skilled 25-and-under trios. – Schmitz

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Player Ratings

Derived from Kevin Pelton’s draft projections with scouting input, our ratings show players’ expected abilities as rookies and at their peak. Physical comps are based on players’ measurements at similar ages.

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NBL/YouTube

Ball’s court vision is his superpower. This transition spin pass perfectly exemplifies his ability to communicate with teammates nonverbally and fit the ball into tight windows with precision. – SCHMITZ

2 o Golden State Warriors
James Wiseman
C o Memphis o Age 19.6

Wiseman ended up cementing himself as the near-consensus No. 1 player in his high school class with a strong showing on the all-star circuit in 2019. But he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA and served with a 12-game suspension — eventually leading to him leaving Memphis. He offered few answers about his abilities in the three games he did play with the Tigers. -Pelton

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@Jumpman23/ Twitter

For Wiseman to be at his best, he needs to focus on being an elite rim protector, rebounder and finisher first. But transition bust-outs like this give him more upside than your traditional run-and-jump center. – Schmitz

3 o Charlotte Hornets
Onyeka Okongwu
F/C o USC o Age 19.9

A lack of confidence in Anthony Edwards reaching his full potential — especially with the Hornets — combined with my belief in Okongwu’s candidacy as the best big man in this draft led to this perhaps surprising pick. Add that the Hornets have a huge hole at center and are in desperate need of a rim-protecting anchor to bolster their defense, and Okongwu is clearly an excellent fit on this roster. – Givony

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Okongwu has picture-perfect verticality technique, excellent timing and quick leaping ability, which pairs well with the foot speed and feel to be an asset as a ball-screen defender. He is the draft’s most instinctual shot-blocker. – Schmitz

4 o Chicago Bulls
Anthony Edwards
G o Georgia o Age 19.2

While the Bulls could certainly look for a pass-first point guard such as Tyrese Haliburton to play alongside Coby White, Edwards, whom I consider the No. 2 prospect in the draft, is simply too talented to pass on. Billy Donovan has proved he can develop young talent and could be the perfect coach to bring out the best in Edwards, a dynamic three-level scorer with tremendous tools and the charisma to match. – Schmitz

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Not only is Edwards a freight train to the rim at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, he has outstanding footwork slamming on the breaks with these pull-back moves to create space, giving him the potential to become one of the league’s premier shot-creators at some point. – Schmitz

5 o Cleveland Cavaliers
Tyrese Haliburton
G o Iowa State o Age 20.6

Yes, the Cavaliers have taken guards in the lottery the past two years. Without clarity that Collin Sexton is a point guard or Darius Garland is a long-term starter, Cleveland shouldn’t be afraid to take another if Haliburton is still on the board. His skill set looks particularly complementary to Sexton’s. – Pelton

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One of the best catch-and-shoot marksmen in the draft, Haliburton has deep range and off-ball impact that will allow him to fit into virtually any situation. – Schmitz

6 o Atlanta Hawks
Deni Avdija
G/F o Maccabi Tel Aviv o Age 19.8

Power forward-sized with the skills of a guard, Avdija brings two-way versatility that should allow him to play any wing position, making him a strong positional fit on this roster. At just 19, he is arguably the most experienced player in this draft, with FIBA and EuroLeague action under his belt. He should fit the timetable of a Hawks team looking to take the next step with a playoff berth. – Givony

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Avdija’s two-way versatility at his size is his immediate intrigue, but it is pull-up 3s like this against 7-foot-1 Jan Vesely that could help take Avdija from a high-floor starter to an All-Star caliber, mismatch creator at the NBA level. – Schmitz

7 o Detroit Pistons
Obi Toppin
F o Dayton o Age 22.6

The most NBA-ready prospect in the draft, Toppin would give the Pistons a much-needed jolt of excitement as a rim runner, lob-catcher and floor spacer under Dwane Casey. Toppin is on a different trajectory than your typical 22-year-old and brings a personality that would immediately energize the Detroit faithful. – Schmitz

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The human pogo stick figures to work defenses in the pick-and-roll as he spaces the floor vertically as a lob threat. Toppin can pick and pop, and he is an excellent passer in 4-on-3 situations, making him a great offensive fit at either big spot on offense. – Schmitz

8 o New York Knicks
Killian Hayes
G o Ulm o Age 19.2

If they don’t trade up, the Knicks should be thrilled to get Hayes, who could be their long-term answer at point guard. Though the 19-year-old has plenty of development left, his combination of scoring and playmaking potential would work well in Tom Thibodeau’s offense. – Pelton

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EuroLeague

Hayes is outstanding at picking weakside defenses apart when he is able to get downhill to his left hand against drop coverages. Here, he changes pace nicely to force the tagging defender to help on the big, opening up the skip pass to the corner. – Schmitz

9 o Washington Wizards
Isaac Okoro
G/F o Auburn o Age 19.7

The Wizards were one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA, and they certainly could benefit from adding an ultra-physical wing stopper with room to grow offensively. Okoro’s shooting will need to improve to reach his full potential, but he plays a winning style of basketball and has more long-term upside than some of the players picked ahead of him. – Givony

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Known best for his defense and explosiveness, Okoro is an underrated ball handler and passer. Against Vanderbilt, Okoro flashes playmaking ability with a crosscourt, on-the-move kickout with the weakside defense rotating to help on the drive. – Schmitz

10 o Phoenix Suns
Tyrese Maxey
G o Kentucky o Age 20.0

The Suns are in dire need of another shot-creator alongside Devin Booker, which opens the door for Maxey, who could become the next great under-drafted Kentucky guard. Maxey is a tough, long-armed defender with deep range and excellent touch in the paint. He averaged 19.0 points per game last season against top-25 teams, bringing confidence and a joyous nature to the floor that fits perfectly with what Monty Williams is building. – Schmitz

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The microwave scorer has excellent touch inside the paint and is quite nuanced as a finisher for a 19-year-old, which you’ll see here as he explodes off the hang dribble into a floater during his 26-point season opener against Michigan State. – Schmitz

11 o San Antonio Spurs
Devin Vassell
G/F o Florida State o Age 20.2

Flush with perimeter talent, the Spurs might prefer to look toward the frontcourt. But Vassell is far and away my favorite prospect remaining at this point, and his 3-and-D skill set (like Danny Green’s) is one San Antonio has long maximized. – Pelton

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The rangy wing is a premier perimeter defender with the feet to slide with guards and the positional length to bother shooters using a full-extension contest like you’ll see here. – Schmitz

12 o Sacramento Kings
Patrick Williams
F o Florida State o Age 19.2

One of the big winners of the pre-draft process, Williams could easily find himself picked much higher than No. 12. His physical tools, combined with the flashes he displayed as a multipositional defender and off-the-dribble shot-maker, give him significant upside to grow into. He fills a positional need for the Kings at the increasingly important combo forward position. – Givony

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Maybe the draft’s fastest riser, Williams has the profile teams look for in a combo forward. Yet for him to fully maximize his sky-high potential, he’ll have to continue progressing into a catch-and-shoot threat, as he hit just 32% from the 3-point line on limited attempts as a freshman. – Schmitz

13 o New Orleans Pelicans
Jalen Smith
F o Maryland o Age 20.6

If there’s one big in this draft who perfectly complements Zion Williamson, it’s Smith. He spaces the floor as a deadeye shooter while protecting the rim at a high level, two areas in which Williamson is still improving. Smith would allow Williamson to focus on working defenses as a mismatch driver, giving Zion more space to operate. Smith also has the versatility to fit alongside last year’s top-10 pick, Jaxson Hayes.- Schmitz

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We’ve seen 6-foot-10 bigs who space the floor before, but it’s rare to find players Smith’s size who can shoot on the move like this. Smith flashes his ability to catch on the hop with great rhythm and balance, which should allow coaches to shift him all over the floor. – Schmitz

14 o Boston Celtics
Precious Achiuwa
F/C o Memphis o Age 21.1

Achiuwa’s physical tools and defensive versatility might be attractive to a Celtics team that could add depth to its frontcourt. Achiuwa has the frame and length to contain big men and the lateral quickness to switch pick-and-rolls. Although his offense is a work in progress, the Celtics have ample scoring on the perimeter. – Givony

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Achiuwa is arguably the draft’s most versatile defender at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and great feet. That is on full display here, as he checks three positions comfortably and ends with an outstanding slide and contest. – Schmitz

15 o Orlando Magic
Aaron Nesmith
F o Vanderbilt o Age 21.0

With Nesmith having ranked 25th in 3-point percentage last season, the Magic could use another knockdown shooter. He hit 52% of his 8.2 3-point attempts per game in a 14-contest sophomore campaign shortened by injury. – Pelton

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Nesmith’s combination of size, strength and on-the-move shooting is what makes him a potential lottery pick, and this is a perfect example of all those things coming to life as he pops to space and splashes a trey from beyond NBA range. – Schmitz

16 o Portland Trail Blazers
RJ Hampton
G o New Zealand o Age 19.7

Hampton started the season projected as a top-five pick but fell off the radar after an injury cut short his Australian NBL adventure. Still, he is one of the most physically gifted backcourt players in this class and has significant upside. His size and versatility should allow him to play either of the backcourt positions, which could be helpful for a Portland team that might be looking to bolster its depth after having Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum log heavy minutes. – Givony

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NBL/YouTube

We talk so much about Kira Lewis and Devon Dotson as the draft’s fastest players. But Hampton also is a blur in the open court, as you’ll see here with him creating two points without even needing any dribbles by running the lane and making the extra pass. – Schmitz

17 o Minnesota Timberwolves
Saddiq Bey
F o Villanova o Age 21.5

After taking a swing at the top with Ball, the Wolves could use some stability with this pick. Bey brings ideal defensive versatility, a career 41.8% 3-point rate and a solid feel for the game. A young core of Ball, Russell, Towns, Bey, Jarrett Culver, Josh Okogie and Malik Beasley (who is a restricted free agent this offseason) offers a nice blend of offensive firepower and defensive flexibility. – Schmitz

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Bey is as NBA-ready of a prospect as you’ll find in this class. His unselfishness and feel for the game — which you can see here, with his extra pass to the corner — figure to shine alongside other good players. – Schmitz

18 o Dallas Mavericks
Kira Lewis
G o Alabama o Age 19.6

A combo guard with impressive speed and plus-shooting indicators, Lewis is capable of playing on or off the ball and also could run the backup point guard minutes when Luka Doncic needs a break. Lewis is younger than several freshmen but has two years of high-level experience running a team in the SEC, blossoming into one of the best guards in the country as a sophomore.- Givony

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Lewis is as shifty as any guard in the draft, with the ability to go from completely relaxed with the ball to shot out of a cannon in pursuit of the rim. This figures to make him a nightmare for opponents with the spacing the NBA provides. – Schmitz

19 o Brooklyn Nets
Jaden McDaniels
F o Washington o Age 20.1

While the Nets are in win-now mode with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, McDaniels is a top-10 talent and simply too enticing to pass on here. There are certainly more polished players on the board, but the Nets could use another 6-foot-10 wing who can space the floor, handle the ball and eventually develop into a plus defender. And there is no better player in the NBA for McDaniels to learn under than Durant. – Schmitz

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McDaniels is incredibly fluid for a 6-foot-10 wing and is at his best when he is decisively attacking closeouts. You will see that here as he gives a target, makes himself small on dribble penetration and explodes toward the rim off the catch, letting his length and leaping ability do the rest. – Schmitz

20 o Miami Heat
Josh Green
G/F o Arizona o Age 19.9

Ideally, the Heat would add a versatile frontcourt prospect in the Jae Crowder mold. McDaniels was the last player of that ilk in Miami’s range, so instead, I picked a rangy player in Green, hoping the Heat can develop him as they have Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn. – Pelton

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Green is an engaged defender on and off the ball with some of the best technique you’ll find from a 19-year-old, which you’ll see here as he fights McDaniels in the post and is eventually in perfect position to give help at the rim before gettting back to his own man for the steal. – Schmitz

21 o Philadelphia 76ers
Leandro Bolmaro
G o Barcelona o Age 20.1

Bolmaro brings the exact type of defensive toughness and energy coveted by Sixers fans and new head coach Doc Rivers. Sure, they could use more immediate shooting alongside Ben Simmons, but even if Philadelphia opts to leave him in Barcelona this season, Bolmaro is the best long-term option here. He gives the Sixers a potential point guard of the future with a two-way mentality, passing creativity and continual improvement as a shooter. – Schmitz

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22 o Denver Nuggets
Cole Anthony
G o North Carolina o Age 20.4

Anthony entered the season as a projected top-five pick but saw his stock fall due to injuries and a disappointing campaign in which UNC finished at the bottom of the ACC. Still, he has elite scoring instincts, grit on both ends and a frame that is ready-made for the NBA. Denver has made a living off drafting once-hyped prospects who saw their stock crater. Anthony could be next. – Givony

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We know Anthony is a dynamic, three-level scorer, but what can really make him a valuable asset to a playoff team is fully tapping into the flashes of defensive toughness on display here as he meets the 6-foot-7 Shakur Juiston at the rim in transition. – Schmitz

23 o Utah Jazz
Theo Maledon
G o Villeurbanne o Age 19.4

Utah doesn’t have a long-term option at point guard behind 33-year-old Mike Conley. Maledon looks like a nice fit provided he can develop enough as a shooter to complement Donovan Mitchell. – Pelton

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Maledon has an excellent understanding of how to slow down when he is in the pocket in pick-and-roll, keeping his defender on his back, forcing the big to play the cat-and-mouse game, and ultimately either dropping it off or stepping through for a finish like you see here. – Schmitz

24 o Milwaukee Bucks
Malachi Flynn
G o San Diego State o Age 22.5

As shown in the playoffs, the Bucks desperately need another ball handler who can create offense late in the clock. The 22-year-old Flynn is one of the more polished pick-and-roll point guards in the draft, with deep range and a strong feel for the game. His defensive toughness, winning pedigree and unshakable demeanor could make up for his average physical tools. – Schmitz

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Flynn’s off-the-dribble shooting will translate immediately to the highest level, as he is capable of punishing teams for going under screens from deep, scoring in midrange areas and sizing up bigs on switches, splashing hesitation jumpers with ease. – Schmitz

25 o Oklahoma City Thunder
Cassius Winston
G o Michigan State o Age 22.7

Winston was at the top of my draft board, and while he might not have as much upside as some of the younger prospects still available, he is likely to be at least a quality backup point guard for several years. Winston could play behind or alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. – Pelton

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Winston is a ball-screen wizard, excellent at forcing his defender into the screen and then putting that same opponent in jail on his back, making the dropped defender bluff and recover before either cashing in on a floater or rewarding the big with a lob. – Schmitz

26 o Boston Celtics
Aleksej Pokusevski
F o Olympiacos B o Age 18.8

A 7-footer who can dribble, pass and shoot, Pokusevski has lottery-level upside but is highly unproven. I’d be surprised if he made it past Oklahoma City’s pick, but if so, he makes perfect sense for Boston. The youngest player in this draft, Pokusevski is likely several years away from being able to hold his own on an NBA floor physically. With very few roster spots available, the Celtics can afford to be patient, especially if they are able to stash him in the G League or in Europe for a year or two. (Note: Due to limited availability, we can’t run reliable player ratings or film for Pokusevski.) – Givony

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27 o New York Knicks
Desmond Bane
G o TCU o Age 22.3

A four-year college player, Bane might provide more immediate help than the Knicks’ lottery pick. His 3-point shooting (43% career) would give New York’s other young players more room to operate offensively. – Pelton

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Bane is one of the best shooters in the draft, with an effortless release and range that extends well beyond the NBA line, which should play a big role in unlocking his underrated playmaking ability once teams start running him off his spots. – Schmitz

28 o Los Angeles Lakers
Nico Mannion
G o Arizona o Age 19.6

Guards such as Payton Pritchard or Tre Jones are more ready to have an immediate impact on a title contender, but Mannion is a talent with the shooting stroke to play alongside ball-dominant stars yet the floor game to quarterback the second unit. Once a projected top-10 pick, the Lakers could end up stealing one here if Mannion continues to improve his shooting consistency, defense and finishing. – Schmitz

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Mannion is one of the draft’s more skilled guards, with pace, touch from beyond the arc, a floater game and the ability to pick teams apart with either hand. – Schmitz

29 o Toronto Raptors
Tyrell Terry
G o Stanford o Age 20.1

Whether the Raptors are able to re-sign Fred VanVleet, point guard looks like a long-term need with Kyle Lowry set to turn 35 in March. That matches up well with the depth of creators in this year’s draft. After Mannion was taken, Terry is my favorite of the group. – Pelton

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This play perfectly encapsulates Terry’s skill level with the quick hit ahead, closeout attack, kickout, re-space to the corner and great whip pass as three defenders lunge toward him because he is such a threat to shoot.- Schmitz

30 o Boston Celtics
Udoka Azubuike
C o Kansas o Age 21.1

Consider this a best-available selection. Azubuike isn’t the most modern big man, but his frame, length and explosiveness could make him an interesting antidote to the small-ball movement. He was the best player on the best team in college basketball, and he could make a significant impact on both ends in the right role. – Givony

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Azubuike puts fear into the hearts of weakside defenders with his ability to barrel down the lane at 260 pounds, explode off the floor and high-point lobs thanks to his massive wingspan. – Schmitz