The NBA Draft Lottery has concluded and now we know where each team will be drafting come NBA Draft time (which is planned as of now for October 16th). Today, we have put together our 2020 NBA Post-Lottery Mock Draft.
This is a year that will have many sites coming out with various looking big boards and mock drafts. There isn’t a clear top 10 and many players between picks and 30-80 are interchangeable. So, there will be many players that you may want to be drafted that aren’t on this edition. We are selecting the picks for each team purely based off our evaluations and team need. In this version, we are not including trades, but in our final mock draft leading up to the NBA Draft, we will be predicting those as well!
Basketball Society Scouts included in putting together the mock draft:
Take a look below at our 2020 NBA Post-Lottery Mock Draft.
1st Round:
1. Minnesota – Anthony Edwards, Freshman G, Georgia
Anthony Edwards has, for a while, been considered the top pick this year. (Obviously, that excludes those who still truly believe in James Wiseman) He showed the handle, the strength, the leaping ability, the ability to make tough shots, and so much more at Georgia. He still has his efficiency issues, but has the build to fit into the NBA right away. Minnesota took Jarrett Culver last year who showed some promise in his rookie campaign and Anthony Edwards might be a nice piece on the wing alongside him. LaMelo Ball seems like the top prospect for us, but we doubt Minnesota’s willingness to take him given how much they put into procuring D’Angelo Russell.
2. Golden State – Onyeka Okongwu, Freshman F/C, USC
Onyeka Okongwu arguably has the highest ceiling of all the bigs in the 2020 NBA Draft. At USC, he showed a great feel for the game and his 72 FT% indicates future success as a jump shooter in the league. Golden State is in a peculiar spot as they don’t really need guards with Curry and Klay coming back healthy next year, so either a wing or a big seems to be the move for this team. That is IF they keep this pick, which they very well may trade. If they do keep this pick, a big seems the most appropriate and we are bigger believers in Okongwu being the better fit for them rather than James Wiseman.
3. Charlotte – LaMelo Ball, 19 y/o G, International
We’d be shocked to see LaMelo Ball fall to the third pick in this draft. But, given how the lottery played out, it’d be hard to see any of the top 2 teams take Ball given the guards they already have on their roster. Minnesota has D’Lo and Golden State obviously has Curry and Klay. If Charlotte finds themselves with LaMelo Ball on the board at their third pick, it’d be hard to see them pass on him even with Devonte Graham having a fantastic year.
4. Chicago – Deni Avdija, 19 y/o F, International
Deni is one possible player who can be a secondary initiator out of the pick and roll and can hit spot up threes on the wing. It’ll take time for him to fully develop as it will with many of these prospects, but he has already put on some good muscle and seems primed to take a somewhat significant role with a team Day 1. Chicago could use more help on the wing next to Zach LaVine and Avdija can provide just that.
5. Cleveland – Obi Toppin, Sophomore F, Dayton
The Cavs could go in several different directions here, but Obi Toppin seems like the safe pick. While they may not be sold on Collin Sexton or Darius Garland as their future franchise point guard, I don’t think they take one here unless LaMelo Ball is still available. That leaves Toppin and James Wiseman as the most likely candidates, and I give Toppin the edge as his college production and readiness to contribute right away are too good to pass up for a Cavs team desperate for talent. Kevin Love would be a perfect player for Toppin to learn from.
6. Atlanta – Isaac Okoro, Freshman F, Auburn
Hands down, Okoro is the best perimeter defender in this year’s draft. Not only does he have great instincts but his size and frame allows him to guard a litany of positions. The Hawks have several players that can contribute on the offensive end with young players like Trae Young, John Collins, Kevin Huerter, and more. They did happen to acquire De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish last year, but Isaac Okoro is a different type of defender that could help make up for Trae’s lack of defensive ability.
7. Detroit – Killian Hayes, 19 y/o G, International
Most draft evaluators are all over the place on where they rank Killian Hayes this year. Some have him as high as 1 or 2, while others don’t see him as a top 10 pick. Regardless, he has shown the ability to be a lead guard overseas and has established himself as a threat whenever he gets the rock. His team defense is phenomenal and projects to be a very solid defensive guard. He has all of the tools in his arsenal and should find a lot of success leading an offense right away. He is a perfect fit for Detroit that is in need of a primary ball handler.
8. New York – Cole Anthony, Freshman G, UNC
New York has been linked heavily to either LaMelo Ball or Cole Anthony for a while and with LaMelo going to Charlotte it looks as though Cole is the man. Although he didn’t shoot crazy efficiently at UNC, his shooting gravity was present and should open looks for surrounding pieces like RJ Barrett. We didn’t get to see Cole Anthony work with very talented shooters, so we’re excited to see him get the chance to run one alongside someone as talented as Barrett.
9. Washington – James Wiseman, Freshman F, Memphis
As a team that just needs more talent, plain and simple, it makes sense for the Wizards to go best available here in Wiseman. With Ian Mahinmi hitting free agency, Wiseman will give Washington a rotation piece down low right away and be part of an exciting young core in the front-court alongside Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant. Many mock drafts have James Wiseman closer to the top 5 in their mocks, but we just see too much uncertainty from his game tape and believe that NBA teams may caution to draft him leading to him dropping in this year’s draft.
10. Phoenix – Tyrese Haliburton, Sophomore G, Iowa State
The Suns are in an interesting spot with the way the first nine picks played out. With Obi Toppin off the board, there’s not an obvious candidate for them to select here. While they still have Ricky Rubio under contract for the next two seasons, it’d be hard to pass up Haliburton, who has a chance to be the future franchise point guard and can learn a lot from a veteran like Rubio in his first few seasons.
11. San Antonio – Patrick Williams, Freshman F, Florida State
Williams is an excellent athlete who will bring toughness and defense to the table right away, something that this Spurs team could really use. The Spurs are in a bit of a transition period with a roster comprised of several aging stars mixed with some promising young talent. Adding Williams makes a lot of sense as he’s still a bit raw, and will have a year to learn from Rudy Gay and LaMarcus Aldridge before they both hit free agency and he’s tasked with taking on a bigger role.
12. Sacramento – Devin Vassell, Sophomore F/G, Florida State
As arguably the best 3&D prospect in this year’s class, Vassell has all the tools to make him a glimmering prospect for any NBA team. Vassell has an outstanding touch from outside and off the charts defensive ability. Shooting at 41% from three last season at FSU, his play will complement surrounding playmakers such as Buddy Hield and De’Aaron Fox. The offensive game for Vassell will continue to expand, but it is his defensive ability that will need to be called upon and shine through for this bunch. Harrison Barnes is still under contract, but he isn’t their future at forward. Devin Vassell can be.
13. New Orleans – Precious Achiuwa, Freshman F, Memphis
The Pelicans roster is in a really strong position moving forward, and with both Derrick Favors and Jahlil Okafor hitting free agency, taking a big makes a lot of sense here. Achiuwa is someone who will bring toughness and defense to the table right away, and would create an exciting young front-court alongside Zion Williamson and Jaxson Hayes. They are in desperate need of some defense in the paint and that’s why they should bring in Precious.
14. Boston (via MEM) – Jalen Smith, Sophomore F/C, Maryland
The Celtics close out the lottery by adding a key defensive piece in Smith, a high energy guy who has the chance to be a terrific rebounder at the next level. Smith has also displayed promise on the offensive end, and he fits in well on a contending team where he can come off the bench and learn from the veterans in front of him. The Celtics are still trying to find the right piece at the 5 and Jalen Smith may just be that in a few years.
15. Orlando – Tyrese Maxey, Freshman G, Kentucky
With most guards gone, the decision came to be either Maxey or Josh Green. With backup point guards Michael Carter-Williams and DJ Augustin’s contracts being up and Evan Fournier having a player option, Tyrese Maxey looks really attractive at the 15th spot. An aggressive player with good touch, Maxey can attack in the half-court to get near the rim or use his impressive floater. As an underrated defender, his energy could pair well with the Magic core of Jonathan Isaac, Mo Bamba, Chuma Okeke, and Markelle Fultz.
16. Portland – Desmond Bane, Senior G/F, TCU
Desmond Bane has flown up draft boards over the last six months or so, and for good reason. The TCU wing has quietly been one of the top shooters in college basketball over the last two years, and shot a ridiculous 44% from three as a senior with increased attempts. On top of his shooting, Bane is an excellent defender, and also displayed an improved playmaking ability last season. He’ll bring a lot to the table to an NBA team from day one, and is a great fit for a Blazers club that wants to win now.
17. Minnesota (via BRK) – Saddiq Bey, Sophomore F, Villanova
Saddiq Bey plugs a lot of holes for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Whether he plays as a three or a four in the NBA, his quickness paired with his length allows him to guard guards as well as stretch forwards. On offense, Bey shoots the rock tremendously (45% this season at Villanova) which bodes well for a Minnesota side that ranks 28th in the league in that category. Bey is as safe a pick in this year’s class and given improvement in his offensive game, it could make him one of the best prospects when we look back on this draft.
18. Dallas – Aaron Nesmith, Sophomore F, Vanderbilt
The Mavericks have a pretty solid roster without many glaring weaknesses on the offensive end, but the one thing you can never have too much of is shooters. Desmond Bane would be the best fit for Dallas here, but unfortunately it may be tough to see him fall this fall for the Mavericks. Nesmith is considered by many to be the best shooter in the draft, so if he’s still available at 18, he’s a no brainer for Dallas.
19. Brooklyn (via PHI) – Kira Lewis Jr., Sophomore G, Alabama
Kira Lewis Jr. is one of the most underrated lead guards in the entire draft. A few of our writers consider him lottery bound, but it seems as teams see him more as a mid-1st Round option. Brooklyn isn’t in any dire need for a point guard, but Kira could be a great complement to Spencer Dinwiddie off the bench in the backcourt.
20. Miami – Theo Maledon, 19 y/o G, International
This is one of the sneakier good picks and the Heat would be thrilled to see Maledon on the board at 20. Maledon has a savvy about him running the offense as he excels at reads in the pick and roll. The real excitement is the defensive versatility that Theo Maledon possesses. In an already great defensive unit of the Miami Heat, Theo could fit in quite nicely.
21. Philadelphia (via OKC) – RJ Hampton, 19 y/o G, International
Philly has 4 players making over 27 mil. Ben Simmons is the only one out of the four that could realistically play point, but it seems like he’ll be playing more of the power forward position. That leaves the team with a big hole at point guard. While someone like Grant Riller or Tre Jones might make more sense as a pure point guard, RJ Hampton might have some of the most potential out of the crew and we believe he is someone who can bring up the rock for a team like Philly in the short future.
22. Denver (via HOU) – Paul Reed, Junior F, DePaul
With big men Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee set to be off the books for the Nuggets next season, the Nuggets should seek to invest in the future of their front-court. While Bol Bol looks exciting, Paul Reed is a player that gives the Nuggets something they are lacking currently, an interior defensive presence. While they rank slightly below middle of the road (19th) in opponent points in the paint, adding Reed could be the difference in allowing Denver to take that next step in the Western Conference. Reed offers a shot blocking ability (18th in the nation in BPG), but also adds the ability to switch on picks as he can keep guards in front of him with his lateral quickness and length having a 7’2″ wingspan.
23. Utah – Aleksej Pokusevski, 18 y/o F/C, International
Aleksej is arguably the most interesting prospect this year. He’s a 7’0 center who has clear guard skills. He’s got a great stroke, has solid defensive instincts, and good mechanics offensively. He’s only 18 so he will fill out over time, so we don’t have to worry about that right now. Utah has a great starting 5, but could use some depth in the front-court off of the bench, especially in terms of versatility. Poku could be a great addition to Utah’s rotation and should end up being a clear steal if he does happen to fall this far in the draft.
24. Milwaukee (IND) – Josh Green, Freshman G/F, Arizona
Pat Connaughton and Kyle Korver are both free agents this offseason, so taking a young wing like Green offers them insurance if they’re not able to re-sign one or both of them. Green is a terrific athlete and while he isn’t an elite shooter yet, he has a smooth jumper and could become a reliable deep threat down the road. Green also has potential to be a really good defender, and with plenty of veterans to learn from and time to groom him, Milwaukee is one of the best possible landing spots for Green.
25. Oklahoma City (DEN) – Tyler Bey, Junior F, Colorado
Tyler Bey is the perfect player for the Thunder if Andre Roberson doesn’t come back to the Thunder with his contract ending this season. Bey is one of the best defensive players in the NBA Draft and continues to improve on the offensive end, especially from beyond the arc. Assuming Roberson doesn’t stay in OKC, Bey is the clear best fit for this Thunder team that continues to look toward their future with SGA leading the backcourt and Dort alongside him as a great perimeter defender.
26. Boston – Tre Jones, Sophomore G, Duke
Boston ranked 4th in defensive rating before the restart and looks to add to that with the Tre Jones pick. While Carsen Edwards is still around and Tremont Waters looks to be a two-way guy, Jones can come in and join fellow defensive menaces in Tatum, Smart, Brown, and Grant Williams. Yeah that’s scary.
27. New York (LAC) – Isaiah Stewart, Freshman F/C, Washington
After the Knicks took a guard earlier, they will turn their attention to build depth behind Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks are in need of a bench forward and especially one that can score the ball. Stewart is a strong player who is gifted in finishing on the low-block. His frame and physicality will allow him to push his weight around to collect rebounds. This is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Knicks.
28. Los Angeles Lakers – Grant Riller, Senior G, College of Charleston
Grant Riller is an exciting athlete and terrific guard. He excelled in the lead guard role for College of Charleston these last four years and will look forward to taking his talents to an NBA city. Riller has the intelligence and skill to work within any system. The Lakers do have a need at the lead guard position. Given that they have LBJ and AD, they may be looking in free agency for someone with more experience, but Grant Riller is not just a raw prospect and could fit into the rotation right away. He’ll take some time to adjust to playing defense at the NBA level, but his offensive game is already ready for the jump. If Grant Riller does happen to fall to the Lakers this late in the 1st, they would have to strongly consider taking him.
29. Toronto – Jaden McDaniels, Freshman F, Washington
Jaden McDaniels was easily projected to be a lottery pick earlier in the season because of what his ceiling was perceived to be. After seeing him at Washington, it’s clear that he still has a ways to go. One organization that has proven time and time again that they can develop good, young talented players is the Toronto Raptors. They don’t need to draft for need at this stage as they have a team that is ready to continue to compete for titles. McDaniels is a player that they can take, develop, and watch grow into a player that can one day contribute in a positive way for a team on both ends of the court.
30. Boston (MIL) – Jordan Nwora, Junior F, Louisville
After addressing their defensive needs with their first two picks, the Celtics pick up a quality shooter in Nwora to close out the first round. Jordan Nwora lit it up for Louisville as a junior, averaging 18 points per game on 40% shooting from three. He’s no slouch defensively either, and could be a quality second unit player for the Celtics from day one if they do happen to keep this pick.
2nd Round (no descriptions on these, will include in future mocks):
31. Dallas (via GSW) – Zeke Nnaji, Freshman F, Arizona
32. Charlotte (via CLE) – Leandro Bolmaro, 20 y/o F, International
33. Minnesota – Tyrell Terry, Freshman G, Stanford
34. Philadelphia (via ATL) – Jah’mius Ramsey, Freshman G, Texas Tech
35. Sacramento (via DET) – Xavier Tillman, Junior F/C, Michigan State
36. Philadelphia (via NY) – Killian Tillie, Senior F, Gonzaga
37. Washington (via CHI) – Nick Richards, Junior C, Kentucky
38. New York (via CHA) – Myles Powell, Senior G, Seton Hall
39. New Orleans (via WAS) – Robert Woodard, Sophomore G/F, Mississippi State
40. Memphis (via PHO) – Mason Jones, Sophomore G, Arkansas
41. San Antonio – Nico Mannion, Freshman G, Arizona
42. New Orleans – Elijah Hughes, Junior F/G, Syracuse
43. Sacramento – Cassius Stanley, Freshman G, Duke
44. Chicago (via MEM) – Isaiah Joe, Sophomore G, Arkansas
45. Orlando – Malachi Flynn, Junior G, San Diego State
46. Portland – Daniel Oturu, Sophomore F/C, Minnesota
47. Boston (via BRK) – Arturs Kurucs, 20 y/o G, International
48. Golden State (via DAL) – Devon Dotson, Sophomore G, Kansas
49. Philadelphia – Ashton Hagans, Sophomore G, Kentucky
50. Atlanta (via MIA) – Cassius Winston, Senior G, Michigan State
51. Golden State (via UTA) – CJ Elleby, Sophomore G/F, Washington State
52. Sacramento (via HOU) – Udoka Azubuike, Senior C, Kansas
53. Oklahoma City – Vernon Carey Jr, Freshman F/C, Duke
54. Indiana – Skylar Mays, Senior G, LSU
55. Brooklyn (via DEN) – Ty-Shon Alexander, Junior G, Creighton
56. Charlotte (via BOS) – Marko Simonovic, 21 y/o C, International
57. Los Angeles Clippers – Trevelin Queen, Sophomore G, New Mexico State
58. Philadelphia (via LAL) – Nate Hinton, Sophomore G, Houston
59. Toronto – Lamine Diane, Sophomore F, Cal State Northridge
60. New Orleans (via MIL) – Reggie Perry, Sophomore F/C, Mississippi State
