Check out our previous prospects list below:
Top 5 Prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft
Obviously, as the season goes on and we creep ever so closer to the 2020 NBA Draft, we will be continuing to update this list. We are showing you our current top 10 prospects list and you should expect a list of the top 20 next week. Here are the NBA Draft scouting writers who assisted with this week’s rankings:
Barely Missed the List:
Onyeka Okongwu – Freshman C/F, USC
Isaiah Stewart – Freshman F/C, Washington
Obi Toppin – Junior F, Dayton
Jaden McDaniels – Freshman F, Washington
Aleksej Pokusevski – F, Overseas
10. Tyrese Haliburton – Sophomore G, Iowa State
The shot is the only question mark we have about his game given the awkward release. Still, he is shooting it at a solid clip. His passing is fantastic and he can cut off passing lanes better than most. Haliburton will be a lottery pick even with this being a very talented point guard draft.
9. Nico Mannion – Freshman G, Arizona
We didn’t expect Nico to be this high on the list coming into this year. It wasn’t because of his talent at all, but we just figured that he would be someone who stayed at Arizona for a while. We aren’t sure that is possible now. His value is so high because of his intelligence that he exudes on the court. He’s quick, has such a pure jump shot, and is someone that you can always trust with the ball. He should, along with Tyrese Haliburton, be a lottery pick in 2020 if he declares.
8. Isaac Okoro – Freshman G/F, Auburn
Our writer Xavier Green is a big fan of Isaac Okoro and rightfully so. He is one of the best defensive prospects in this draft and has shown some versatility on the offensive end. Okoro has showcased a nice step-back and while he isn’t shooting well at all from deep, he has shown the ability at times to hit the open shot. He’ll surely be more of a rim runner at the next level with his A+ athleticism.
7. Deni Avdija – 18 y/o G/F, Maccabi Tel Aviv
This is a much better draft this year than last in terms of international talent. Deni Avdija is just one of many we are certainly considering as a top 10 prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft. He is a versatile wing, has good height given his handling abilities, and should be able to transition his jump shot quite easily.
6. James Wiseman – Freshman F, Memphis
James Wiseman is known throughout many NBA front offices as the best prospect in the draft. We here at Basketball Society are a bit concerned at what exactly he will bring to the table for an NBA franchise. Rim running bigs who don’t stretch the floor aren’t as valuable simply because there are so many available. Wiseman has a ton of potential, but he needs to develop a consistent shot and to be more impactful defensively to be able to have success in the NBA.
5. Tyrese Maxey – Freshman G, Kentucky
Tyrese Maxey is such a skilled combo guard. He can spot up from deep or take you off the dribble and get to the bucket to finish. If he is really as good as we project him to be defensively, Maxey will be an All-Star in the NBA.
4. Killian Hayes – 18 y/o G, Ratiopharm Ulm
Killian Hayes has quite possible the most potential out of any of the prospects in this draft. He’s been playing some exceptional ball overseas and is certainly ready to enter the NBA. Killian is a fantastic passer and has a deep bag. Hayes may need a few years in the NBA, but we could see him starting at point for a team within a year.
Killian Hayes should be considered for the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft
3. Cole Anthony – Freshman G, North Carolina
We’ll continue to flip between the top 5, and more specifically the top 3, many times up until June. Cole Anthony is currently ranked in the 3rd spot although he has the talent to be the best prospect in this draft. He’s one of the best scorers to come out of high school that we’ve seen and has unbelievable athleticism. Cole will need to work on his passing, but he will make noise in the NBA immediately with his scoring prowess.
2. LaMelo Ball – 18 y/o G, Illawarra
We all know the name, but do you know the player? LaMelo Ball is the best passer in this draft and has proven to be able to get into the lane with ease with his handle. The defense and shooting will have to be worked on, but he’s a player that any team in the NBA should feel comfortable trusting the ball with.
Is LaMelo Ball A Legitimate NBA Prospect?
1. Anthony Edwards – Freshman G, Georgia
Anthony Edwards has a strong frame, a beautiful shot, is athletic, and can defend the opposing team’s best player (at times). He is our No. 1 prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft and should be the top pick in June at this point.
