It may be hard to believe, but November 18 marks the one-year anniversary of the 2020 NBA Draft.
While it would be unfair to throw around the letter B (“bust”) and harshly criticize certain players at this stage of their careers, it’s not too early to look back and think about what could happen.
With that in mind, seven members of The Sporting News staff gathered on the anniversary of the 2020 NBA Draft to hold a draw.
THAN: NBA Draft 2020 points for each pick in the first round
For this exercise, we’re focusing less on fit and more on deserving players being selected based on what we’ve seen from them so far. That’s why you’ll see someone like LaMelo Ball go higher in the redraw than in the original draft.
Disagree with our order? Let us know!
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NBA Redraft 2020
Number 1: LaMelo Ball, Timberwolves
Initial selection: Anthony Edwards
Rookie of the Year 2021, Ball’s potential to become a superstar in this league has been pretty clear since Day 1. It’s not often that you see a 20-year-old averaging 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, but that’s exactly what Ball is doing this season. If he’s as good as this at the start of season two, imagine how good he will be going into his prime. That alone is worthy of number 1.
– Gilbert McGregor (@GMcGregor21)
Number 2: Anthony Edwards, Warriors
Initial selection: James Wiseman
Do I really have to explain this choice? No wonder Ball became No. 1, but Edwards quickly proved himself as someone who could one day lead the league in scoring. He’s closed his rookie season on a strong note and has had some explosive performances this season, most notably dropping 48 points against the Warriors. I am a follower of Edwards.
– Scott Rafferty (@crabdribbles)
Number 3: Tyrese Haliburton, Hornets
Initial selection: LaMelo Ball
Ball, Edwards and Haliburton finished one in two thirds of the Rookie of the Year results, so let’s keep that order here. The Kings guard quickly proved himself to be a great player (5.3 assists per game as a rookie) and outside shooter (over 40% in over 300 3-point attempts in career). He’s a great fit in any behind-the-scenes spin as he can act as a point guard, but he doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. Who wouldn’t want a guy like Haliburton on their team?
– Jordan Greer (@jordangreer42)
Number 4: Cole Anthony, Bulls
Initial selection: Patrick Williams
Once the highest ranked player in his class, Anthony is starting to show signs of that talent after failing outside the lottery. He’s had a brilliant start to the season, scoring 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.
– Alex Novick (@ANov_SN)
Number 5: Saddiq Bey, Cavaliers
Initial selection: Isaac Okoro
He may have had a rough start in 2nd grade, but Bey proved his 3-and-D potential in his first season that earned him the All-Rookie First Team title. Villanova’s product looks like a professional player and had a long career in the NBA before him.
– Kyle Irving (@KyleIrv_)
Number 6: Desmond Bane, Hawks
Initial selection: Onyeka Okongwu
You can never have too many 3-and-D guys, and Bane is the perfect fit regardless of team. He can defend at a high level and confusingly doesn’t need the ball in his hand to contribute. Just the perfect pick at this point in draft.
– Carlan Gay (@TheCarlanGay)
Number 7: Patrick Williams, Pistons
Initial selection: Killian Hayes
OK, so I know he’s hurt. But Williams looked at every bit of the Summer League as “a sophomore in the Summer League.” Williams is the most defensive of anyone in this draft, and if his fouling catches on, he could be a home pick. I am legally stunned that he is falling down the redraft game, and I am calling out to the rest of my respected colleagues for letting him fail.
– Micah Adams (@ MicahAdams13)
Number 8: James Wiseman, Knicks
Initial selection: Obi Toppin
Wiseman has had some bad luck with the start of his career, but let’s not forget that he is being considered for the No. 1 pick alongside Ball and Edwards. With his size, skill and instincts as a seven-legged player, Wiseman has plenty of room to develop into an influential player in the league. Remember Deandre Ayton’s pivotal role during Phoenix’s Finals? Wiseman can have a similar effect down the line.
– McGregor
Number 9: Tyrese Maxey, Magician
Initial selection: Deni Avdija
Game times have been tough for Maxey during his rookie season, but he is making the most of Ben Simmons’ leaving the team this season. He’s featured in all 15 games he’s appeared in so far, averaging 17.5 points, 4.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds on .518 / .420 shots. / .875. Maxey is a walking bucket.
– Rafferty
Number 10: Isaiah Stewart, Suns
Initial selection: Jalen Smith
This may surprise you, but of all the rookies in the 2020 draft class, Stewart is the current leader in win percentage. (That’s right, he’s even taller than Ball and Haliburton.) “Beef Stew” leads this group in terms of recovery despite playing just 21.4 minutes per game as a rookie, gobbling up the board thanks to his mobility and high fitness. He may be underrated at 6-8 years old, but he is a real disruptor in paint.
– Bigger
Number 11: Devin Vassell, Spurs
Initial selection: Devin Vassell
Vassell has struggled a bit during his rookie year, but he’s shown the signs this season as a consistently classy 3-and-D guy. He looks like a good player who will only get better in the Spurs system.
– Novick
Number 12: Immanuel Quickley, Kings
Initial selection: Tyrese Haliburton
They say it’s all about chance, and whenever Quickley gets that chance, he’s proven that he has what it takes to be a top scorer and playmaker. ability in the tournament. The Knicks’ crowded route and rotation hasn’t allowed him to see a steady number of minutes this season, but if he had been in a different situation, his name might have popped up earlier in the game. this red.
– Irving
Number 13: Precious Achiuwa, Dandelion
Initial selection: Kira Lewis Jr.
Of the players still on the board, Achiuwa probably has the highest ceiling. It may take a while for him to really develop into what he is expected to become, but if you are drawing in the lottery you may have time to wait for a guest or two. potential goods.
– Gay man
Number 14: Obi Toppin, Celtics
Initial selection: Aaron Nesmith
Toppin’s sporting gifts are still valid, and his rare combination of size and explosiveness doesn’t come around often. At this point in the draft – mostly a crapshoot with no guarantees – give me the player with the highest ceiling.
– Adams
