The 2020 NBA Draft may have felt significantly different from previous years thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, but that did not make it any less interesting. Going into proceedings, pundits were split on how it would go, with the class of 2020 being one of the most open in many years.
After much discussion the Minnesota Timberwolves used their first pick to select Anthony Edwards out of Georgia – much to the delight of his family that sat beside him. The 19-year-old shooting guard has a lot of potential, averaging 19.1 PPG and 5.2 RPG during his only season at college – but he is definitely one of the less exciting number one picks in recent times.
For starters, he made less than 30% of his three point shots at college and was a pretty inefficient scoring across the board. This lack of ability to score from deep is incompatible with the modern NBA and he will need to improve his three-point shot quickly to live up to his hype.
James Wiseman is the Physical Presence Warriors Need
Taken at number two by the Golden State Warriors was seven foot one inch center James Wiseman. The 19-year-old is a one and done bigman out of Memphis and he is a serious physical presence who averaged 19.7 PPG and 10.3 RPG at college. The imposing center also racked up three blocks per game.
The Warriors selection of Wiseman was a welcome distraction from the news that star man Klay Thompson is set to miss the entire 2020/2021 season after picking up an Achilles injury.
Lamelo Ball Drops to Three
Dropping all the way to number three was the extremely popular Lamelo Ball. The younger brother of New Orleans Pelican Lonzo, Ball was picked up by the Charlotte Hornets finally bringing his meandering journey into the NBA to an end.
The six foot seven point guard spent last season playing in Australia for the Illawarra Hawks. During his time there he averaged 17.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG and 6.8 APG. Ball’s greatest strength is his incredible court vision and many expected him to be taken higher than number three of this year’s draft.
The Hornets will need their rookie to come and contribute right away after they endured a terrible season last time out. The franchise suffered badly following the departure of Kemba Walker to the Boston Celtics, going 23-43 before the season was curtailed due to coronavirus.
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