NBA Mock Draft 10.0: Killian Hayes rises and the Golden State Warriors take a gamble
As the NBA playoffs continue onward in the NBA’s restart bubble (with the NBA Finals about to start), the 2020 NBA Draft has officially been scheduled for November 18. The pre-draft process will take place over the next couple of months and we’re about to get a closer indication of what we could expect at the draft.
With that said, there is still some sense of mystery in the 2020 draft class. In our latest NBA Mock Draft, the Killian Hayes hype continues to grow and one contending team (Golden State Warriors) takes a big gamble with their top pick. We begin our NBA Mock Draft 10.0 with what many assume is a foregone conclusion pick for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia
This seems like the safest bet of the 2020 NBA Draft. Anthony Edwards is an ideal fit with this team, especially assuming that D’Angelo Russell will be the starting lead-guard for the Wolves heading into next season.
Edwards could come in and be the ideal two-way backcourt mate for Russell and would really take the pressure of him on the defensive end of the court. Unless we see a trade at the top of the draft (or an exceptional pre-draft workout from LaMelo Ball), expect Anthony Edwards to be the No. 1 overall pick.
2. Golden State Warriors – LaMelo Ball, G, Illawarra Hawks
With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in the fold and locked up for the foreseeable future, not many are expecting the Golden State Warriors to pick a guard with the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Nevertheless, there’s still at least somewhat of a chance that the Warriors will select LaMelo Ball.
If LaMelo comes in and wows the Warriors in a pre-draft workout and then checks all the boxes in the interview process, he could emerge as a potential target for the Warriors at No. 2. Again, this is a franchise that prides itself on seeing a vision before the rest of the NBA. Perhaps that trend could continue with this pick.
When he’s at the top of his game, there might not be a more explosive player than LaMelo in this draft. The big question about his game is consistency and whether he’ll be able to be a viable two-way player. If there’s any franchise that will be able to get the most out of him, you’d have to believe that it’s going to be the Warriors.
3. Charlotte Hornets – James Wiseman, C, Memphis
One of the biggest glaring needs for the Charlotte Hornets falls in the frontcourt, specifically at the center position. Even though this position has become somewhat of an afterthought in today’s NBA, it’s still something that the Hornets should address with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Especially if a player like James Wiseman is still on the board.
He may not have much of a sample size in college (he only played in three games) but he was mightily impressive. Wiseman is coming off a shortened freshman season in which he averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks per game on 77 percent shooting from the field.
Wiseman is still very much a raw offensive prospect, but he has all the tools and intangibles to be a really good player – if not great – at the next level. Wiseman may not be a star from the opening jump in the NBA, but he could quickly become one of the better frontcourt players in the league sooner rather than later.
4. Chicago Bulls – Killian Hayes, G, ratiopharm Ulm
As the Chicago Bulls turn a new leaf under Billy Donovan, the team’s newest head coach, I can’t help but wonder if he’s going to want this high draft pick to define the start of his new era. And what better way to do that with perhaps the best point guard in this draft – Killian Hayes, who has been rising up draft boards over the last few weeks.
Even though the Bulls have Kris Dunn, Coby White, and Zach LaVine in the fold, Killian Hayes, if he becomes the player that many believe he can be, could be a real game-changer for a franchise that hasn’t had a dynamic lead-guard since Derrick Rose was healthy.
This is not to say that Hayes will be the next Rose – or even has the capability to do so but he has a high ceiling and could end up developing into the best player to come out of this draft class. Hayes has improved his shooting efficiency mightily over the last couple of seasons (arguably his biggest flaw) and posted 46 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from 3-point range this past season with ratiopharm Ulm.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers – Isaac Okoro, F, Auburn
The Cleveland Cavaliers believe that they are set in the backcourt, or at least are set up for that potential with the trio of Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, and Kevin Porter Jr. The team’s frontcourt, however, is filled with much more uncertainty. And that’s not even considering that the team could eventually move Kevin Love.
Adding a prospect like Isaac Okoro could go a long way in bringing some sort of stability to the team’s wing position. Okoro has some improvement and development to do on the offensive side of the ball, but where he lacks on the offensive end he makes up defensively. At 6-foot-6, Okoro has the potential to be a great defender.
If he can develop a consistent 3-point shot – he only shot 29 percent from deep during his freshman season at Auburn – there’s a chance that he could have a higher ceiling than many are expecting from him. However, that’s a big question at his point. That still shouldn’t keep him from being a top 7 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
6. Atlanta Hawks – Deni Avdija, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv
The Atlanta Hawks should be looking for help on the wing. They appear to be set in the frontcourt with John Collins and Clint Capela and have a true leader in Trae Young. Adding a player with the potential as Deni Avdija could make a true difference for this team over the next few years. He may not be a difference-maker from the moment he’s drafted but could be a key player for this team down the line.
Avdija is 6-foot-9 and has guard tendencies; essentially, he’s a prototypical new-age forward for where the NBA is moving toward. Avdija didn’t have a major role with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague this past season, but he’s coming off an impressive showing in the Israeli League, becoming the youngest MVP in history.
Avdija is an intrgiuing player and is set to become the first Israeli player to be selected in the NBA Draft Lottery; he might need a year or two to find his role with the Hawks but could quickly become a key part of this team’s core.
7. Detroit Pistons – Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State
As the Detroit Pistons head into somewhat of a rebuild this offseason, this is a team that would ideally like to find a potential franchise player with the 7th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. However, in such a “weak” draft class, that could prove to be difficult – or even downright impossible. With that said, with the way the draft board has fallen, adding a potential dynamic two-way like Tyrese Haliburton has to be considered a no-brainer.
Haliburton might not have game tape that jumps off the screen, but he was a productive player at Iowa State and is entering this draft as one of the most consistent guards too. Haliburton has great size for a guard (6-foot-5) and is coming off a sophomore season in which he averaged 15 points, seven assists, and six rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Not many expect Haliburton to be a “star” at the NBA level, but there’s no question that he has the capability to be a really good starter. Could he defy the experts and become a “star” or “franchise player,” absolutely. But that type of expectation shouldn’t be placed on him at No. 7.
8. New York Knicks – Onyeka Okongwu, F, USC
The New York Knicks would love for one of the top guards to fall to them at No. 8, but that is looking more and more unlikely. What they need to decide now is whether they’re going to take a 3-and-D type or roll the dice on a player that could potentially become a star (in due time, under the right development).
If the Knicks are willing to take a gamble, there might not be a better option (with the way this draft has fallen) than Onyeka Okongwu, a versatile forward out of USC.
For some Knicks’ fans, this may not be a popular pick. New York has a glaring need at the point guard position and Okongwu isn’t exactly that. However, if he can even be a fraction of the player that Bam Adebayo (who Okongwu has been compared to) has become with the Miami Heat, there’s no question he will have the capability to play next to Mitchell Robinson.
The Knicks could always trade down, especially if the like a guard later in this first round but I don’t think they should bypass this opportunity should it present itself on draft night. Onyeka Okongwu at No. 8 would be an absolute steal.
9. Washington Wizards – Obi Toppin, F, Dayton
With the 9th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards should focus on selecting the best player available. With the way this draft has fallen, there’s a no-brainer prospect still on the board for the Wizards – Obi Toppin. With John Wall and Bradley Beal coming back next season, adding an NBA-ready prospect like Toppin would be a nice pickup.
Toppin is the oldest prospect (22 years old) projected to be selected in the top 10 but is coming off an extremely productive sophomore season. Toppin averaged 20 points, eight rebounds, and two assists per game on 63 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Toppin would come in and be ready to play almost immediately. He’s an athletic forward that can stretch the defense and is one of the best finishers in this draft. He needs to prove that he can be consistent on the defensive end but if he can, there’s no question he can be a good player for a very long time for the Wizards.
10. Phoenix Suns – Patrick Williams, F, Florida State
Coming off a sensational performance in the NBA’s restart bubble, it’ll be interesting to see what the Phoenix Suns elect to do with the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. While adding a top-line point guard would be the ideal move but with the way that the draft has fallen, that doesn’t seem to be an option.
The next best option could be adding an ideal wing prospect. With Devin Vassell still on the board, many would criticize this pick but Patrick Williams could offer the high-risk, high-reward prospect that the team should be seeking at this point in the draft. Williams exactly fits that as a prospect to a T.
At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, Williams has all the tools to be a breakout star in the NBA. He left much to be desired as a prospect during his freshman season at Florida State, averaging only nine rebounds and four rebounds on 46 percent shooting from the field. The hope is that Williams emerges as a better pro than a college player, but that won’t come without the necessary development.
Big question is, can the Suns be the franchise to develop him into the player that he can be?
11. San Antonio Spurs – Devin Vassell, F, Florida State
Over the last few weeks, Devin Vassell has become one of the hottest prospects heading into the pre-draft process. Whether he’ll be able to keep that up over the next couple of months remains to be seen, but he’s certainly a player that could jump into the top 10. At the very least, he’ll be selected in the lottery.
At No. 11, the San Antonio Spurs would jump at the opportunity to select a player as talented as Vassell. After two seasons at Florida State, Vassell enters the NBA at just the right time – he has prototypical size and stature for a 3-and-D wing in the current NBA. Vassell is coming off a sophomore season in which he averaged 13 points and five rebounds on 49 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent shooting from 3-point range.
What could the Spurs develop that into? That’s the big question. With that said, I wouldn’t put anything past Gregg Popovich and the Spurs’ developmental system. Does that mean Vassell could be the next Kawhi Leonard? I’m not sure, but I’d trust his development with this organization.
12. Sacramento Kings – Aaron Nesmith, F, Vanderbilt
The Sacramento Kings have plenty of unknown heading into the offseason and there are even whispers that they could trade Buddy Hield. Heading into the 2020 NBA Draft, I don’t think it would be surprising for the Kings to target a 3-point shooter. One potential fit at this point in the draft is Aaron Nesmith.
In only 14 games during his sophomore season, Nesmith averaged 23 points and five rebounds on an absurd 52 percent 3-point shooting clip on eight attempts per game. Even though it was a small sample size, Nesmith has shown some promising signs as a prospect.
If the Kings have to move Hield, adding another shooter like Nesmith (on a cheap contract) could the next best thing. Plus, who knows, maybe Nesmith could develop into a better fit for the Kings than Hield.
13. New Orleans Pelicans – RJ Hampton, G, New Zealand
Even though we haven’t heard much on the RJ Hampton front much, he has the talent and tools to be a lottery pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He didn’t light the NBL on fire during his lone season with New Zealand, but is one of the most athletic guards in this draft and has somewhat become an afterthought in this class.
With that said, there’s a chance that he could develop into a star at the NBA level. Playing next to the likes of Zion Williamson with the New Orleans Pelicans would make that adjustment a lot easier too. Not having a ton of pressure on him early in his career will matter.
Whether you want to believe it or not, a big factor in prospects working out in the NBA depends on landing with the right team and in the right spot. Hampton is a big name and will almost automatically bring expectation to him and the Pelicans, but if he can put it all together he could have a promising future in the Association.
14. Boston Celtics – Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova
It’s been clear that the Boston Celtics need help along the frontcourt, specifically the center position, but with the no-brainer center prospects off the board at this point in the NBA Draft, I wouldn’t be surprised for the Celtics to simply take the best prospect still on the board. With the way the board has fallen, that happens to be Saddiq Bey.
Depending on how he looks in his pre-draft workouts, there’s a chance that Bey could actually jump into the top 10. It’s a small chance, but even getting Bey with the 14th pick would be a great addition by Boston. In fact, teams should be angry with the fact that the Celtics are adding a lottery talent after the postseason run they’re on.
Bey is coming off a season at Villanova in which he averaged 16 points and five rebounds on 4 percent shooting from the field and 45 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’d be an ideal fit on the Celtics and would make even more sense in the event that they must move on from Gordon Hayward during the offseason.
15. Orlando Magic – Cole Anthony, G, North Carolina
If the Orlando Magic could theoretically get their hands on Cole Anthony with the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, they should absolutely be ecstatic about their draft. Anthony has the star power that the Magic need and he’s a lead guard that could grow into the team’s starting point guard in the future.
16. Portland Trail Blazers – Jalen Smith, C, Maryland
Jalen Smith is a player that has quickly risen in recent draft boards and could continue to do so depending on how he looks in his pre-draft workouts. Smith is a 6-foot-10 forward that can defend the rim at a high level and stretch the defense. If he can continue to do that at a consistent level, there’s no question he’ll be able to find a long-term home with the Portland Trail Blazers.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves – Precious Achiuwa
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, there might not be a better fit for this team at No. 17 than the defensive-minded Precious Achiuwa. Even though he’s still a raw talent on the offensive end, it’s his defensive prowess that will allow him to play early in his career. Next to Karl-Anthony Towns, he could be lethal.
18. Dallas Mavericks – Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky
After watching what Devin Booker and Tyler Herro have done in the NBA’s restart bubble, there’s a chance that Tyrese Maxey could be selected early. Snagging him at No. 18 would be a huge win for the Dallas Mavericks. In fact, it’d be in the conversation for biggest steal of the first round.
19. Brooklyn Nets – Aleksej Pokusevski, F, Olympiacos Piraeus
Aleksej Pokusevski is one of the biggest wildcards in the 2020 NBA Draft class and could end up being a really good player in the NBA down the line, but will need time to develop. He’d be an ideal selection for the Brooklyn Nets, who won’t be looking for a rookie to contribute right away this season.
20. Miami Heat – Kira Lewis Jr., G, Alabama
After an impressive run in the NBA’s restart bubble, there’s a good chance that Goran Dragic could get one last big contract. If the Miami Heat isn’t willing to give him what he’s likely to demand on the open market, drafting a point guard could become a priority for this team. Kira Lewis Jr. is the best one still on board and could blossom with this team’s development program.
21. Philadelphia 76ers – Josh Green, G, Arizona
It’s difficult to predict what exactly the Philadelphia 76ers would be targeting in the 2020 NBA Draft until they hire a new head coach (perhaps Mike D’Antoni?). However, they could use some help in the backcourt (especially if they want to continue to play Ben Simmons off-ball). Josh Green could be in play; he averaged 12 points and five rebounds on 36 percent shooting from 3-point range.
22. Denver Nuggets – Desmond Bane, F, TCU
The Denver Nuggets should draft Desmond Bane alone based on the fact that he has one of the best names in this draft. He’s also a pretty good prospect too. Bane is a 6-foot-6 guard that could play all over the floor and 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game on 44 percent shooting from 3-point range during his senior season at TCU.
23. Utah Jazz – Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington
After a freshman season at Washington, Jaden McDaniels enters the draft as a wing prospect that could defend the rim and stretch the defense. McDaniels still needs to grow into his length but could emerge as a versatile player after a few years of development.
24. Milwaukee Bucks – Isaiah Stewart, F, Washington
Will the Milwaukee Bucks trade this pick? There’s probably a good chance of that but if they make a selection, they could look for help in the frontcourt. Isaiah Stewart could be a fit; he’s coming off a season in which he averaged 17 points and nine rebounds on 57 percent shooting from the field.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder – Nico Mannion, G, Arizona
There’s a chance that the Oklahoma City Thunder could trade both Chris Paul and Dennis Schroder this offseason. In that event, it would be wise for the Thunder to place some safeguards to that. Drafting a guard like Nico Mannion could be a fit. Mannion averaged 14 points and five assists per game during his freshman season at Arizona.
26. Boston Celtics – Theo Maledon, G, ASVEL
If Boston is looking for help in the backcourt, there isn’t a better pick at this point in the draft than Theo Maledon. Maledon has improved his 3-point shooter over the last the last couple of seasons and if he can continue to do that, he will be able to grow into a rotation player sooner rather than later. Boston is the perfect place for him to develop.
27. New York Knicks – Cassius Winston, G, Michigan State
The New York Knicks weren’t able to get a point guard with the No. 8 overall pick, but they are able to snag one here at No. 27 with their second first-round draft pick. Cassius Winston had a productive four-year career at Michigan State, averaging 19 points and six assists per game on 45 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent shooting from 3-point range during his senior season.
Even though he’s a bit undersized, Winston is a player that could emerge as a contributor off the bench. He is one of the most experienced prospects in this draft and could handle playing right away if needed. He could be a gem late in the first round.
28. Los Angeles Lakers – Tyrell Terry, G, Stanford
If the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a potential spark off the bench next season (or in the future), Tyrell Terry could fit the mold. After a freshman season in which he averaged 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists on 44 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range, he could be an interesting prospect to take a chance on late in the first round.
Plus, learning behind Rajon Rondo (if he returns) and playing next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis won’t be half bad. If he can develop into a lightning rod of an offensive player, he would fit right in with the direction of this franchise.
29. Toronto Raptors – Leandro Bolmaro, G, FC Barcelona
With the chance that the Toronto Raptors could lose Fred VanVleet this offseason, the team should target a guard with their lone first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Leandro Bolmaro could be a potential target. Bolmaro has great size and potential. For him, it’s all about development and finding the right system.
The Raptors might have the best development system in the NBA today.
30. Boston Celtics – Vernon Carey Jr, C, Duke
After the Boston Celtics have added a wing and a guard, look for them to add a center if they make a third pick in the first round. Even in an era where the NBA is moving away from the center position, Vernon Carey Jr. is a worthy gamble at this point in the draft.
Carey is coming off an explosive freshman season in which he averaged 18 points and nine rebounds per game on 58 percent shooting from the field. Carey shot 38 percent shooting from 3-point range, but only attempted 0.7 per game. If he can hit the 3 at a consistent level, perhaps he will be selected higher than 30.