The 2020 NBA draft will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. MST. It will take place virtually from the ESPN studios in Bristol, Conn. Here is the second and final mock draft from The Salt Lake Tribune:
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, Georgia
Georgia guard Anthony Edwards reacts to his break away dunk against Texas A&M during the second half in a NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, in Athens. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
The guy who’s the better fit or the guy who might be most flippable? Let’s go with the former. Edwards certainly has efficiency and decision-making issues, but his three-level scoring and non-ball-dominant style will ultimately pair nicely with KAT and D-Lo.
2. Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman, Memphis
FILE - Memphis center James Wiseman (32) dunks against Oregon during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Portland, Ore., in this Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, file photo. At long last, James Wiseman is about to be on a team again. More than a year removed from the end of his three-game college career that was doomed almost before it started because of NCAA rulings regarding his eligibility, the 7-foot-1 left-hander will be one of the first players selected in Wednesday’s, Nov. 18, 2020, NBA draft. It’s hard to envision a scenario where he doesn’t go in the first three picks, which are currently held by Minnesota, Golden State and Charlotte.(AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer, File)
Several ways for Golden State to go, too, although their most glaring need is to add some size. Not everyone believes Wiseman is even the best big in this draft, but he’s an instant fit in San Francisco with a rim-running, paint-protecting role at the outset.
3. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, Illawarra Hawks
FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2019, file photo, LaMelo Ball of the Illawarra Hawks brings the ball up during a game against the Sydney Kings in the Australian Basketball League in Sydney. Ball is expected to be the first point guard taken and possibly the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft on Nov. 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)
Charlotte is said to really covet a big man, but I just can’t bring myself to believe they go for the USC guy when Ball is sitting out there. Is PG truly a need? Maybe not, with Terry Rozier and Devonte' Graham in the fold. But the Hornets need a star, and Ball could be that.
4. Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija, Maccabi Tel Aviv
FILE - In this Nov. 19, 2019, file photo, Maccabi Fox Tel Aviv's Deni Avdija controls the ball during the Euro League basketball match between Olimpia Milan and Maccabi Fox Tel Aviv, in Milan, Italy. Avdija is a potential lottery pick and one of the top forwards in next week's NBA draft. There were 108 international players on opening-night rosters for the 2019-20 season. That number could increase this year and Avdija will be one of the new faces (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)
New GM Arturas Karnisovas has excelled in scouting international players, which could serve him well in his first pick with Chicago. Avdija isn’t particularly athletic or a great shooter, but he’s a savvy playmaker for a forward, and a solid defender, too.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Obi Toppin, Dayton
FILE - In this Feb 1, 2020, file photo, Dayton's Obi Toppin (1) drives to the basket against St. Louis forward Jimmy Bell Jr. (32) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Dayton, Ohio. Toppin was voted the AP men's college basketball player of the year, Tuesday, March 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Tony Tribble, File)
Given their wretched defense, you’d think they’d maybe invest in a wing with some stopping capability. Toppin was pretty awful defensively with Dayton. But he’s a beast offensively, both inside and out, and an explosive athlete on top of that.
6. Atlanta Hawks: Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State
FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2020, file photo, Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton drives upcourt during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oklahoma State in Ames, Iowa. Haliburton is considered a top-10 prospect and one of the top point guards in the NBA draft on Nov. 18. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Atlanta, like several teams picking before, would love to find a trade for veteran help. Failing that, they seem obsessed with having a two-lead guard lineup, and Haliburton, at 6-foot-5, could pair nicely with Trae Young. Not a brilliant athlete, but a crafty, smart playmaker.
7. Detroit Pistons: Patrick Williams, Florida State
FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2019, file photo, Florida State forward Patrick Williams brings the ball up during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Florida in Gainesville, Fla. Williams is a potential lottery pick after being named the Atlantic Coast Conference's sixth man of the year last season. (AP Photo/Matt Stamey)
One of the biggest beneficiaries of this long draft process has been Williams, whose stock has soared into top-10 territory. Detroit has not-so-secretly lusted after the talents of the young forward, who is a physical, athletic scorer off the dribble and who has shown some defensive versatility.
8. New York Knicks: Killian Hayes, Ratiopharm Ulm
Cholet's Killian Hayes, left, drives against an unidentified Chalon-sur-Saone player during the French Cup under-17 final in Paris on April 22, 2017. Hayes is considered a top-10 prospect and one of the top point guards in the NBA draft on Nov. 18. (AP Photo)
He’s not much of a shooter at this point, he’s concerningly left hand-dominant, and he has too many mental lapses on defense. And yet, if he makes it to the Knicks, they should be ecstatic. With his heady court vision, great passing, and catch-and-shoot ability, he could be their lead guard of the future.
9. Washington Wizards: Onyeka Okongwu, USC
FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2020, file photo, Southern California forward Onyeka Okongwu dunks the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Stanford in Los Angeles. Okongwu was selected to the Associated Press All Pac-12 team selected Tuesday, March 10, 2020.(AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo, File)
Okongwu’s status has also risen of late, to the point that some believe he could go No. 3 to the Hornets (or could even be a sneaky No. 2 to Golden State). He’ll never be a great scorer, but he’s a Bam Adebayo-style facilitator who also is a great pick-and-roll defender.
10. Phoenix Suns: Isaac Okoro, Auburn
Auburn's Isaac Okoro (23) celebrates after Auburn defeated Arkansas 79-76 in overtime in an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Pretty incredible that Phoenix managed to hold onto this pick in the Chris Paul trade. Still, while losing Kelly Oubre hurts their wing depth a bit, Okoro would be a great instant replacement. He doesn’t have Oubre’s scoring talent, but he’s arguably the best wing defender in this class.
11. San Antonio Spurs: Saddiq Bey, Villanova
FILE - In this March 7, 2020, file photo, Villanova forward Saddiq Bey (41) shoots over Georgetown guard Jagan Mosely (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Washington. Bey is a first-round prospect for next week's NBA draft after leading Villanova in scoring as a sophomore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
The Spurs are said to be big fans of Bey, who is one of the better 3-and-D options out there. He’s renowned for his spot-up shooting ability and for being a smart, capable team defender. He can function as a secondary playmaker, too.
12. Sacramento Kings: Devin Vassell, Florida State
Florida State guard Devin Vassell (24) shoots over North Alabama guard Christian Agnew in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Tallahassee, Fla., Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser)
Another top 3-and-D prospect, Vassell is better known for his defensive proclivities at this point than his offensive versatility, though the latter is coming along. He’s got a great motor and will instantly impact the Kings as a disruptor.
13. New Orleans Pelicans: Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky
Kentucky's Tyrese Maxey, left, drives near Auburn's Danjel Purifoy, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/James Crisp)
After trading away Jrue Holiday for a haul of draft picks, New Orleans could be looking to instantly bolster its backcourt dynamism. Maxey could prove the closest facsimile to Holiday, given his aggressive on-ball defense and his improving jumper.
14. Boston Celtics: Kira Lewis, Alabama
FILE - In this Jan. 22, 2020, file photo, Alabama guard Kira Lewis Jr. plays against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Nashville, Tenn. Lewis Jr. was selected to the Associated Press All-SEC first team announced Tuesday, March 10, 2020. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
While Boston could use a more functional big man, they also showed themselves to be too devoid of guys capable of creating their own shots in the playoff loss to Miami. Lewis has the pure speed and assortment of dribble moves to fill that role.
15: Orlando Magic: R.J. Hampton, New Zealand Breakers
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) drives ahead of New Zealand Breakers guard R.J. Hampton (14) in the first half of an exhibition NBA basketball game Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
I don’t necessarily love the fit, but Orlando seems perpetually drawn to long-limbed types with shaky jumpers, so here we go. While Hampton does indeed need to develop his shot, he’s got a great first step that bodes well for getting into the lane.
16: Houston Rockets: Precious Achiuwa, Memphis
Memphis forward Precious Achiuwa (55) throws a pass as UAB guard Tavin Lovan (3) defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Portland will be making the pick for Houston from the Robert Covington deal. With Mike D’Antoni and Daryl Morey gone (and possibly James Harden and Russell Westbrook to follow), Houston is a blank slate. Makes sense then to maybe add a legit big man. Achiuwa is mobile, long, and strong.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt forward Aaron Nesmith (24) celebrates after a basket against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Julie Bennett)
The Wolves are said to be desperately hoping to ship this pick off and secure another in the lottery. Should that fail to materialize, they could do worse than landing a guy who nailed better than 52% of his 3-point attempts last season.
18. Dallas Mavericks: Josh Green, Arizona
Arizona guard Josh Green (0) drives against Washington State center Volodymyr Markovetskyy during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona won 83-62. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The Mavs are also trying to acquire some veteran help and have put their pick up for sale. Many think if they keep it, they could be tempted by a certain Serbian teenager. I say, why not simply address your biggest hole and add a wing with size. Green is a great on-ball defender.
19. Brooklyn Nets: Tyrell Terry, Stanford
Stanford guard Tyrell Terry (3) dribbles the ball during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Arizona State in Stanford, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Maybe Brooklyn keeps this pick and looks for someone who can contribute right away. Or maybe it gets packaged in a James Harden deal. Either way, Terry would be a great fit. He’s one of the best pure shooters in the draft and is a surprisingly solid defender.
20. Miami Heat: Jalen Smith, Maryland
Maryland forward Jalen Smith (25) drives between Michigan State forward Aaron Henry (11) and Marcus Bingham Jr. (30) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in East Lansing, Mich., Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
With Jae Crowder a free agent and Kelly Olynyk potentially one as well, the Heat would do well to add a quality-shooting big, and Smith certainly fits that bill. While he doesn’t offer a ton defensively, he’d earn his keep as a pick-and-pop specialist.
21. Philadelphia 76ers: Desmond Bane, TCU
Oklahoma guard Alondes Williams (15) is knocked backwards defending against a drive to the basket by TCU guard Desmond Bane (1) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, March 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
OK, first the negatives: He’s a college senior, he has a negative wingspan, and he’s maybe not quick enough to defend small, shifty guards. But the positives: Incredible 3-point shooter (43%), intelligent passer, gritty defender, and on the young side (not yet 22) for a senior.
22. Denver Nuggets: Isaiah Stewart, Washington
CORRECTS TO WASHINGTON FORWARD ISAIAH STEWART, INSTEAD OF WASHINGTON STATE'S BRANDTON CHATFIELD - Washington forward Isaiah Stewart drives on Arizona guard Dylan Smith (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. Smith broke his nose on the play. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Give that Jerami Grant, Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee are all free agents, Denver could stand to replenish the big man cupboard behind Jokic, MPJ and Bol Bol. Stewart is a vintage, physical bruiser who’s great at rebounding and says he’ll surprise with his outside shot.
23. Utah Jazz: Jaden McDaniels, Washington
Washington's Jaden McDaniels, right, drives into Arizona's Josh Green during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the first round of the Pac-12 men's tournament Wednesday, March 11, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
The former five-star recruit left a lot to be desired in an up-and-down-and-down-some-more freshman season with Huskies, but as a 6-10 wing with a near 7-foot wingspan, there’s a lot to tempt teams. In the meantime, he needs a ton of development, as he’s too thin and makes bad decisions.
24. New Orleans Pelicans: Zeke Nnaji, Arizona
FILE - In this Jan. 4, 2020, file photo, Arizona forward Zeke Nnaji (22) drives against Arizona State,in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Tucson, Ariz. Nnaji was selected to the Associated Press All Pac-12 team selected Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Nnaji was also seleced AP Newcomer of the Year. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
The Wildcats big man was already known for being a high-motor, high-energy guy who runs the floor, battles on the boards, and is a good finisher inside. Now, he’s reportedly extended his range out to the 3-point line, which could make him a target for the Pels (using the Bucks' pick).
25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Aleksej Pokusevski, Olympiacos B
ESPN international scout Fran Fraschilla said Tuesday that Poku won’t be ready to help an NBA team for 3-4 years. As a 7-footer with guard-level ball-handling skills and 3-point shooting, he’s plenty tantalizing. OKC is said to love him.
26. Boston Celtics: Leandro Bolmaro, Barcelona B
Boston certainly isn’t going to keep three rookie first-rounders on its roster. So, if the Celtics can’t package a few together, the Argentine point-forward playing in Spain would be a great stash. He’s a great playmaker with a janky jumper right now.
27. New York Knicks: Cole Anthony, North Carolina
FILE - In this March 11, 2020, file photo, North Carolina guard Cole Anthony (2) dribbles against Syracuse during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Greensboro, N.C. Anthony is considered a first-round prospect and one of the top point guards in the NBA draft on Nov. 18. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown, File)
Would it be redundant to use two picks on point guards? Not when you’re the Knicks, and you’re desperately devoid of competent guard play. Anthony is a good athlete and a solid shooter who’s quite skilled at filling it up in a hurry.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Theo Maledon, ASVEL
The Lakers will make the pick, then send it to Oklahoma City for the Dennis Schröder deal. OKC might be looking for a potential replacement, and could do worse than the Frenchman who was a likely top-10 pick before struggling. Lacks athleticism, but has a long frame and is an improving shooter.
29. Toronto Raptors: Malachi Flynn, San Diego State
San Diego State guard Malachi Flynn, left, shoots as Boise State forward Abu Kigab defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Kyle Lowry is getting up there. And Fred VanVleet could be heading for a free-agency payday. Either way, Flynn would be a great fallback plan. His playmaking, pull-up jumper, spot-up deep-ball shooting, and feisty defensive effort could make him a plug-and-play option right away.
30. Boston Celtics: Xavier Tillman, Michigan State
Michigan State's Xavier Tillman Sr. (23) tries to get past Penn State's Mike Watkins (24) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/John Beale)
The Spartan has earned some comparisons to another Michigan State product, Draymond Green, on account of being an undersized big man who has incredible secondary playmaking skills. He’s not the lockdown defender that Green is, but he’s solid on the interior.
