The 6-7 point guard only played 12 games in Australias National Basketball League, but it was enough to lure a huge selection of NBA scouts and reword the narrative his father had improperly composed. Had he not had his career with the Tigers cut short, Wiseman would have been a national player of the year finalist, balancing around 20 points and 10 rebounds for a then-top 15 team. New York might utilize a play-making point guard. His season, in which he balanced 23 points, was cut short after 14 video games due to a best foot injury.
Stewart is strong and difficult to defend in the low post, averaging 16.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.2.
The 2020 NBA draft lotto remains in the rear-view mirror, with the order of the top 14 choices now finalized. The Minnesota Timberwolves won the No. 1 pick, while the Golden State Warriors will choose No. 2. The Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers complete the leading five.
The New York Knicks were undoubtedly the biggest loser in the lottery, being up to No. 8 despite a 9% opportunity of winning the leading choice and 37% opportunity choosing in the top 4.
Unlike last year, the No. 1 pick isnt as obvious as Zion Williamson. Which player will hear his name called first by Adam Silver and head to Minnesota? It wont be as simple as talent level or profession ceiling when an instant star is required.
Here is USA TODAY Sports NBA mock draft 3.0 based upon the finalized order of groups following the lottery game.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards – Georgia – Freshman – Shooting Guard – 6-4 – 225 pounds
Edwards is an explosive scorer with immediate All-Star ability and two-way upside, making him the front-runner to hear his name called initially. He d be a perfect fit in Minnesota to play together with All-Stars Karl-Anthony Towns and DAngelo Russell. In a video game against Michigan State, he installed 33 points in one half. Edwards stat line — 19.1 points per game, 5.2 rebounds– doesnt do him justice..
2. Golden State Warriors – Obi Toppin – Dayton – Redshirt Sophomore – Forward – 6-9 – 220 pounds.
The Warriors do not need the same foundational pieces other lottery game teams do, so Toppin is the most enticing choice here based upon his instant upside. At 22, Toppin is older than the majority of his equivalents, and his high motor and highlight-reel dunking equate completely with Steph Curry in the open court. U.S.A. TODAY Sports national college basketball player of the year can do a mix of everything, consisting of stepping out on the boundary and mastering pick-and-rolls..
3. Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball – Illawarra Hawks (Australia) – Point Guard – 6-7 – 180 pounds.
Ball would provide the Hornets an electrifying gamer to delight the fan base right off the bat. The 6-7 point guard just played 12 video games in Australias National Basketball League, but it was enough to entice a myriad of NBA scouts and rewrite the narrative his dad had actually inadequately composed. He has a quick-trigger jumper that still requires more accuracy, but his floor vision is on par with his bro, Lonzo.
4. Chicago Bulls – James Wiseman – Memphis – Freshman – Center – 7-1 – 240 pounds.
Had he not had his profession with the Tigers interrupted, Wiseman would have been a nationwide gamer of the year finalist, averaging around 20 points and 10 rebounds for a then-top 15 team. The athletic big guy left the team in December halfway through an NCAA suspension. He d provide the Bulls with a dynamic big guy who could complement Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen..
5. Cleveland Cavaliers – Killian Hayes – Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) – Point Guard – 6-5 – 185 pounds.
Hayes is a dynamic and crafty playmaker from France who significantly evolved throughout his professional season in the top league in Germany in 2019-20.
6. Atlanta Hawks – Deni Avdija – Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) – Small Forward – 6-9 – 220 pounds.
No longer a sleeper on draft boards, the overseas prospect with fantastic size can play numerous positions, and his versatility needs to be difficult to miss for Atlanta. He has a comprehensive ability set and was an MVP of the FIBA Under-20 European Championship.
7. Detroit Pistons – Onyeka Okongwu – USC – Freshman – Forward – 6-9 – 245 pounds.
Okongwu averaged 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds for the Trojans in 2019-20, revealing expertise on the glass and low block. His production and rim protection will be difficult to skip for Detroit.
8. New York Knicks – Tyrese Haliburton – Iowa State – Sophomore – Point Guard – 6-5 – 175 pounds.
New York might utilize a play-making point guard. His numbers ( 15.2 points per game, 6.5 assists, 42% from 3-point ranger) in 2019-20 are interesting. Haliburton has the overall ability to be the Ja Morant of this draft class..
9. Washington Wizards – Isaac Okoro – Auburn – Sophomore – Forward – 6-6 – 225 pounds.
The wing has athleticism and a wingspan that might make him an elite protector at the next level, shutting down opposing perimeter forces. Thats a huge void for Washington, among the worst defensive groups in the league..
10. Phoenix Suns – Cole Anthony – North Carolina – Freshman – Guard – 6-3 – 190 pounds.
The Tar Heels had an all of a sudden horrific project and Anthonys knee injury played a significant part. His lone NCAA season offered enough of a sample size of his tenacity and unique grace.
11. San Antonio Spurs – Devin Vassell – Florida State – Sophomore – Forward – 6-7 – 195 pounds.
Vassell was one of the most better gamers in all of college basketball, spearheading the Seminoles to their very first ACC regular-season title. His video game preferably translates as a 3-and-D gamer in the league..
12. Sacramento Kings – Aaron Nesmith – Vanderbilt – Sophomore – Forward-Guard – 6-6 – 213 pounds.
Nesmith could blossom into something special quickly. He was currently considered among the finest 3-point shooters last season (52.2%). His season, in which he averaged 23 points, was interrupted after 14 video games due to an ideal foot injury.
13. New Orleans Pelicans – Precious Achiuwa – Memphis – Freshman – Guard – 6-9 – 225 pounds.
Achiuwa possesses the strength to prosper in the NBA, even as a novice. That will help him on defense and rebounding, however he will require to establish much better as an offending gamer. He balanced 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.
14. Boston Celtics (from Memphis Grizzlies) – Saddiq Bey – Villanova – Sophomore – Forward – 6-7 – 216 pounds.
Bey was the Wildcats best player with a breakout sophomore campaign, averaging 16.1 points and shooting 45% on 3-pointers. He d be a perfect fit as a role player on any NBA team..
15. Orlando Magic – Kira Lewis Jr. – Alabama – Sophomore – Guard – 6-3 – 165 pounds.
Lewis led Alabama in scoring (18.5 per game) and assists (5.2 per game) and shot 45.9% from the field, 36.6% on 3s and 80.2% from the nasty line. He has a fantastic handle and utilizes it well, with speed to beat protectors off the dribble.
16. Portland Trail Blazers – Patrick Williams – Florida State – Freshman – Forward – 6-8 – 225 pounds.
Williams didnt begin one game and didnt average double figures for the Seminoles but has potential and the characteristics: fast, explosive, strong, athletic. He should have the ability to defend numerous positions in the NBA. Developing a 3-point shot will help his game..
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Brooklyn Nets) – Tyrese Maxey – Kentucky – Guard – 6-3 – 198 pounds.
Maxey (14 points per video game) was the key piece on a Wildcats group coach John Calipari felt was a nationwide title competitor. His shot needs work, however he has gifts that cant be taught, particularly his clutch ability.
18. Dallas Mavericks – R.J. Hampton – New Zealand Breakers (Australia) – Forward – 6-5 – 188 pounds.
Hampton didnt take advantage of his time in Australias top professional league like LaMelo Ball did, and his video game would have been better highlighted in the NCAA. But the tools (length, quickness, agility) exist even if the intangibles (jumper, ball-handling, IQ) arent mastered yet..
19. Brooklyn Nets (from Philadelphia 76ers) – Theo Maledon – ASVEL ( France) – Point guard – 6-4 – 175 pounds.
Maledon will have a lot of things to deal with to adapt to the NBA after in France. He needs to bulk up in strength and broaden his offensive video game, however his defense looks appealing.
20. Miami Heat – Josh Green – Arizona – Freshman – Guard – 6-6 – 210 pounds.
Green played together with other gifted freshmen at Arizona and developed himself with his 3-point shot and capability to discover his areas in half-court sets. He truly improved from 3-point variety in the final month of the season (13-for-27) and could become a solid two-way player.
21. Philadelphia 76ers (from Oklahoma City Thunder) – Aleksej Pokusevski – Olympiacos (Greece) – Forward – 7-0 – 205 pounds.
Pokusevski has intrigue as a 7-footer who can manage the drive, pass and ball to the rim. Hes simply 18 and does not have a great deal of top-level pro experience in Europe. He requires to work on his shot and get more powerful so he can absorb contact, however there is an ability that makes him an enticing NBA possibility.
22. Denver Nuggets (from Houston Rockets) – Jalen Smith – Maryland – Forward – 6-10 – 225 pounds.
Smith considered leaving after his freshmen season, but returning offered him an opportunity to showcase his talent. He rebounds, runs the court, blocks shots and can score. He has great hands and footwork, and while he does damage in the low post, he can step out and shoot 3-pointers.
23. Utah Jazz – Isaiah Stewart – Washington – Freshman – Forward – 6-9 – 250 pounds.
That will not equate right away in the NBA, however he will bloom in a couple of years. Stewart is strong and tough to protect in the low post, averaging 16.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.2.
24. Milwaukee Bucks (from Indiana Pacers) – Tre Jones – Duke – Sophomore – Guard – 6-3 – 185 pounds.
Jones, whose brother Tyus also went to Duke and now plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, protects, flourishes in the open court, is a prepared passer with strong court vision and can score going to the rim. He will require to deal with this 3-pointer.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Denver Nuggets) – Jaden McDaniels – Washington – Freshman – Forward – 6-9 – 200 pounds.
McDaniels will be a fit in the modern-day NBA because of his protective adaptability, however he requires to establish as a shooter. He has a strong network to help him get used to the pros, including his cousin, former NBA star Juwan Howard.
26. Boston Celtics – Jahmius Ramsey – Texas Tech – Freshman – Guard – 6-4 – 195 pounds.
Ramseys athleticism and perimeter defense will get him by, at first. He remains unverified, nevertheless, as a constant scorer. He has a good shot from outdoors and made 42.6% of his threes.
27. New York City Knicks (from Los Angeles Clippers) – Zeke Nnaji – Arizona – Freshman – Forward – 6-11 – 240 pounds.
Another freshman from Arizona, Nnaji has solid footwork and a good touch at the rim in the low post, and he runs the court to get in position offensively. He shot 57% from the field and is comfortable at the foul line.
28. Los Angeles Lakers – Nico Mannion – Arizona – Freshman – Point Guard – 6-3 – 190 pounds.
Betting a mediocre Arizona team without much of a supporting cast, Mannion (14 points and 5.3 helps per game) was bogged down by Pac-12 groups hunting reports that concentrated on him. If he can shoot much better in the pros, that will add to his play-making on his solid pick-and-roll video game..
29. Toronto Raptors – Vernon Carey Jr. – Duke – Freshman – Forward – 6-10 – 270 pounds.
The college basketball freshman of the year and second-team All-American, Carey has the strength, size and fantastic hands, making him challenging to protect in the low post. Hes also a strong rebounder (especially on the offending glass) and shot blocker.
30. Boston Celtics (from Milwaukee Bucks) – Leandro Bolmaro – Barcelona (Spain) – Small forward – 6-7 – 200 pounds.
Part of Argentinas next generation of skill, Bolmaro plays on the wing where he can deal with the basketball as a play-maker both for himself and colleagues. He also has the ability to strive defensively.
Follow press reporter Scott Gleeson on Twitter @ScottMGleeson..
