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NBA Draft 2020: 5 players in mix for top pick in newest mock draft

By Brian Rauf

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 11: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks shoots a free throw during the round two NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and the Illawarra Hawks at RAC Arena on October 11, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 11: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks shoots a free throw during the round two NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and the Illawarra Hawks at RAC Arena on October 11, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) /
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MARIETTA, GA – MARCH 25: Anthony Edwards attends the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images for Powerade)
MARIETTA, GA – MARCH 25: Anthony Edwards attends the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images for Powerade) /

Picks No. 1-5

1) Charlotte Hornets – Anthony Edwards, PG/SG, Georgia

The Hornets have the worst roster in the NBA and will take the best player available, regardless of position. Right now, I think that’s Edwards. At 6-5 and 215 pounds, he already has ideal size, strength, and explosiveness to excel in the wide-open NBA game. He can play with or without the ball, but we’re going to get to see what he can do as the focal point of a team while suiting up for an undermanned UGA squad. If Edwards plays well and turns the Bulldogs into an NCAA Tournament bubble team, it will be hard to deny him this top spot.

2) Phoenix Suns – LaMelo Ball, PG/SG, Illawarra Hawks

It would be smart for Phoenix to go after a four-man, but there isn’t one in this class worthy of being a high-end lottery pick. They also need to find a long-term answer at point guard (Ricky Rubio isn’t the answer), and I don’t think they can pass on the rare skills – and popularity – of someone like Ball.

A 6-7 point guard with in-the-gym range, Ball has always had the physical profile of an elite prospect. He has flashed the skills to back it up, too, but was extremely inconsistent with his play and decision-making, which is why he wasn’t thought of as a blue-chip prospect. Ball has shown tremendous growth in these areas during his time with the Illawarra Hawks, making those elite skills even harder to pass on.

3) Washington Wizards – James Wiseman, C, Memphis

Washington would probably like to draft the heir-apparent to John Wall here, but he’s not going anywhere anytime soon due to his contract. To make the best of it, the Wizards will fill another big need at center. Wiseman’s superior athleticism and transition skills would make him an ideal fit next to Wall and Beal, and he has enough of a jump shot to spread the court to create driving lanes.

4) Cleveland Cavaliers – Jaden McDaniels, SF/PF, Washington

What do you do if you’re Cleveland and Wiseman is off the board? This class is loaded with great guard prospects, but you spent all three of your first-round picks in last year’s draft on backcourt players. I think that causes them to reach a bit for McDaniels. The 6-9, 200-pounder has guard skills with big man height but has to get much stronger and become a more consistent shooter. He has the potential to be a star – he just has more questions to answer than the other top prospects at this point.

5) Detroit Pistons – Cole Anthony, PG/SG, North Carolina

Detroit needs to find a long-term answer at point guard. Reggie Jackson is not the answer and is in the last year of his contract. They would love if they could get their hands on Anthony, a competitive 6-3, 185-pounder who is extremely athletic, can score with anyone, and is one of the best perimeter defenders in this class. Consistency and decision-making are the only (minor) flaws to his game, and he will naturally improve in those areas as he gets older. This appears to be as low as Anthony would be picked on draft night.

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