As the 2020 NBA Draft draws closer, we still don't have much of an idea of whose name commissioner Adam Silver will call first. The top three picks are generally considered to be (in no particular order) Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman, but there have also been reports about teams not liking each of them for different reasons.
Because of that, we've heard a lot of talk about teams trading out of the top three, and that's exactly what the Minnesota Timberwolves do in my latest mock draft. The Detroit Pistons are kicking off a rebuild nearly from scratch, and the prospect of adding Ball, a potential franchise point guard, was too much for them to pass up.
And just for you, since the real draft is almost a week away, we've extended this mock draft to two rounds. You're welcome in advance.
Jump to a specific round
Mock Draft
Round 1
Mock Trade from
Minnesota Timberwolves
Round 1 - Pick 1
 
LaMelo Ball
PG
USA
• Sr
• 6'7"
/ 180 lbs
The Timberwolves reportedly want to trade down, and the Pistons reportedly want to trade up with a close eye on Ball, so this makes sense. The deal could look something like No. 1 and James Johnson for No. 7, Detroit's 2022 first-round pick (maybe with protections) and Tony Snell. That way the Wolves get a win-now piece and a future asset, while the Pistons get a potential franchise player to commence the rebuild without losing their pick in next year's loaded 2021 draft class.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
The Warriors shouldn't overthink this. Wiseman fills an immediate need as a rim protector/lob catcher and creates a bridge to the future with his tremendous upside -- exactly what Golden State is looking for.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
The Hornets will look for talent regardless of position at No. 3, and Edwards fits the bill as a potentially elite NBA scorer with defensive upside.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
 
Deni Avdija
SF
Israel
• Sr
• 6'9"
/ 240 lbs
We don't know what the new Bulls front office will do with their young players, so adding Avdija makes sense given his positional versatility and ability to play with or without the ball.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Some consider Okongwu to be the best big prospect in the draft -- yes, better than Wiseman -- and Cleveland is in desperate need of his defensive ability. The offensive upside makes him a strong addition for the rebuilding Cavs.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
Atlanta has loaded up on wings in recent drafts, so it makes sense for them to draft a guard who can take some of the ball-handling duties off of Trae Young's shoulders. Haliburton can also play off the ball with his shooting ability, which is an added bonus.
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Mock Trade from
Detroit Pistons
Round 1 - Pick 7
The Wolves need to get serious about defense, and Okoro will bring that immediately from the wing. His offensive upside is questionable, but his athleticism should make him a terror in transition and as a slasher next to Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
 
Killian Hayes
PG
France
• Sr
• 6'5"
/ 195 lbs
Hayes may take a few years to develop, and that's OK because the Knicks won't be ready to contend any time soon. The 6-5 point guard is the No. 2 overall prospect on our Kyle Boone's Big Board, so he's well worth the risk at No. 8.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
The Wiz showed a willingness to go all-in on offense, and Toppin is just the kind of talent that can help in that department. The big man can serve as both a rim-runner and a pick-and-pop threat, opening up all sorts of possibilities next to Bradley Beal and John Wall.
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Round 1 - Pick 10
The Suns made tremendous defensive strides last season, and adding a 3-and-D piece like Vassell will only improve things on that end. Offensively, Vassell should be able to make spot-up 3-pointers right away, with potential to do much more if they can develop him.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
Williams isn't quite as polished as the other 3-and-D prospects on the board, but he has arguably the most upside and the Spurs have a track record of developing talent. Williams would be a nice fit next to the young backcourt of Dejounte Murray and Derrick White.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
With the futures of Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic uncertain in Sacramento, adding a flat-out knock-down 3-point shooter like Nesmith makes a lot of sense to space the floor for De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley.
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Round 1 - Pick 13
Bey will immediately be able to space the floor on offense and guard multiple positions, exactly what the Pelicans need around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
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From
Memphis Grizzlies
Round 1 - Pick 14
Lewis is in the top 10 on my board, so the Celitcs would be lucky to snatch him up here. The blazing quick point guard's development could be accelerated by learning from Kemba Walker, who pretty much embodies Lewis' ceiling as an NBA player.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
The Magic need some scoring punch and a point guard (depending on how they feel about Markelle Fultz), and Anthony provides both with significant upside.
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Round 1 - Pick 16
The Blazers would love if one of the wing prospects like Vassell, Bey or Nesmith would fall to them at 16, but if that's not the case then they should take Achiuwa to shore up their defense and rebounding. He also has the potential to become an effective 3-point shooter.
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From
Brooklyn Nets
Round 1 - Pick 17
 
R.J. Hampton
SG
USA
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 175 lbs
If the Wolves trade down from No. 1, they could take a big swing later in the draft with Hampton, a potentially elite scorer who struggled in the Australian NBL last season.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
The more shooters you can put next to Luka Doncic the better, and Bane certainly fits the bill. With an NBA-ready frame, he should be able to hold his own on the defensive side as well.
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From
Philadelphia 76ers
Round 1 - Pick 19
Maxey profiles as a combo guard who's more of a scorer than an initiator, but his talent on both sides of the ball is undeniable. Some consider him a lottery talent, so Brooklyn will be happy if he's still sitting on the board at No. 19.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
Green is just the type of versatile, aggressive wing defender that Miami is looking for, and as a bonus he can also knock down 3-pointers.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
I really like Riller for the 76ers as an NBA-ready combo guard who can use his strength and ball-handling to initiate offense and get buckets. He's also a capable off-ball 3-point shooter to help give Philly some much-needed floor spacing.
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From
Houston Rockets
Round 1 - Pick 22
Terry profiles as a potentially elite off-the-dribble 3-point shooter who has tremendous offensive upside. He may not help right away given his slight frame, but the Nuggets have proven that patience pays off if you find the right talent.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
Utah needs a backup point guard, and Jones is as low risk as they come. He knows how to run an offense and will give maximum effort on the defensive end. There are questions about his shooting from NBA distance, but he'll certainly make winning plays for you.
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From
Indiana Pacers
Round 1 - Pick 24
 
Aleksej Pokusevski
C
Serbia
• Sr
• 7'0"
/ 190 lbs
Pokusevski is a lottery talent, but likely won't be ready to play this season given his slight frame and lower-level previous competition. As a title contender, Milwaukee will look for veteran help through trade and free agency, so this would be a great opportunity to brighten its future with a prospect who needs some seasoning.
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From
Denver Nuggets
Round 1 - Pick 25
OKC is in the talent acquisition business, and Smith is one of the more talented big men at this stage of the draft. His offensive potential is intriguing given his 3-point shooting ability, to go along with his rim protection on the other end.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
The Celtics need wing depth, and Woodard will be able to defend immediately. If he proves he can make his 3s the way he did his last season in college, he should earn minutes quickly.
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From
Los Angeles Clippers
Round 1 - Pick 27
A freak athlete whose talent should only flourish in a more open NBA game, Stanley would be a big swing for the Knicks at the end of the first round.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
Flynn could step in and earn minutes for the champions right away given his ability to shoot, distribute and defend, especially if Rajon Rondo ends up elsewhere in free agency.
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Round 1 - Pick 29
McDaniels passes the eye test as a potentially elite wing scorer, but he'll need the Raptors development team to work its magic for it all to come together.
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From
Milwaukee Bucks
Round 1 - Pick 30
 
Theo Maledon
PG
France
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 175 lbs
Maledon is an intriguing 19-year-old French prospect whose shooting has improved nearly every season. His potential as a playmaker is obvious, but the Celtics may want to stash him overseas to get him more experience.
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Mock Draft
Round 2
Round 2 - Pick 1 (31st overall)
With Dwight Powell coming off of an Achilles injury, the Mavericks would do well to pick Tillman, an excellent finisher who can also make plays for others in the short roll. What he'll bring most, however, is defensive intensity in the middle.
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From
Cleveland Cavaliers
Round 2 - Pick 2 (32nd overall)
Scrubb is somewhat off the radar because he's coming from junior college, but his film is impressive as both a scorer and pick-and-roll distributor. He's worth a shot for Charlotte in the second round.
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Round 2 - Pick 3 (33rd overall)
Stewart's motor and physicality give him a chance to be a backup center in this league for a long time. The Wolves, coincidentally, could use a good one.
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From
Atlanta Hawks
Round 2 - Pick 4 (34th overall)
Hughes can knock down 3-pointers and playmake from the wing, something the 76ers are in desperate need of.
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From
Detroit Pistons
Round 2 - Pick 5 (35th overall)
Oturu's profile as a 3-point shooting, shot-blocking big would make him a first-round talent, were it not for the league's de-emphasis on centers. He'll need to improve his lateral quickness to not get killed in pick-and-roll, but it's worth a second-round pick for the Kings.
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From
New York Knicks
Round 2 - Pick 6 (36th overall)
If you're sensing a trend with these Sixers picks, you're not crazy. They need all the shooting and playmaking they can get, and Ramsey is an intriguing prospect in that regard.
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From
Chicago Bulls
Round 2 - Pick 7 (37th overall)
Bey could be a steal for the Wizards in the second round as a 3-and-D wing (emphasis on the D) who averaged over a steal and a block per game last season at Colorado.
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From
Charlotte Hornets
Round 2 - Pick 8 (38th overall)
Mannion's talent jumps off the screen, but he was inefficient in his only college season. The Knicks should take a chance on developing him as a playmaking point guard.
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From
Washington Wizards
Round 2 - Pick 9 (39th overall)
A scorer and 3-point shooter with defensive potential, Joe would fit in nicely in New Orleans on the wing, and could eventually carry some of the scoring load when Brandon Ingram is on the bench.
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From
Phoenix Suns
Round 2 - Pick 10 (40th overall)
Mays could really help the emerging Grizzlies with his ability to operate as a pick-and-roll scorer and as an off-ball 3-point shooter.
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Round 2 - Pick 11 (41st overall)
Nwora would fit in nicely on the Spurs as a four and small-ball five who can step out and knock down 3-pointers.
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Round 2 - Pick 12 (42nd overall)
The Pelicans have two major needs: Defense and 3-point shooting. Alexander should provide both from the guard position.
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Round 2 - Pick 13 (43rd overall)
What Winston lacks in size and athleticism, he makes up for in basketball IQ and effort. The Kings could use a backup playmaker and shooter as they look to make a playoff push.
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From
Memphis Grizzlies
Round 2 - Pick 14 (44th overall)
Nnaji is an intriguing offensive prospect who will need work on the defensive end. The Bulls might be willing to take that chance given Nnaji's ability to pick-and-pop as well as rim-run.
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Round 2 - Pick 15 (45th overall)
Tillie has a defined role as a stretch-five, and would be a nice foil to Mo Bamba in situations where the Magic would like a little more offense from their backup center.
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Round 2 - Pick 16 (46th overall)
The Blazers continue their hunt for wings, and Jones proved to be a capable scorer and playmaker in college. He also showed a strong ability to get to the free throw line.
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From
Brooklyn Nets
Round 2 - Pick 17 (47th overall)
Reed is intriguing as a four or small-ball five with his shot blocking and defensive versatility. The offense is going to take a while, but he's athletic enough to contribute on that end from day one.
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From
Dallas Mavericks
Round 2 - Pick 18 (48th overall)
A 23-year-old who should be able to contribute right away, Powell could fill a hole as a bucket-getter and ball-handler off the Warriors bench. His 6-7 wingspan should make him a capable defender as well.
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Round 2 - Pick 19 (49th overall)
Pritchard brings both ball-handling and shooting along with a strong competitive motor. As a four-year player, he should be ready to contribute in Philly right away.
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From
Miami Heat
Round 2 - Pick 20 (50th overall)
A blur in transition, Dotson would fit in with an Atlanta team that was among the league leaders in pace last season. He'll also help on the defensive end, where the Hawks have been lacking for years.
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From
Utah Jazz
Round 2 - Pick 21 (51st overall)
A wing prospect with strong 3-and-D potential, he would have a shot to compete for the Warriors' opening night roster.
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From
Houston Rockets
Round 2 - Pick 22 (52nd overall)
Quickley's elite skill is his 3-point shooting from the guard position, and he's equally capable of knocking them down off the dribble or the catch.
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Round 2 - Pick 23 (53rd overall)
One of the best scorers and 3-point shooters in college basketball history, Howard is well worth taking a chance on in the second round despite his defensive liabilities due to his size.
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Round 2 - Pick 24 (54th overall)
The Pacers were dead last in 3-point attempts per game last season, and that's presumably going to change under new coach Nate Bjorkgren. Merrill is one of the best 3-point shooters in the draft, and comes with the added bonus of some playmaking ability.
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From
Denver Nuggets
Round 2 - Pick 25 (55th overall)
Marshall needs to work on his 3-point shot if he's going to get regular playing time, but he'd still be valuable to the Nets as a wing defender and slasher with good playmaking ability, even if the shot never comes along.
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From
Boston Celtics
Round 2 - Pick 26 (56th overall)
Perry already has an NBA role carved out as a rebounder and rim-runner, with the potential to become a pick-and-pop threat as well.
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Round 2 - Pick 27 (57th overall)
The Clippers can always use another long, strong wing defender, and Stevens will provide that. The offense will need work, but you can't get everything from a second-round pick.
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From
Los Angeles Lakers
Round 2 - Pick 28 (58th overall)
The Sixers need insurance for a potential Joel Embiid injury, and Azubuike fits the bill as a no-nonsense, old fashioned big, strong center who will be physical, rebound and block shots for them.
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Round 2 - Pick 29 (59th overall)
Carey is a physical post-up scorer and rebounder who shows potential to stretch to the NBA 3-point line. He has a lot of tools for the Raptors development staff to work with.
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From
Milwaukee Bucks
Round 2 - Pick 30 (60th overall)
Fitts would help space the floor for the Pelicans as a pick-and-pop threat and may also be able to spend some time on the wing as his defense improves under New Orleans' development staff.
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