Who Will Be the Top Picks in Our Early 2020 NBA Mock Draft?
American Football Live
As I sit down to analyze the early prospects for the 2020 NBA Draft, I can't help but draw parallels to the unpredictable nature of sports careers across different disciplines. Just last week, I was discussing with fellow analysts how breakthroughs can sometimes be misleading—much like the case of that world No. 74 tennis player who stunned everyone at the Miami Open but then faltered at the French Open and struggled on grass courts. It makes you wonder: which of these young basketball talents will prove their early hype is genuine, and which might fade after a flash of promise?
Looking at the current draft class, I've got my eyes firmly on a few standout names. Anthony Edwards from Georgia has been turning heads with his explosive athleticism and scoring ability. At 6'5" and 225 pounds, he's built for the modern NBA, and his averages of 19.1 points per game in college, though on questionable efficiency, show he's not afraid to take over games. Then there's James Wiseman, the 7'1" center from Memphis who only played three games due to eligibility issues but displayed dominant rim protection and a developing offensive game. I personally believe Wiseman's ceiling is enormous, though his limited college exposure does give me pause—it's reminiscent of how some athletes burst onto the scene only to struggle with consistency, much like that tennis player we mentioned earlier.
Another prospect I'm high on is LaMelo Ball, who spent last season playing professionally in Australia. His court vision and flair are undeniable, and at 6'7", he has the size to see over defenses and make passes others wouldn't even attempt. However, his shooting percentages—around 37% from the field and 25% from three in the NBL—are concerning. I've seen players with similar red flags fail to adapt, and it's something teams will weigh carefully. On the other hand, players like Obi Toppin from Dayton bring a more polished offensive game, having averaged 20 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting an impressive 63% from the field. Toppin feels like a safer bet to contribute immediately, even if his defensive limitations might cap his star potential.
As I reflect on past drafts, I recall how prospects like Zion Williamson faced doubts about their durability or fit, only to silence critics quickly. This year, I suspect we'll see a similar narrative for someone like Killian Hayes, the French guard who's been rising on draft boards due to his playmaking and pick-and-roll prowess. Hayes has shown growth overseas, and I'd argue he's a dark horse for the top five, especially if a team values his international experience. Still, the draft is full of surprises—remember when that tennis star's Miami Open win seemed like a fluke after subsequent letdowns? It's a reminder that early mock drafts, including mine, are educated guesses at best.
In closing, while Edwards, Wiseman, and Ball are the consensus top picks as of now, I wouldn't be shocked if someone like Tyrese Haliburton or Deni Avdija climbs higher based on team needs and pre-draft workouts. My take? Wiseman's two-way potential gives him the edge for the number one spot, but Ball's upside could sway a franchise looking for a franchise guard. Whatever happens, this draft class has the talent to reshape the league, and I'm eager to see which of these young stars will prove their worth beyond the early hype.
