Re-Drafting the 2020 NBA Draft

Mar 16, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards (1) shoots the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Markieff Morris (88) and forward Alfonzo McKinnie (28) in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 3

Change: +2

Stats: 15.9 PPG, 6.1 APG, 18.6 PER

Actual Pick: Anthony Edwards

We know two things for sure about Anthony Edwards: he can score and he can posterize defenders foolish enough to challenge him. Edwards has been awesome in Minnesota. It looks like he’s going to be a dependable scorer in the league for years to come with room to improve in a bunch of areas. And there’s a chance he just might end up stealing the Rookie of the Year award after it looked liked it was locked up by somebody else. All that being said, if the Wolves could have a do-over they’re picking the generational point guard in LaMelo Ball who exceeded all the hype and expectations placed upon him entering the league. 

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 1

Change: -1

Stats: 18.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 12.5 PER

Actual Pick: James Wiseman

Steph Curry could use all the help he can get with the Warriors as they barely hang onto playoff contention in the Western Conference and Anthony Edwards would obviously help ease some of the scoring load—Edwards would be the second-leading scorer on the Warriors. While some would argue the savvier selection for the long term is Tyrese Haliburton here, Edwards has just been too good offensively to pass up.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 12

Change: +9

Stats: 12.6 PPG, 5.0 APG, 16.0 PER

Actual Pick: LaMelo Ball

 The Hornets have a bunch of needs and they could justify taking a big man since that’s a glaring hole for the franchise. But if you’re going best available player here—which 99 percent of the time is the case this high in the draft—then Tyrese Haliburton is the obvious selection. After falling to 12th in the original draft, Haliburton makes sense at No. 3 knowing what we know now. He’s the much better shooter from deep (41.1 percent), owns a higher effective field goal percentage (57.2 percent), and currently sports a higher PER than Edwards.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 4

Change: NC

Stats: 9.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 10.3 PER

Should the Bulls take James Wiseman here or stick with Patrick Williams, their pleasant rookie surprise? The 19-year-old Williams has been too good for Chicago not to re-take him, especially defensively. He’s even earned some serious praise from one of the NBA’s elite scorers. 

“I like that kid. I like his size. I like his mindset, his mentality,” Devin Booker said earlier this month after a Suns win over the Bulls. “We talked a little bit on the court. I gave him a couple things I’ve seen now that we’ve played them twice and not playing them again. I think he has a bright future.”  

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 19

Change: +17

Stats: 11.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 12.4 PER

Actual Pick: Isaac Okoro

You could make the case that the Cavaliers would be just fine selecting Isaac Okoro here since he’s had a good rookie campaign. But Saddiq Bey’s been a revelation for the Pistons. If you saw him play at Villanova you know he had potential at the next level, but few expected this. Brooklyn actually selected Bey with the 19th pick before he was dealt to Detroit. Bey’s sixth amongst rookies in scoring, fifth in win shares, and is shooting a respectable 37.4 percent from three on 337 attempts. He’s a piece the Pistons, if they ever figure out what the hell they’re doing long term, should hold onto.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 2

Change: -4

Stats: 11.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 13.2 PER

Actual Pick: Onyeka Okongwu

We probably shouldn’t have placed such high expectations on somebody who only played three games in college, but it happens. While James Wiseman’s first season in the NBA hasn’t exactly been exemplary since it featured multiple absences due to injury and Covid-related issues and officially ended last week on a sour note thanks to knee surgery, his numbers were respectable and he showed some glimpses of serious impact. His ceiling remains extremely high. We have a tough time believing he’d slide any further in a legit re-draft.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 16

Change: +9

Stats: 7.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 16.3 PER

Actual Pick: Killian Hayes

You could make the case for another big body here, like Isaac Okoro, but Isaiah Stewart’s stats across the board—especially per 36 minutes and some key advanced metrics like PER and win shares—are vastly superior. Stewart’s actually shooting 42.9 percent from three, albeit on just 28 attempts, and provides rugged defense for the woeful Pistons. Originally drafted by Portland, Stewart was traded to Houston before then being dealt to Detroit in the Christian Wood sign-and-trade.  

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 25

Change: +17

Stats: 11.5 PPG, 2.1 APG, 16.0 PER

Actual Pick: Obi Toppin

One of the highest risers on the board, nobody expected IQ to be the fifth amongst rookies in scoring this late in the season. He landed in New York via a draft night trade and Knicks fans, and the organization, are ecstatic to have him coming off the bench, providing a nice offensive punch by pouring in points via the three and his signature floaters. Also one of the best free throw shooters in the game already. 

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 9

Change: NC

Stats: 6.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.8 PER

Could’ve shook things up here, but went with the status quo. While Deni Avdija has been solid for the Wizards coming off the bench, remember that this selection was made before the Russell Westbrook for John Wall trade went down. Does Washington’s thinking change knowing what we know now? We obviously didn’t think it would.   

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 16

Change: +6

Stats: 11.4 PPG, 4.2 APG, 11.4 PER

Actual Pick: Jalen Smith 

While his shooting percentages are not particularly pretty— his 30.3 mark from deep is not good—the North Carolina product can break defenders down with his handles and get to the rim, plus he ranks third amongst rookies in assists per game and seventh in points per game. Jalen Smith has been a non-factor all season long as the 6’10” forward has only appeared in 20 games. He gets a slight pass for the early season ankle injury and Covid diagnosis that caused him to miss a bunch of games. Not the way you want to start your NBA career.  

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 30

Change: +19

Stats: 9.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 12.7 PER

Actual Pick: Devin Vassell 

I could’ve made a case for the Spurs sticking with Devin Vassell here since the Florida State product has been hampered by injuries yet has shown he can stroke it from deep (40.8 percent from beyond the arc). Plus, his defensive metrics remain positive. But Desmond Bane has been ultra-impressive for the Grizzlies. And you never have enough shooting, right? Bane appears to be the best outside shooter in the rookie class three-quarters of the way through the season since he’s knocking down 46.2 percent of his 199 attempts.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 52

Change: +40

Stats: 6.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 14.6 PER

Actual Pick: Tyrese Haliburton

Did this one catch you by surprise? The Kings actually selected the progeny of the No. 1 pick in the 2000 NBA Draft late in the second-round. Based on how he’s blossomed in Houston, where he was traded seven days later, is it so far-fetched to think the Kings wouldn’t be enticed to take him this high based on how he’s performed for the woeful Rockets? I say no. Martin’s got a prototypical frame to be an impact wing in the NBA, has already shown he can be a versatile defender, and can throw down ferocious dunks with the best of ‘em.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 13

Change: NC

Stats: 6.4 PPG, 2.3 APG, 11.5 PER

It feels like the Pelicans will not retain the services of restricted free agent Lonzo Ball in the offseason since many NBA insiders report New Orleans doesn’t want to commit such big bucks to the point guard. So, even though Zion Williamson is now initiating the Pelicans offense, New Orleans needs a point guard. They have their choice here between Kira Lewis Jr. or Killian Hayes, with Hayes the more highly regarded of the two entering the draft. While their basic nightly averages aren’t that dissimilar, Lewis has had a greater impact through his first season and his advanced metrics (especially the offensive numbers) blow away Hayes’. Hell, you could make the case he should be earning way more playing time than Eric Bledsoe right now.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 20

Change: +6

Stats: 5.1 PPG, 3.5 APG, 14.5 PER

Actual Pick: Aaron Nesmith

Aaron Nesmith was supposed to provide desperately needed outside shooting for the Celtics and that hasn’t happened. Boston’s inconsistent play throughout the season has revealed their many warts, including in the frontcourt. The Heat appear to love what Precious Achiuwa brings to the table thanks to his size, versatility, and athleticism. I bet the Celtics would love to have him, too. ​​

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 35

Change: +20

Stats: 6.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 14.4 PER

Actual Pick: Cole Anthony 

Nothing but positive numbers across the board for Xavier Tillman who has excellent size (6’8”, 245 pounds), is top 10 in win shares among rookies, and owns a +2.4 on-off rating. No way he lasts until the early second-round like he did back in November.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 5

Change: -11

Stats: 8.3 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 7.4 PER

Actual Pick: Isaiah Stewart 

This might represent too steep of a drop for Okoro, who has had a nice rookie campaign so far for Cleveland. Please don’t consider this some kind of knock on the Auburn product because he deserves props for performing above and beyond with the Cavs. He’s strung together some very nice offensive performances recently and gets tough defensive assignments on a nightly basis.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 7

Change: -10

Stats: 5.5 PPG, 3.9 APG, 4.8 PER

Actual Pick: Aleksej Pokusevski 

Went best available here. A hip injury cost Killian Hayes the majority of his rookie campaign so it’s tough to properly grade him. Some of his stats, in limited action, mirror other rookie point guards. But he’s more of a defender and playmaker than scorer this early in his career.  

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 11

Change: -7 

Stats: 7. 3 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 11.5 PER

Actual Pick: Josh Green

He hasn’t been great, but there’s plenty of potential in Vassell and he is shooting well above league average from three. Value pick here for the Mavericks since the Spurs usually get their draft picks right.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 21

Change: +2

Stats: 7.0 PPG, 1.6 APG, 12.5 PER

Actual Pick: Saddiq Bey 

Tyrese Maxey hasn’t wowed us with his shooting, but he’s been a very respectable reserve guard for the Sixers who reportedly didn’t want to include him in any proposed deals for James Harden earlier this season. So that should count for something. 

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 29

Change: +9

Stats: 5.7 PPG, 2.7 APG, 9.7 PER

Actual Pick: Precious Achiuwa 

Would Malachi Flynn be a fit for Heat Culture? Achiuwa certainly seems like he is, but we’ll slot Flynn in here because he’s overachieving in his debut season for the Raptors. The ultra-impressive numbers Flynn’s put up recently obviously represent a small sample size, but performing above and beyond expectations during your first season means you probably possess more than a few of the qualities Miami always looks for in a young player.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 28

Change: +7

Stats: 6.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.3 PER

Actual Pick: Tyrese Maxey 

Not necessarily an area of need for Philly here, but McDaniels has quietly had himself a good first season in the NBA playing in Siberia—aka Minnesota—and flying under the radar since he comes off the bench while Edwards starts. If you’re unfamiliar, McDaniels is 6’9”, playing 22.8 minutes a night, shooting 37.5 percent from deep, and sports a +5.2 on-off rating. That’s a damn good start.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 34

Change: +12

Stats: 9.6 PPG, 3.3 APG, 7.9 PER

Actual Pick: Zeke Nnaji 

Originally drafted by the Sixers in the second-round, but shipped to the Thunder in the Al Horford deal, Maledon’s shooting numbers haven’t been great, but he’s almost averaging double figures. While his on/off numbers are ghastly I won’t hold that against him because it ain’t like Oklahoma City is a playoff team. And he’s only 19.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 45

Change: +22

Stats: 5.4 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 14.2 PER

Actual Pick: Leandro Bolmaro 

Lot of DNPs and Inactives if you check out the Bucks’ second-round pick’s game log until a few weeks ago. Then Jordan Nwora finally started to get longer looks on the court and he’s made the most of ‘em, putting up a couple of 20-plus point performances. He’s shooting 43.8 percent from beyond the arc in 23 games. 

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 26

Change: +2

Stats: 7.0 PPG, 1.8 APG, 11.5 PER

Actual Pick: RJ Hampton 

The Oregon product has become a key reserve for the Celtics, producing a positive +/- rating when he’s on the court. If the Bucks just missed on nabbing Maxey or Nwora in our exercise, Payton Pritchard wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 17

Change: -8

Stats: 7.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.9 PER

Actual Pick: Immanuel Quickley 

A 7’ who has put up four 20-point performances this season, I’d understand your argument that Pokusevski should go higher in a re-draft than 25th. But he’s still a project and he’s putting up these numbers for the woeful Thunder.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 8

Change: -18

Stats: 4.0 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 11.2 PER

Actual Pick: Payton Pritchard

Too far of a drop? I understand if you feel that way. But there were legitimate questions about Toppin heading into the draft, namely his advanced age (22) for a high lottery pick—and the track record of the “older” guys taken in the lottery ain’t exactly sterling. Toppin’s first year in the league hasn’t featured the highlights we saw during his days at Dayton. Nor has it featured that much playing time under coach Tom Thibodeau who loves him some vets. Toppin’s a work in progress for sure—most especially defensively where he looks completely lost—and those Amar’e Stoudemire comparisons were a little too hyperbolic. But he’s too athletic for his size with a high offensive ceiling to pass up this far down.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 48

Change: +21

Stats: 4.6 PPG, 2.4 APG, 8.7 PER

Actual Pick: Udoka Azubuike 

Respectable outside shooter as a rookie (36.0 percent) and getting more minutes for the Warriors these days after not seeing much action until early March. The Jazz don’t really need anything. They’re doing just fine.  

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 38

Change: +10

Stats: 5.6 PPG, 3.4 APG, 14.8 PER

Actual Pick: Jaden McDaniels 

With per 36 minutes statistics similar to the point guards taken higher than him—and offensive numbers better than Cole Anthony’s—the Lakers would get great value nabbing Saben Lee this late.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 6

Change: -23

Stats: 4.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 16.1 PER

Actual Pick: Malachi Flynn 

A precipitous drop that some may find way too severe for this exercise, but why not take a flyer on somebody who originally went sixth to the Hawks in USC’s Onyeka Okongwu? The big man has strung together some nice performances off the bench for the Hawks the past few weeks, but remains a work in progress only averaging 10.7 minutes a game.

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 24

Change: -6

Stats: 4.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 9.2 PER

Actual Pick: Desmond Bane 

RJ Hampton’s already played for two teams in his first NBA season, but that’s not an indictment on his skills. While he’s still a little raw, he’s only 20 and has room to grow into that 6’4” frame. If the work ethic matches his athleticism over the next few years then the Celtics would get a steal here.