We’ve already completed a mock draft as if the team with the worst record in the NBA automatically receives the No. 1 pick, but now we’ve decided to take a look at some other options. We used Tankathon’s draft simulator to generate a random order for the lottery, and here’s how things panned out in the end.
The New York Knicks miraculously ended up with the top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft for the first time since 1985, when they selected Patrick Ewing. Rather than having to settle for Cole Anthony later on in the lottery, New York grabs LaMelo Ball — the field’s best most exciting playmaking guard — with the first selection. He has the size to play alongside the bevy of other guards on the Knicks’ roster and has the potential to become the next face of the franchise. Here’s the rest of the picks:
2020 NBA Mock Draft 2.0
1. New York Knicks: LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawara hawks
2. Golden State Warriors: Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC
3. Chicago Bulls: James Wiseman, C, Memphis
4. San Antonio Spurs: Killian Hayes, PG, ratiopharm Ulm
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Obi Toppin, PF, Dayton
7. Atlanta Hawks: Isaac Okoro, SF, Auburn
8. Detroit Pistons: Deni Avdija, SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv
9. Charlotte Hornets: Aaron Nesmith, SG/SF, Vanderbilt
10. Washington Wizards: Tyrese Haliburton
11. Phoenix Suns: Cole Anthony, PG/SG, UNC
12. Sacramento Kings: Josh Green, SG, Arizona
13. New Orleans Pelicans: Devin Vassell, SG/SF, Florida State
14. Portland Trail Blazers: Patrick Williams, SF/PF, Florida State
15. Orlando Magic: Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG, Kentucky
16. Minnesota Timberwolves (via BKN): Nico Mannion, PG, Arizona
17. Boston Celtics (via MEM): Isaiah Stewart, PF/C, Washington
18. Dallas Mavericks: Leandro Bolmaro, SG, FC Barcelona
19. Milwaukee Bucks (via IND): Jaden McDaniels, SF/PF, Washington
20. Brooklyn Nets (via PHI): Theo Maldeon, PG, PG, ASVEL Basket
21. Denver Nuggets (via HOU): RJ Hampton, PG/SG, New Zealand Breakers
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via OKC): Kira Lewis, PG, Alabama
23. Miami Heat: Precious Achiuwa, PF, Memphis
24. Utah Jazz: Saddiq Bey, SF, Villanova
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via DEN): Robert Woodard II, SF, Mississippi State
26. Boston Celtics: Tyrell Terry, PG, Stanford
27. New York Knicks (via LAC): Jalen Smith, PF, Maryland
28. Toronto Raptors: Vernon Carey Jr., PF/C, Duke
29. Los Angeles Lakers: Tre Jones, PG, Duke
30. Boston Celtics (via MIL): Aleksej Pokuševski, C, Olympiacos B