Post-lottery NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Obi Toppin goes No. 1 to T-Wolves

The order of the 2020 NBA Draft has been decided, and we have an idea about who the most promising prospects are. The order could change some ahead of draft day, but we’ll go over what players could fit with certain lottery with the current order below. Let’s get into it.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves — Obi Toppin, F, Dayton

The Timberwolves have an abundance of young talent. D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns can both go for 20 of more points on any given night, and Jarrett Culver has the potential to develop into a versatile two-way wing. Then there’s Malik Beasley, who averaged 20.7 points per game on 47.6 percent shooting after being traded by the Denver Nuggets. Minnesota needs a frontcourt partner for KAT, and Obi Toppin could be an upgrade from Juancho Hernangomez. Toppin could be an immediate contributor, but a prospects like LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards might be too enticing to pass up with the first pick.

2. Golden State Warriors — Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia

Edwards might not be what Golden State needs most, but he has one of the highest ceilings in the draft class and has legitimate superstar potential. This will be the Warriors’ first top five pick since Mike Dunleavy Jr. in 2002, and he could lead the team once Stephen Curry and Clay Thompson are out of their primes.

3. Charlotte Hornets — LaMelo Ball, G, NBL (Australia)

Charlotte needs a player with All-Star potential to replace Kemba Walker, and Ball can do a little bit of everything. His most refined skill is his passing, but his 6’8” frame could allow the Hornets to be creative and play him without benching other guards. He might be the player most suited to make his teammates better.

4. Chicago Bulls — Onyeka Onkongwu, PF/C, USC

Wendell Carter Jr. wants to play power forward, but that spot is being filled by Lauri Markkanen. The two bigs could just switch places, but the addition of an elite rim protector like Okongwu adds valuable interior defense and efficient offense. A two-way wing might be more useful, but there isn’t one worth drafting this high.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers — James Wiseman, C, Memphis

The Cavaliers have invested at guard by drafting Collin Sexton and Darius Garland in back-to-back years, but the post needs some attention too. Tristan Thompson in entering free agency and and Kevin Love is fed up with Cleveland, so getting the big with the highest upside makes sense.

6. Atlanta Hawks — Killian Hayes, PG, NBL (Australia)

Playing two combo guards has worked well for quite a few teams, and getting another natural playmaker who can create for himself could be huge for Atlanta. Not every big guard with pro experience in Europe can be Luka Doncic, but Hayes is battle tested. He might be the most polished rookie guard on the market, and that means he could make an immediate impact for the Hawks.

7. Detroit Pistons — Deni Avdija, G/F, Israel

Avdija is more accomplished than Hayes at the pro level and is coming off an MVP season in the Israeli league. The 19-year-old can score on all three levels, makes plays for others, and competes on the defensive end. He’s a do-it-all player who can help fill some major holes for Detroit.

8. New York Knicks — Cole Anthony, PG, UNC

New York keeps striking out at point guard and has yet to secure a player suited for filling the position for the foreseeable future. Anthony isa New York native and was one of the most explosive talents in college basketball before hurting his knee. The Knicks were the second lowest scoring team in the league this past season, and Anthony is a lead guard who can make things happen.

9. Washington Wizards — Devin Vassell, F, Florida State

John Wall will be back at point guard next season and can pair with Bradley Beal in the backcourt. Troy Brown Jr. and Thomas Bryant were able to show some potential in seeding games, but Washington still needs a ton of help. The Wizards were one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA in 2019-20 and gave up north of 119 points per game. Vassell might be the best defender in this class. He can defend multiple positions at 6’7” and also shot better than 41 percent from deep in college. He could help a Washington team that shot 36.8 percent from deep this past season improve.

10. Phoenix Suns — Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Iowa State

Devin Booker has blossomed into a true star while Deandre Ayton has had a strong second season after serving a 25-game suspension at the beginning of the 2019-20 season. Ricky Rubio was a nice addition at point guard, but Phoenix could use more promising youth to fit a core that includes Mikal Bridges and Kelly Oubre Jr. He has great size at 6’5”, can score, and excels as a team defender.

11. San Antonio Spurs — Isaac Okoro, G/F, Auburn
12. Sacramento Kings — Josh Green, SG, Arizona
13. New Orleans Pelicans — Tyrese Maxey, SG, Kentucky
14. Boston Celtics — Patrick Williams, SF, Florida State
15. Orlando Magic — RJ Hampton, PG/SG, New Zealand Breakers
16. Portland Trail Blazers — Saddiq Bey, SF, Villanova
17. Minnesota Timberwolves — Aaron Nesmith, SF, Vanderbilt
18. Dallas Mavericks — Leandro Bolmaro, SG, FC Barcelona
19. Brooklyn Nets — Jaden McDaniels, SF/PF, Washington
20. Miami Heat — Precious Achiuwa, PF, Memphis
21. Philadelphia 76ers — Kira Lewis Jr., PG, Alabama
22. Denver Nuggets — Nico Mannion, PG, Arizona
23. Utah Jazz — Aleksej Pokusevski, PF, Olympiacos B
24. Milwaukee Bucks — Theo Maldeon, PG, ASVEL
25. Oklahoma City Thunder — Desmond Band, SF, TCU
26. Boston Celtics — Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington
27. New York Knicks — Jordan Nwora,, SF, Louisville
28. Los Angeles Lakers — Tre Jones, PG, Duke
29. Toronto Raptors — Vernon Carey, C, Duke
30. Boston Celtics — Paul Reed, PF, DePaul