Grading the Top 5 Picks from the 2020 NBA Draft

5th Pick — Isaac Okoro (CLE)

C+

Although Isaac Okoro’s general counting stats have not made a noticeable jump since his rookie year, his efficiency has certainly substantially increased. Okoro’s shooting splits are now at 48% from the field and 35% from three, as opposed to his rookie season where he shot 42% from the field and 29% from three. Okoro’s main contributions are not offensively though, as he has proven that he can pretty much defend any team’s 1–4 positions. For the 5th pick of the draft though, Okoro has been disappointing as he still has not grown into much of his potential with his extremely limited offensive game and slightly above-average defense.

4th Pick — Patrick Williams (CHI)

C-

Patrick Williams played almost his entire rookie season, but then barely played in his sophomore year, leaving Chicago Bulls fans with a lot to be desired with his development. Even though Patrick Williams has a true-shooting percentage clip that ranks in the 93rd percentile at 63.7% last season, that efficiency has not translated into tangible production. That being said, Patrick Williams is a demon when guarding the perimeter, allowing a measly 28.6% from three in the games he played last season, so hopefully the rest of his game can develop once he is healthy.

3rd Pick — LaMelo Ball (CHA)

A

All-Star in his second season, Rookie of the Year in his first, there isn’t much more a franchise could ask from a top prospect. Even though LaMelo has not been able to lead his team to the playoffs yet, the Hornets definitely have their franchise player that they can run their playing style through. LaMelo is an elite facilitator that ranks in the upper-echelon of creating open shots for his teammates with a box-creation rate of 12.3. He is able to produce with any assortment of players surrounding him, but the Hornets have been sluggish in employing additional teammates to complement his playing style.

2nd Pick — James Wiseman (GSW)

D

It feels cruel to give James Wiseman such a low grade, but his injuries have prevented him from getting even close to an adequate amount of playing time to make the professional transition. Normally, this is extremely worrisome for a franchise that invested their 2nd pick in Wiseman, but after coming off another ring, the Warriors may take their time in reintegrating the big-man back into their rotation. Wiseman showcased his ability to get to the rim with the minutes he received in his rookie year, but his defense remained reckless to the extent that he’d be estimated to foul out for every 100 team possessions.

1st Pick — Anthony Edwards (MIN)

A

No, Anthony Edwards blazing hot start to last season didn’t continue, but it showed a glance into the future for when he polishes his game a bit more. Edwards’ defense actually took a similar jump to his offense within his sophomore season, allowing an estimated 4 less points from when he was on the floor last year. His shooting splits are mediocre at best, but they still improved alongside his growing usage rate, which is surely a positive note for when Edwards potentially gains dominant control over the Timberwolves’ offense.