The Amateurs x ATTLBasket — 2020 NBA Draft Grade
We grade 30 first-round picks based on the player’s ceiling and how they would bring impact to the team that selected them.
With the draft done and dusted, The Amateurs and ATTLBasket came together and discussed how each draft pick makes sense or not regarding the player’s potential and how does he fit into the team that he ends up within training camp. Without further ado, let's get down to it!
1st Overall: Minnesota Timberwolves — Anthony Edwards, 6’5’ G/F, Georgia
Per game stats: 19.1 PTS | 5.2 REB | 2.8 AST | 1.3 STL | 40.2 FG% | 2.2 3PM | 29.4 3P%
NBA Comparisons: Victor Oladipo, Brandon Roy
Physical-wise, Edwards is the best talent in the class. His 6-foot-5 225 pounds frame and 6-foot-10 wingspan allow him to play from the one to the three positions. Even playing him at four is not out of the question. His athleticism and how he finishes his shots at the rim should complement D’Angelo Russell and Ricky Rubio’s playmaking ability. However, there are question marks looming around his perimeter shooting and shot selection.
Draft grade: A-
2nd Overall: Golden State Warriors — James Wiseman, 7’1” C, Memphis
Per game stats: 19.7 PTS | 10.7 REB | 3.0 BLK | 76.9 FG%
NBA Comparisons: David Robinson, Chris Bosh
The former Memphis big man started off as the consensus first overall before it was announced that the Minnesota Timberwolves won the lottery. would be redundant for Minnesota to draft another center when you have one of the best in Karl Anthony-Towns. He is a physical 7-footer monster equipped with a mid-range shooting ability which gives Golden State the size they need to compete. Let’s not forget about his defensive skills which draw a comparison to David “The Admiral” Robinson. Due to his limited playtime, we are yet to be able to make a decisive conclusion on what he would need to improve, but many suggest that Wiseman should work on his perimeter shooting and playmaking to be an all-around threat.
Draft grade: A
3rd Overall: Charlotte Hornets — LaMelo Ball — 6’7” PG, Illawarra Hawks (NBL)
Per game stats: 17.2 PTS | 7.8 REB | 6.8 AST | 1.5 STL | 38.9 FG%
NBA Comparisons: Taller Jason Williams, Lonzo Ball
We welcomed another Ball into the league with the selection of LaMelo Ball from the NBL. He possesses elite playmaking and ball-handling, even to the level that experts believe Ball can be the best handler with the right coaching and guidance. This would allow Terry Rozier to be more aggressive on scoring if he stays, and opens up opportunities for Miles Bridges to bring out the best of his game. LaMelo’s defense is highly concerning as he is often caught off-guard and not committed to his assignment. There is also a long way to go to fix his shooting mechanics, which is definitely not working well for him, shooting 27.9 3P% on 6.6 attempts per game in the NBL.
Draft grade: B
4th Overall: Chicago Bulls — Patrick Williams — 6’8” PF — Florida State
Per game stats: 9.2 PTS | 4.0 REB | 1.0 BLK | 45.9 FG%
NBA Comparisons: Paul Millsap, Jonathan Isaac
With limited minutes under his belt due to never starting a game for the Seminoles, it is hard to assess what Patrick Williams is really capable of. He has a good 6–8 and225 pounds frame, while also having the physical traits to be explosive on both ends, especially on defense. With names such as Deni Avdija, Obi Toppin, and Onyeka Okongwu still available on the board, the Bulls are making a risky bet but maybe a dash of shooting and playmaking would make the gamble more exciting.
Draft grade: C
5th Overall: Cleveland Cavaliers — Isaac Okoro — 6’6’’ SG/SF — Auburn
Per game stats: 12.8 PTS | 4.4 REB | 2.0 AST | 0.9 STL | 51.0 FG%
NBA Comparisons: Justise Winslow, OG Anunoby
To complement the young backcourt duo of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, the Cavs selected two-way freak Isaac Okoro out of Auburn. Okoro offers the much-needed scoring ability and defensive flexibility for Cleveland, due to him being a physical wing that can guard multiple positions. His shot creation and rebounding are still far from being elite, but Okoro will have time to develop that while playing as an off-ball scorer.
Draft grade: B+
6th Overall: Atlanta Hawks — Onyeka Okongwu — 6’9’’ PF — Southern California
Per game stats: 16.2 PTS | 8.6 REB | 2.7 BLK | 61.6 FG%
NBA Comparisons: Bam Adebayo, Serge Ibaka
Although having John Collins and Clint Capela makes this pick seems redundant, Okungwu’s defensive capability makes him a great fit with Atlanta and their sub-par defense. He is good at rebounding, his 2.7 blocks per game scream rim protection, all due to his 7–1 wingspan which also helps him average 1.2 steals per game in college. With an improved ball-handling and shot mechanics, the former Trojans big man would be a sure-fire All-NBA player.
Draft grade: B
7th Overall: Detroit Pistons — Killian Hayes — 6’5” PG — Ulm (Bundesliga)
Per game stats: 11.6 PTS | 5.4 AST | 1.5 STL | 48.2 FG%
NBA Comparisons: D’Angelo Russell, Manu Ginobili
It has been a busy off-season for the Pistons and they have secured their future point guard in Killian Hayes. The French international comes to a situation where he can learn from the aging Derrick Rose while he is still around. He is a smart playmaker that can facilitate pick-and-roll plays and also adept at handling the ball. Hayes’ inefficient perimeter shooting (29.4 3P%) is worrying, but his excellent free throw rate at 87.6 percent gives a bit of hope in developing his range.
Draft grade: B+
8th Overall: New York Knicks — Obi Toppin — 6’9” PF — Dayton
Per game stats: 20.0 PTS | 7.5 REB | 2.2 AST | 1.2 BLK | 63.3FG% | 1.0 3PM | 39.0 3P%
NBA Comparisons: Amar’e Stoudemire, Marcus Morris
The Knicks initially were looking for a trade-up scenario to snatch the New York native. With a polished offensive skill set that includes rim finishing, pick-and-roll game, and decent perimeter shooting, Toppin will be forming a formidable offensive duo with R.J. Barrett in the Big Apple. If he can improve defensively in his relatively old age as a 23-year-old rookie, the Knicks got themselves a steal.
Draft grade: B+
9th Overall: Washington Wizards — Deni Avdija — 6’9” SF — Maccabi Tel Aviv (Euro)
Per game stats: 9.0 PTS | 4.7 REB | 2.0 AST | 0.7 STL | 50.5 FG% | 1.0 3PM | 33.3 3P%
NBA Comparisons: Hedo Türkoğlu, Danilo Gallinari with better ball handling
The idea of having a 6-foot-9 ball-handler with elite playmaking that was projected to be a top-five talent overcomes the concern of bad free-throw shooting and the lack of athleticism. Avdija’s output in a high-octane offense consisting of Bradley Beal, Rui Hachimura, and John Wall will be a joy to behold if his ceiling translates to his on-court production.
Draft grade: A
10th Overall: Phoenix Suns — Jalen Smith — 6’10” PF — Maryland
Per Game Stats: 15.5 PTS | 10.5 REB | 2.4 BLK | 53.8 FG% | 1 3PM | 36.8 3P% | 75.0 FT%
NBA Comparison: Less agile Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jalen Smith has the potential to be a legit stretch big with his soft shooting ability and movement in the offense. He will benefit from the presence of Chris Paul as the 35-year old veteran would open up opportunities down the court. Smith’s defense is still a very big issue, but he can give the Suns a back-up big that can cause mismatches for opposing benches.
Draft grade: B-
11th Overall: San Antonio Spurs — Devin Vassell — 6’6” SG — Florida State
12.7 PTS | 5.1 REB | 1.4 STL | 1 BLK | 49 FG% | 1.5 3PM | 41.5 3P% | 73.8 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Robert Covington, Khris Middleton
Devin Vassell was one of the top wings in the draft, and many thought he would be drafted before fellow Seminole Patrick Williams. Vassell is a potentially elite defender with an understanding of how to rotate and closing out on defense. Combined that with spot-up shooting ability, he will be a potential key component for the Spurs’ future.
Draft grade: A
12th Overall: Sacramento Kings — Tyrese Haliburton — 6’5” PG — Iowa State
Per Game Stats: 15.2 PTS | 5.9 REB | 6.5 AST | 2.5 STL | 50.4 FG% | 2.4 3PM | 41.9 3P% | 82.2 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Pre-injury Shaun Livingston
As it is confirmed that Bogdan Bogdanovic is leaving for Atlanta and rumors about the departure of Buddy Hield, drafting Tyrese Halliburton makes a lot of sense for the Kings. Halliburton will take control of ball distribution and let De’Aaron Fox who recently just signed a supermax contract wreak havoc with his speed and scoring touch. Halliburton would need to improve on his athleticism and man-to-man defense if he wants to develop into one of the best point guards in the NBA.
Draft grade: B+
13th Overall: New Orleans Pelicans — Kira Lewis Jr. — 6’3” PG — Alabama
Per Game Stats: 18.5 PTS | 4.8 REB | 5.2 AST | 1.8 STL | 45.9 FG% | 1.8 3PM | 36.6 3P% | 80.2 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Darren Collison
This pick gives New Orleans a third point guard behind Eric Bledsoe and Lonzo Ball. Lewis will give the Pelicans a good half-court point guard to stagger with Lonzo as both are good at transition. Improving his defense fundamentally should be a top priority and it wouldn’t hurt to add more muscle so he can finish through contact.
Draft grade: B
14th Overall: Boston Celtics (via Memphis) — Aaron Nesmith — 6’6” SF — Vanderbilt
Per Game Stats: 23 PTS | 4.9 REB | 1.4 STL | 0.9 BLK | 51.2 FG% | 4.3 3PM | 52.2 3P% | 82.5 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Alec Burks, Michael Redd
Boston got themselves the best shooter in the draft that would address their inferior three-point shooting. Nesmith can slot right into the rotation and gives Boston a scorer that can contribute from day one since Gordon Hayward is now officially a Hornet. Nesmith can learn from Jayson Tatum on creating his own shots and in a short time, he can be a productive starter for the Celtics.
Draft grade: A
15th Overall: Orlando Magic — Cole Anthony — 6’3” PG — North Carolina
Per Game Stats: 18.5 PTS | 5.7 REB | 4 AST | 1.3 STL | 38 FG% | 2.2 3PM | 34.8 3P% | 75 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Jerryd Bayless, Trey Burke
The former UNC sensation gives the Magic a potential running mate for Markelle Fultz in the future. Albeit having the skill to shoot his shot, handling the ball, and finish the job in the rim, Cole’s current role might be limited to becoming a second option for the bench squad, knowing that his shot selection and decision making still need an improvement.
Draft grade: B
16th Overall: Detroit Pistons (via multiple trades involving Portland and Houston) — Isaiah Stewart — 6’9” C — Washington
Per Game Stats: 17 PTS | 8.8 REB | 2.1 BLK | 57 FG% | 77.4FT%
NBA Comparisons: Thomas Bryant, Derrick Favors
The Pistons traded for the chance to draft Isaiah Stewart by sending a future first-round draft pick to the Houston Rockets. This shows Troy Weaver’s faith in the 6-foot-9 big man out of Washington. Isaiah Stewart fits the bill of a true energizer and hard worker on the court, being an undersized center in a tough division where he has to go against the likes of Onyeka Okungwu and Zeke Nnaji. He has not shown his range at collegiate level, but his 78% free-throw percentage shows promise of developing a long-range ability in the likes of Brook Lopez’s career trajectory.
Draft grade: B-
17th Overall: Oklahoma City Thunder — Aleksej Pokusevski (via multiple trades involving Minnesota and Brooklyn) — 7’0” C — Olympiakos B
Per Game Stats: 9.9 PTS | 7.2 REB | 1.2 STL | 1.7 BLK | 1.4 3PM | 32.1 | 3P% | 78.3 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Skinnier Nikola Jokic, Kristaps Porzingis
The Thunder sent Ricky Rubio and a combination of the 25th and 28th overall picks to Minnesota for the rights to draft Pokusevski, an 18-year-old point guard trapped in a center’s body. “Pokuseksi,” our nickname for him, has a very thin frame at 6-foot-11, 215 pounds. This needs to change before he can take the beating of an NBA game, but the skills are there for Poku to develop into a unicorn, even in today’s positionless game. He also fits the Thunder’s rebuilding timeline.
Draft grade: B-
18th Overall: Dallas Mavericks — Josh Green — 6–6 SG — Arizona
Per Game Stats: 16.1 PTS | 4.7 REB | 47.7 FG% | 2.5 3PM | 45.1 3P% | 76.9 FT%
NBA Comparison: Josh Richardson
Dallas needed more athleticism in their team after failing to contain Kawhi and Paul George during last year’s first-round playoff matchup that resulted in an early exit from the postseason. Enter Josh Green, a former Australian Rules Football standout with physical gifts that enables him to guard multiple positions, from shifty point guards to stretch fours. Josh Green also does the team’s dirty work and will surely contribute in a limited role from day one.
Draft grade: A-
19th Overall: Detroit Pistons (via multiple trades involving LA Clippers and Brooklyn) — Saddiq Bey — 6’8” SF — Villanova
Per Game Stats: 16.1 PTS | 4.7 REB | 2.4 AST | 0.8 STL | 47.7 FG% | 2.5 3PM | 45.1 3P%
NBA Comparison: Khris Middleton
Saddiq Bey continues Villanova’s tradition of producing hard-working NBA players such as Kerry Kittles, Kyle Lowry, and Donte DiVincenzo. Bey can slot in the wing position from day one with Luke Kennard and Tony Snell being traded away. His smooth stroke and high motor will surely fill in one of Detroit’s weak points, as they were 16th in the NBA for 3-point made per game, averaging 12 a game. With the Pistons also rebuilding the culture of their organization with Blake Griffin, the longest-tenured Pistonseemingly on the trade block, Bey has the potential to become the leader of the locker room, even if he is not the most skillful or talented player in the organization.
Draft Grade: A
20th Overall: Miami Heat — Precious Achiuwa — 6’9” PF — Memphis
Per Game Stats: 15.8 PTS | 10.8 REB | 1.1 STL | 1.9 BLK | 49.3 FG% | 32.5 3P% | 59.9 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Bam Adebayo, Tristan Thompson
Precious Achiuwa, like Bam Adebayo, made a name for himself by being a high-motor guy with defensive chops. Early in the college basketball season, there were talks about Achiuwa serving only as a backup to James Wiseman and should stay another year in college before declaring for the NBA draft. Since then, James Wiseman got suspended and Precious Achiuwa took advantage of the opportunity to make a name for himself. Achiuwa has shown flashes of perimeter shooting, but his 59.9% free-throw conversion puts a huge question mark on whether that skillset is translatable to the next level. Nevertheless, Achiuwa can pan out like Bam Adebayo minus the passing skills and Miami will be the best place for him to grow into that mold.
Draft Grade: A
21st Overall: Philadelphia 76ers — Tyrese Maxey — 6–3 PG — Kentucky
Per Game Stats: 14 PTS | 4.3 REB | 3.2 AST | 0.9 STL | 42.7 FG% | 1.1 3PM | 83.3 FT%
NBA Comparison: Avery Bradley
Tyrese Maxey plays aggressively on both ends, using his quickness and agility to attack the basket, break containment on offense, and stay in front of opponents to ruin their rhythms. While Maxey needs to learn how to play at different paces to be a successful lead guard, this is still a great pick for Philadelphia. The 76ers now possess a backup ball-handler they can develop behind Ben Simmons and a second unit pick-and-roll partner for Philadelphia’s new addition, Dwight Howard.
Draft Grade: B+
22nd Overall: Denver Nuggets — Zeke Nnaji — 6’11” C — Arizona
Per Game Stats: 16.1 PTS | 8.6 REB | 0.7 STL | 0.9 BLK | 57 FG% | 76 FT%
NBA Comparison: Robin Lopez
Nnaji has a soft touch around the post and is a perfect pick-and-roll partner for lead guards on any team. His ability to be an effective pick-and-roll finisher put his name on the map, and his ability to knock down free throws at a high clip (76% free throw percentage) shows the potential of a dual pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop game that the Nuggets are not shy to take. 6.5% of their offensive plays last season ended with the pick-and-roll roll-man, which was 10th in the NBA. Defensively, Nnaji also plays with a high IQ, always making the right decision, not chasing blocks recklessly, and picking up costly fouls. The most glaring weakness of his game lies in his decision making when help defenses collapse on his pick-and-roll action, but he slots perfectly into the Jerami Grant/Mason Plumlee-sized hole in Denver.
Draft Grade: A-
23rd Overall: Minnesota Timberwolves (via multiple trades involving New York and Utah) — Leandro Bolmaro — 6’8” SF — Barcelona
Per Game Stats: 8 PTS | 1.6 REB | 2.5 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.1 BLK | 42.3 FG% | 71.1 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Carlos Delfino, lesser version of Manu Ginobili
Leandro Bolmaro’s high basketball IQ somehow enables him to make the right plays at the right time, but his inexperience and lack of athleticism will surely make people question whether that will translate into the NBA. Bolmaro has the IQ to become a point-forward in today’s NBA, but with Minnesota already set in the ball-handling department, we do not know whether Bolmaro’s skill is going to be utilized to the fullest, or if he only will be deployed as a spot-up shooter, even though he is a rather inconsistent shooter due to his mechanics.
Draft Grade: C+
24th Overall: Denver Nuggets (via multiple trades involving OKC and New Orleans) — RJ Hampton — 6’5” PG — NZ Breakers (NBL)
Per Game Stats: 9.6 PTS | 3.9 REB | 2.5 AST | 1.2 STL | 41.7 FG% | 0.9 3PM | 29.4 3P% | 73.7 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook-lite
RJ Hampton was highly touted out of high school, but his unconventional route to the NBA to skip college and go to Australia to play in the IBL, following Terrance Ferguson’s footsteps, exposed his inconsistency and questionable decision making in the half-court. In the open court, RJ Hampton is an entirely different player as his 6–5 frame and blazing fast speed allow him to zoom past opponents during fast break situations. With Denver being one of the slowest teams in the league with 97.6 possessions/game in the 2020–21 season, only good enough for 29th in the NBA, look for RJ Hampton to give the Nuggets bench unit a jolt of electricity whenever he comes in.
Draft Grade: B+
25th Overall: New York Knicks (via multiple trades involving Minnesota and OKC) — Immanuel Quickley — 6’3” G — Kentucky
Per Game Stats: 16.1 PTS | 4.2 REB | 1.9 AST | 0.9 STL | 2.1 3PM | 42.8 3P% | 92.3 FT%
NBA Comparison: Wayne Ellington
Immanuel Quickley was passed around quite a bit during draft day, but he ends up in a revamped New York Knicks squad that seems to be heading in the right direction. New York lands a dead-eye shooter from both the 3 point-line and free throw-line, which should be a boost to their league-worst perimeter shooting. Quickley will still need to learn a thing or two from the sharpshooting veterans on how to navigate screens in the next level.
Draft Grade: A+
26th Overall: Boston Celtics — Payton Pritchard — 6’2” PG — Oregon
Per Game Stats: 20.5 PTS | 4.3 REB | 5.5 AST | 1.5 STL | 46.8 FG% | 2.8 3PM | 41.5 3P% | 82.1 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Shabazz Napier, Trey Burke
Payton Pritchard can be categorized as a late bloomer, producing these insane numbers only in his senior year at Oregon. His ability to score from all levels catapulted him into late first-round considerations, but his defensive shortcomings scared off some teams in picking him. Enter the Boston Celtics, after selecting a similar scorer with the 14th pick in Aaron Nesmith, selected another potential bench flamethrower with the second of their three picks in the first round. Brad Stevens’ experience in making defensive schemes that hide smaller guards like Isaiah Thomas and Kemba Walker will help Pritchard transition into the NBA game with his limited athleticism.
Draft Grade: B
27th Overall: Utah Jazz (via multiple trades involving New York and LA Clippers) — Udoka Azubuike — 7’0” C — Kansas
Per Game Stats: 13.7 PTS | 10.5 REB | 2.6 BLK | 74.8 FG%
NBA Comparison: Roy Hibbert
With a long Rudy Gobert contract extension negotiation looming and an expensive center rotation, the Jazz elected to hit the reset button traded away Ed Davis and Tony Bradley, and selected Udoka Azubuike as their backup to The Stifle Tower. By doing this, the Jazz saved a lot of money and was able to sign important free agents like Jordan Clarkson and Derrick Favors. Udoka’s physique is NBA-ready and he fits the bill of a classic center, only taking shots around the rim, a good shot blocker, but struggles to defend pick-and-rolls and is a bad free-throw shooter. Look for Azubuike to get short spurts in the Jazz’s rotation early in his career.
Draft Grade: B+
28th Overall: Minnesota Timberwolves (via multiple trades involving Los Angeles Lakers and OKC) — Jaden McDaniels — 6’9” F — Washington
Per Game Stats: 13.0 PTS | 5.8 REB | 2.1 AST | 0.8 STL | 1.4 BLK | 40.5 FG% | 1.4 3PM | 33.9 3P% | 76.3 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Robert Covington, Kelly Oubre Jr.
If Jaden McDaniels ever fills into his potential, he is a gifted and versatile player who can do almost anything you would expect from a 3-and-D player and more. His shot-blocking and ball-handling ability is a unique but coveted combination in the NBA, but that is a big if since McDaniels did not even fulfill his supposed growth trajectory at the collegiate level. With the Timberwolves trading away James Johnson to bring in Ricky Rubio, Jaden McDaniels can slide into that combo forward role and thrive off ball-cuts or spot-ups on the offensive end to ease his development and hopefully, his highly touted potential.
Draft grade: B+
29th Overall: Toronto Raptors — Malachi Flynn — 6’1” PG — San Diego State
Per Game Stats: 17.6 PTS | 4.5 REB | 5.1 AST | 1.8 STL | 44.1 FG% | 2.4 3PM | 37.3 3P% | 85.7 FT%
NBA Comparisons: DJ Augustin, Kyle Lowry
Malachi Flynn is a floor general, plain and simple. He runs the plays that the coaches want and makes the right decision to either hit a cutter, find the open man in the corner, or hitting the pull-up three. One thing about Flynn is that at his age, he is already fully developed physically, which means he will be a step behind most of the players in the league. The Raptors might be the best place that Flynn can end up in, as they have a tendency to turn late draft picks and undrafted players into gems. Malachi Flynn might even follow the path of a certain point guard that is now a fan favorite in Jurassic Park.
Draft grade: A
30th Overall: Memphis Grizzlies (via Boston) — Desmond Bane — 6’5” SG — TCU
Per Game Stats: 16.6 PTS | 6.3 REB | 3.9 AST | 1.5 STL | 45.2 FG% | 2.9 3PM | 44.2 3P% | 78.9 FT%
NBA Comparisons: Denzel Valentine
Desmond Bane is a typical player that spent four years in college and will be more than ready to contribute as a starter right away due to a higher feel of the game and maturity. One of Desmond Bane’s strengths lies in his ridiculous 3-point shooting, but his short arms and age are not what you want from a first-round draft pick. By landing in Memphis, Bane can slot in from day one and give the next generation of Grit-and-grind basketball a playmaking wing, something it lacked after the Grizzlies traded away Jae Crowder to Miami last season.
Draft Grade: B+
This article is co-written by Ammarsha Rewindra Ridwan and Abindra Pradika Soemali as a part of The Amateurs and ATTLBasket collaboration series. Check out our Twitter for more engaging basketball conversations full of statistics, analysis, and insights.
