The Minnesota Timberwolves have a plethora of draft capital this coming season. What will Gersson Rosas do with it all?
Should the Minnesota Timberwolves hang on to every pick they own (one top-10 selection, the No. 16 overall pick from Brooklyn, and the No. 33 overall pick in the second round), it will be interesting to see what direction Gersson Rosas goes.
The draft order of this mock draft will be determined by using Tankathon’s lottery simulator. The results go as follow:
- Golden State Warriors
- Detroit Pistons
- Charlotte Hornets
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Atlanta Hawks
- New York Knicks
- Chicago Bulls
- Washington Wizards
- Phoenix Suns
- San Antonio Spurs
- Sacramento Kings
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Portland Trail Blazers
With the draft so far away (reminder: it would have been held only a week or so from when this article is being released), many more mock drafts will follow this one.
The NBA’s plan to restart play should not affect the standings very much. The league’s plan is to use the standings after the final game played before the stoppage, with the teams in the lottery varying on who performs well in the eight games prior to the possible play-in tournament.
The Golden State Warriors have been rumored to have James Wiseman atop their 2020 big board. That makes sense, given the one major weakness on their team is a dominant force in the paint.
At 7-foot-1 and a full-frame, Wiseman has great defensive upside and lots of shooting potential moving forward. Though he may not bring as much overall value to a team as one of the guards or wings in this class, he fills a large need and has a high floor. He should be able to be an impact player immediately for the Warriors. Steve Kerr has proven he can turn any player into a winning one, as well — and Wiseman has been praised for his character in the past.
While selecting a defensive-minded center in today’s NBA may be a controversial decision, everything comes down to landing spot, and Golden State is a really good one for Wiseman.
While Anthony Edwards had a somewhat disappointing year in terms of efficiency, he should still absolutely be in consideration for a top-3 selection. Edwards brings scoring at all three levels with special contact balance in the paint. He can finish at the rim at almost any angle and should have better splits next to NBA-level players.
Though he struggles somewhat defensively, he has the tools to become a high-level on-ball defender with the athleticism to eventually become above average on that end on the court. Edwards does struggle with locking in at some points in games but does enough offensively to counteract that.
The main question with Edwards is whether he will be able to affect winning basketball. He was far and away the best player on Georgia’s roster although when he was not engaged on offense, he seemed generally uninterested in playing. Edwards has a very high ceiling and could very well become a multiple-time all-star. That said, he needs to be one of the first scoring options on a bad team to fully develop. Otherwise, he could become another Terry Rozier-type player.
The Charlotte Hornets should just take the best overall player, and LaMelo Ball is exactly that. Despite having both Devonte’ Graham and Terry Rozier, Ball is a high-floor, high-upside player that will almost certainly stick in the NBA simply because of his elite passing ability.
While the shot and defense may take a while to come around, Ball has a 6-foot-8 frame as a point guard and will be an impact player for any team that selects him from his rookie year. Landing in a good situation would be ideal for Ball as he does need to hone in on his shot selection and attention to detail (especially defensively) and Charlotte has a nice foundation of complimentary basketball players alongside a good coach.
Ball could very well be the first player taken in this year’s draft class so the Charlotte Hornets landing him with the third overall pick would be a win for both sides.
Another option for Charlotte with this pick would be Onyeka Okongwu, who would fill a huge need at center. The Hornets were one of the worst teams at defending the paint this past season and he would absolutely help.
While some see Tyrese Haliburton as a player that would not bring much value to a team that already has D’Angelo Russell, it is important to note that he has a very contrasting skill set. Paired next to Russell, he brings excellent, smart playmaking. Haliburton is a great off-ball defender with a plus-frame and is underrated scoring at the rim.
Bringing in a combo-guard that can shoot, pass, and defend at a high level is exactly what complimentary basketball is. Haliburton could be the primary initiator for the Timberwolves and has a variety of skills offensively to have a consistent role.
There is a very good chance Haliburton becomes an All-Star caliber player if he lands in the right spot, and Minnesota would be a great situation for him. To reach that ceiling, though, he will have to improve his shot mechanics (although it was effective at Iowa State) as well as his ability to consistently create separation off the dribble.
The Cleveland Cavaliers need literally anything other than a point guard. Despite trading for Drummond, it has been proven multiple years in a row that he cannot and will not affect winning. Onyeka Okongwu is a great defensive-minded big that can switch onto almost any player. He is an elite-level rim protector that brings value to any team merely because of that elite trait.
While Okongwu does not have a consistent outside-jumper quite yet, his free throw numbers do indicate he will grow from that area. This past year, Okongwu grew from a player that was likely going to be a four-year college big into a top-prospect. He is a very quality ‘glue’ guy and should fit right in next to Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, and Kevin Porter.
Okongwu is also an ideal fit next to longtime forward Kevin Love, as well. He can do enough offensively due to his mobility and post-game to have a role on that end of the floor, but his defensive prowess is what makes him special. It is difficult to see Okongwu being a non-factor at the next level.
The Atlanta Hawks invested heavily in forwards in the 2019 NBA Draft, selecting both DeAndre Hunter and Cam Reddish in the top-ten picks. Both players look like future NBA role players, with Reddish being slightly more promising.
The Hawks also acquired Clint Capela just before the trade deadline, in a deal that sent Robert Covington to the Houston Rockets. Atlanta needs a high-floor, high-ceiling complimentary basketball player along the wings, and Devin Vassell is just that. As a 6-foot-6 two-guard that can both shoot and defend, Vassell already has traits that could be good for any team.
Should he eventually be able to create his own shot (and playmake for others, as well), Vassell could be one of the steals of the draft, especially alongside Trae Young.
Selecting Killian Hayes, a pass-first guard with defensive and shooting upside, would be a smart pick for the New York Knicks. Unfortunately, though, that probably means it won’t happen.
Hayes has a lot of upside as he is widely considered a top-5 prospect in this draft class. He has excellent passing (with a stellar assist/turnover ratio) and proved to be an improved shooter this past season in France. Hayes has an incredible feel for the game and is a very fluid athlete overall.
Though he was very left-hand dominant this past year, that is one of the easier traits to have to correct, and he can have lapses defensively as well. All in all, Hayes could very well be the best player from this draft class, and while Knicks fans may be indifferent to point guards from France (I’m looking at you, Frank Ntilikina), Hayes could be a really good one.
Obi Toppin was the NCAA’s player of the year in 2019-20. He had an incredible season for Dayton and could have taken them all the way in March Madness. That said, the Bulls should absolutely consider Toppin with this pick, should he be available.
Most mock drafts have Toppin somewhere in the top-five-ish picks. He is an athletic power forward that can create his own shot in the post, shoot, and score inside. While his defense is less than average, Toppin’s offensive ability alone could make him a high-level contributor, and he could very well be an All-Star.
Lauri Markkanen has been disappointing these past two years after having an incredible rookie year. He has not progressed and remains just a stretch-four with little to no ability on defense. Next to Wendell Carter, Toppin would be an excellent fit for a variety of reasons, but the most important being he needs a smart, physical rim protector that can stretch the floor in some capacity — and Carter is exactly that.
The Washington Wizards need complimentary basketball players. Avdija is a forward that could, should his shot come around, be one of the better in the league, especially with his high-level transition playmaking and defensive IQ.
Avdija is crafty yet has deceptive athleticism, although it isn’t quite ‘top-flight’. The Wizards selected Rui Hachimura with their first pick in 2019, and while he has been putting up decent stats, Avdija would compliment him very well as someone that can defend multiple positions and create opportunities for teammates.
Washington will likely select the best overall player available, and Avdija might be that at this stage in the draft.
While the Suns would presumably want a guard that can be a high-level facilitator, Anthony is an incredible talent and should not fall further than this.
Cole Anthony is one of the best shooters in this draft class. He can hit shots from anywhere on the floor and has the athleticism to beat anyone to the rim. During his freshman year for North Carolina, he was somewhat disappointing in terms of efficiency, although this was absolutely due to the level of talent around him (and no other UNC players being able to shoot).
The Suns picking Anthony at the end of the top-ten would be a home run for many reasons, but getting a high-upside guard that could potentially learn playmaking behind one of the best passers in the NBA is really appealing. Anthony may not make an impact day one, but his potential is some of the highest in this draft class.
Isaac Okoro is a top-ten talent. He can score inside, defend any position on the floor, facilitate at a high level, and has the clutch gene. Allowing Gregg Popovich to select him would be a mistake every other NBA team.
The Spurs would be getting a really good defensive player — one that could be the best in this class in that particular trait. I firmly believe that if Okoro was even remotely a consistent three-point shooter, he would be the first overall selection.
Okoro is one of the most interesting players in this draft class in terms of where he might land. While he may end up in a poor situation (see: New York Knicks), San Antonio is definitely on the upper end of the spectrum (and that goes for most any prospect).
Patrick Williams is one of the more interesting players in this draft class. On one hand, he could be out of the league in five years. On the other, he brings a versatile skill set on both ends of the floor. Paired with Marvin Bagley, he could be an excellent fit for the Kings.
Williams does a lot on both ends of the floor. He is a decent post scorer and can hit the occasional open three-point shot. Defensively he is an above-average on-and-off-ball defender. Williams could be a plus complimentary player on both ends of the floor.
Giving Williams a place that he can possibly turn into the Kings’ 4th best player without having to take away the ball from Fox, Hield, or Bagley would be an incredible get, should he realize his full potential.
Patrick Williams is one of the more interesting players in this draft class. On one hand, he could be out of the league in five years. On the other, he brings a versatile skill set on both ends of the floor. Paired with Marvin Bagley, he could be an excellent fit for the Kings.
Williams does a lot on both ends of the floor. He is a decent post scorer and can hit the occasional open three-point shot. Defensively he is an above-average on-and-off-ball defender. Williams could be a plus complimentary player on both ends of the floor.
Giving Williams a place that he can possibly turn into the Kings’ 4th best player without having to take away the ball from Fox, Hield, or Bagley would be an incredible get, should he realize his full potential.
Saddiq Bey is a two-way forward that can affect any game with his shooting. While he may not have the highest ceiling, Bey can be an impact two-way player for a team that desperately needs more wings/forwards that can shoot.
Despite signing Carmelo Anthony this past season (and it being relatively successful), the Trail Blazers need a long-term forward that they can count on for long stretches of games. Bey has the potential to be exactly that.
The Trail Blazers have yet to have consistent, year-to-year play from their forwards under the Damian Lillard era. Saddiq Bey could change that, should they decide to select him.
15. Orlando Magic – Kira Lewis, Guard, Alabama
The Minnesota Timberwolves need another guard to add to their offense-heavy rotation. Maxey is a player that can provide two-way ability as soon as he steps on the court. He has excellent playmaking ability along with shooting upside.
Maxey also brings a lot as a facilitator and should be able to play either guard position. He is an excellent fit for both Malik Beasley and D’Angelo Russell. Maxey is also a high-level pick-and-roll player and should easily mesh with Karl-Anthony Towns.
17. Boston Celtics – RJ Hampton, Guard, USA
18. Dallas Mavericks – Josh Green, Wing, Arizona
19. Milwaukee Bucks – Precious Achiuwa, Forward, Memphis
20. Brooklyn Nets – Aleksej Pokusevski, Big, Serbia
21. Denver Nuggets – Grant Riller, Guard, Charleston
22. Philadelphia 76ers – Tyrell Terry, Guard, Stanford
23. Miami Heat – Devon Dotson, Guard, Kansas
24. Utah Jazz – Desmond Bane, Guard, TCU
25. OKC Thunder – Cassius Stanley, Wing, Duke
26. Boston Celtics – Paul Reed, Forward, DePaul
27. New York Knicks – Tyler Bey, Forward, Colorado
28. Toronto Raptors – Jahmi’us Ramsey, Guard, Texas Tech
29. LA Lakers – Nico Mannion, Guard, Arizona
30. Boston Celtics – Jaden McDaniels, Forward, Washington
31. Dallas Mavericks – Robert Woodard, Wing/Forward, Mississippi State
32. Charlotte Hornets – Xavier Tillman, Big, Michigan State
Jalen Smith is a big man that has two elite traits: shooting and interior defense. The Minnesota Timberwolves need both. Smith should be able to play alongside Karl-Anthony Towns seamlessly, whether it be in the rotation or as an eventual starter.
34. Philadelphia 76ers – Killian Tillie, Big, Gonzaga
35. Sacramento Kings – Ashton Hagans, Guard, Kentucky
36. Philadelphia 76ers – Isaiah Joe, Wing, Arkansas
37. Washington Wizards – Isaiah Stewart, Big, Washington
38. New York Knicks – Leandro Balmaro, Wing, Spain
39. New Orleans Pelicans – Jared Butler, Guard, Baylor
40. Memphis Grizzlies – Skylar Mays, Guard, LSU
41. San Antonio Spurs – Malachi Flynn, Guard, SD State
42. New Orleans Pelicans – Nate Hinton, Wing, Houston
43. Sacramento Kings – Payton Pritchard, Guard, Oregon
44. Portland Trail Blazers – Corey Kispert, Wing/Forward, Gonzaga
45. Orlando Magic – Vernon Carey, Big, Duke
46. Boston Celtics – Zeke Nnaji, Big, Arizona
47. Chicago Bulls – Mason Jones, Guard, Arkansas
48. Golden State Warriors – Saben Lee, Guard, Vanderbilt
49. Philadelphia 76ers – Immanuel Quickley, Wing, Kentucky
50. Indiana Pacers – Theo Maledon, Guard, France
51. Oklahoma City Thunder – Cassius Winston, Guard, Michigan State
52. Atlanta Hawks – Tre Jones, Guard, Duke
53. Sacramento Kings – Mamadi Diakite, Forward, Virginia
54. Golden State Warriors – Udoka Azubuike, Big, Kansas
55. Brooklyn Nets – Ayo Dosunmu, Wing, Syracuse
56. Charlotte Hornets – Jay Scrubb, Wing, USA
57. Los Angeles Clippers – Daniel Oturu, Big, Minnesota
58. Toronto Raptors – Yves Pons, Wing, Tennessee
59. Philadelphia 76ers – Trendon Watford, Forward, LSU
60. New Orleans Pelicans – Kenyon Martin, Wing, USA