Fien's Final 2020 NBA Mock Draft

Happy Draft Day! It's time for my final mock draft of the year. In this mock I'm trying to predict each selection of the NBA Draft and trying to predict any trades that may be made. For more in depth analysis on the prospects themselves, check out my big board I posted yesterday. Also, follow me on twitter @zachefiene for my live reaction to the draft tonight.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves- Anthony Edwards, SG (Georgia)

No changes up at the top for me. Despite Draft Express's Jonathon Givnoy reporting that there is assumption around the league that LaMelo Ball will be the 1st overall pick, and another new "scandal" last night. An alarming interview with Edwards dropped, where Edwards said that he doesn't really care for basketball. He doesn't even watch basketball. That could be a potential red flag if teams believe he won't be fully devoted to the study of the game and getting better. As for the Ball rumors, I believe Minnesota is probably telling other teams they like Ball in hopes that a team who also likes him will give up a king's ransom for the 1st overall pick. I don't think it happens, and I think they'll be very happy with Anthony Edwards and his ability to score and defend, as he is the perfect complement next to guard D'Angelo Russell.

2. Golden State Warriors- *TRADE*

2. Chicago Bulls- James Wiseman, C (Memphis)

This is a trade that has been heavily discussed, according to Kevin O'Conner of the Ringer. The Bulls give up 2018 7th overall pick Wendell Carter and the 4th pick in order to move up to #2 and draft a cornerstone big man in James Wiseman. I've been saying all along that Wiseman isn't a great fit for the Warriors, but the talks of the Warriors selecting him have been heating up seemingly every day. In this scenario, the smokescreen worked. The Warriors were never going to draft Wiseman, they get a competent center and get to draft their guy at #4 instead. For the Bulls, drafting Wiseman is betting on his upside as a scorer and rim protector. I hated Wiseman as a top 2 pick if he was going to Golden State, but I like this fit.

3. Charlotte Hornets- LaMelo Ball, PG (USA/Illwara)

I've been going back and forth on this pick all week, and as I'm writing this article, it was reported by the Ringer that Hornets owner Michael Jordan has given his stamp of approval to draft LaMelo Ball. Ball would be transcendent to a franchise that has struggled to maintain relevancy in terms of winning and entertainment. He fits perfectly with their roster, as it allows breakout guard Devonte Graham to play off the ball at the 2, and allows Terry Rozier to go back to a 6th man role, where he looked more comfortable.

4. Golden State Warriors- Deni Avdija, SF (Israel)

So the Warriors, an already proven championship contender, flipped the 2nd overall pick (that they didn't want to use anyway), into Wendell Carter and Deni Avdija. If you've read my risers and fallers article, you know how much the Warriors love Avdija. Deni is such a perfect fit with this roster. He's a smart and quick decision maker, he's a creator on offense, and he's fundamentally sound and versatile as a defender. The big question would be his catch and shoot ability, but you'd have to think the Warriors believe he'll be fine in that area.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers- Isaac Okoro, SF (Auburn)

The Cavaliers have been tricky to get a read on in terms of who they have their eye on. I would say that USC C Onyeka Okongwu isn't an option, as Andre Drummond opted into his contract for the upcoming season. I think Dayton PF Obi Toppin is an option, but with Kevin Love still on the roster as well, I think you'd have a lot of bigs tied to a lot of capitol (money and high draft status) and minutes would be hard to manage. Okoro is the pick that makes the most sense to me, as he's a great defender capable of guarding 1-4 and is an active slasher on the offensive end. I think he's the most natural fit with their current roster.

6. Atlanta Hawks- Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG (Iowa State)

The Hawks have failed to make the splash they were looking for, and continue to hold the 6th pick in the draft. Their roster is pretty solid with a stud at PG in Trae Young, capable wing scorers and defenders in Cam Reddish and Deandre Hunter, and a rim running center in Clint Capela. They really need a combo guard with defensive ability. That's Tyrese Haliburton. He's got great instincts and good shooting ability, despite his funky mechanics. He can play besides Trae Young or play the backup PG role. Not to mention, The Hawks are going to need someone to play a little defense in that backcourt if they want to compete anytime soon.

7. Detroit Pistons- Patrick Williams, SF/PF (Florida State)

Perhaps the biggest riser in this draft, Williams to Detroit at 7 has ben gaining a lot of traction in the last few days. He's the ultimate "swing for the fences" pick, and I like that Detroit wants to take a big swing. Williams has otherworldly potential as a defender, as his size, strength, and athletic ability has scouts thinking he may be able to guard 1-5 in the NBA. He's also got a smooth looking jumper that shows promise of being developed into a consistent threat. With a little work, Williams could be something special.

8. New York Knicks- Killian Hayes, PG (France/Ratiopharm ULM)

Hayes is the 2nd highest rated PG on the Knicks draft board behind Ball, so with Ball gone at 3, the Knicks should be happy with Hayes at 8. If Ball were to fall past 3, I think the Knicks would be in play for a trade up, but I don't think they're primed to make a move into the top 3. Instead it's Hayes that gets handed the keys to the Knicks offense. He's a great passer and shot creator and should improve the Knicks offense in every way imaginable. He's also a willing defender who plays with good instincts on that end. He's got really high upside if his 3 point shooting becomes more consistent. Hayes could be a star in New York.

9. Washington Wizards- Onyeka Okongwu, C (USC)

The worst kept secret in this draft is that the Wizards love Okongwu. It makes a lot of sense, given their roster and the talent of Okongwu. He's a perfect compliment to their star guards. He's an incredible lob threat and roller, and also is elite as a shot blocker. He makes this team better from day one. With his athleticism and defensive versatility to guard on the perimeter, this is a homerun pick for Washington.

10. Phoenix Suns- Obi Toppin, PF (Dayton)

The Suns are officially in win now mode, as their red hot bubble play has them thinking they're one piece away from competing. Chris Paul coming in is a perfect fit, as they get a leader and facilitator for this young Suns team. Now they need a wing to replace the production if Kelly Oubre. Toppin is a steal here at 10. His age is probably the reason for his fall, but a team trying to compete like the Suns would probably view his experience as an asset. Toppin slides into the starting lineup nicely at the 4, and provides floor spacing and shot blocking at a high level. A starting lineup of Paul, Booker, Bridges, Toppin, and Ayton would be insane.

11. San Antonio Spurs- Devin Vassell, SF (Florida State)

Vassell is a perfect glue guy and should be one of Coach Pop's favorite players rather quickly. He's a hustler who plays with great intensity on both ends. Vassell's best asset is his shooting ability, which at his size is already elite. He's a versatile player who could play 2-4 on offense and guard those positions on defense as well. The Spurs need tp get back to their winning ways, and drafting Vassell is a step in the right direction.

12. Sacramento Kings- *TRADE*

12. Boston Celtics- Jalen Smith, PF/C (Maryland)

If you've been keeping up with all my NBA Draft stuff you'd know of the conundrum the Celtics are in. They physically cannot use all of their draft picks due to an almost full roster. So they use the 26th pick to move up two spots and draft Jalen Smith. It's rumored the Pelicans (who pick next at 13) like Smith a lot and he'd be a perfect fit with their roster, so the Celtics get aggressive and jump them to secure their guy. Smith is a rim protecting 7 footer with really good 3 point shooting ability. It's easy to envision him fitting in well in Boston.

13. New Orleans Pelicans- Aleksej Pokusevski, SF/PF (Serbia)

The Pelicnas have virtually no holes in their roster, maybe aside from a floor spacing center. With Jalen Smith gone, the logical pick is Poku. He's a true 7 footer who moves and shoots like a guard. The term "unicorn" has been used a lot to describe these tall European prospects who can shoot, but Poku is truly one of a kind. He's skinny as a bean pole, but if he puts on muscle and continues to develop, we could be looking at another Giannis like pick.

14. Sacramento Kings- Kira Lewis, PG (Alabama)

The Kings picked up an extra 1st round pick from Boston and still got who I believe is their guy. Rumors have been swirling about Lewis and the Kings, and while I don't love the pick, I can see the vision. Lewis is the fastest player in this draft and has a similar playstyle as the Kings current PG De'Aron Fox. The Kings could have Lewis run the second unit, and could even play the two together to really play uptempo. Lewis is a good shooter off the catch, but he'll need to learn to be a little more active off the ball to be effective in that role.

15. Orlando Magic- Cole Anthony, PG (North Carolina)

Anthony is undoubtedly one of the most gifted players in this class when it comes to skill, but his mental errors and shot selection hurt him badly at UNC. I'm not a big Cole Anthony guy at all, but I actually loves this fit here. The Magic have needed PG production for what seems like forever, and Anthony has the opportunity to provide that. I really think a supporting cast lead by Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Evan Fournier really play well into his strengths. With a little coaching, Anthony could be that pick that in 5 years we look back and say, "How the hell did he fall to the 15th pick?"

16. Houston Rockets- Saddiq Bey, SF/PF (Villanova)

Bey's not a great athlete and doesn't have any elite NBA skills, but he does a little of everything. He'd be a great glue guy for this Rockets team, who I expect to come into 2020 with at least Harden and maybe Wesbrook too. Bey can play a backup combo forward role and has the ability to earn significant minutes rather quickly if he shoots the ball like he did last season at Villanova. Bey knocked down 45% of his 3 point attempts for the Wildcats. He's also a resilient and competitive defender, so it's easy to project him as a contributing 3 and D forward right away. The Rockets got this pick in a trade with Portland where they sent F Robert Covington to the Blazers, and Bey is a similar player who can play a similar role.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves- Precious Achuiwa, SF/PF (Memphis)

The second pick of the night for the Timberwolves, they decide to select someone with defensive versatility and upside. Coming in at 6'9" 225 lbs with good speed and athleticism, Achuiwa has scouts drooling about his potential as a versatile defender who can matchup with 3's, 4's, and small ball 5's. He also made 32.5% of his 3 point attempts in college, so he could be an impactful 3 and D player sooner rather than later.

18. Dallas Mavericks- Aaron Nesmith, SG/SF (Vanderbilt)

Nesmith is probably the best perimeter shooter in this draft. He shot over 50% from 3 and made more than four 3s a game in his 14 games at Vandy this year. His season was cut short due to a season ending injury, so durability and his ability to be ready for the start of the season are both question marks at this point and that's why he's fallen as far as he has. The Mavericks always are going to be looking for shooters, and Nesmith is exactly that. If he's healthy he could be a valuable backup wing for Luka and company.

19. Brooklyn Nets- Jaden McDaniels, PF (Washington)

I believe the Nets are seeking wing depth and shooting. Guys like Vassell, Bey, and Naismith would be perfect in Brooklyn, but they have to "settle" for Jaden McDaniels. McDaniels has good upside given his size and freakish athleticism, and at they very worst he would be a versatile rotational defender capable of guarding NBA forwards. He shot 34% from 3 in college, so the ability is there. If he becomes a steady shooter in catch and shoot situations, the Nets could have found a diamond in the rough.

20. Miami Heat- RJ Hampton, PG (USA/NZ Breakers)

I think the Heat would love to trade this pick for someone that can help them defend their Eastern Conference Title, but if no trade materializes before draft night I believe they'll stick to their board and draft the best player available. Drafting Hampton would virtually push ROY runner up Kendrick Nunn out the rotation, assuming Goran Dragic comes back. If the Heat aren't ready to fold on Nunn yet, they could G-League Hampton and bring him along slowly in hopes that he takes over Dragic's role in 2021-22. At the very worst Hampton would be some nice trade bait for the next two years.

21. Philadelphia 76ers- Malachi Flynn, PG (San Diego State)

I would say the two biggest needs for the 76ers are shooting and a secondary playmaker. Malachi Flynn is the perfect prospect for those two needs. Flynn is a knockdown shooter who also has a lot of ability as a shot creator. He's also got a solid overall feel for the game and reads defenses well. The 76ers offense looked lost at times last year when Ben Simmons wasn't running the point, and Flynn would fix that problem with his scoring ability and playmaking instincts.

22. Denver Nuggets- Josh Green, SG/SF (Arizona)

The Nuggets pick Josh Green here because they need wing depth, perimeter defense help, and could use some more shooting. Green is 6'6" 210 lbs and has long arms and elite athleticism. He was a great defender in college, and will be in the NBA too. He's working on his 3 point shot but it's not there yet. His defense alone will earn him minutes as a backup 2 or 3, and he has the ability to be something special if he starts hitting 3s.

23. New York Knicks- Isaiah Stewart, C (Washington)

The Knicks made a trade with the Jazz this morning in which they sent the 27th pick and the 38th pick to Utah for this 23rd pick. The Knicks use the 23rd pick to draft a backup center with upside. Stewart, a upstate NY product, is a strong and physical big who showed promise as a scorer and paint defender. Selecting Stewart would give the Knicks a dynamic center rotation, with him and Mitchell Robinson playing so differently.

24. New Orleans Pelicans- Tyrese Maxey, SG (Kentucky)

The Pelicans got this pick from Milwaukee in the blockbuster Jrue Holiday trade. I could see Maxey going much higher than this, but I think some scouts have concerns with him being only 6'3" as an NBA 2 guard. The good news for the Pelicans is that they have a 6'7 PG in Lonzo Ball who could guard the 2 while Maxey guards the 1. Maxey is a bucket getter who at the very worst could be a JR Smith level spark plug off the bench.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder- Tyler Bey, PF (Colorado)

With the free agency decision of PF Danilo Gallinari looming, the Thunder should be looking for someone who could play a similar role. Bey can in some ways, as he's got good shooting ability from 3 and athletic ability. He's a way better defender than Gallinari though, as he took home PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year for both his shot blocking and perimeter defending efforts.

26. Sacramento Kings- Desmond Bane, SG (TCU)

The Kings just traded Bogdan Bogdanovic to Milwaukee earlier in the week, so it makes sense that with this pick they got from Boston in their hypothetical trade down, they select someone to replace his shooting ablity. Bane's 43% on 574 career 3 point attempts is all you need to know for this pick to make sense.

27. Utah Jazz- Theo Maledon, PG (France/ASVEL)

The Mike Conley experience in Utah has not gone the way the Jazz had hoped, and backup PG Emmanuel Mudiay is set to hit the free agent market. That makes PG the easy choice here for the Jazz. The question is, which one? In my opinion, Theo Maledon is a good fit in Utah. Maledon is just 19 years old and is a pass first guard by trait. He does shot the ball well too though, as he was a career 36% 3 point shooter in his overseas career. Maledon lacks some aggressiveness when it comes to scoring, but the Jazz don't necessarily need another scoring guard. The Jazz should bring Maledon off the bench while Conley plays out the final year of his contract, and if they like what they see, they could potentially have their point guard of the future.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder- Tyrell Terry, PG (Stanford)

The Thunder acquired this pick from the Lakers for PG Dennis Schroeder, so it only makes sense they try to fill that void with another guard with scoring ability. Tyrell Terry is a polarizing prospect that I could see going much higher than this, but if he doesn't then the Thunder should jump on the opportunity to draft him. His game needs a lot of work and so does his body, but his deep range shooting ability and his overall playmaking skills make him worthy of being a first round pick.

29. Toronto Raptors- Xavier Tillman, C (Michigan State)

The Raptors are looking like they'll lose bigs Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol in free agency, so that's an obvious need. I think Tillman is more polished than Vernon Carey and is the better fir in terms of the winning culture the Raptors are looking for. He was the Big-10 defensive player of the year and it was easy to see why on film. He's an elite shot blocker and rim protector at only 6'9" and is also impressive on the perimeter. He could very easily be a versatile and impactful pick and roll defender right away.

30. Boston Celtics- Leandro Bolmaro, SG/SF (Argentina/FC Barcelona)

This pick is truly a best case scenario for both the Celtics and Bolmaro. We know the Celtics have roster issues, so why not draft a promising player in Bolmaro and "draft and stash" him? The Celtics should draft him then let him develop his game in Spain for another year. The Celtics don't have to use a roster spot on him, and Bolmaro gets another year to work on his evolving game. Bolmaro is a crafty wing with good basketball IQ and has the potential to be a good scorer as well. Another year overseas could be very beneficial for him in terms of getting his shot right and just improving his all around game.