With the NBA Lottery taking place last Thursday night, it has been revealed that the Timberwolves would receive the first selection in the 2020 NBA Draft. In select years, there is typically a consensus top pick. However, the 2020 year has been unlike any other.
Depending on the platform you are viewing, there are varying opinions on who deserves to be taken with the #1 selection in the 2020 Draft. While the mystery continues, who has the edge above the others?
In contention for the top selection is Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards. During his freshman season, he averaged 19.1 points while shooting 40.2% from the field. Although he isn’t the best shooter from deep (29.4%), Edwards is a potential two-way threat. During 32 games last season, he averaged 1.9 forced turnovers per contest.
if the idea is that a body in the paint is the most valuable asset in this draft class, then James Wiseman becomes the immediate favorite for the #1 pick. However, with a minimal sample size, Wiseman’s production at an NBA level could be a gamble for NBA front offices. During his freshman season at Memphis, he appeared in three games before being suspended 12 games for improperly accepting moving expenses while he was in high school.
From what we know, Wiseman averaged 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game with the Tigers. Had he maintained that pace of play, he would have finished in the top 15 in the NCAA in rebounds.
Finally, this draft class contains the most polarizing prospect in LaMelo Ball. As the youngest brother in the Ball family, he is viewed as a staple for a team in need of superstar potential. During his time overseas in Australia, Ball averaged 17 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists per contest. His willingness to fire from deep is displayed in the stat sheet, as Ball shot 6.7 three-point attempts per contest through 12 games.
