2020 NBA Re-Draft: Wiseman still goes No. 2; Haliburton jumps up
The 2020 NBA rookie class wasn't expected to be special. While there wasn't a surefire generational talent at the top like LeBron James or Zion Williamson, the 2020 class has been impressive early on this season.James Wiseman got off to a hot start for the Warriors, showcasing several skills that have Golden State believing he is their franchise center of the future. LaMelo Ball has dazzled with his passing and rebounding ability for the Charlotte Hornets, and Patrick Williams has quieted his doubters early on.In Sacramento, Tyrese Haliburton already looks to be the steal of the draft. He has shown the ability to mesh well with De'Aaron Fox and does whatever the Kings need him to do at that point in time.Now, it's way too early to redo the 2020 draft that took place *checks notes* two months ago. It's going to take years to get a full grasp of who made the right pick and who whiffed. We haven't seen Onyeka Okongwu yet and Obi Toppin only has played in two games.But we're going to do a brief, lottery-only redraft based on the returns from the first 10-12 games. Okongwu, Toppin and Killian Hayes will not appear because they have received incomplete grades due to injuries. Given that we haven't seen enough of them to get any grasp of their NBA potential, I took them off the board.Here's a way, way, way too early 2020 NBA Draft redux based solely on what we've seen on the court so far.
There were a lot of questions about Ball's game heading into the draft. The shooting still needs to improve, but Ball already has had a major impact on the Hornets this season.
He's currently averaging 11.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists. He's leading the Hornets in rebounding and player efficiency and is second on the team in assists. He also became the youngest player in history to record a triple-double. Ball's high IQ and passing ability have allowed him to impact the game even when he isn't scoring, which shows just how high his NBA ceiling is.
This is easy. The Warriors were thrilled when Wiseman fell to them at No. 2 and with good reason.
Through 12 games, the 7-foot center has been as advertised. He's been a plus on the defensive end of the floor, a terror in transition and has been dunking on everyone.
Wiseman still has many things to learn (as do all rookies), but he's well on his way to being a franchise centerpiece for the Warriors.
If the Hornets aren't going to land Ball, they get the next best point guard in the draft.
Haliburton has been incredible this season for the Kings. He's averaging 12.6 points and 5.7 assists so far this season and has meshed incredibly well with De'Aaron Fox.
Haliburton absolutely feasts when he's on the floor with the second unit, and when he and Fox share the floor, it's a nightmare for opponents to defend. Haliburton should find his way into the starting lineup very soon. He's been sensational.
I was skeptical of this pick two months ago, but it's worked out nicely so far. If LeBron James says the Bulls got a good one then I'll go along with it.
Williams is averaging 10.3 points per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from 3-point range. He's played great defense and is showing why he was the clear pick for the Bulls at No. 4. At least, so far.
The No. 1 overall pick has been fine so far for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He's averaging 12.5 points per game but hasn't been attacking the rim or getting to the free-throw line as expected.
His shooting (37.9 from the field, 26.7 percent from 3) has been shaky and the defense has been borderline abysmal. It's hard to judge anyone off 11 games with the Timberwolves, especially when he's coming off the bench, but Edwards hasn't been overly impressive to date.
I loved Tyrese Maxey's game coming out of Kentucky and was stunned to see him fall as far as he did in the real draft. There's a reason the 76ers reportedly didn't want to include him in a trade for James Harden.
Maxey is averaging 11.3 points per game on 48.5 percent shooting and dropped 39 points on the Nuggets in a loss last week.
Playing like an established veteran at age 20, Avdija has been one of the lone bright spots for a pitiful Wizards team.
He's averaging a modest 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 45.7 percent from 3-point range, but that doesn't tell the entire story.
Avdija does all the little things well. He plays good defense, knows how to move off the ball, is an impressive passer and solid rebounder. His numbers would undoubtedly be more impressive if he wasn't stuck on one of the NBA's worst teams.
Anthony has been solid so far for the Magic, and the injury to Markelle Fultz means he'll get even more opportunities now.
I have the Knicks taking him because he's a dynamic scoring point guard with box office appeal that would play in New York. He's also the grinding, chip-on-the-shoulder player who Tom Thibodeau would love to have on his roster.
It's probably a spot or two high, but Anthony on the Knicks would have been ideal for NYC.
Originally drafted at No. 26 overall, Pritchard has been dynamite for the Boston Celtics early on this season.
The Oregon product is averaging 8.6 points and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from 3-point range. He already has the trust of coach Brad Stevens to be on the floor for the closing minutes and hit the game-winning layup to beat the Miami Heat.
The Pistons originally got Bey in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, and it's worked out quite well.
Bey is averaging 10.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 43.1 percent from 3-point range. Bey knocked down some big shots in the Pistons' upset win over the Phoenix Suns and appears to be the type of winning basketball player that has been missing in the Motor City.
The energetic big man has been great off the bench for the Heat, providing defense, rebounding and hustle points.
Achiuwa currently is averaging 8.5 points and 5.9 rebounds. He should have a long stint in the NBA as an athletic big who can run the floor, rebound and defend.
The Spurs drafted Devin Vassell and he's had some good moments but hasn't been overly impressive. He's a good athlete and a great shooter, though, and does appear to have Spurs in his DNA.
This is a tough look for the Kings who had Haliburton fall into their lap in the real draft. With Haliburton now in Charlotte, the Kings take Okoro who is a supremely gifted defender with a limited offensive game.
The Cavs drafted Okoro at No. 5 overall in the hopes that he would help them not rank dead last in defense. Okoro has been all over the floor on defense, using his athleticism and length to deflect passes, take chargers and contest any shot close to him.
The offensive game still needs work, but he's the best player left on the board.
Vassell's numbers don't tell the full story. While he's only averaging 4.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, his on/off splits show his importance to the Spurs who drafted him at No. 11.
The Spurs are plus-64 with Vassell on the floor this season and have a defensive rating of 92.2 which is 17.1 points lower than their defensive rating last season.
He's a work in progress, but it's clear he can help a team win and can grow into a really good NBA player.
The Grizzlies drafted Bane with the No. 30 overall pick that originally was owned by the Celtics. Boston was looking to add shooting to its roster in the draft by taking Aaron Nesmith and Payton Pritchard at No. 14 and No. 26.
Pritchard was been stellar, but it's been a struggle for Nesmith to see the floor. Bane has been putting up decent numbers (8.4 points, 3.0 rebounds) but is shooting 46.3 percent from 3-point range.
