Anthony Edwards selected No. 1 by the Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards, SG, 6-5, 225, Georgia — Timberwolves
Physically, he’s ready for the NBA with the size, strength and ability to get his own shot and play solid defense. A streaky shooter who needs to improve his selection, he averaged 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds while making 29% of his three-pointers last season.
James Wiseman selected No. 2 overall by Golden State Warriors
James Wiseman, C, 7-1, 240, Memphis — Warriors
Has the athleticism and ability to contribute at both ends of the court. Primarily scores around the rim and inside the paint but has an improving mid-range game. Could be an excellent defender and rim protector.
LaMelo Ball selected No. 3 by the Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball, PG, 6-7, 181, Chino Hills HS — Hornets
Like eldest brother Lonzo, LaMelo has great feel for the game and a high IQ. He’s been a threat to score from anywhere since high school and had a good season in Australia. Unlike his brother, defense is a problem.
Chino Hills is first school to have three former teammates among NBA draft lottery picks
Many powerhouse high school and private academy boys’ basketball programs have seen several graduates selected in the first round of an NBA draft.
When LaMelo Ball and Onyeka Okongwu were chosen third and sixth, respectively, on Wednesday night in the pandemic-delayed 2020 NBA draft, Chino Hills High became the first to have three former teammates taken among lottery picks.
Ball, who was chosen by Charlotte, and Okongwu, who was taken by Atlanta, won a state championship together in 2016 as freshmen with the Huskies, who were led by Lonzo Ball, the second overall selection in the 2017 draft.
Clippers acquire Luke Kennard by trading Landry Shamet, Rodney McGruder
The Clippers acquired Detroit guard Luke Kennard in a three-team trade with Brooklyn during Wednesday’s draft that saw them part with reserve guards Landry Shamet and Rodney McGruder in the process, a person with knowledge of the deal confirmed.
Shamet is headed to Brooklyn while McGruder is going to Detroit. Brooklyn’s 19th pick also went to Detroit as part of the transaction.
From the perspective of the Clippers, the move is a swap of shooters while also receiving relief for their payroll. McGruder was set to earn $5.1 million this season. With that money off the books, the Clippers are set to be eligible to use their full mid-level exception, worth $9.2 million, entering free agency Friday.
Sam Merrill selected No. 60 by Milwaukee Bucks with final pick
Sam Merrill, SG, 6-5, 205, Utah State — Bucks (via pick by New Orleans Pelicans)
A sharp-shooting combo guard who makes up for any lack of athleticism with high IQ and crafty play. He averaged 19.7 points and 3.9 assists his senior season. He’s a career 42% shooter from deep and 89% on free throws.
Jalen Harris selected No. 59 by Toronto Raptors
Jalen Harris, G, 195, Nevada — Raptors
Aggressive shooting guard who isn’t afraid to push into traffic and put up shots. He also has a strong mid-range game and is strong from three-point range.
Paul Reed selected No. 58 by the Philadelphia 76ers
Paul Reed, PF, 6-9, 220, DePaul —76ers
A big with a well-rounded offensive game after three college seasons. He can score low, off pick-and-roll jumpers and in transition. Averaged 15.1 points and 10.7 rebounds while shooting 51% last season. Just needs more bulk and refinement.
Reggie Perry selected at No. 57 by the Brooklyn Nets
Reggie Perry, PF/C, 6-10, 250, Mississippi St. — Nets (via pick by Clippers)
With an NBA-ready body and plenty of athleticism, this big man can score in the post and had dramatic improvement in his second season with the Bulldogs. He averaged 17.4 points and 10.1 rebounds. Not known as a top defender.
Grant Riller selected No. 56 by the Charlotte Hornets
Grant Riller, G, 6-3, 190, College of Charleston
Known as shooting acumen, Riller has an advanced basketball IQ when it comes to the mid-range game. His vision on the court and passing talent makes him a strong pick-and-roll guard.
Jay Scrubb selected at No. 55 by Clippers
Jay Scrubb, SG, 6-6, 185, John A. Logan College — Clippers (via pick by Brooklyn Nets)
This two-time junior college All-American is a big-time athlete with a great open-court game and the ability to slash and finish at the rim. Streaky perimeter shooter who will need to improve defense.
Cassius Stanley selected No. 54 by Indiana Pacers
Cassius Stanley, SG, 6-9, 193, Duke — Pacers
The one-and-done product from Chatsworth Sierra Canyon High is a big-time finisher and flashy in the open court. He was third on the Blue Devils in scoring at 12.6 points per game. Already 21, he has room for improvement.
Cassius Winston drafted at No. 53 by Washington Wizards
Cassius Winston, PG, 6-1, 190, Michigan State — Wizards (via pick by Oklahoma City Thunder)
After a stellar career with the Spartans, what this polished floor leader lacks in athleticism and size he makes up for with intelligence and feel for the game. He averaged 18.6 points and 5.9 assists as a senior. Shot 43% from deep during his career.
KJ Martin selected No. 52 by Houston Rockets
KJ Martin, SG/SF, 6-6, 200, IMG Academy — Rockets (via pick by Sacramento Kings)
The son of former NBA big man Kenyon Martin has not played much since his days at Chatsworth Sierra Canyon High. The athletic wing is an open-court scorer and solid defender but a streaky shooter.
Justinian Jessup selected at No. 51 by the Golden State Warriors
Justinian Jessup, G, 6-7, 202, Boise State — Warriors
A capable three-point shooter, Jessup sank 92 three pointers in four seasons with Boise State. A big minutes eater, he finished with 1,500 points and 500 rebounds. He’s an underrated playmaker whose size on the perimeter could make him a tough matchup.
Skylar Mays selected No. 50 by the Atlanta Hawks
Skylar Mays, G, 6-4, 205, LSU — Hawks
A combo guard with solid all-around scoring skills who can be a streaky shooter and needs to improve defensively. Had a very good senior season with averages of 16.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 39.4% shooting from deep.
Isaiah Joe selected No. 49 by the Philadelphia 76ers
Isaiah Joe, SG, 6-5, 170, Arkansas — 76ers
A solid two-way player with upside. He improved in most areas as a sophomore last season except three-point shooting, which dipped from 41.4% to 32.2%. He averaged 16.9 points and 4.1 rebounds while converting 89% of his free throws.
Nico Mannion selected No. 48 by Golden State Warriors
Nico Mannion, PG, 6-3, 190, Arizona — Warriors
A solid playmaker who can score in a variety of ways, this 19-year-old averaged 14.0 points and 5.3 assists last season, shooting 32% from deep. Another one-and-done prospect who needs to add strength and improve defense.
Yam Madar selected No. 47 by Boston Celtics
Yam Madar, PG, 6-3, 180, Israel — Celtics
A true floor leader with high-level passing ability, he’s averaging 15.0 points and 5.0 assists a game this season with Maccabi Tel Aviv. What he lacks in explosiveness and athleticism he makes up for with basketball IQ.
CJ Elleby selected at No. 46 by the Portland Trail Blazers
CJ Elleby, SG/SF, 6-6, 200, Washington St.
A skilled wing who can score on the perimeter, although he’s a streaky shooter. He averaged 18.4 points and 7.8 rebounds last year as a sophomore and made 36.7% of his three-pointers over two seasons.
Jordan Nwora picked at No. 45 by the Milwaukee Bucks
Jordan Nwora, SF, 6-7, 225, Louisville — Bucks
Another average athlete who relies on his basketball IQ to excel, particularly as a scorer. As a junior last season he averaged 18.0 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 40.2% from deep.
Marko Simonovic selected No. 44 by the Chicago Bulls
Marko Simonovic, PF/C, 7-0, 215, Montenegro — Bulls
An agile big man with a good shooting touch who excels in the pick-and-roll game. Has the build to pack on bulk, which he’ll need to do for the rigors of the NBA.
Jahmius Ramsey selected No. 43 by the Sacramento Kings
Jahmi’us Ramsey, G, 6-4, 195, Texas Tech
This hard-nosed combo guard has plenty of potential despite a lack of pro-level athleticism. Can score in a variety of ways without an explosive first step. Made 44.2% of his shots, including 42.6% from deep last season.
Nick Richards selected at No. 42 by the New Orleans Pelicans
Nick Richards, C, 6-11 247, Kentucky
An athletic big man who is still developing his skills, particularly on offense. Made a big jump as a junior last season when he averaged 14.0 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 64.2%.
Tre Jones selected No. 41 by the San Antonio Spurs
Tre Jones, PG, 6-3, 185, Duke — Spurs
A true floor leader who makes up for average athleticism with his decision-making. Streaky shooter at times but averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 assists while converting 36.1% of his long-range shots as a sophomore last season.
Robert Woodard drafted at No. 40 by the Sacramento Kings
Robert Woodward II, SG/SF, 6-7, 235, Mississippi St. — Kings
He proved in two college seasons that he has the size and drive to be an elite defender, and he improved offensively, particularly three-point shooting (27% to 42.9%). Good spot-up shooter but lacks ballhandling skills.
Elijah Hughes selected No. 39 by New Orleans Pelicans
Elijah Hughes, SG, 6-6, 215, Syracuse — Pelicans
A well-rounded player with a polished game, this 22-year-old had two stellar seasons after transferring to Syracuse, where he averaged 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists as a junior last season. Will need to improve his three-pointer.
Saben Lee selected at No. 38 by the Detroit Pistons
Saben Lee, PG, 6-2, 183, Vanderbilt — Pistons
A productive offensive player who also has the skills to be a stifling defensive standout.
Vit Krejci drafted at No. 37 for Oklahoma City Thunder
Vit Krejci, SG, 6-7, 200, Casademont Zaragoza (Spain) — Thunder (via pick by Washington Wizards)
A 6-foot-7 playmaker can play on and off the ball well, but he suffered a torn ACL earlier this year that will likely keep the Czech-born player off the court for the upcoming season.
Tyler Bey drafted at No. 36 the Dallas Mavericks
Tyler Bey, SF, 6-7, 215, Colorado — Mavericks (via pick from Philadelphia 76ers)
The Pac-12’s top defender as a junior last season, he has the potential to be a 3-and-D wing because of his athleticism. He shot a greatly improved 41.9% from deep last season when he averaged 13.8 points and 9.0 rebounds.
Xavier Tillman selected No. 35 by the Memphis Grizzlies
Xavier Tillman, PF, 6-8, 245, Michigan St. — Grizzlies (via pick by Sacramento Kings)
The athletic and active big man had a big junior year last season when he averaged 13.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 55%. Lacks range, though (29% shooting on three-pointers).
Theo Maledon selected No. 34 by Oklahoma City Thunder
Theo Maledon, PG, 6-5, 180, France — Thunder (via pick by Philadelphia 76ers)
This 19-year-old makes up for lack of elite athleticism with his playmaking skills and basketball IQ. He does have a quick first step, excels in pick-and-roll sets, and plays solid defense thanks to quick hands and his reach.
Daniel Oturu drafted at No. 33 for the Clippers
Daniel Oturu, C, 6-10, 240, Minnesota — Clippers (via trade by Knicks, pick by Timberwolves)
A solid post player with a variety of moves, he’ll need to improve defense and power moves by adding bulk. As a sophomore last season he averaged 20.1 points and 11.3 rebounds while shooting 57% from the field.
Vernon Carey Jr. selected No. 32 by the Charlotte Hornets
Vernon Carey Jr., PF-C, 6-10, 270, Duke — Hornets
The son of a former NFL player, he’s a versatile and mobile big man who averaged 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds last season as a freshman. Needs to develop a mid-range game but made 38.7% of his three-pointers in limited attempts.
Tyrell Terry drafted at No. 31 by Dallas Mavericks
Tyrell Terry, PG, 6-2, 160, Stanford — Mavericks
This one-and-done sharpshooter averaged 14.6 points and 3.2 assists while shooting 44.1% from deep last season. The 20-year-old, who starred at Concord De La Salle, is slight but has plenty of potential if he bulks up.
Desmond Bane selected No. 30 by Memphis Grizzlies to complete first round
Desmond Bane, SG, 6-6, 215, TCU — Grizzlies (via pick from Boston Celtics)
This well-rounded player can score in a variety of ways, particularly from deep. In three college seasons he shot better than 40% for his career from three-point range and averaged 16.6 points and 3.9 assists last season.
Malachi Flynn selected No. 29 by the Toronto Raptors
Malachi Flynn, PG, 6-1, 185, San Diego State
After two seasons at Washington State, he put up stellar numbers (17.6 points, 5.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds) and shot 37.3% from three-point range as a junior for the Aztecs. This 22-year-old is not particularly athletic but is a floor leader.
Jaden McDaniels selected No. 28 by Minnesota Timberwolves
Jaden McDaniels, PF, 6-10, 200, Washington — Timberwolves (via pick by Lakers; trade with Oklahoma City)
A prototypical and much-heralded combo forward had a disappointing freshman season with the Huskies, who underperformed as well. He averaged. 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and shot 40.5% from the field, 33.9% from deep.
Udoka Azubuike drafted No. 27 by the Utah Jazz
Udoka Azubuike, C, 7-0, 270, Kansas — Utah
This shot-blocker and low-post scorer has an old-school game. Can protect the rim and score efficiently near restricted area. He averaged 13.7 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 74.8% as a senior last season.
Payton Pritchard selected No. 26 by the Boston Celtics
Payton Pritchard, PG, 6-2, 190, Oregon
A versatile point guard with 144 college games behind him, he averaged 20.5 points and 5.5 assists last season as a senior. An efficient scorer and solid passer, he’s athletic but not explosive, which could be a problem on defense.
Immanuel Quickley selected No. 25 by New York Knicks
Immanuel Quickley, G, 6-3, 188, Kentucky — Knicks (via pick by Oklahoma City Thunder)
He’s a spot-up shooter with range, having averaged 16.1 points per game on 42.8% shooting from deep last season as a sophomore. A solid defender but will need to add muscle and polish offensive game on the next level.
RJ Hampton selected No. 24 by Denver Nuggets
RJ Hampton, G, 6-5, 185, Little Elm (Texas) HS — Nuggets (via pick by New Orleans Pelicans)
The 19-year-old American is a great ballhandler who averaged 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists as a pro in Australia. He has plenty of upside because of his size, passing and ability to get to the basket. He reportedly was traded to Denver.
Leandro Bolmaro selected No. 23 by the New York Knicks, traded to Minnesota
Leandro Bolmaro, SG, 6-7, 185, Argentina — Knicks traded to Minnesota Timberwolves
This versatile 20-year-old can play multiple positions. He’s a great ballhandler but a streaky shooter who lacks the physicality to finish at the rim. Untested against elite competition but plenty of upside if he bulks up.
Zeke Nnaji selected No. 22 by Denver Nuggets
Zeke Nnaji, F-C, 6-11, 240, Arizona — Nuggets
Another one-and-done Wildcat with plenty of potential. A wiry, athletic big man who can score in the post and has showed a good shooting touch while averaging 16.1 points and 8.6 rebounds on 57% shooting from the field.
Tyrese Maxey selected No. 21 by the Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey, SG, 6-3, 198, Kentucky — 76ers
Likely a point guard in the NBA, he has the build and floor leadership to score and create off the dribble. The one-and-done Wildcat averaged 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists but only shot 29.2% from deep.
Precious Achiuwa selected No. 20 by the Miami Heat
Precious Achiuwa, PF, 6-9, 225, Memphis — Heat
Another physically gifted and active big man. Although he only played one college season, averaging 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks, he is already 21 and averaged 30 minutes a game last season.
Clippers trade Landry Shamet to Nets; Pistons take Saddiq Bey at No. 19
The Clippers acquired Detroit guard Luke Kennard in a three-team trade with Brooklyn during Wednesday’s draft that saw them part with reserve guards Landry Shamet and Rodney McGruder in the process, a person with knowledge of the deal confirmed.
Saddiq Bey, F, 6-8, 216, Villanova — Pistons
A versatile scorer who made 45% of his three-pointers last season, this 21-year-old has plenty of experience. Not an elite athlete but a solid defender who can handle the ball and distribute it.
Josh Green selected No. 18 by the Dallas Mavericks
Josh Green, SG, 6-6, 210, Arizona — Mavericks
This native Australian and former IMG Academy star who just turned 20 is athletic and can defend multiple positions. He made 36.2% of his three-pointers in only his college season but needs to improve his offense.
Aleksej Pokusevski selected No. 17 by the Oklahoma City Thunder
Aleksej Pokusevski, F/C, 7-0, 195, Serbia — Thunder via Minnesota Timberwolves
A ton of upside for this slender big man who turns 19 in December. He has the passing and scoring touch of a guard. Can score in either pick-and-roll situation plus has the ability to catch and shoot. Biggest weakness: Gaining bulk.
Isaiah Stewart drafted No. 16 by the Detroit Pistons
Isaiah Stewart, C, 6-9, 250, Washington — Pistons via Houston Rockets
With an NBA-ready body that includes a 7-4 wingspan, this one-and-done Husky plays below the rim but can defend and rebound. He averaged 17 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 57% from the field last season.
Cole Anthony selected No. 15 by the Orlando Magic
Cole Anthony, PG, 6-3, 190, North Carolina — Magic
The son of former NBA player Greg Anthony is a score-first floor leader who can finish at the rim, make jumpers and defend. His one-and-done season for the disappointing Tar Heels included averages of 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
Aaron Nesmith selected No. 14 by the Boston Celtics
Aaron Nesmith, SF, 6-6, 213, Vanderbilt — Celtics
This spot-up sharpshooter only played 14 games as a sophomore because of a foot injury. Improved his scoring average from 11 points as a freshman to 23, although he’s limited off the dribble and needs to improve on defense.
Kira Lewis Jr. selected No. 13 by the New Orleans Pelicans
Kira Lewis Jr., PG, 6-3, 165, Alabama — Pelicans
The quickest point guard in the draft is only 19 after two seasons with the Crimson Tide. He averaged 18.5 points and 5.2 assists last season and shot 44.7% from the field and 36.2% from long range for his career.
Tyrese Haliburton drafted No. 12 by the Sacramento Kings
Tyrese Haliburton, PG, 6-5, 175, Iowa State — Kings
Has all the skills of a point guard with his passing and improved shooting plus he excelled during international play. Will have to bulk up for the physicality of the NBA and improve a slow shooting release.
Devin Vassell selected No. 11 by the San Antonio Spurs
Devin Vassell, SG, 6-7, 195, Florida State — Spurs
A well-rounded and very athletic wing who made 40% of his three-pointers in two seasons with the Seminoles. Can score off the dribble as well as set up teammates. Good defender and rebounder for his size.
Jalen Smith drafted No. 10 by the Phoenix Suns
Jalen Smith, PF, 6-10, 225, Maryland — Suns
This active big man improved dramatically during his sophomore season, when he averaged 15.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 36.8% from deep. Despite lacking big-time athleticism, he’s a solid defender.
Deni Avdija selected No. 9 by Washington Wizards
Deni Avdija, SF, 6-9, 215, Israel
This playmaking wing has plenty of international and some professional experience. A great ballhandler for his size with an ability to score, pass and shoot from long range. His lack of explosive speed limits him on defense.
Obi Toppin selected No. 8 by the New York Knicks
Obi Toppin, 6-9, 220, PF, Dayton — Knicks
Another NBA-ready player physically, this big man can finish inside through contact and has shooting touch from mid- and long-range distances. Not known for his defense early in his career, he’s shown gradual improvement.
Killian Hayes selected No. 7 by the Detroit Pistons
Killian Hayes, PG, 6-5, 192, France — Pistons
Another foreign player with great feel for the game, size for his position and the ability to make plays. Not a high-end athlete but can create off the dribble. Has plenty of international and pro experience for a 19-year-old.
Former USC star Onyeka Okongwu selected No. 6 by the Atlanta Hawks
Onyeka Okongwu, C, 6-9, 245, USC — Hawks
Defense, shot-blocking and rebounding have made him a stellar performer since high school. He has a variety of low-post moves but is still developing a mid-range game that is limited due to lack of ball-handling skills.
Isaac Okoro selected No. 5 by the Cleveland Cavaliers
Isaac Okoro, SF, 6-6, 225, Auburn — Cavaliers
Okoro is a high-impact defender with questions about his shooting and scoring abilities. He can score off the drive with explosive first step and ability to finish at the rim with either hand. Shooting range is questionable.
Patrick Williams selected No. 4 by the Chicago Bulls
Patrick Williams, SF, 6-8, 225, Florida State — Bulls
His athleticism and two-way potential make him an intriguing prospect, but at 19 he lacks big-time experience. He does have a mid-range game and shot better than 80% from the free-throw line.
Onyeka Okongwu draft status in question because of broken toe
USC center Onyeka Okongwu, a top prospect in the NBA draft on Wednesday and a former Chino Hills High star, is set to enter the NBA while recovering from a fractured big toe on his left foot, a person with knowledge of the injury confirmed.
Though the draft is headlined by a trio of potential top picks in Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball — Okongwu’s former Chino Hills teammate — the 6-foot-9 Okongwu has also been considered one of the top prospects by talent evaluators within the league, and mock drafts have consistently projected him as a top-10 pick.
ESPN reported that Okongwu’s injury will require rest of up to three weeks. The NBA’s 72-game regular season begins Dec. 22, with training camps opening around Dec. 1.
NBA Draft: Inside the Las Vegas bubble where prospects chased their hoop dreams
It was always expected that Tyrese Haliburton’s NBA career would begin with a summertime trip to Las Vegas.
For more than a decade the city has become the league’s July epicenter as teams converge to watch Summer League games, evaluate rookies fresh off of draft night and swap free agency intel. After two weeks, everyone goes home.
Haliburton, a 6-foot-5 guard, arrived in July after a celebrated career at Iowa State, ready to begin his NBA dream. But there was no high-rise hotel room overlooking casino marquees and sunburned tourists. And no quick exit, either.
What time is the 2020 NBA draft? Will LaMelo Ball go No. 1?
What time is the 2020 NBA draft? Will LaMelo Ball be the No. 1 pick? We have those answers and more information right here.
Draft coverage, which will be held remotely, will be broadcast on ESPN, with their lead-in show starting at 4:30 p.m. PST.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, who currently own the No. 1 pick, will be on the clock starting at 5:05 p.m. (And knowing broadcast TV, their selection will take the full five-minute time limit to be announced.)
Many draft experts and talent evaluators believe Ball, the former Chino Hills High star with two international tours as a pro, is the most talented player available, or at least the one with the most star potential.
NBA Draft: Can LaMelo Ball go from journeyman to top choice?
LaMelo Ball sat on a couch Tuesday during a videoconference, a cellphone never too far from his hands and his attention never too focused on the questions about his workouts or his future.
“I’m not going to lie,” Ball said. “It feels like another day to me.”
It probably shouldn’t.
In the next 24 hours, Ball could be the first selection in the NBA draft. He might be the reason why Detroit or Chicago or New York decides to sacrifice pieces of its future to get him. He might be the next star for Minnesota. But for now, on a Tuesday morning, he’s just a 19-year-old kid with tons of fame, plenty of hype and an addiction to short sentences.
NBA Mock Draft 4.0: LaMelo Ball is headliner, but he might not be No. 1
If there’s anything we know about this NBA draft it’s that it will be unlike any that preceeded it, and LaMelo Ball has been the headliner.
Held in the middle of a pandemic with no offseason and training camp around the corner, there’s sure to be plenty of twists.
Here’s where we think things stand as of now after a couple of pre-draft trades:
1. Minnesota: Anthony Edwards, SG, 6-5, 225, Georgia
There was a lot of buzz about LaMelo Ball at No. 1. Here’s guessing it was a smokescreen to try to generate interest in the pick. The Timberwolves go with a player more suited to fit in with their core.