Despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world of sports, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and his team will host the NBA draft tomorrow, November 18th to decide the future of the NBA. I chose the top four prospects and one sleeper pick. Let me know in the comments who I left out!
- Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards, SG (University of Georgia)
What may seem as a controversial #1 draft pick is not in my eyes. The 6’5″ guard coming out of the University of Georgia is the clear number #1 pick. After averaging nearly 20 points per game at UGA, the combo guard would be a perfect fit in the Minnesota offense. With a dominant center in Karl-Anthony Towns, the combo guard could potentially form a triangle offense in Minnesota with himself, Towns, and all star point guard D’Angelo Russell. Edwards recently stated that he wants his defense to show in his game to make him an all around player.
2. Golden State Warriors
Lamelo Ball, SG/SF (Illawarra Hawks)
Growing eight inches from the start of his freshman year up to draft night, the 6´8″ wing has created a household name for himself. Ball has had quite the basketball journey as well. First, his outstanding 92 point performance during his high school days with the dominant Chino Hills squad alongside his two older brothers LiAngelo and Lonzo Ball. Then his short stint in Lithuania followed by transferring back to Spire Academy in Ohio for his senior year. Finally Ball chose not to play college basketball and instead played professionally overseas in Australia for the Illawarra Hawks where he averaged 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. Ball will fit perfectly and greatly entertain fans in this infamous Golden State offense playing alongside the Splash Brothers (Steph Curry and Klay Thompson). After impressing Warriors´ scouts in his workout Golden State may be looking to birth another sharpshooter into the family.
3. Charlotte Hornets
James Wiseman, C (University of Memphis)
Despite his season being cut short due to his head coach, NBA legend Penny Hardaway, paying his family to move to Memphis, Wiseman proved himself to play a pivotal role in the Memphis offense. This 7´1″ center has a wide frame, excellent agility, and can shoot from the perimeter. These traits would be a great help to Miles Bridges and upcoming guard Devontae Graham who is coming off a career season. The trio of Wiseman, Bridges and Graham could possibly add to Hornets owner Michael Jordan´s legacy if they are able to have success.
4. Chicago Bulls
Obi Toppin PF, (University of Dayton)
The 230lb, 6´9″ forward hailing from Brooklyn, NY morphed into a phenomenal NBA prototype during his time at Dayton University. Toppin, who averaged an impressive 20 points 7.5 boards, and 2.2 assists per game is a three level scorer who can finish at will. Toppin can be an excellent addition to make the Bulls a possible playoff contender. Alongside rising all-star Zach Lavine Toppin can manifest his dominant pick and roll ability if drafted in the Windy City.
SLEEPER :
Myles Powell , SG (Seton Hall University), Potential 1st Round Pick
Personally, my favorite sleeper pick in the draft is Myles Powell. This 6´2″ guard is an excellent deep range shooter whose four years at Seton Hall made him a Big East household name setting Seton Hall records. The graduating senior guard and Big East Player of the Year put up some outstanding numbers in the 2019-2020 season. Powell averaged 21 points per game and shot nearly 40% from the field. His deep range shooting may not directly translate to the NBA due to the increase in competition, but surely in this upcoming season you will see Powell getting buckets. This combo guard is the definition of ‘it is not how you start it is how you finish.’
Tune in to the draft tomorrow, 11/18 @ 8:00 PM on ESPN. Let me know in the comments who I missed!
Uncommon Times 