Using the Tankathon draft simulator, I created my first 2020 mock draft. My rule was that I would simulate until the same team got the first pick three times. The winner of this year’s mock lottery was the New York Knicks, who currently possess the 5th worst record in the NBA. The Pistons also jumped 4 spots to number 2, the Cavaliers slipped one spot to 3, the Timberwolves stayed at 4, and the two victims of the Knicks & Pistons’ jump were the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks.
This mock is simply what I predict would happen if the draft happened today. Private workouts, the remainder of regular season play, and postseason tournaments will greatly impact draft position, meaning this is likely to consistently change over the next 4 months until draft day.
Expect several players given first round grades by both myself and others to slip into the second round, meaning players with second round grades are likely to climb into the first round. On my board and in the mock, I see a drop off once Portland is on the clock. 14 to 40 are likely to be similarly talented and bunched in the same tiers. Expect the unexpected with players rising and falling, similar to the 2019 draft.
I recommend using my big board as a guide. If there are any questions, feel free to mention me @MavsDraft on Twitter.
My first attempt at a first round mock for 2020:
- New York Knicks: Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia
- Detroit Pistons: LaMelo Ball, G, USA
- Cleveland Cavaliers: James Wiseman, PF/C, USA
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Nico Mannion, G, Arizona
- Golden State Warriors: Onyeka Okongwu, PF/C, USC
- Atlanta Hawks: Cole Anthony, G, North Carolina
- Charlotte Hornets: Obi Toppin, F, Dayton
- Chicago Bulls: Killian Hayes, G, France
- Washington Wizards: Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky
- Sacramento Kings: Isaac Okoro, Wing, Auburn
- Phoenix Suns: Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State
- New Orleans Pelicans: Deni Avdija, F, Israel
- San Antonio Spurs: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, F, Villanova
- Portland Trail Blazers: RJ Hampton, SG, USA
- Orlando Magic: Kira Lewis, G, Alabama
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Josh Green, Wing, Arizona
- Boston Celtics: Theo Maledon, G, France
- Milwaukee Bucks: Devin Vassell, Wing, Florida State
- Dallas Mavericks: Vernon Carey, C, Duke
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Jordan Nwora, Wing, Louisville
- Brooklyn Nets: Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington
- Denver Nuggets: Saddiq Bey, Wing, Villanova
- Miami Heat: Isaiah Stewart, PF/C, Washington
- Utah Jazz: Tre Jones, PG, Duke
- New York Knicks: Aaron Nesmith, Wing, Vanderbilt
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Trendon Watford, Wing, LSU
- Boston Celtics: Paul Reed, F, DePaul
- Toronto Raptors: Jahmi’us Ramsey, Wing, Texas Tech
- LA Lakers: Precious Achiuwa, F, Memphis
- Boston Celtics: Jalen Smith, F, Maryland
