How do we see the NBA draft unfolding?
The NBA draft is scheduled for Nov. 18, pushed back five months from its initial date because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Anthony Edwards continues to project as the likely No. 1 pick, while the appeal of LaMelo Ball lessened just a bit. Ball falls to No. 3 in our latest mock draft, while Villanova product Saddiq Bey shoots up close to the top 10.
NBA evaluators will have plenty of last-minute assessments. For now, though, here’s USA TODAY Sports’ latest projection for all 30 teams.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves • Anthony Edwards • Georgia • Freshman • Shooting guard • 6-4 • 225 pounds
Edwards is a capable scorer with immediate All-Star ability and two-way upside. He’d be an ideal fit in Minnesota to play alongside All Stars Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. In a game against Michigan State, he scored 33 points in one half, showcasing his offensive explosiveness.
2. Golden State Warriors • James Wiseman • Memphis • Freshman • Center • 7-1 • 240 pounds
Wiseman only got to provide a small sample size of his ability, as he left Memphis early in the season halfway through an NCAA suspension. But scouts know Wiseman can be a 20and-10 big man if he’s given the right opportunity. He’ll be an ideal fit on a guard-savvy Warriors roster looking to rebound in 2020-21.
3. Charlotte Hornets • LaMelo Ball • Illawarra Hawks (Australia) • Point guard • 6-7 • 180 pounds
Ball played only 12 games in Australia’s National Basketball League, but that was enough to entice NBA scouts. He has a quick-trigger jumper that still needs accuracy, but his floor vision and court savvy give him franchise-changing potential. Charlotte needs a franchise player, and this is close to a lock if Ball is there at No. 3.
4. Chicago Bulls • Deni Avdija • Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) • Small forward • 6-9 • 220 pounds
The overseas prospect with great size can play multiple positions, attacking the rim like a guard and showing the ability to defend big men in the post. He has a wide-ranging skill set shown as the MVP of the FIBA under-20 European Championship.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers • Obi Toppin • Dayton • Redshirt sophomore • Forward • 6-9 • 220 pounds
At 22, Toppin is older than most of his counterparts, and his high motor and tenacious dunking translate to immediate production. USA TODAY Sports’ national college basketball player of the year can do a mix of everything, including stepping out on the perimeter and mastering pick-and-rolls.
6. Atlanta Hawks • Tyrese Haliburton • Iowa State • Sophomore • Point guard • 6-5 • 175 pounds
A play-making point guard who can defend well. His numbers (15.2 points per game, 6.5 assists, 50% FG, 42% from 3point range) in 2019-20 don’t do him justice. Haliburton has the skills to be the Ja Morant or Russell Westbrook of this class.
7. Detroit Pistons • Isaac Okoro • Auburn • Sophomore • Forward • 6-6 • 225 pounds
Has athleticism and a wingspan that could make him an elite defender at the next level, shutting down opposing perimeter forces. His offense is another story and needs work. He’d have time to develop in Detroit.
8. New York Knicks • Killian Hayes • Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) • Point guard • 6-5 • 185 pounds
Hayes, an American-born lefty, is a dynamic and crafty playmaker from France who greatly evolved during his pro season in the top league in Germany in 2019-20. His jump shot is a question mark, but there’s time for that to improve in New York.
9. Washington Wizards • Onyeka Okongwu • USC • Freshman • Forward • 6-9 • 245 pounds
Okongwu averaged 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds for the Trojans in 2019-20, showing prowess on the glass and low block. His production and rim protection will be hard to pass up for a Washington team that’s struggled on defense.
10. Phoenix Suns • Devin Vassell • Florida State • Sophomore • Forward • 6-7 • 195 pounds
Vassell was one of the most improved players in college basketball, spearheading the Seminoles to their first ACC regularseason title. Fittingly, the Suns were one of the most improved teams in the NBA restart. Vassell would fit in nicely with Phoenix’s young core, and his game ideally translates as a 3and-D player in the league.
11. San Antonio Spurs • Saddiq Bey • Villanova • Sophomore • Forward • 6-7 • 216 pounds
Bey was the Wildcats’ best player with a breakout sophomore campaign, averaging 16.1 points and shooting 45% on 3pointers. He’d be an ideal fit as a role player on any NBA team, especially on a squad known for developing some of the best.
12. Sacramento Kings • Patrick Williams • Florida State • Freshman • Forward • 6-8 • 225 pounds
Williams didn’t start one game and didn’t average double figures for the Seminoles but has potential. He is quick, explosive, strong, athletic. He should be able to defend multiple positions in the NBA. Developing a 3-point shot to complement his midrange game would be a big boost.
13. New Orleans Pelicans • Aaron Nesmith • Vanderbilt • Sophomore • Forward-guard • 6-6 • 213 pounds
Nesmith could blossom into something special soon. He was already considered one of the best 3-point shooters in the NCAA last season (52.2%). His 2019-20 season, in which he averaged 23 points, was cut short after 14 games due to a right foot injury.
14. Boston Celtics (from Memphis Grizzlies) • Cole An