Wiseman moves to No. 1 spot
NEW YORK — We knew this draft would be unpredictable.
There aren’t set stars at the top, not like last year with a locked-in order of Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and RJ Barrett. These prospects are far from sure things.
In addition, the scouting capabilities are muddied because of a pandemic and the teams with the top two picks have immediate playoff aspirations.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: James Wiseman (Memphis)
Center: Wiseman has risen to the top. He was the top of his class a year ago but only played three games at Memphis after being ruled ineligible. His NBA-ready body and two-way potential also arrives with concerns about his motor and feel for the game.
2. Golden State Warriors: La Melo Ball (Illawarra — Australia)
Point guard: I think Golden State is going to deal this pick, and it should get a nice return for Ball, who carries the greatest potential in this draft as a flashy 6-8 playmaker.
3. Hornets: Anthony Edwards (Georgia)
Guard: The Hornets absolutely need a center, and there’s scuttlebutt around the league about them taking USC’s Onyeka Okongwu. We think that’s too much of a leap and they’ll go with Edwards.
4. Chicago Bulls: Obi Toppin (Dayton)
Forward: The top three picks are expected and it gets interesting with the Bulls, who are still trying to find the star to lead their young core. We’re not sold on Zach LaVine as a top player. Toppin is a highlight machine, but there are questions about his position — can he guard the perimeter?
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Deni Avdija (Maccabi Tel Aviv — Israel)
Wing: Avdija is a big playmaker from Israel who looks and plays like Dario Saric. His shot has gotten better, and that’s the key to his NBA success because he’s not going to blow by defenders.
6. Atlanta Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu (USC)
Forward/Center: Versatile finisher and rim protector who averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks as a freshman. The Hawks need that type of defensive presence in the paint.
7. Detroit Pistons: Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa State)
Point guard: A leader and playmaker with good size for a point guard. He can also play off the ball so he can fit next to Derrick Rose or whomever the Pistons put forth as the lead guard.
8.New York Knicks: Killian Hayes (Ulm — Germany)
Point guard: The Knicks need a lead guard and Hayes is a crafty prospect who knows how to use his size to get where he wants. Think Andre Miller.
9. Washington Wizards: Isaac Okoro (Auburn)
Wing: A stopper who defends the perimeter arguably better than anybody in the draft. With Bradley Beal and John Wall focusing on the other end, Okoro should fit in nicely.
10. Phoenix Suns: Devin Vassell (Florida State)
Wing: Phoenix looks to take the next step after a surprising runin the Orlando bubble. A 3-and-D prospect in Vassell sounds appealing.
11. San Antonio Spurs: Patrick Williams (Florida State)
Forward: A raw talent and the Spurs are good at grooming these types of players. A prototypical role player in Gregg Popovich’s system.
12. Sacramento Kings: Aaron Nesmith (Vanderbilt)
Forward: Nesmith’s strength is the outside shot and he can space the floor for the Kings, who may not want to match free-agent offers for Bogdan Bogdanovic.
13. New Orleans Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr. (Alabama)
Point guard: The speedster is actually my preferred pick for the Knicks and they can probably trade down to get him.