As I sit down to compile this ranking of the top 2020 NBA prospects, I can't help but reflect on how differently this draft class has been evaluated compared to previous years. Having followed basketball prospects for over a decade, I've noticed that the 2020 class presents unique challenges in assessment due to the disrupted collegiate and international seasons. The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented circumstances that limited scouting opportunities and altered development paths, making this perhaps the most difficult draft evaluation I've ever undertaken.
When I first started analyzing these players back in 2018, the landscape looked completely different. Anthony Edwards was still primarily focused on football, LaMelo Ball was playing in Lithuania, and James Wiseman had just begun his much-hyped college career that would last only three games. The traditional evaluation metrics we've relied on for years - full college seasons, combine measurements, extensive interview processes - were largely unavailable this time around. This forced me to rely more heavily on game tape from alternative leagues and trusted connections within NBA front offices.
The number one spot on my board goes to Anthony Edwards from Georgia, and I'm quite confident in this selection despite what some analysts might say. Edwards combines elite athleticism with a scoring package that reminds me of a young Dwyane Wade. At 6'5" with a 6'9" wingspan and weighing 225 pounds, he possesses the prototypical build for an NBA shooting guard. What really stands out in my view is his explosive first step and ability to finish through contact - he converted 67.4% of his attempts at the rim during his lone college season, an impressive figure given the defensive attention he commanded. Some critics point to his inconsistent three-point shooting (29.4% from deep), but I believe his mechanics are solid and will improve with NBA coaching.
My second-ranked prospect, James Wiseman, presents what I consider the highest ceiling of any player in this draft. Standing 7'1" with a 7'6" wingspan, he's the kind of physical specimen that doesn't come around often. Having watched his limited college action closely, I was particularly impressed by his fluid movement for his size and his developing touch around the basket. The Memphis center averaged 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds in his three games while blocking 3.0 shots per contest. The limited sample size does concern me somewhat, but his dominance in those appearances against quality competition confirms his status as a top prospect in my evaluation.
LaMelo Ball occupies the third spot on my list, and I'll admit I've gone back and forth on his placement more than any other prospect. His court vision is truly special - I'd argue he's the best passing prospect since Jason Kidd entered the league. During his time with the Illawarra Hawks in Australia's NBL, he averaged 7.6 assists despite playing just 31 minutes per game. The concerns about his shooting mechanics and defensive focus are valid, but at 6'7", he has the size and creativity to become an elite NBA playmaker. His brother Lonzo's development gives me confidence that LaMelo will similarly improve his shooting over time.
What fascinates me about this draft class is how international prospects have risen in prominence. Beyond Ball, players like Deni Avdija from Israel and Killian Hayes from France have cemented themselves as lottery picks in my estimation. Avdija's performance against grown professionals in the EuroLeague - where he shot 38.7% from three-point range in his final 15 games - demonstrates his readiness for the NBA game. Hayes, meanwhile, shows incredible poise in pick-and-roll situations, averaging 12.8 points and 6.2 assists in the German BBL last season.
The reference to "Mamaya NorthPort. Pero sa opening, baka iba na 'yun" from PBA commissioner Marcial resonates with me when thinking about how draft projections can change rapidly. Just as team situations evolve in professional leagues, prospect evaluations transform throughout the pre-draft process. Players I had ranked significantly lower earlier in the year, like Tyrese Haliburton and Patrick Williams, have climbed my board due to impressive interviews and workout performances. Haliburton's basketball IQ is off the charts - he averaged 6.5 assists against just 2.5 turnovers at Iowa State - while Williams combines defensive versatility with offensive potential that reminds me of a young Pascal Siakam.
As I look back at my final rankings, I'm struck by how much weight I've given to proven production versus untapped potential. Prospects like Obi Toppin, who dominated at Dayton with 20.0 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 63.3% from the field, provide a safer floor, while players like Precious Achiuwa offer tremendous defensive upside but need significant offensive development. In my experience, teams often overthink these decisions - sometimes the player who dominated against quality competition is the better bet, even if his athletic testing numbers aren't as impressive.
The depth of this class surprises me, particularly in the guard department. Beyond the lottery picks, players like Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton, and Theo Maledon would likely have been first-round locks in most drafts. Anthony's difficult season at North Carolina - where he shot just 38.0% from the field - obscures what I believe is legitimate NBA scoring ability, while Hampton's athleticism and Maledon's professional experience provide intriguing upside.
What ultimately separates these prospects in my evaluation is their projected fit within modern NBA systems. The game has shifted toward positionless basketball, emphasizing shooting, switchability, and playmaking across all positions. Prospects like Devin Vassell and Isaac Okoro rank highly on my board because of their defensive versatility and high basketball IQ, even if their offensive games need refinement. Vassell's combination of length (6'10" wingspan) and shooting (41.7% from three) makes him an ideal three-and-D wing, while Okoro's defensive instincts and finishing ability translate well to today's NBA.
Looking back at my process, I recognize that prospect evaluation remains as much art as science. The analytics provide valuable benchmarks, but the eye test and intuition developed through years of observation still play crucial roles. The 2020 class may lack the surefire superstars of previous drafts, but I'm confident several players from this group will develop into All-Stars. The unusual circumstances surrounding this evaluation process have forced me to trust my instincts more than ever, and I'm excited to see how these rankings hold up over time. History tells us that some players I've ranked highly will disappoint, while others I've undervalued will exceed expectations - that's what makes the NBA Draft perpetually fascinating.