Looking back at the 2020 NBA Draft, I’ve got to say—it’s one of those classes that keeps revealing new layers even years later. I remember watching the virtual draft from my living room, notebook in hand, thinking I had a decent read on how things would shake out. But man, was I wrong. The surprises started early and kept coming, reshaping teams and careers in ways nobody fully anticipated. If you’d told me then that a kid from the G League Ignite would outshine established college stars, or that a second-rounder would become a cornerstone for a playoff team, I might have laughed. But here we are, three seasons in, and the 2020 class has proven to be one of the most unpredictably fascinating groups in recent memory.
One of the biggest shockers, at least in my view, was Anthony Edwards going first overall. Don’t get me wrong—he had the athleticism and raw talent, but there were questions about his shooting consistency and defensive focus. I recall analysts debating whether LaMelo Ball or James Wiseman should be the top pick, with Edwards sometimes sliding to third in mock drafts. Fast forward to today, and Edwards isn’t just a star; he’s a franchise player who led the Timberwolves to a playoff run and dropped 30-point games like it was nothing. His growth as a three-point shooter—from 32.9% as a rookie to over 36% last season—has been remarkable. It’s a reminder that sometimes the “safe” picks aren’t the ones that change your team’s trajectory.
Then there’s LaMelo Ball, who went third to the Charlotte Hornets. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the hype surrounding him, given his unconventional path and the media circus. But Ball silenced critics quickly, snagging Rookie of the Year and making his first All-Star team by his second season. His playmaking vision is elite—he averaged nearly 8 assists per game in 2022-23—and he’s turned the Hornets into must-watch TV. What surprises me most, though, is how he’s matured as a leader. I’ve covered the league for over a decade, and it’s rare to see a young player elevate a franchise’s culture so fast. If you’re asking me, "What were the biggest surprises in the 2020 NBA Draft class?" Ball’s immediate impact has to be near the top of the list.
But the draft wasn’t just about the lottery picks. The second round was where the real steals happened, and that’s something I’ve always loved digging into. Take Desmond Bane, for example. Selected 30th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, he was seen as a solid role player at best. Now, he’s a key scorer averaging over 20 points a game and shooting above 40% from deep. It makes you wonder how so many teams passed on him. This kind of late-round value reminds me of stories from other leagues, like the PBA, where hidden gems emerge unexpectedly. For instance, the second-round pick of Phoenix in the 2016 PBA draft saw his nine-year stint in the pro league come to an abrupt end when he was left unsigned by Terrafirma when his old contract expired last November. It’s a stark contrast to the NBA’s success stories, highlighting how draft surprises can go both ways—some players exceed expectations, while others fade away despite early promise.
Another jaw-dropper was Tyrese Haliburton falling to 12th. I remember talking to scouts who had him as a top-5 talent, but concerns about his unorthodox shot mechanics and fit with certain teams caused the slide. The Kings picked him, and he immediately proved his worth before being traded to the Pacers, where he’s blossomed into an All-Star. Haliburton’s court vision is just insane—he put up 10 assists per game last season, and his ability to control the pace is something you can’t teach. In my opinion, his rise underscores a broader trend: teams are overthinking the draft process. They focus too much on “flaws” and miss the bigger picture of basketball IQ and intangibles.
Of course, not every surprise was positive. James Wiseman, the second overall pick, has struggled with injuries and consistency, bouncing from the Warriors to the Pistons. I thought he’d be a dominant big man, but his development has been slower than expected. Then there’s Killian Hayes, drafted seventh by the Pistons, who hasn’t lived up to the hype as a playmaker. It’s a reminder that the draft is a gamble, and even high picks can falter. On the flip side, undrafted players like Max Strus and Jae’Sean Tate carved out solid roles, showing that persistence and fit matter as much as draft position.
From my perspective, the 2020 class teaches us that adaptability and opportunity are everything. Players like Isaiah Stewart, a late first-rounder who became a defensive anchor for the Pistons, or Immanuel Quickley, the 25th pick who’s now a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, exemplify this. I’ve spoken to coaches who emphasize that post-draft development systems—like the G League and tailored training—are becoming game-changers. In fact, looking at the data, second-round picks from 2020 have combined for over 10,000 total points so far, a stat that blows my mind. It’s not just about where you’re drafted; it’s about what you do after.
Wrapping this up, I’d say the 2020 NBA Draft class is a testament to the unpredictability of sports. Whether it’s Edwards’ ascent, Ball’s flair, or the second-round gems, these surprises have reshaped the league landscape. As a fan and analyst, I love how it keeps us on our toes—because in the end, that’s what makes basketball so thrilling. If you’re still pondering what were the biggest surprises in the 2020 NBA Draft class, just look at the standings and stats; the answers are there, and they’re still unfolding.