Team Needs For The 2020 NBA Draft.

By Reese Holliday (TMCvision)

Minnesota Timberwolves

Biggest Needs: The best guy available.

Pick: 1

For almost a year now, there have been three names in the conversation for the first pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Anthony Edwards. LaMelo Ball. James Wiseman.

If they choose anybody outside of those three with this pick, then more than likely somebody will get fired. And if they aren’t, they should be. Pairing Edwards alongside D’Angelo Russell in the backcourt is too good of an opportunity to pass on. Period.

Golden State Warriors

Biggest Needs: A center.

Pick: 2

It’s no secret that the Dubs are lacking an inside presence on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. The question is will they spend their second overall draft pick on filling that void or package it in a deal to garner another wing or frontcourt player. Seeing as the Warriors ranked in the bottom third of the league in rebounding and blocked shots last season, it seems as if it would be a no-brainer on what position they are going after if they keep the pick.

Charlotte Hornets

Biggest Needs: The next franchise guy.

Pick: 3

With the third overall pick, I have no idea how the Hornets would go anywhere besides LaMelo Ball if he is still available. With the departure of Kemba Walker last offseason, the Hornets are in limbo and are searching for somebody to take the keys. LaMelo Ball is that guy. Period.

Even with the emergence of Devonte’ Graham this past season, they shouldn’t let that deter from taking another guard such as Ball or Killian Hayes in that situation.

Chicago Bulls

Biggest Needs: A playmaking guard or forward.

Pick: 4

I can see the Bulls going a few different directions with this pick. Pairing another young guard such as Killian Hayes with Lavine to. Move him off the ball some more. This can enhance the offensive efficiency that the youthful group lacked this past season. A player with the 2-way ability of Isaac Okoro could make a big difference for the Bulls defensively with his ability to keep guys out of the paint. Chicago gave up about 50 points a night last year. The contracts of Otto Porter and Lauri Markannen are question marks at this point. They should add Deni Avidja for shooting in case they lose either.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Biggest Needs: A frontcourt player.

Pick: 5

The backcourt of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland are being anointed the guards of the future for this organization. That means they will most likely look for an opportunity to tighten up their frontcourt. Andre Drummond is only under contract for one more season before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Kevin Love has been the topic of trade rumors ever since he became a Cavalier. With the fifth overall pick. The Cavs should have their choice of the litter with power forwards and centers in this draft.

Atlanta Hawks

Biggest Needs: A shot creator or a rim protector.

Pick: 6

The Atlanta Hawks have found their cornerstone franchise piece for the next decade. Trae Young.

Now, they must find players that can fit with him and help stay away from the exponentially high usage rate he finished the 2019–20 season with. Tyrese Maxey is a player that can be solve this puzzle. While not always being given the chance to showcase his playmaking ability while in Lexington, it’s well documented what Maxey’s ability is on the offensive end.

Deni Avidja’s ability as a creator is going to be hard to pass up with the sixth pick. John Collins, as good as he is this early, is no defensive anchor and probably never will be. If Wiseman just so happens to be hanging around when the Hawks are on the clock, he would be a great option to strengthen their lack of interior defense.

Detroit Pistons

Biggest Needs: A playmaking guard.

Pick: 7

With a total rebuild in play at this point for the Pistons, the biggest question is who will lead it? Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin are the only contributing veterans mostly. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pistons drafted the best talent available regardless of position when they’re on the clock. Lead guards such as Kira Lewis or Killian Hayes that can learn under the tutelage of a rejuvenated D-Rose last season is the most logical way to go. Lewis has that extra gear with speed on the court. Similar to prime Rose. Again, I said similar .

While Hayes isn’t the same caliber of athlete, his dynamic playmaking ability may be just what this Pistons offense needs. Deciding to go with a versatile big like Onyeka Okungwu to pair with Griffin in the twilight of his career makes a bunch of sense.

New York Knicks

Biggest Needs: POINT GUARD. And that’s with emphasis.

Pick: 8

No point guard on the New York Knicks roster has proven to be the guy to get this keys. Literally, not one. And at the eight spot, the Knicks should have several options that are still available at the one.

With the Knicks being towards the bottom of the league in all statistical categories involving assists, a creator is the number one thing that needs to be fixed with this team. Killian Hayes, Cole Anthony, Kira Lewis, Tyrese Haliburton and RJ Hampton are all players I think will still be available when the Knicks when the time comes.

Washington Wizards

Biggest Needs: Perimeter defense.

Pick: 9

Near the bottom of nearly every defensive statistic last season, you could find the Washington Wizards. Even Bradley Beal, who has always been known as an above average defender, looked putrid on that end at times. Mainly because of the offensive load he had to shoulder with John Wall being out. Wall will be back this season, but the questions about Washington’s ability to defend remain.

Finding someone in this draft that can help take the burden off Beal’s shoulders of guarding the opposing team’s best wing player every night should be the goal. Luckily, there will be several wing defenders available, more than likely at the ninth spot. Isaac Okoro (if you are lucky), Ja’hmius Ramsey, Patrick Williams, and Devin Vassell each fit what the Wizards should look for.

Phoenix Suns

Biggest Needs: Point guard.

Pick: 10

Similar to the Knicks, Phoenix should look for a point guard to pair with Devin Booker for the future. This is no slight to Rubio who is coming off of a very successful season. But to have a young guard learn under his tutelage these last two years under contract with the Suns seems like one of the better routes to take.

San Antonio Spurs

Biggest Needs: A guy who fits the culture.

Pick: 11

For the Spurs draft picks, I believe fitting the culture is one of the most important factors. A guy like RJ Hampton who has already spent a year playing professionally and is accustomed to moving as such can be seen as a much more enticing pick. Patrick Williams and his Swiss Army knife versatility would be a perfect fit in the Spurs system next to guys like Lonnie Walker and Jakob Poeltl.

I’m not sure if there is a player that screams San Antonio Spurs more than Tyrese Haliburton out of Iowa State. With Derozan and Aldridge having contract years coming up, we might witness a full rebuild in San Antonio for the first time in a couple decades. The most important thing when rebuilding is having guys who fit the mold.

Sacramento Kings

Biggest Needs: Wing Defender

Pick: 12

A defensive-minded wing player can always be useful in a league where the most dominant guys are usually at that spot. Toward the backend of the lottery, there should be plenty of options that fit.

Ideally, if Isaac Okoro is still available, that would be the best choice. Even without him still being on the board, it can work. Guys like Jahmi’us Ramsey, Pat Williams, Devin Vassell and Aaron Nesmith are all viable options with their defensive versatility.

New Orleans Pelicans

Biggest Needs: A supplemental piece that compliments their young core.

Pick: 13

The Pelicans have found their guys they are planning to build around in Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. The next step is to find plug-and-play guys that can come in and contribute meaningful minutes. Preferably a perimeter player that can help space the floor and defend.

The Pelicans seemed to struggle with this more often than not. At the backend of the lottery, they should still have a pretty good crop of guys who fit that mold left.

Boston Celtics

Biggest Needs: Some size and shooting.

Pick: 14

It’s no secret that the Boston Celtics lack of size has been their biggest issue. Real babies in the street out there in TD. With the lack of bigs that are presumed lottery worthy, I see the C’s targeting bigs with their later first round picks. Instead, I can see them going after some much needed shooting on the perimeter with the last pick of the lottery.

With that being said, Aaron Nesmith and Saddiq Bey would more than likely be the best left on the board that fills the mold.

If the whispers of RJ Hampton’s jumper being vastly improved are correct, I could see them spending that pick on adding some guard depth. I repeat, I mean IF.