A Look Back at the Top Picks From the NBA 2020 Draft

Looking back at the 2020 NBA Draft now, with several seasons under our belts, I can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and surprise at how things have unfolded. I remember watching the draft live, scribbling notes and making predictions—some spot on, others hilariously off the mark. At the time, the buzz was all about Anthony Edwards going first overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and LaMelo Ball landing with the Charlotte Hornets at pick three. Both have since blossomed into All-Stars, but what fascinates me even more are the stories unfolding further down the board—the late-round gems and the teams that managed to build something special from what seemed like uncertain picks. It reminds me of a point made by Coach Tim Cone in a different context, discussing team dynamics in Philippine basketball. He once said, "I think we are kinda underrating Blackwater because Barefield and David have been playing major minutes and they have been in and out of the line-up. [The game against Rain or Shine] was really the first game they kinda played together, but they came off the bench." That insight resonates deeply when I analyze the NBA draft: we often overlook how player chemistry, roles, and gradual integration can transform a team’s fortunes, much like how certain 2020 draftees took time to find their footing but eventually shined.

Take Anthony Edwards, for instance. Selected first by the Timberwolves, he came in with high expectations as a dynamic scorer, but his rookie year was a bit rocky—he averaged 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, yet his shooting efficiency was just 41.7% from the field. I’ll admit, I had doubts early on, thinking he might be another athletic wing who struggles with consistency. But fast forward to today, and he’s evolved into a bona fide superstar, leading Minnesota to playoff relevance and even dropping 30-point games like it’s nothing. What changed? It wasn’t just his raw talent; it was how the team built around him, giving him the minutes and trust to grow, similar to how Cone emphasized the importance of players like Barefield and David getting time together, even if off the bench. Edwards’s journey underscores that top picks aren’t just about immediate impact—they’re long-term investments that pay off when the pieces align.

Then there’s LaMelo Ball, the flashy point guard picked third by the Hornets. I’ve always been a fan of his playmaking flair, and he didn’t disappoint, snagging Rookie of the Year honors with averages of 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. But what many overlook is how injuries and team rotations affected his development. In his second season, he played only 36 games due to a wrist issue, and the Hornets’ record dipped to 43-39, missing the playoffs. That’s where Cone’s analogy hits home: if key players are in and out of the lineup, it disrupts the chemistry, and we risk underestimating a team’s potential. I recall thinking Charlotte might regret not trading up for a more reliable option, but watching Ball bounce back with All-Star appearances has taught me to be patient. His ability to elevate the offense when healthy—like in a game where he notched a triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists—shows why draft picks are worth the gamble, even if they don’t click right away.

Beyond the lottery, the 2020 draft had its share of steals. Tyrese Haliburton, picked 12th by the Sacramento Kings, is one I’m particularly fond of because I’ve followed his college career and loved his high-IQ play. He was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2022, and since then, he’s averaged around 20.7 points and 10.4 assists, emerging as a franchise cornerstone. But let’s not forget the later rounds: Desmond Bane at 30th to the Memphis Grizzlies has been a revelation, putting up 18.2 points per game and shooting over 40% from three-point range. I remember scoffing at first, thinking Memphis reached for a role player, but Bane’s growth into a two-way threat proves that draft night “reaches” can turn into core pieces. It’s like how Cone pointed out that underestimating a team because of lineup fluctuations is a mistake—Bane’s gradual integration into Memphis’s system, much like Barefield and David coming off the bench, allowed him to thrive without the pressure of immediate stardom.

On the flip side, some picks haven’t panned out as hoped. James Wiseman, the second overall selection by the Golden State Warriors, struggled with injuries and fit, playing only 39 games in his first two seasons and eventually being traded. I was initially excited about his potential, given his 7-foot frame and athleticism, but in hindsight, the Warriors’ win-now environment might have stifled his development. It’s a reminder that draft success isn’t just about talent; it’s about context. If a player like Wiseman had landed on a rebuilding team with more minutes, maybe he’d be averaging double-doubles by now. This ties back to Cone’s insight—when key pieces are in flux, we tend to write off potential too quickly. In the NBA, that means reevaluating picks based on their situations, not just their stats.

Reflecting on all this, the 2020 NBA Draft feels like a masterclass in patience and perspective. We’ve seen stars rise, sleepers awaken, and a few misses, but the overarching lesson is that team dynamics and gradual integration are just as crucial as individual talent. As someone who’s covered basketball for years, I’ve learned to avoid snap judgments—like how Cone warned against underestimating Blackwater because of lineup changes. In the NBA, that translates to giving draftees time to mesh, whether they’re top picks or late-round fliers. Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how players like Edwards and Ball continue to evolve, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a few more 2020 picks break out in the coming seasons. After all, in drafts as in life, the best stories often unfold slowly, piece by piece.