NBA Draft (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
A new class of players was welcomed on Wednesday night in the NBA Draft
The NBA Draft took place on Wednesday night, welcoming in a class of 60 new NBA players into the league. Emotions were high with players in the comfort of their own homes due to the remote broadcasting of the draft, and we got our first look at the newest young players of the league.
Each player has an abundance of skills and weaknesses to pick apart and pore over prior to the start of the new NBA season. But if we boil it down to one thing, the thing they are the best at, where does each prospect land?
Let’s take a look, 1-through-30, at the best skill of each player drafted in the first-round.
1. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves; Scoring
When it comes to Anthony Edwards, his scoring jumps off the page. Averaging 19.1 points per game in his lone season at Georgia, he led his team in scoring by a wide margin with the next closest teammate at fewer than 13 points per game.
While there are some concerns over his shot from range (he made just 29.4 percent of his 3-point attempts in his freshman season), his serviceable free-throw shooting provides some confidence in coach ability with his shooting.
3-point shooting at the college level is hardly a true indicator of long-term shooting strength given that the distance is different from NCAA to college, anyway.
Edwards will score, it will just be a matter of where those shots come on the floor.
2. James Wiseman – Golden State Warriors; Offense above the rim
James Wiseman is a quick, athletic big man who has hints of some of the all-time greats in their prime in his offensive game.
While we didn’t get to see much of Edwards due to a short-lived run at Memphis in his freshman season, Wiseman’s size and strength alone will guarantee he gets some immediate action at the run on his own accord or from lobs from teammates (potentially Steph Curry, if he stays in Golden State?).
3. LaMelo Ball – Charlotte Hornets; Playmaking
LaMelo Ball will be an elite playmaker right from the start as a Charlotte Hornet. His highly anticipated debut will come off the heels of a year spent playing in Australia, and in that year as a pro overseas Ball averaged 6.8 assists per game (7.9 per 36 minutes).
Ball will score on his own, and though there are questions about his ability as a shooter, his playmaking is a strength from day one.
4. Patrick Williams – Chicago Bulls; Great teammate
“Great teammate” comes off as a slight sometimes, but it’s a great thing in the context of Williams.
Any scouting report on Patrick Williams will tell you about his unselfish play style and his emphasis on team-oriented defense.
Simple, Williams is a great teammate, something that will help the four players around him and gain him immediate respect in this league.
From his coach, per SacTown Royalty:
“He’s a great teammate, he has an unselfish spirit…He’s probably the youngest player in the draft, so it’s going to take some maturity for him to assimilate into the NBA system and style of play.”
5. Isaac Okoro – Cleveland Cavaliers; Defense
Isaac Okoro is a lock-down, elite defensive player who Bruce Pearl on Wednesday night claimed could guard one-through-five. Pearl also claimed Okoro was the best defensive player in the draft, and that’s probably true.
Versatility on the defensive end is a huge skill to have in today’s NBA.
NBA Draft</a> took place on Wednesday night, welcoming in a class of 60 new NBA players into the league. Emotions were high with players in the comfort of their own homes due to the remote broadcasting of the draft, and we got our first look at the newest young players of the league.</p>
<p>Each player has an abundance of skills and weaknesses to pick apart and pore over prior to the start of the new NBA season. But if we boil it down to one thing, the thing they are the <em>best</em> at, where does each prospect land?</p>
<p>Let’s take a look, 1-through-30, at the best skill of each player drafted in the first-round.</p>
<h2>1. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves; Scoring</h2>
<p>When it comes to Anthony Edwards, his scoring jumps off the page. Averaging 19.1 points per game in his lone season at Georgia, he led his team in scoring by a wide margin with the next closest teammate at fewer than 13 points per game.</p>
<p>While there are some concerns over his shot from range (he made just 29.4 percent of his 3-point attempts in his freshman season), his serviceable free-throw shooting provides some confidence in coach ability with his shooting.</p>
<p>3-point shooting at the college level is hardly a true indicator of long-term shooting strength given that the distance is different from NCAA to college, anyway.</p>
<p>Edwards will score, it will just be a matter of where those shots come on the floor.</p>
<h2>2. James Wiseman – Golden State Warriors; Offense above the rim</h2>
<p>James Wiseman is a quick, athletic big man who has hints of some of the all-time greats in their prime in his offensive game.</p>
<p>While we didn’t get to see much of Edwards due to a short-lived run at Memphis in his freshman season, Wiseman’s size and strength alone will guarantee he gets some immediate action at the run on his own accord or from lobs from teammates (potentially Steph Curry, if he stays in Golden State?).</p>
<h2>3. LaMelo Ball – Charlotte Hornets; Playmaking</h2>
<p>LaMelo Ball will be an elite playmaker right from the start as a Charlotte Hornet. His highly anticipated debut will come off the heels of a year spent playing in Australia, and in that year as a pro overseas Ball averaged 6.8 assists per game (7.9 per 36 minutes).</p>
<p>Ball will score on his own, and though there are questions about his ability as a shooter, his playmaking is a strength from day one.</p>
<h2>4. Patrick Williams – Chicago Bulls; Great teammate</h2>
<p>“Great teammate” comes off as a slight sometimes, but it’s a great thing in the context of Williams.</p>
<p>Any scouting report on Patrick Williams will tell you about his unselfish play style and his emphasis on team-oriented defense.</p>
<p>Simple, Williams is a great teammate, something that will help the four players around him and gain him immediate respect in this league.</p>
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/18/nba-draft-best-skill-anthony-edwards-30-first-round-selections/"https://www.sactownroyalty.com/2020/9/28/21492766/kings-patrick-williams-fsu-2020-nba-draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">From his coach</a>, per SacTown Royalty:</p>
<blockquote><p>“He’s a great teammate, he has an unselfish spirit…He’s probably the youngest player in the draft, so it’s going to take some maturity for him to assimilate into the NBA system and style of play.”</p></blockquote>
<h2>5. Isaac Okoro – Cleveland Cavaliers; Defense</h2>
<p>Isaac Okoro is a lock-down, elite defensive player who Bruce Pearl on Wednesday night claimed could guard one-through-five. Pearl also claimed Okoro was the best defensive player in the draft, and that’s probably true.</p>
<p>Versatility on the defensive end is a huge skill to have in today’s NBA.</p>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-394183" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/18/nba-draft-best-skill-anthony-edwards-30-first-round-selections/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1068,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1206164102.jpeg" alt="NBA Draft" width="1600" height="1068" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1206164102.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1206164102-768x513.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA Draft (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>6. Onyeka Okongwu – Atlanta Hawks; Defensive versatility</h2>
<p>Onyeka Okongwu, much like Patrick Williams and Isaac Okoro is a talented, versatile defender. While his offensive game shows promise his well, the first thing that comes to mind with the USC project is his defense.</p>
<h2>7. Killian Hayes – Detroit Pistons; Ball handling</h2>
<p>For Killian Hayes, ball handling immediately stands out. Some have compared his posture and offensive style to that of James Harden, and the patient, dribble-heavy isolation game does parallel Harden’s offensive game.</p>
<p>While things like his step back jumper have the potential to be lethal, every move in his arsenal ultimately rests on that high-quality dribble game.</p>
<h2>8. Obi Toppin – New York Knicks; Shooting</h2>
<p>Obi Toppin’s shooting comes to mind in a draft that lacks a lot of promise from the 3-ball territory. The Dayton project shot 39.0 percent from beyond the 3-point line on 2.6 attempts per game in the 2019-20 season, averaging an impressive 20.0 points per game.</p>
<p>The Knicks were prepared to trade up to get Toppin, but thankfully for them, he fell right in their lap at eight overall.</p>
<h2>9. Deni Avdija – Washington Wizards; Offensive versatility</h2>
<p>Offensive versatility is what comes to mind as a major strength for Deni Avdija. He’s going to be a major challenge for even the most professional lock-down defenders at the pro level.</p>
<p>Now, imagine that alongside Rui Hachimura, another offensively versatile player. Add in the possibility of Bradley Beal and John Wall on the same team and the Wizards are suddenly looking scary next year.</p>
<h2>10. Jalen Smith – Phoenix Suns; Pick-and-pop</h2>
<p>Jalen Smith’s pick and pop ability will make him a difficult big to guard, particularly if he can add a strong roll game as well.</p>
<p>With a wiry frame, he won’t be quite the threat from the inside, so having the ability to space the floor is necessary for him to have instant impact in the NBA.</p>
<p>Smith sank 36.8 percent of his 3-point shots last year.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA Draft (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>11. Devin Vassell – San Antonio Spurs; Isolation defender</h2>
<p>While in today’s NBA switchability and team defense are probably valued at a little bit more of a premium, isolation defense is a good skill to have, especially for a young player.</p>
<p>Per NBA.com, Vassell ranks in the 81th percentile in isolation defense, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/18/nba-draft-best-skill-anthony-edwards-30-first-round-selections/"https://www.nba.com/draft/2020/prospects/devin-vassell#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allowing just 0.50 points per possession</a>.</p>
<h2>12. Tyrese Haliburton – Sacramento Kings; Passing and playmaking</h2>
<p>Much like Lonzo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton’s number one skill is his ball movement and passing ability. He’ll have an unselfish temperament coming into his rookie season after averaging 6.5 assists per game in his sophomore season at Iowa.</p>
<p>Whether or not he can read pro-level defenses, we’ll soon find out.</p>
<h2>13. Kira Lewis – New Orleans Pelicans; Speed</h2>
<p>Lewis is a quick guard and is going to excel if the team he is on is looking to run.</p>
<p>In transition, he’ll be a major offensive threat. He’ll need to make sure he’s not careless in those situations, but his quickness should be an asset in the league.</p>
<h2>14. Aaron Nesmith – Boston Celtics; 3&D</h2>
<p>Technically this is two things packaged in one, but the 3&D package is one teams covet. Look at a player like Robert Covington, who has essentially placed his entire career on the foundation of 3-point shooting and defense, and it’s easy to see how Nesmith can be succesful in the NBA.</p>
<p>Nesmith shot 52.2 percent beyond the arc in 2019-20.</p>
<h2>15. Cole Anthony – Orlando Magic; Scoring</h2>
<p>Cole Anthony averaged 18.5 points at UNC in his lone season as a Tar Heel, shooting nearly 35 percent beyond the arc and 40 percent from the 2-point zone. His ability to score is evident, and it’ll be much needed for a Magic team that was 24th in the NBA in points per game.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA Draft (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>16. Isaiah Stewart – Portland Trail Blazers (traded to Pistons); Strength</h2>
<p>At 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, Isiah Stewart is a force to be reckoned with. He’ll have the strength and mass to body defenders on the offensive end and be a stalwart on the defensive end, provided he puts the effort in on that end of the floor.</p>
<h2>17. Aleksej Pokusevski – Minnesota Timberwolves (traded to Thunder) Stretching the floor</h2>
<p>Aleksej Pokusevski is still hitting growth spurts, and his shooting ability combined with that will make him an attractive stretch four.</p>
<h2>18. Josh Green – Dallas Mavericks; Energetic defense</h2>
<p>Players might have the physical capabilities and athleticism to be elite defenders, but without the effort, it means nothing. Josh Green is engaged and active on the defensive end, and that’s something that he’ll bring to the table right away in his rookie season.</p>
<h2>19. Saddiq Bey – Detroit Pistons; Efficiency</h2>
<p>50 percent from the 2-point zone and 45.1 percent from beyond the arc for 16.1 points per game was Saddiq Bey’s offensive season in 2019-20 at Villanova. That’s impressive efficiency and if he can even come close to that at the NBA level, he’ll be a major success.</p>
<h2>20. Precious Achiuwa- Miami Heat; Switchability on defense</h2>
<p>The Miami Heat could use more switchability. They run an uncharacteristic defense with a lot of zone baked in, and having guys that can guard multiple positions is always a plus for their system.</p>
<p>Lucky for them, their guy in Precious Achiuwa brings that to the table. He can guard virtually any position and switch onto whomever, and he very well may be a great backup to Bam Adebayo on the defensive end of the floor.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA Draft (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>21. Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers; Scoring</h2>
<p>Tyrese Maxey should be able to establish a balanced shot profile over time, but from day one he’ll be a scorer. With the ability to play either guard spot, Maxey will find a way to score from day one in the league.</p>
<p>Per NBA.com, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/18/nba-draft-best-skill-anthony-edwards-30-first-round-selections/"https://www.nba.com/draft/2020/prospects/tyrese-maxey?ls=nba#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s what his head coach John Calipari had to say</a> about his game:</p>
<blockquote><p>“He is going to do great in [the NBA] because there’s nothing he can’t do. He can handle the ball, he can shoot, he has got great athleticism and he really defended as the season went on. In a lot of ways, he reminds me of what Jamal Murray was able to do, and we know how well he has done in the NBA.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Maxey averaged 14.0 points per game in his lone season as a Kentucky Wildcat.</p>
<p>The Sixers do need some more shooters. They acquired Danny Green as a part of this deal to get the 21st pick and that will help to some degree, but Maxey can carve out a strong role with the team if he can sink more of his shots from beyond the arc.</p>
<p>His 83.3 percent free-throw shooting percentage in his freshman season is an encouraging sign.</p>
<h2>22. Zeke Nnaji – Denver Nuggets; HANDS on the boards</h2>
<p>Zeke Nnaji was an incredible rebounder in his lone season as an Arizona Wildcat. Pulling in 11.3 rebounds per 40 minutes as a freshman, he pulled balls off the board with vengeance.</p>
<p>You’ll think he has glue on those hands when he goes up to get boards. And as was on display on his selection ESPN feature on Wednesday night, those hands allow him to play some <em>beautiful</em> piano as well.</p>
<p>Beyond those rebounds evaluators talk a lot about his motor and ability to get to the free-throw line (where he shot 76.0 percent in his freshman year).</p>
<h2>23. Leandro Bolmaro – New York Knicks (traded to Timberwolves); Size and court vision</h2>
<p>Leandro Bolmaro has an unrelenting motor, but his biggest advantage is the combination of his stature and passing mentality. While standing at 6-7, quite a bit taller than what one might consider to be a playmaker, he looks to facilitate for his teammates at all times.</p>
<p>Combining that height and visibility with a knack for passing is huge for Bolmaro.</p>
<h2>24. RJ Hampton- New Orleans Pelicans (traded to Denver Nuggets); Ball handling</h2>
<p>RJ Hampton is a phenomenal ball handler and put that on full display in his time with the New Zealand Breakers. He uses that ball handling to carve out a path for himself and create for teammates.</p>
<h2>25. Immanuel Quickley – OKC Thunder (traded to NY Knicks); Shooting</h2>
<p>There’s a lot to like about Quickley, but right off the bat you have to talk about his shooting. He shot 42.8 percent from beyond the arc last season, a major improvement on higher volume from the season before (34.5 percent). From the free-throw line he hit a surgical 92.3 percent of his shots.</p>
<p>Quickley averaged 16.1 points per game at Kentucky in 2019-20.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA Draft (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>26. Payton Pritchard – Boston Celtics; Playmaking</h2>
<p>Payton Pritchard has playmaking ability. He’s a four-year point guard that in his final season averaged 20.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.</p>
<p>His playmaking improved considerably in his senior year, going from 5.2 to 6.1 assists per 40 minutes from his junior to senior year.</p>
<h2>27. Udoka Azubuike – Utah Jazz; Offensive rebounding</h2>
<p>Udoka Azubuike averaged 10.5 rebounds per game in his senior year, 3.5 of those coming on the offensive end. At 7-0, he has the size to be a consistent rebounder at the pro level.</p>
<h2>28. Jaden McDaniels- Los Angeles Lakers (traded to Timberwolves); Shooting</h2>
<p>Jaden McDaniels shot 33.9 percent from beyond the arc in his lone season at Washington on 4.1 attempts per game.</p>
<h2>29. Malachi Flynn – Toronto Raptors; Limiting turnovers</h2>
<p>Malachi Flynn’s turnovers were fairly low, posting a 2.83 assist-to-turnover ratio in his final season.</p>
<h2>30. Desmond Bane – Boston Celtics (traded to Memphis Grizzlies); 3-point shooting</h2>
<p>Over the course of his four-year collegiate career, Desmond Bane averaged 43.3 percent shooting beyond the arc and 80.4 percent from the charity stripe. His shot has remained consistently strong all throughout his college career and despite being an older player, he may be able to contribute in a role-playing capacity from the jump for the Grizzlies.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Each NBA team's best all-time selection in the NBA Draft Lottery" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/17/nba-draft-lottery-history/?utm_source=google-newsstand&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=google-newsstand" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/18/nba-draft-best-skill-anthony-edwards-30-first-round-selections/"https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/17/nba-draft-lottery-history/?utm_source=google-newsstand&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=google-newsstand%22> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Each NBA team's best all-time selection in the NBA Draft Lottery </a> </div>
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