The 2020 NBA draft has the least amount of consensus of any draft in recent memory. While most mock drafts (Yahoo, CBS, ESPN) have Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, and LaMelo Ball as the top three picks, there is no consistent order to the top three. With the lack of certainty at the top of the draft, a highly regarded prospect could fall. While the Wizards should pounce if that’s the case, it is still unlikely to happen.
With the return of John Wall and Bradley Beal’s ascension, the Wizards will be looking to target a player that can slot in next to their All-Star backcourt. That doesn’t mean all guards are off the table, especially if a highly regarded one is available, but the Wizards will be focusing their energy towards wings and forwards. The Wizards had the league’s worst defense last season but an average offense, even without John Wall. The Wizards should be targeting players that can make an impact on defense from day one. These are the three most realistic players that the Wizards should have their eye on.
Washington Wizards, NBA draft (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
3. Patrick Williams: Forward/Wing- Florida State
It’s no secret that the Wizards need help on defense and Patrick Williams provides an instant boost. Standing 6’8″ with a 6’11″ wingspan Williams has the perfect dimensions for a wing defender. As the NBA trends smaller at the forward positions he could even be used as a small-ball center. The NBA has become more about defensive versatility than defensive ability and Williams is about as versatile as they come.
While Williams should help instantly on the defensive end, his offensive game is raw. Fortunately, there is a lot of optimism that he is only scratching the surface of his offensive potential. In his lone season at Florida State, he showed a good ability to finish with either hand at the rim and create space for jumpers. While his 3-point shooting (32-percent) lagged behind his 2-point shooting (50.3-percent), his free throw shooting (83.8-percent) suggests that Williams could grow into a serious 3-point threat as college free throw shooting percentages are a better indicator of NBA 3-point success than college 3-point success.
Scouts view Williams’ playmaking ability as being one of his selling points, which is odd for a player that had close to twice the number of turnovers as assists in their lone college season. One reason Williams’ playmaking didn’t shine was that he was on a very good Florida State team with veteran guards. Which is a similar situation that he would find himself in Washington. Even if his playmaking isn’t a plus from day one it will hardly need to be.
Another positive indicator for Williams’ future is that he is one of the youngest players in this year’s draft. Williams likely has more room for growth than most prospects and when combined with his size and athleticism gives him tremendous upside for the ninth pick in the draft. The only reason the Wizards might pass on Williams is if they’re looking for a player who will help impact the team on both ends of the court in year one. Williams is a project but due to his age, production, and upside he’s a project the Wizards shouldn’t pass on. Unless, if number two on the list is available.
Washington Wizards</a> on who they’ll make the ninth pick in the draft. This marks the second consecutive season the Wizards will have the ninth pick. Last year’s pick, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://hoopshabit.com/2020/09/24/washington-wizards-rui-hachimura-2/">Rui Hachimura, has shown signs of promise</a> and the Wizards are looking to add to <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://hoopshabit.com/2020/09/12/washington-wizards-history-9th-pick/">the long list of successful NBA players taken with the pick</a>.</p>
<p>The 2020 NBA draft has the least amount of consensus of any draft in recent memory. While most mock drafts (<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-mock-draft-volume-two-170603853.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo</a>, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-mock-draft-lamelo-ball-falls-to-michael-jordans-hornets-warriors-cant-pass-up-james-wiseman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CBS</a>, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://www.espn.com/nba/draft/bestavailable" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN</a>) have Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, and LaMelo Ball as the top three picks, there is no consistent order to the top three. With the lack of certainty at the top of the draft, a highly regarded prospect could fall. While the Wizards should pounce if that’s the case, it is still unlikely to happen.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Mock Draft 4.0: LaMelo Ball sliding down the rankings?" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2020/10/31/mock-nba-draft-4-lamelo-ball-slide/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://hoopshabit.com/2020/10/31/mock-nba-draft-4-lamelo-ball-slide/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Mock Draft 4.0: LaMelo Ball sliding down the rankings? </a> </div>
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<p>With the return of <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/walljo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">John Wall</a> and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bealbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Bradley Beal</a>’s ascension, the Wizards will be looking to target a player that can slot in next to their All-Star backcourt. That doesn’t mean all guards are off the table, especially if a highly regarded one is available, but the Wizards will be focusing their energy towards wings and forwards. The Wizards had the league’s worst defense last season but an average offense, even without John Wall. The Wizards should be targeting players that can make an impact on defense from day one. These are the three most realistic players that the Wizards should have their eye on.</p>
<div id="attachment_414408" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img class="wp-image-414408 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1201128554.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1201128554.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1201128554-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Washington Wizards, NBA draft (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>3. Patrick Williams: Forward/Wing- Florida State</h2>
<p>It’s no secret that the Wizards need help on defense and Patrick Williams provides an instant boost. Standing 6’8″ with a 6’11″ wingspan Williams has the perfect dimensions for a wing defender. As the NBA trends smaller at the forward positions he could even be used as a small-ball center. The NBA has become more about defensive versatility than defensive ability and Williams is about as versatile as they come.</p>
<p>While Williams should help instantly on the defensive end, his offensive game is raw. Fortunately, there is a lot of optimism that he is only scratching the surface of his offensive potential. In his lone season at Florida State, he showed a good ability to finish with either hand at the rim and create space for jumpers. While his 3-point shooting (32-percent) lagged behind his 2-point shooting (50.3-percent), his free throw shooting (83.8-percent) suggests that Williams could grow into a serious 3-point threat as college free throw shooting percentages are a better indicator of NBA 3-point success than college 3-point success.</p>
<div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/xRKaKRQl6us?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Scouts view Williams’ playmaking ability as being one of his selling points, which is odd for a player that had close to twice the number of turnovers as assists in their lone college season. One reason Williams’ playmaking didn’t shine was that he was on a very good Florida State team with veteran guards. Which is a similar situation that he would find himself in Washington. Even if his playmaking isn’t a plus from day one it will hardly need to be.</p>
<p>Another positive indicator for Williams’ future is that he is one of the youngest players in this year’s draft. Williams likely has more room for growth than most prospects and when combined with his size and athleticism gives him tremendous upside for the ninth pick in the draft. The only reason the Wizards might pass on Williams is if they’re looking for a player who will help impact the team on both ends of the court in year one. Williams is a project but due to his age, production, and upside he’s a project the Wizards shouldn’t pass on. Unless, if number two on the list is available.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 2 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-414409 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2271,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1190089062.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2271" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1190089062.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1190089062-768x545.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Washington Wizards, NBA draft (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>2. Isaac Okoro: Wing- Auburn</h2>
<p>Every evaluation of Isaac Okoro projects him as an instant impact defender. The Wizards had the worst Defensive rating of any team in the league last season and their soft as butter perimeter defense was largely to blame. Okoro should slot in right away in the Wizards’ starting lineup as their defensive specialist. At 6’6″, with a 6’9″ wingspan, Okoro can match up with any team’s top guard or wing, which is a must for a team like the Wizards that lack a true interior force on the defensive end.</p>
<p>Could Okoro be an All-Defense quality player in his rookie season? That would be a dream scenario but even if he isn’t that good his presence will have a positive cascading effect. With Okoro getting the most difficult defensive assignment every night the Wizards will be able to hide their lesser defenders on their opponent’s weaker scorers. This won’t vault the Wizards from worst to first in defensive efficiency but with an offense built around Bradley Beal, John Wall, and Davis Bertans the Wizards don’t need to be an elite defensive unit to be a competitive team, they just need to be competent.</p>
<div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/iATlCqxmRi0?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Okoro’s offensive impact will be limited early on and there are worrying signs about his future offensive ability. Okoro showed polish finishing around the rim but a perceived lack of burst could prevent that skill from translating as nicely to the NBA. On top of that his free throw shooting was very poor as he only hit 67.2 percent of his attempts. That being said, Okoro was adept at getting to the line and is viewed as a plus playmaker. Even if his shot never comes around he could develop into a poor man’s Andre Iguodala.</p>
<p>Okoro looks to be a safe pick that would fill an immediate need for the Wizards. Just about every one-and-done wing has questions about their jump shot. If Okoro’s shot develops more than expected he could become a two-way force. If not? He’ll be a defensive menace. There is a very good chance Okoro will be available at nine for the Wizards and they should look to snag him up, unless, of course, number one on the list is available.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 1 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-414410 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2624,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1205707754.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2624" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1205707754.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1205707754-768x630.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Washington Wizards, NBA draft (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>1. Onyeka Okongwu: Center USC</h2>
<p>The NBA media throws around player comparisons a bit too liberally, but comparing Onyeka Okongwu to Bam Adebayo is spot on. The trick will be if Okongwu can develop at the same rate that Adebayo did in the NBA. So while Onyeka Okongwu looks a lot like Bam Adebayo out of college, how he develops in the NBA will go a long way in determining if he becomes a two-way force. Even if Okongwu is years away from his ceiling he’ll offer plenty for the Wizards in year-one.</p>
<p>Okongwu is the prototypical modern NBA center. His size, 6’9″ with a 7’1″ wingspan, allows him to protect the paint and his quickness gives him the ability to switch on the perimeter. As the game moves further and further from the rim a center’s ability to defend the perimeter has become almost as important as their ability to defend the paint and Okongwu looks like he could excel in both areas. The Wizards lacked both attributes from their frontcourt last season and Okongwu could slot in as a day one starter.</p>
<div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/nulhicMWpvo?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Okongwu’s offensive game is limited to 16 feet and in but that’s not uncommon for young bigs. His ability to dribble, pass, screen, and finish at the rim portend an instant impact as a complementary player on offense. On a team with John Wall and Bradley Beal Okongwu should feast in the pick and roll as a rim runner while the rest of his offensive game develops. The appeal of Okongwu is two-fold for the Wizards.</p>
<p>First, he immediately improves a serious area of weakness as he can instantly anchor their defense. Second, his offensive game projects to include impact passing to go along with efficient finishing. Finding a defensive anchor that can create and finish is rare and Okongwu offers that upside, while also providing an immediate defensive impact. If Okongwu is available the Wizards should make him their franchise center.</p>
<p>But what if the top of the draft doesn’t go according to plan?</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Draft day drop </a>
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<img class="wp-image-414407 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F980628364.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/980628364.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/980628364-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Washington Wizards, NBA draft (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Who could drop to the Wizards?</h2>
<p>The 2020 draft will almost certainly contain a few surprises. NBA team’s evaluations of players can differ wildly and this year’s crop of prospects has led to almost no consensus among draft evaluators. The fallout of this could be immense for teams further down in the lottery like the Wizards. For instance, let’s say LaMelo Ball isn’t drafted in the top-three like he is projected to be. Would the Bulls take him at four? They already have Zach LaVine. What about Cleveland at five? They spent back-to-back picks on point guards. Or Atlanta at six? They have Trae Young. The truth is some very highly rated prospects could drop in the draft. Here are the three most likely to fall to the Wizards at nine.</p>
<h2>Obi Toppin</h2>
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<p>Obi Toppin is an older prospect for a lottery pick, he’s already 22, but his combination of size, athleticism, and scoring ability could make him an All-Star. In a draft with so much uncertainty, Toppin seems to be the surest bet to provide value on the offensive end. His defensive potential varies wildly based upon the evaluator but he could be a devastating pick and roll partner. The Wizards need help on defense but Toppin could make their offense so elite that it won’t even matter. The chances he’s available at nine is probably 20 percent.</p>
<h2>Killian Hayes</h2>
<div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/SJoF2IPXEEM?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://nbadraft.theringer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor has Killian Hayes as his number one ranked player</a>, while <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://www.espn.com/nba/draft/bestavailable" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN’s draft rankings have him 10th</a>. Hayes has already played 72 professional games and might be another European based prospect that drops in the draft due to lack of scouting exposure. Remember, Luka Doncic was the fifth pick even though he had already produced at an impressive level in Europe. Hayes is not on the same level as Luka but he’d be great value for the Washington Wizards at nine.</p>
<p>Hayes at 6’5″ has excellent size for a guard. He already impresses on defense and is a fantastic shot creator and playmaker. He might not obviously fit into the rotation with John Wall and Bradley Beal but with the regularity that three-guard lineups blitzed the league last season, those concerns would be overblown. Hayes might be the best player in the draft. If he falls to the Wizards at nine he should be their pick.</p>
<h2>James Wiseman</h2>
<div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/MN54K7rLLvI?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>No prospect has been talked about more than James Wiseman. Some people see him as a franchise-changing center, while others have questions about his defense and offensive decision making. Wiseman is a mystery because of the NCAA ruling that found him ineligible and if that mystery leads teams to pass on Wiseman the Wizards should capitalize.</p>
<p>This was the presumed number one pick heading into the season and his few college games did nothing to suggest otherwise. If Wiseman had played the entire college season there likely would be certainty at the top of the NBA draft. Wiseman at the ninth pick would be a steal for the Washington Wizards.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="NBA Offseason Preview: One trade for each team" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/05/nba-offseason-trade-team/" 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/2020/11/07/washington-wizards-nba-draft/"https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/05/nba-offseason-trade-team/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> NBA Offseason Preview: One trade for each team </a> </div>
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