Stadium’s Jeff Goodman recently polled 35 NBA executives on which player they would take with the top pick of the 2020 NBA Draft leading to some interesting results. While the majority of those polled selected James Wiseman as the prospect they would take with the top overall, both Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball received votes as well.
Ten executives chose Edwards while four chose Ball with the lone remaining executive selecting Dayton’s Obi Toppin. With regards to Ball, one of the general managers polled explained his reasoning for why he would pick Ball first.
“He’s versatile, has size for his position, and can handle and pass it. I’d go with LaMelo, especially with perimeter guys — and guys who can make plays — so valuable in today’s NBA.”
There are still obvious questions surrounding Ball, though. One scout polled laid out what those were and, surprisingly, those didn’t include her father.
“I love his playmaking, but he has questions with his commitment on defense. I’m not worried about his dad at all. I’m worried about his maturity.”
The questions on his defense are legitimate. Ball’s focus on that end of that court can waver and he’s a boom or bust type of player in terms of gambling for steals and jumping passing lanes. The questions on his maturity, though, are much more cliche and is a sentiment that could be applied to any number of recruits each year in the draft.
Nonetheless, the results of the poll paint the picture for how open the race for the top pick will be this year. Unlike last season where Zion Williamson was the consensus top pick and even treated as such during the draft lottery, this season could see any number of players go first overall.
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