6. New York Knicks: Killian Hayes, Ratiopharm Ulm
Guard, 6-foot-5, 18 years old
Even though the Knicks have several primary ballhandlers on their roster, none have proven ready to take over as the role of full-time starting point guard. But France’s Killian Hayes already may be ready for such an opportunity. He can score for himself while also acting as a capable distributor to feed RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson and Kevin Knox.
7. Chicago Bulls: Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky
Guard, 6-foot-2, 19 years old
Chicago has a formidable frontcourt with Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter. Now that Zach LaVine has shifted to playing more minutes on the wing than at guard, however, the Bulls could use serious help in their backcourt. After selecting point guard Coby White in the lottery last season, selecting Tyrese Maxey would give them a two-way threat. Much like LaVine, Maxey is a fantastic athlete and can be a valuable asset to Chicago’s rebuilding process.
8. Charlotte Hornets: Obi Toppin, Dayton
Forward, 6-foot-9, 22 years old
The Hornets made a wise selection with PJ Washington last season and could now add another instantly impactful offensive prospect in Obi Toppin, who won AP National Player of the Year. He can be a potential small-ball five, which would help Charlotte, considering that Bismack Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez will be unrestricted free agents this summer. However, Toppin likely makes more sense as a three or four, where his lack of defensive prowess won’t be exposed as often in pick-and-roll coverage.
9. Washington Wizards: Cole Anthony, North Carolina
Guard, 6-foot-3, 20 years old
Wizards point guard John Wall has not played an NBA game since Dec. 26, 2018. If and when he does come back, it is unclear how much he will be able to contribute to an offense that has scored at a prolific rate in his absence. Even if he is able to return, the future of the team is no longer in his hands. Now would be a wise offseason to invest in his long-term replacement. The timing could be good if Washington selects Cole Anthony. While he did not look ready yet to be a professional starter during his time at North Carolina, some time to learn alongside a five-time All-Star could be instrumental for his development.
10. Phoenix Suns: Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State
Guard, 6-foot-5, 20 years old
Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton is a peculiar player because while he is one of the best primary ballhandlers in this class, he does not require a very high usage rate to get his job done. He helped display that when leading Team USA to gold at the U19 World Cup in 2019. He would provide a perfect fit next to an overwhelmingly ball-dominant off-guard in Devin Booker. For a team that already has strong offensive weapons such as Booker and DeAndre Ayton, Haliburton could be the glue that helps transform the Suns into a playoff team.
11. San Antonio Spurs: Devin Vassell, Florida State
Wing, 6-foot-7, 19 years old
Devin Vassell playing defense alongside Spurs guard Dejounte Murray would be a dream for any San Antonio fan — and a nightmare for opponents. He is also an above-average shooter and has enough size to be a potential starting role player in the NBA. Vassell could be this year’s version of Brandon Clarke. Even if neither is ever an All-Star, there is a case to select that type of prospect early because they feel closer to a sure thing in the pros than boom-or-bust prospects.
12. Sacramento Kings: RJ Hampton, USA
Guard, 6-foot-5, 19 years old
The Kings are in an unusual situation, in that they likely have their starting five set for next season as well as a decent amount of depth to surround that core. However, they’re still a few pieces away from being a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. Unless the Kings consolidate assets, their best move simply would be to pick the top player available. That could very well be RJ Hampton, whose draft stock may have slid a bit when he got hurt while playing for the New Zealand Breakers.
13. New Orleans Pelicans: Onyeka Okongwu, USC
Big, 6-foot-9, 19 years old
When watching USC’s Onyeka Okongwu this season, he was usually the best player on the court. He seemed like he was in a different class than most of his competition all season long, and he can be an immediate contributor to any winning organization. If he were to join the Pelicans, he would be able to reunite with former high school teammate Lonzo Ball. The only reason he could fall this far in the lottery is the scarcity of teams looking to draft big men in 2020. But if New Orleans wants a player who’s likely to succeed as a pro, Okongwu is the pick.
14. Portland Trail Blazers: Patrick Williams, Florida State
Forward, 6-foot-8, 18 years old
The Trail Blazers have a good thing going when Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are in stride. Their frontcourt also has a ton of depth when it is fully healthy. But the problem in Portland has been lack of a bona fide three or four to fill out the wing positions. Enter: ACC Sixth Man of the Year Patrick Williams. He is going to be one of the youngest prospects in the draft, but when it is all said and done, he could end up as the best overall player. Williams has been more than capable as a shooter, rebounder and defender. But as one of the youngest athletes in this draft class, he may be a gem hiding in plain sight.
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