Instant Grades For 2020 NBA Draft First Round Pick

After 17 months of speculation, the 2020 NBA Draft has finally arrived. The buzz around this draft class from the very start has centered on the lack of a consensus No. 1 overall player, and the extended evaluation period hasn’t helped make it any clearer.

The Minnesota Timberwolves hold the No. 1 overall pick, and like many other teams at the top of the order, they would reportedly prefer to trade down. The question then becomes whether any team actually wants to move up.

If this draft class lacks an obvious star-like Zion Williamson or Luka Doncic, it does have a collection of talented players who fit into larger trends taking over the league. LaMelo Ball has excellent size for a lead playmaker with advanced ball-handling and passing ability.

Anthony Edwards has every physical attribute but suffered from inconsistency at both ends. Onyeka Okongwu might not be the first big man draft, but he feels like the most complete frontcourt prospect in the draft as a potential defensive anchor who is efficient in his offensive chances.

We graded every pick in the 2020 NBA Draft live as it happened:

1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia

Grade: B

2. Golden State Warriors – James Wiseman, C, Memphis

Grade: C

3. Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawara Hawks

Grade: A

4. Chicago Bulls – Patrick Williams, F, Florida State

Grade: B

5. Cleveland Cavaliers – Isaac Okoro, F, Auburn

Grade: A

6. Atlanta Hawks – Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC

Grade: A

7. Detroit Pistons – Killian Hayes, G, Ulm

Grade: A

8. New York Knicks – Obi Toppin, F, Dayton

Grade: B

9. Washington Wizards – Deni Avdija, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Grade: B

10. Phoenix Suns – Jalen Smith, F, Maryland

Grade: C

11. San Antonio Spurs – Devin Vassell, F, Florida State

Grade: A

12. Sacramento Kings – Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State

Grade: B

13. New Orleans Pelicans – Kira Lewis, G, Alabama

Grade: B

14. Boston Celtics – Aaron Nesmith, SG, Vanderbilt

Grade: C

15. Orlando Magic – Cole Anthony, G, North Carolina

Grade: A

16. Detroit Pistons – Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington

Grade: C

17. Oklahoma City Thunder – Aleksej Pokusevski, F, Serbia

Grade: A

18. Dallas Mavericks – Josh Green, G, Arizona

Grade: B

19. Detroit Pistons – Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova

Grade: B

20. Miami Heat – Precious Achiuwa, C/F, Memphis

Grade: B

21. Philadelphia 76ers – Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky

Grade: A

22. Denver Nuggets – Zeke Nnaji, F, Arizona

Grade: B

23. Minnesota Timberwolves – Leandro Bolmaro, G, Barcelona

Grade: B

24. Denver Nuggets – R.J. Hampton, G, New Zealand Breakers

Grade: B

25. New York Knicks – Immanuel Quickley, G, Kentucky

Grade: C

26. Boston Celtics – Payton Pritchard, G, Oregon

Grade: C

27. Utah Jazz – Udoka Azubuike, C, Kansas

Grade: C

28. Minnesota Timberwolves – Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington

Grade: C

29. Toronto Raptors – Malachi Flynn, G, San Diego State

Grade: A

30. Memphis Grizzlies – Desmond Bane, G, TCU

Grade: A

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