There are still plenty of unknowns as the NBA attempts to get another season started. One thing that has been settled is the 2020 NBA Draft, though it will be different in a number of ways. The delayed finish to the recent season pushed the date way back and the festivities will be held virtually. And unlike last year when Zion Williamson was a massive favorite to be taken first overall, which he was by the way, there is no clear-cut favorite at the top of the draft board.
Depending on who you talk to and when you talk to them, the trio of Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman are considered the top options to be selected first overall. And considering the lack of elite prospects in the pool, we could see a flurry of deals leading up to the draft, which changes everything as far as who goes No. 1. The first pick belongs to the Minnesota Timberwolves with the Golden State Warriors next in line, and both clubs are reportedly open to trading their top pick.
The 2020 NBA Draft will take place on Wednesday, November 18, at 7 p.m. ET and will be held virtually from the ESPN studios. Unlike other major sports, the event will take place over one day and consist of two rounds with a total of 60 player selections. ESPN will cover the festivities.
2020 NBA Draft Betting Odds
2020 NBA Draft Odds – First Overall Pick
Anthony Edwards -200
LaMelo Ball +150
James Wiseman +650
Deni Avdija +1800
Killian Hayes +3074
Obi Toppin +4000
RJ Hampton +5500
Isaac Okoro +8000
Cole Anthony +12500
Devin Vassell +15000
Tyrese Haliburton +15000
The top three players in the upcoming draft are cemented. Edwards is the current favorite to be selected first overall because of his athletic ability. He didn’t wow at Georgia and needs to improve his shooting accuracy, but the upside is something most teams are looking at. Ball is the second favorite with his size and passing ability the big attraction. And as the NBA pundits always say you can’t teach height, which is something Wiseman has at over 7-feet.
Since there is no consensus top player in the draft, the first overall pick will come down to whichever team makes that selection. If the Wolves keep the pick it’s going to be either Ball or Edwards since they already have a big man in Karl-Anthony Towns and Wiseman has stated publicly he doesn’t want to go to Minnesota for that reason.
The best fit for the Timberwolves is Edwards, who would mesh better in the backcourt with D’Angelo Russell. And that’s why the Georgia product is the favorite. But as far as taking the best player available, the Wolves can’t miss with Ball. With his size and playmaking skills, Ball is probably the best prospect on the board. Things get a little tricky with two alpha males in the backcourt, though.
There is one move that sets the stage for Wiseman being taken first overall and the risk of dropping a few bucks on him is worth it. Both Golden State and Charlotte have a need for an athletic big and the Warriors aren’t trading up since the Wolves are unlikely to draft the Memphis product. Will the Hornets pull the trigger on a deal swapping their No. 3 pick and assets to get the No.1? This is a likely scenario with cap projections not set and free agency still off the board. The Hornets could make the trade to get the big man they desire.
The market takes a steep fall after the top three, but there are some sleeper picks to look out for. Deni Avdija saw his stock rise with stellar play in Israel’s top league for Maccabi Tel-Aviv. And recent international players have made a splash in the Association, most notably Luka Doncic. He’s likely a top-five pick but Avdija needs to work on his perimeter game and he isn’t as polished as the others right now.
None of the top three are considered game-changers which is why there’s a good chance we see movement in the order before the draft. Waiting to wager on the No. 1 pick will help your chances of getting a payout.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
