Around the NBA: 2020 NBA Draft recap

Ahead of an unusual NBA season that starts in just over a month, the 2020 NBA Draft was held last night.

If you think the NBA Draft happening in November seems off, you would definitely be correct. Normally the regular season would be underway by now. With the long hiatus that halted last season for six months before resuming with the seeding games and Playoffs of the Orlando Bubble, things did not end until October.

This will be the shortest offseason in US professional sports history; the Miami Heat and Champion LA Lakers only get 71 days off, not including training camps. Those that did not make the bubble requirements on the other hand will have been off for roughly 258 days.

All this to say the 2020 NBA Draft was squeezed into this tight window at an unusual time of year. With a month to prepare, these incoming rookies will need to learn quickly.

Dust is still settling as many draft-night trades are still being finalized. Of the 60 players drafted, over 20 of those players landed on different teams due to trades. While this is a roller coaster night for these young men, it is undeniable that many lives were changed for the better as dreams were achieved.

The full official draft board is below, though it does not reflect the trades. The first trade occurred with the 16th pick.

Though you never truly know which players will rise to the top of a draft class, there was a consensus that the top three players all possessed elite potential, just at different positions. Anthony Edwards is a freak athlete and will come in with a pro game from day one.

James Wiseman fills the center role for the Warriors with a great inside game, the ability to run the floor, and the potential to be an impactful pro rim protector. LaMelo Ball may be the most talented player in the draft, though he has plenty to prove on defense and with his long-distance consistency. No reason he cannot be an elite distributor immediately.

Last night, LaMelo Ball being drafted three meant it was the first time brothers (Lonzo Ball, second overall in 2017) were both drafted in the top five.

As we mentioned, the cream of the crop will rise to the top in time, so we will see where the real steals occurred. Patrick Williams at four and the explosive Isaac Okoro at five will immediately become impact players. Obi Toppin will get plenty of run with the Knicks and establish a highlight reel early. Deni Avdija will open eyes in Washington as a bit of a sleeper, even at nine overall.

Tyrese Haliburton, Cole Anthony, Isaiah Stewart, and Tyrese Maxey are a few more high potential names to remember.

As far as other notable trades that have been going on, there are a few too many to keep track of in this short blog! Chris Paul to Phoenix is the biggest move so far, with the OKC Thunder cashing in most of their new assets for even more future draft picks.

Dennis Schroder is off to the Lakers, with the Thunder flipping Danny Green for Al Horford and a couple of the 76ers picks. The Bucks are making moves in an attempt to entice Giannis Antetokounmpo to stay. They sold the farm to get Jrue Holiday from New Orleans. Milwaukee also thought they were getting Bogdan Bogdanovic from Sacramento, but he has since opted to become a free agent.

Unfortunately, the biggest news trending now is that Klay Thompson tore his other ACL and will miss the upcoming season. The good news is that he is expected to make a full recovery.

That is it for now, but the new 72 game season is right around the corner, slated to begin December 21st. Merry Christmas to all! Stay tuned for more basketball news, tips, and updates on all the movement!