Consensus Mock Draft: Picture of Top 3 picks becomes clear

James Wiseman is the only true consensus, as all 12 mock drafts see him going No. 2 to the Warriors.

Some notes in our latest look since the Draft Lottery, which saw the Minnesota Timberwolves land the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Remember, the Consensus Mock Draft is a compilation of the best mock drafts around the web. We bring them together to come up with a good estimate of how the Draft could play out (last update: Nov. 17, 11:04 p.m. ET):

  • In our final scan before Wednesday’s Draft, the picture is becoming clear at the top of the lottery, as eight of the 12 mock drafts have identical projections for the Top 3. In our last look, LaMelo Ball had been the likely No. 1 pick, but that has changed as Anthony Edwards is now the expected top pick. All 12 — yes, all 12 — mocks have James Wiseman going No. 2 to the Warriors, while Ball seems destined to land in Charlotte at No. 3 (eight of the 12 mocks).
  • What the Wolves do with the No. 1 pick, according to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, boils down to this: “Do they take the guy who fits better on this roster in Edwards, who can clearly slide into the 2-guard spot? Or do they take Ball, who probably has a bit more upside?” Right now, most see Edwards as the choice, but the Wolves are likely open to offers, especially if they can get their guy (and more), but do it a few slots later in the Lottery.
  • While LaMelo Ball is no longer the favorite to go No. 1, he’s still likely to go in the Top 3. Ball has reportedly only met with the top 4 teams of the Draft so far, and reports are that he had strong showings in his meetings. The Ringer is still the only mock that has him actually slipping to No. 4, where you have to think the Bulls would love to snag him.
  • Speaking of The Ringer, they are still making the surprising pick with the Hornets grabbing Onyeka Okongwu at No. 3. Okongwu is actually one of the most consistent predictions among our list, going 9th to the Wizards in seven of the 12 mocks we survey. The Ringer points out that the uncertainty around Russell Westbrook could shake things up at the top of the Draft, but a big man like Okongwu could fit in nicely with Charlotte’s frontcourt.
  • According to Jonathan Givony of ESPN, the Hawks are “the most active team on the trade market,” so the No. 6 pick could be intriguing. Right now, most mocks see Atlanta grabbing guard Tyrese Haliburton, or going big with Okongwu, who might overlap with the Hawks’ current frontcourt, but who has plenty of upside.
  • One surprise from John Hollinger’s mock draft sticks out, and that’s Tyrese Haliburton landing at the No. 4 spot. Haliburton is typically found around No. 6 (in five of our 12 mock drafts now), so that could be a reach by the Bulls at that position. Hollinger says “everybody likes” the Iowa State guard and that he’s the “best culture guy with top-10 talent.”
  • As mentioned, the only 100% consensus is that James Wiseman will be the No. 2 pick of the Draft. A lot has been made about what the Warriors will do with this pick, as many think Golden State will trade the pick for assets. If they don’t, though, it would be surprising at this point if the Warriors didn’t grab the Memphis big man. In Wiseman, Golden State would have a tantalizing, athletic big man who can defend and roll to the rim in pick-and-roll situations on the offensive end.
  • Deni Avdija is likely going to be the first-ever Israeli player drafted in the lottery, and he’s looking more and more like a lock to the Bulls at No. 4. Nine of our 12 mocks see him going to Chicago, but if not, he’ll likely land in Cleveland at No. 5. The Ringer did have him at No. 2 to the Warriors, but they’ve changed their thinking now, too, and have him at No. 5.
  • One player who continues to make a big jump is Patrick Williams out of Florida State, who has been the “big winner of the pre-Draft process” according to ESPN, and John Hollinger even points out a rumor that the Pistons have a “promise” in place for the versatile forward. That would mean the Hawks would have to pass on him, though, and right now both The Ringer and SI.com have him going to Atlanta at No. 6. Even though teams are relying on film and untraditional evaluations, it’s clear players have boosted their stock with good showings. Williams appears in the lottery in all but one of our mocks (Gary Parrish of CBS), but most often to the Spurs at No. 11 (four times).
  • Another player rising in the latest look is Villanova forward Saddiq Bey. He now appears in the Lottery in 11 of the 12 mocks we survey, as high as No. 10 to the Suns (twice) and most commonly at No. 11 to the Spurs (four times).
  • A player who’s all over the board? Killian Hayes, who spent last season playing in France. The combo guard shows up as high as No. 7 to the Pistons, while The Athletic has him falling all the way to No. 14. He’ll still go in the Lottery, but no one seems to have a solid grasp on where.
  • Ten players appear on all 12 mocks we survey: Ball, Edwards, Wiseman, Avdija, Okongwu, Obi Toppin, Isaac Okoro, Haliburton, Devin Vassell and Hayes.

MOST COMMON PICKS

No. 1 (Timberwolves): Anthony Edwards (9)

No. 2 (Warriors): James Wiseman (12)

No. 3 (Hornets): LaMelo Ball (8)

No. 4 (Bulls): Deni Avdija (9)

No. 5 (Cavaliers): Obi Toppin (9)

No. 6 (Hawks): Tyrese Haliburton (5)

No. 7 (Pistons): Patrick Williams (5)

No. 8 (Knicks): Killian Hayes (3)

No. 9 (Wizards): Onyeka Okongwu (7)

No. 10 (Suns): Isaac Okoro, Devin Vassell (3)

No. 11 (Spurs): Saddiq Bey (4)

No. 12 (Kings): Devin Vassell (4)

No. 13 (Pelicans): Kira Lewis Jr. (4)

No. 14 (Celtics): Precious Achiuwa, Cole Anthony (3)

Most common (above): Pick at which the player is most commonly projected, with number of mock drafts in parentheses. For example, Anthony Edwards is projected to go 1st in nine of the 12 mock drafts listed below.

Top 14 (below): To calculate the consensus, we award 14 points for every mock draft in which the player went first overall, 13 for second, continuing to one point for the final lottery pick. The player with the highest point total represents the top overall selection, which is as follows:

1. Anthony Edwards | Minnesota Timberwolves

Georgia | Position: G | Height: 6-5

Status: Freshman

Most Common: 1 (9)

Athletic scorer has the ability and explosiveness to score in transition or as a spot-up shooter; should contribute immediately and eventually become a franchise-changing star

2. James Wiseman | Golden State Warriors

Memphis | Position: C | Height: 7-1

Status: Freshman

Most Common: 2 (12)

Skilled big man has the size combined with athleticism to potentially become a dominant force on both ends of the floor

3. LaMelo Ball | Charlotte Hornets

Illawarra Hawks (NBL)| Position: G | Height: 6-7

Status: International

Most Common: 3 (8)

Dynamic ballhandler with innate passing ability who can step in immediately as a team’s point guard. Will need to work on his shot, but Ball is a franchise-changing guard

4. Deni Avdija | Chicago Bulls

Maccabi Tel Aviv | Position: G/F | Height: 6-9

Status: International

Most Common: 4 (9)

Plays like a guard, but has the size and length to give defenders fits; Aggressive, competitive playmaker with a great feel for the game

5. Obi Toppin | Cleveland Cavaliers

Dayton | Position: PF | Height: 6-9

Status: Sophomore

Most Common: 5 (9)

Dynamic athlete who was National Player of the Year thanks to big dunks and ability to shoot from the outside; combination of size and athleticism make him an intriguing option

6. Tyrese Haliburton | Atlanta Hawks

Iowa State | Position: G | Height: 6-5

Status: Sophomore

Most Common: 6 (5)

Scoring guard put up good numbers (50.4% FG, 41.9% 3FG) in college; has the size and wingspan to make an impact on the other end

7. Onyeka Okongwu | Detroit Pistons

USC | Position: C | Height: 6-9

Status: Freshman

Most Common: 9 (7)

Raw, athletic big man has size and agility to become major finisher above the rim; Long wingspan and quickness make him potentially elite rim protector

8. Patrick Williams | New York Knicks

Florida State | Position: SF | Height: 6-8

Status: Freshman

Most Common: 7 (5)

Young big man has all the physical tools to become a lockdown defender; raw on offensive side of the ball, but showed flashes of a midrange game

9. Killian Hayes | Washington Wizards

Ulm, France | Position: G | Height: 6-5

Status: International

Most Common: 7, 8 (3)

American-born lefty shooter who played overseas has raw talent and playmaking ability, but needs to improve on shooting

10. Isaac Okoro | Phoenix Suns

Auburn | Position: F | Height: 6-6

Status: Freshman

Most Common: 9, 10 (3)

A difference maker on both ends of the floor; can shut down opposing guards with a unique skillset, but needs to work on offensive game

11. Devin Vassell | San Antonio Spurs

Florida State | Position: G/F | Height: 6-7

Status: Sophomore

Most Common: 12 (4)

Multifaceted, athletic wing with all-around game that should translate well to NBA; Has explosiveness and leaping ability, can also shoot well from the outside

12. Saddiq Bey | Sacramento Kings

Villanova | Position: G/F | Height: 6-8

Status: Sophomore

Most Common: 11 (4)

Prototypical 3-and-D player who can score in a variety of ways and defend multiple positions

13. Aaron Nesmith | New Orleans Pelicans

Vanderbilt | Position: F | Height: 6-6

Status: Freshman

Most Common: 12 (3)

Possibly the best shooter in the draft, one who can score off the dribble, catch-and-shoot or in transition; has the size and length to become an elite player on both ends of the floor

14. Kira Lewis, Jr. | Boston Celtics

Alabama | Position: PG | Height: 6-3

Status: Sophomore

Most Common: 13 (4)

Combo guard who thrives in transition with outstanding speed and creativity with the ball.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2020 (11:04 p.m. ET)

MOCK DRAFTS

ESPN.com

1. Anthony Edwards

2. James Wiseman

3. LaMelo Ball

4. Deni Avdija

5. Obi Toppin

6. Onyeka Okongwu

7. Patrick Williams

8. Tyrese Haliburton

9. Isaac Okoro

10. Devin Vassell

11. Saddiq Bey

12. Killian Hayes

13. Kira Lewis Jr.

14. Precious Achiuwa

Last updated: Nov. 17

The Ringer

1. Anthony Edwards

2. James Wiseman

3. Onyeka Okongwu

4. LaMelo Ball

5. Deni Avdija

6. Patrick Williams

7. Tyrese Haliburton

8. Obi Toppin

9. Killian Hayes

10. Isaac Okoro

11. Saddiq Bey

12. Kira Lewis Jr.

13. Devin Vassell

14. RJ Hampton

Last updated: Nov. 17

The Athletic (Vecenie)

1. Anthony Edwards

2. James Wiseman

3. LaMelo Ball

4. Deni Avdija

5. Obi Toppin

6. Tyrese Haliburton

7. Patrick Williams

8. Isaac Okoro

9. Onyeka Okongwu

10. Aaron Nesmith

11. Jaden McDaniels

12. Devin Vassell

13. Saddiq Bey

14. Killian Hayes

Last updated: Nov. 17

SI.com

1. Anthony Edwards

2. James Wiseman

3. LaMelo Ball

4. Deni Avdija

5. Obi Toppin

6. Patrick Williams

7. Killian Hayes

8. Tyrese Haliburton

9. Onyeka Okongwu

10. Isaac Okoro

11. Saddiq Bey

12. Devin Vassell

13. Kira Lewis Jr.

14. Precious Achiuwa

Last updated: Nov. 16

Yahoo Sports

1. Anthony Edwards

2. James Wiseman

3. LaMelo Ball

4. Deni Avdija

5. Onyeka Okongwu

6. Obi Toppin

7. Tyrese Haliburton

8. Patrick Williams

9. Isaac Okoro

10. Killian Hayes

11. Devin Vassell

12. Saddiq Bey

13. Aaron Nesmith

14. Cole Anthony

Last updated: Nov. 17

Bleacher Report

1. Anthony Edwards

2. James Wiseman

3. LaMelo Ball

4. Deni Avdija

5. Obi Toppin

6. Onyeka Okongwu

7. Tyrese Haliburton

8. Devin Vassell

9. Isaac Okoro

10. Aaron Nesmith

11. Patrick Williams

12. Killian Hayes

13. Saddiq Bey

14. Precious Achiuwa

Last updated: Nov. 17

NetScouts Basketball

1. Anthony Edwards

2. James Wiseman

3. LaMelo Ball

4. Deni Avdija

5. Obi Toppin

6. Onyeka Okongwu

7. Patrick Williams

8. Killian Hayes

9. Tyrese Haliburton

10. Isaac Okoro

11. Aaron Nesmith

12. Devin Vassell

13. Saddiq Bey

14. Kira Lewis, Jr.

Last updated: Nov. 17

CBS Sports (Gary Parrish)

1. LaMelo Ball

2. James Wiseman

3. Anthony Edwards

4. Obi Toppin

5. Deni Avdija

6. Tyrese Haliburton

7. Isaac Okoro

8. Killian Hayes

9. Onyeka Okongwu

10. Saddiq Bey

11. Devin Vassell

12. Aaron Nesmith

13. Kira Lewis Jr.

14. Cole Anthony

Last updated: Nov. 17

CBS Sports (Kyle Boone)

1. Anthony Edwards

2. James Wiseman

3. LaMelo Ball

4. Deni Avdija

5. Obi Toppin

6. Tyrese Haliburton

7. Killian Hayes

8. Isaac Okoro

9. Onyeka Okongwu

10. Saddiq Bey

11. Devin Vassell

12. Aaron Nesmith

13.Patrick Williams

14. RJ Hampton

Last updated: Nov. 17

SB Nation

1. LaMelo Ball

2. James Wiseman

3. Anthony Edwards

3. Onyeka Okongwu

4. Deni Avdija

5. Obi Toppin

6. Tyrese Haliburton

7. Patrick Williams

8. Killian Hayes

9. Onyeka Okongwu

10. Devin Vassell

11. Isaac Okoro

12. Aaron Nesmith

13. Tyrese Maxey

14. Kira Lewis Jr.

Last updated: Nov. 17

USA Today

1. Anthony Edwards

2. James Wiseman

3. LaMelo Ball

4. Den Avdija

5. Obi Toppin

6. Tyrese Haliburton

7. Killian Hayes

8. Patrick Williams

9. Onyeka Okongwu

10. Devin Vassell

11. Saddiq Bey

12. Isaac Okoro

13. Aaron Nesmith

14. Cole Anthony

Last updated: Nov. 17

The Athletic (Hollinger)

1. LaMelo Ball

2. James Wiseman

3. Anthony Edwards

4. Tyrese Haliburton

5. Obi Toppin

6. Deni Avdija

7. Patrick Williams

8. Tyrese Maxey

9. Onyeka Okongwu

10. Killian Hayes

11. Isaac Okoro

12. Devin Vassell

13. Kira Lewis Jr.

14. Saddiq Bey

Last updated: Nov. 10

* * *

ESPN Insider: Jonathan Givony

The Ringer: Kevin O’Connor

The Athletic: Sam Vecenie, John Hollinger

SI.com: Jeremy Woo

Bleacher Report: Jonathan Wasserman

Yahoo Sports: Krysten Peek

NetScouts Basketball: Carl Berman

CBS Sports: Kyle Boone, Gary Parrish

SB Nation: Ricky O’Donnell

USA Today: Scott Gleeson