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
