Who Will Be the Top Picks in Our Early 2020 NBA Mock Draft Analysis?

As I sit down to map out my early 2020 NBA mock draft analysis, I can’t help but think about how unpredictable the journey to the top really is. You see, just last week, I was watching tennis—yes, tennis—and something struck me. The world’s No. 74 ranked player, who had that stunning breakthrough at the Miami Open, completely failed to make a mark at the French Open. And honestly, her first three grass-court events haven’t been much better. It got me wondering: was that Miami win just a fluke? That kind of unpredictability is exactly what we’re dealing with in the NBA draft every single year. One standout performance can skyrocket a player’s stock, but consistency? That’s the real test.

Let’s talk about the top prospects for 2020. I’ve been following these kids for a while, and I’ve got to say, Anthony Edwards out of Georgia is someone who’s caught my eye. He’s explosive, athletic, and has that raw talent that scouts drool over. But here’s the thing—just like that tennis player who shined in Miami but stumbled elsewhere, Edwards has had games where he disappears. In his freshman season, he averaged around 19 points per game, but his shooting percentage? It hovered around 40%, which honestly isn’t great for a potential top pick. I remember watching one game where he dropped 30 points, and the next, he barely scraped 10. It’s that inconsistency that makes me both excited and nervous about his future.

Then there’s LaMelo Ball. Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore the buzz around this kid. He’s got flashy handles, court vision that’s off the charts, and he’s been playing professionally overseas, which gives him an edge in experience. But let me be real—his defense needs work. I’ve seen games where he gets burned on backdoor cuts, and his shot selection can be, well, questionable at times. Still, when you compare him to other point guards in this draft, his potential is through the roof. He’s like that tennis star who, despite a few bad tournaments, has that one skill—maybe a killer serve or a wicked forehand—that makes you believe they’ll bounce back.

James Wiseman is another name that keeps popping up. At 7’1”, he’s a force in the paint, and his athleticism for someone that tall is just ridiculous. I watched him play in high school, and he was dominating guys left and right. But here’s the catch: he only played three games in college due to eligibility issues. Three games! That’s like judging our tennis player based solely on her Miami Open run. Sure, it was impressive, but without more data, it’s hard to know if it’s the real deal. Wiseman averaged 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds in those games, but can he keep that up against NBA-level competition? I have my doubts, though I’d love to be proven wrong.

Now, let’s not forget about the international prospects. Killian Hayes from France is generating a lot of hype, and for good reason. He’s a lefty guard with smooth playmaking skills, and his stats in the EuroCup—around 12.8 points and 6.2 assists per game—show he can handle pressure. But just like our tennis example, international players often face skepticism. Remember, that No. 74 player’s grass-court struggles led people to question her entire career. Hayes might need time to adjust to the NBA’s pace, and I worry that teams might overvalue his flash over substance.

As I wrap this up, I’ll admit I have a soft spot for underdogs. That’s why I’m keeping an eye on Obi Toppin from Dayton. He’s older than most prospects at 22, but his college performance was stellar—averaging 20 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting over 60% from the field. He reminds me of that player who grinds it out, maybe without the early spotlight, but delivers when it counts. In the end, mock drafts are fun, but they’re just educated guesses. One thing’s for sure: whether it’s basketball or tennis, breakthrough moments can define a career, but consistency is what seals the deal. So, who will be the top picks? My money’s on Edwards and Ball for now, but don’t be surprised if someone like Toppin sneaks into the top three—after all, the draft is full of surprises.