Looking back at the 2020 NBA Draft, I can't help but reflect on how much we underestimated certain players and situations. This reminds me of coach Tim Cone's observation about basketball teams - sometimes we miss the real potential because we're not seeing the complete picture. His comments about players needing time to develop chemistry perfectly mirror what we witnessed with several 2020 draft picks. The draft class that entered the league during the pandemic year has proven to be far more impactful than many experts initially predicted.
When Anthony Edwards went first to Minnesota, I remember thinking he had that raw athleticism that could either make him a superstar or just another high-upside project. Boy, was I wrong about leaning toward the latter. The kid from Georgia has transformed into exactly what the Timberwolves needed - a franchise player who can take over games. His scoring average jumped from 19.3 points as a rookie to 24.6 in his second season, and now he's leading Minnesota deep into playoffs. What impressed me most wasn't just his scoring though - it was his defensive intensity that many scouts overlooked. He's developed into a two-way force, something I admittedly didn't see coming during his single college season.
Then there's LaMelo Ball, who went third to Charlotte. I'll be honest - I had my doubts about another Ball brother coming into the league with all that hype and social media attention. But watching him play, you can't deny the special court vision and that unteachable flair for making spectacular passes. His rookie season numbers of 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists were better than I anticipated, and winning Rookie of the Year was well-deserved. What's fascinating is how he's elevated Charlotte's entire offense - they've improved their scoring average by nearly 8 points since his arrival. The Hornets were smart to look beyond the circus that sometimes follows the Ball family and recognize genuine talent.
The real steals of the draft, in my opinion, came later. Tyrese Haliburton at pick 12? That's criminal. I remember watching his college tape and thinking his basketball IQ was off the charts, but even I didn't expect him to become an All-Star this quickly. His assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly 4:1 is just ridiculous for a young guard. Then there's Desmond Bane going 30th to Memphis - how did so many teams pass on that shooting stroke? He's shooting over 43% from three for his career, and I'd argue he's become the perfect complement to Ja Morant. These are the kinds of picks that separate good front offices from great ones.
What strikes me about this draft class is how many players developed beyond their initial projections. Look at James Wiseman - second pick, tremendous physical tools, but struggled to find his footing in Golden State's complex system. Meanwhile, players like Immanuel Quickley (pick 25) and Saddiq Bey (pick 19) have become crucial rotation players who outperformed their draft positions. It makes me wonder if the unusual pandemic-affected college season and pre-draft process made evaluation particularly challenging that year. Teams that focused on character and work ethic rather than just raw stats seemed to fare better.
The international picks deserve special mention too. Deni Avdija from Israel at pick 9 has shown flashes of being exactly what modern NBA teams want - a lengthy wing who can defend multiple positions and make smart plays. His development has been slower than some American college players, but Washington seems committed to his growth. Then there's Theo Maledon from France at pick 34 - another solid international find who's already contributed meaningful minutes. The global game continues to produce NBA-ready talent, and teams are getting better at identifying it.
Reflecting on the entire 2020 draft landscape, what stands out to me is how the best teams approached selection. The successful picks weren't always about taking the most talented player, but rather finding the right fit for their system and culture. Miami taking Precious Achiuwa at 20 and developing him before including him in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade shows how smart teams use the draft as both a talent acquisition and asset-building tool. The Knicks selecting Obi Toppin at 8 might not have worked out perfectly, but it demonstrated their commitment to adding explosive athleticism.
As I analyze this draft class three years later, the biggest lesson might be about patience and development systems. The teams that invested in proper player development - like Sacramento with Haliburton (before trading him) and Memphis with Bane - reaped the benefits. The rushed evaluations during the pandemic year led to some misses, but also created opportunities for savvy teams to find value. This draft produced at least 8 players averaging over 15 points per game in their third season, which is quite impressive historically. The 2020 class may have entered the league under unusual circumstances, but its impact is becoming increasingly clear with each passing season.