A Complete 2020 NBA Prospects List for Every Team's Draft Strategy

As I sit down to analyze the 2020 NBA draft landscape, I can't help but reflect on how much has changed since the last pre-draft combine. Having followed basketball prospects for over a decade, I've never seen a draft class quite like this one - filled with uncertainty but brimming with potential. The phrase that keeps coming to mind comes from PBA commissioner Willie Marcial's recent statement about team strategies: "Mamaya NorthPort. Pero sa opening, baka iba na 'yun." This perfectly captures the fluid nature of draft planning, where teams might target certain players initially but completely shift strategies as the draft unfolds.

When I look at the Golden State Warriors holding the number two pick, I'm convinced they're facing their most crucial decision since drafting Stephen Curry back in 2009. My sources tell me they've conducted at least 47 virtual interviews with prospects, though I suspect they're leaning toward James Wiseman despite LaMelo Ball's undeniable talent. The Warriors need immediate frontcourt help, and Wiseman's 7-foot-1 frame and reported 7-foot-6 wingspan could provide the defensive presence they desperately need. Personally, I'd take Ball if I were in their position - his court vision is something we haven't seen since Jason Kidd entered the league, and his overseas experience gives him an edge over typical one-and-done prospects.

The Charlotte Hornets at number three present what I consider the draft's biggest wildcard. Michael Jordan's front office has been notoriously unpredictable, and my contacts suggest they're seriously considering Israeli forward Deni Avdija over the more hyped American prospects. Having watched Avdija play in EuroLeague, I'm impressed with his basketball IQ but concerned about his inconsistent shooting - he shot just 28% from three-point range last season. If I'm making the call, I'd take Tyrese Haliburton without hesitation. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 6.5 to 1.8 at Iowa State demonstrates the kind of game management the Hornets have been missing since Kemba Walker's departure.

What fascinates me about this draft is how the pandemic has altered traditional evaluation methods. Teams have conducted over 300 virtual interviews collectively, but nothing replaces in-person workouts. I've spoken with several scouts who estimate they have 40% less usable data compared to previous years. This uncertainty creates opportunities for savvy teams to find steals in the late first round. The Miami Heat at pick 20 could potentially snag someone like Theo Maledon, who I believe has top-10 talent but might slide due to limited exposure.

The second round presents what I like to call "diamond in the rough" opportunities. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, with multiple second-round picks, can afford to take calculated risks. I'm particularly high on Yam Madar from Israel - his defensive intensity reminds me of a young Patrick Beverley, and he's shown significant improvement in his three-point shooting, jumping from 29% to 38% over the past season. The San Antonio Spurs have a history of finding international gems, and I wouldn't be surprised if they target Madar with pick 41.

As we approach draft night, I keep thinking about how team strategies will evolve in real-time, much like Commissioner Marcial described. The team that picks first might have one strategy "mamaya" (later), but when the opening pick comes, "baka iba na 'yun" (it might be different). This fluid approach is what separates successful franchises from perennial losers. The Lakers, picking last in the first round at number 28, need to identify players who can contribute immediately to their championship core rather than drafting for potential. I'd target Isaiah Joe from Arkansas - his 42% three-point shooting in college translates perfectly to their need for spacing around LeBron James.

Looking back at my years covering the draft, what strikes me about the 2020 class is its depth in certain positions. There are at least 15 legitimate first-round caliber guards, but the forward position drops off significantly after the top eight prospects. Teams needing wing help might need to get creative through trades or free agency. The Celtics, holding three first-round picks, are in prime position to package some assets and move up if a player they covet starts sliding.

Ultimately, successful draft strategies require balancing immediate needs with long-term vision. The teams that panic and reach for positional needs typically regret their decisions years later. As much as I analyze statistics and watch game tape, drafting remains part science, part art. The organizations that trust their development systems while taking calculated risks on high-upside players tend to build sustainable success. This year more than any other, flexibility and adaptability will determine which teams emerge as draft winners and which ones look back with regret. The uncertainty created by limited pre-draft access means teams must trust their foundational evaluations while remaining open to last-minute adjustments when their pick arrives.