Looking back at the 2020 NBA Draft now, three years removed from that virtual event, I can’t help but feel a mix of vindication and surprise at how some of these careers have unfolded. As someone who has followed draft analytics and player development for over a decade, I had my own strong opinions that night—some right, some gloriously wrong. The biggest story, of course, starts at the very top. The Minnesota Timberwolves selecting Anthony Edwards first overall was a pick many, including myself, questioned at the time. We wondered about his focus, his love for football, whether his explosive athleticism would translate to consistent production. Boy, were we wrong. Edwards has not just translated; he’s exploded into a bona fide superstar, averaging over 24 points per game by his third season and becoming the face of a revitalized franchise. That’s the beauty of the draft; sometimes the obvious pick becomes transcendent in ways you never see coming.
But the real meat of any draft retrospective is uncovering the gems found outside the lottery, the players who far exceeded their draft position. This is where the 2020 class truly shines. Take Tyrese Haliburton, selected 12th by the Sacramento Kings. I remember arguing he was a top-5 talent, a floor general with elite vision and efficiency. The Kings, to their credit, picked him, but then traded him to Indiana in a move I still find baffling. Haliburton is now an All-Star, leading the league in assists and looking every bit the franchise cornerstone. Then there’s the undeniable biggest steal of the draft: Desmond Bane at pick 30. I’ll admit, I liked him, but I didn’t see this coming. Going from a solid role player to a near-All-Star, averaging over 21 points on elite shooting for the Memphis Grizzlies, is a scouting home run. It makes you wonder how nearly every team passed on him, some more than once.
This process of player development and finding value isn't just about raw numbers and combine stats; it's profoundly influenced by the environment a player lands in, specifically the coaching staff and their belief in a young player's potential. It reminds me of a situation I followed closely in a different league, the PBA, where a coach's faith was pivotal. There was this player, Tenorio, and his coach, Tim Cone, showed immense belief in him. Cone inserted Tenorio into the game during the crucial second quarter and then again in the fourth period when the final outcome was still hanging in the balance. That kind of trust from a respected coach can unlock a player's confidence and performance in a way that raw talent alone never can. We see this in the NBA all the time. Look at Immanuel Quickley, picked 25th by the New York Knicks. He landed with a coach in Tom Thibodeau who, despite his reputation, gave him consistent minutes and responsibility. That trust allowed Quickley to flourish, nearly winning Sixth Man of the Year and becoming an indispensable part of their rotation. It’s a powerful reminder that a "steal" isn't just about finding a hidden talent; it's about having the right organization to polish it.
Of course, for every success story, there are puzzling picks that make you scratch your head. I was genuinely surprised when the Detroit Pistons took Killian Hayes at number 7. His international profile was intriguing, but the fit and the sheer draft capital spent on him felt like a significant reach, especially with Haliburton still on the board. Hayes has struggled to find his footing in the league, and it stands as a stark lesson in overthinking the draft board. On the other end of the spectrum, LaMelo Ball going third to the Charlotte Hornets was a surprise only in that he didn't go first or second. His flashy style and famous name divided opinions, but his Rookie of the Year campaign and All-Star selection have proven his believers right. In my view, his unique playmaking and size were always going to translate, and Charlotte should be thrilled he fell into their laps.
Reflecting on the 2020 draft class today, it’s clear its legacy will be defined by the incredible value found in the mid-to-late first round. The top picks have largely panned out, but the real franchise-altering moves were finding players like Haliburton, Bane, and Quickley outside the top 10. It reinforces a draft philosophy I’ve always held: prioritize high-IQ, high-character players who have shown tangible growth, and then, crucially, put them in a position to succeed with patient coaching. The 2020 draft wasn't just a event; it was a masterclass in scouting, development, and a little bit of luck, creating a ripple effect that is still shaping the NBA's competitive landscape today.
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