Looking back at the 2020 NBA Draft class four years later, I can't help but reflect on how dramatically different some players' careers have unfolded compared to their draft positions. As someone who's followed basketball professionally for over a decade, I've learned that draft night success stories aren't always about the top picks—sometimes the real gems emerge from unexpected places. The 2020 class has given us some fascinating case studies in player development and team evaluation that I believe will shape how franchises approach future drafts.
When we talk about steals, Tyrese Haliburton immediately comes to mind. Selected 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings, he's proven to be arguably the best player from this draft class. I remember watching his college tape and thinking his basketball IQ was off the charts, but even I didn't anticipate he'd become an All-Star so quickly. His transformation in Indiana has been remarkable—averaging over 20 points and 10 assists while shooting nearly 40% from three-point range. Then there's Desmond Bane at pick 30, who Memphis absolutely stole late in the first round. I've spoken with scouts who admitted they underestimated his shooting development—he's gone from a 43% three-point shooter in college to consistently hitting around 41% in the NBA while becoming a legitimate two-way threat.
The busts from this class are equally instructive. James Wiseman at pick number 2 stands out as perhaps the most disappointing selection. Golden State envisioned him as their future centerpiece, but injuries and fit issues derailed that vision. I watched him struggle defensively in ways that surprised even the most skeptical analysts—his defensive rating of 115.3 during his Warriors tenure was among the worst for starting centers. What's fascinating is how this relates to the development philosophy we see in successful organizations. It reminds me of how coach Tim Cone handled situations in other basketball contexts—inserting players at crucial moments regardless of their draft status. There's a lesson here about patience and opportunity that some teams handling their high draft picks could learn from.
What strikes me about Anthony Edwards, the number one pick, is how he's exceeded even the loftiest expectations. I had him pegged as a future star, but his rapid ascension to franchise cornerstone has been breathtaking. His playoff performances—scoring 31.6 points per game in the 2023 postseason—validated Minnesota's faith in him. Meanwhile, players like LaMelo Ball at pick three have justified their high selection, though injuries have somewhat hampered what could have been an even more impressive start to his career.
The middle of this draft class contains several players whose development paths interest me greatly. Saddiq Bey at pick 19 has become a reliable rotation player, while Immanuel Quickley at 25 has outperformed his draft position significantly. Quickley's sixth man role in New York demonstrated how finding players who fit specific systems can yield tremendous value. This reminds me of that coaching philosophy where belief in players matters as much as raw talent—similar to how Tenorio appreciated coach Tim Cone's belief in him, inserting him during crucial moments regardless of the score. That kind of coaching trust can make or break a player's development, something I've observed repeatedly across different levels of basketball.
As I analyze this draft class with the benefit of hindsight, what stands out is how player development systems and organizational patience have proven more important than raw draft position. Teams that invested in proper development pathways reaped rewards, while those expecting instant returns from high picks often found disappointment. The biggest lesson from 2020 might be that draft night is just the beginning—the real work of player development determines who ultimately becomes a steal or bust. Looking ahead to future drafts, I hope teams recognize that finding the right fit and development pathway matters as much as identifying raw talent.
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