Looking back at the 2020 NBA Draft, I can't help but reflect on how much context matters when evaluating these young players. That line from a coach—"He's facing a longtime rival, and I know how much this means to him"—really resonates with me. It’s a reminder that behind every draft pick, there’s a human story, a competitive fire that stats alone can’t capture. Three years later, we’ve got enough data and game footage to start separating the steals from the busts, and I’ve got to say, some of these outcomes have genuinely surprised me.
Let’s start with the steals, because frankly, they’re more fun to talk about. Tyrese Haliburton, picked 12th by the Sacramento Kings, immediately comes to mind. I remember watching his Iowa State tape and thinking his unorthodox shooting form might hold him back, but boy, was I wrong. The Kings moved him to Indiana in a trade, and he’s blossomed into an All-Star, averaging around 20 points and 10 assists per game last season. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and he plays with a poise that you just don’t see from many players his age. Then there’s Desmond Bane, selected 30th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. I’ll admit, I didn’t see him becoming this impactful. He’s turned into a lethal three-point shooter, hitting over 43% from deep last year, and he’s a key reason Memphis has been so competitive. These guys weren’t top picks, but they’ve outperformed their draft positions by a mile, and in Haliburton’s case, that trade scenario felt like a classic case of a team not fully recognizing what they had—a bit like facing a rival and underestimating the emotional drive behind it.
On the flip side, we have the busts, and it’s a tough conversation, but a necessary one. James Wiseman, the second overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, stands out. He came in with so much hype—a modern big man with athleticism and skill—but injuries and fit issues have really hampered his development. He only played 39 games in his first two seasons combined, and when he was on the court, he often looked lost defensively. The Warriors eventually traded him to Detroit, and while he’s shown flashes, he hasn’t lived up to that top-pick billing. Another disappointment, in my view, has been Killian Hayes, picked seventh by the Detroit Pistons. I had high hopes for his playmaking, but his shooting has been abysmal—around 38% from the field for his career—and he’s struggled to find a consistent role. It’s frustrating because you see the talent, but sometimes, the mental game or fit just doesn’t click, much like that rival matchup where the pressure gets to you.
Now, I know some fans might argue that it’s too early to label anyone a bust, and they have a point—players can turn things around. But based on what we’ve seen so far, the gap between expectations and reality is stark. For instance, LaMelo Ball, the third pick, has already made an All-Star team and is putting up numbers like 23 points and 8 assists per game, which justifies his high selection. Meanwhile, guys like Wiseman and Hayes have yet to find that groove, and in a league that moves fast, opportunities can dwindle. From my perspective as someone who’s followed drafts for years, the 2020 class is a classic example of how scouting isn’t just about physical tools; it’s about intangibles—the drive, the adaptability, that inner fire when facing old rivals or new challenges.
In conclusion, the 2020 NBA Draft has given us some incredible value picks and a few cautionary tales. Haliburton and Bane are steals who’ve elevated their teams, while Wiseman and Hayes, among others, haven’t panned out as hoped. Personally, I think this draft will be remembered for its depth in the late first round, and it’s a reminder to teams: don’t overlook the underdogs. After all, as that coach’s insight suggests, understanding a player’s motivation—whether it’s a longtime rival or a chip on their shoulder—can make all the difference in uncovering the next gem.