Warriors surprise headlines five NBA draft bold predictions
There always are a number of surprises at the NBA draft. This year will be no different.
After months and months of waiting, the 2020 NBA Draft finally arrives Wednesday night.
The Minnesota Timberwolves will go on the clock first, and then everything is on the table.
Most of the NBA is waiting to see what the Warriors, who own the rights to the No. 2 pick, will do as they look to restart their dynasty.
The Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks look poised to try and move up the board while the Atlanta Hawks look to add a veteran piece to make a run at the Eastern Conference playoffs.
There isn't a generational superstar in this draft, but there are a number of high-ceiling players who can potentially be franchise building blocks.
No one knows what will happen, but let's have a little fun and make five bold predictions for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Rumors have swirled around then the Pelicans' growing desire to move up in the draft and their willingness to trade veteran guard Jrue Holiday. The Hawks, for some reason, want to accelerate their rebuild in hopes of contending for the No. 7 or No. 8 seed.
Instead of drafting a Tyrese Haliburton or Isaac Okoro, the Hawks will instead send the No 6 pick to New Orleans for Holiday, giving them a veteran guard to pair with a young core of Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and John Collins.
With the No. 6 pick, the Pelicans select Okoro, who has the potential to be the next Andre Iguodala
There have been a lot of rumors circulating about what the Minnesota Timberwolves intend to do atop the 2020 NBA Draft.
They reportedly are interested in finding a way to get a second lottery pick, but also might want to move off the No. 1 overall pick.
Why not do both?
Minnesota sends the No. 1 pick to the Charlotte Hornets for the No. 3 overall pick and Miles Bridges. Then, they send the No. 17 and No. 33 picks, Jarrett Culver and Omari Spellman to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 5 pick.
While the Hornets select James Wiseman at No. 1 overall, the Wolves get their two desired players in Anthony Edwards and Patrick Williams at Nos. 3 and 5.
As the rumors continue to ramp up about James Harden's desire to leave Houston, the draft is a perfect time for a bombshell like that to drop.
Harden reportedly wants to head to another contender with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets topping his list. While the Rockets reportedly are comfortable keeping Harden, owner Tilman Fertitta is desperate to shave some money off his books.
The Nets and 76ers would love to add the 2018 NBA MVP, but another team swoops and makes a stunning deal.
Danny Ainge spent years gritting his teeth and not trading for a superstar. Not this time. The Celtics send three first-round picks, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart to the Rockets for Harden, pairing him with Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker and Gordon Hayward.
Moments after James Harden is shipped to Boston, the Rockets turn around and jettison the other part of their duo to the Kings.
Sacramento has long lusted for a star who could sell tickets and lead the Kings to a playoff push. Westbrook isn't without his flaws, but it's a move that charts a new course for the franchise.
The Kings send Buddy Hield and the No. 12 pick to Houston. Hield has been pushing to get out of Sacramento and finally gets his wish.
In Westbrook, the Kings now have a double-barreled point guard attack with Westbrook and De'Aaron Fox, and a playoff hope in Sacramento.
After the Hornets go up and get James Wiseman at No. 1, the Warriors opt to move down a peg.
The Chicago Bulls send the Warriors Wendell Carter Jr. and the No. 4 pick for the No. 2 pick. With that selection, the Bulls draft Deni Avdija.
After the Timberwolves take Anthony Edwards at No. 3, the Warriors go with upside and draft LaMelo Ball at No. 4 overall, giving them a high-ceiling guard who has the potential to blossom into a star alongside Steph Curry.
Ball's workout with the Warriors reportedly was impressive, and the Bulls' love for Avdija allowed the Warriors to add a young center in Carter and a top-tier prospect, although it might not be the one Warrior fans were hoping for.
