Due to everything that's going on we are going to be moving the so highly-coveted NBA Draft to mid-fall. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2019-20 NBA regular season has been suspended since March 11. It remains unclear if or when the season will resume. Many players are devastated as some players who had tested positive are now cleared and back with their families.We are still unsure if we will have a virtual draft, but after talking to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBPA and their still waiting for updates on the virus because the fans are whats most important at this time.
After talking with NBA insiders said that the league made the decision to postpone the events during a Board of Governors conference call. He noted that while the NBA draft is still set for June 25, plenty of sources are expecting that it will be pushed back.Commissioner Silver "that the possibility of moving back the start of the 2020-21 regular season from October to December was discussed since it could give the NBA a better opportunity to have games in front of fans.The NBA is beginning to take steps toward potentially finding a way to finish the 2019-20 season." The biggest thing so far as that in certain cities and states beginning May 8 practice facilities are opening back up.
As for the draft and the lottery it all depends on how the 2019-2020 season will end. Since the draft lottery, which was scheduled for May 19, and the draft can also be done virtually much like the NFL draft was. The only current problem would be finalizing standings and determining a draft order.The NBA combine, which was set to start May 21-24, is a different story, and it may not be able to happen because of the restrictions in place as a result of COVID-19.
If NBA prospects have to do their workouts and combine virtually could possibly hurt players prior to the draft. It's a pretty sad thing for athletes who want to go to the next level because these college kids didn't have the chance to showcase their talents on the biggest stage which was the NCAA Tournament. Some players who weren't known gets that chance in front of billions of fans and show NBA scouts that they belong at the next level.
Projected top 5 pick in this year's Lamelo Ball and his older brothers Lonzo (Pelicans), and LiAngelo (OKC Blue) have officially joined rap legend and life mogul Jay-Z's agency, Roc Nation. Which also includes artists, but most importantly the lineup includes Brooklyn Nets stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving and also young, upcoming players like Justise Winslow, P.J. Washington and Willie Cauley-Stein.
Although this pandemic is happening and prospects may have to do workouts virtual, but Ball should remain in the top range, with his silky-smooth athleticism and his passing style like Lonzo. However, his 6'7" frame gives him the ability against point guards which average height is 6'3" to bully players on both ends and take advantage of his match-up.
Lonzo on the other hand will be entering his contract year next season which is a big deal for him and the defining moment of his career. I'm not sure if New Orleans will extend, but if were in the front office then that's a main priority and also get one or vets in free agency.
The middle Ball brother, LiAngelo, has been playing in the G-League and when basketball returns he'll try to make an official NBA roster next season.
Here is the 2020 NBA Mock Draft for the lottery picks (1-15):
1. Golden State Warriors: Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Deni Avdija, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv
3. Minnesota Timberwolves: LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawarra Hawks
4. Atlanta Hawks: Obi Toppin, PF, Dayton
5. Detroit Pistons: James Wiseman, C, Memphis
6. New York Knicks: Killian Hayes, PG, Ratiopharm Ulm
7. Chicago Bulls: Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Iowa State
8. Charlotte Hornets: Onyeka Okongwu, PF/C, USC
9. Washington Wizards: Cole Anthony, PG, North Carolina
10. Phoenix Suns: Isaac Okoro, SF, Auburn
11. San Antonio Spurs: Devin Vassell, SF, Florida State
12. Sacramento Kings: Tyrese Maxey, SG, Kentucky
13. New Orleans Pelicans: Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Memphis
14. Portland Trail Blazers: R.J. Hampton, SG, New Zealand Breakers
15. Orlando Magic: Nico Mannion, PG, Arizona
Both Ball and R.J. Hampton(#14) are two prospects who decided to skip college this past year and take their talents overseas to get experience professionally and not get mainpulated by the NCAA.