Looking Back at the Top Picks From the NBA 2020 Draft Class

Looking back at the NBA 2020 draft class feels like examining a time capsule from a uniquely challenging period in basketball history. I remember watching that virtual draft from my living room, wondering how these young talents would develop without the usual summer league ramp-up and with pandemic protocols reshaping their rookie seasons. Four years later, we can properly assess how these players have transformed from prospects to professionals, and I’ve got to say—this class has surpassed many early expectations, producing several franchise cornerstones who are already reshaping the league’s competitive landscape.

When I first analyzed Anthony Edwards going first overall to Minnesota, I’ll admit I had some reservations about his shooting consistency and decision-making. Boy, was I wrong about that. Edwards has blossomed into one of the most explosive two-way players in the game, averaging 24.6 points last season while demonstrating leadership qualities that you simply can’t teach. His playoff performances against Denver last year showed a fearlessness that separates good players from great ones. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball, selected third by Charlotte, brought that creative flair and court vision I always admired from his overseas days, though his recent injury troubles concern me when projecting his long-term ceiling.

What fascinates me most about this draft class is how several later picks have outperformed their draft positions. Tyrese Haliburton, picked twelfth by Sacramento before flourishing in Indiana, has developed into arguably the best pure point guard from this class, averaging 20.7 points and 10.4 assists last season while showing incredible efficiency. Then there’s Desmond Bane at number 30—I remember questioning if his wingspan would translate to NBA defense, but he’s proven me completely wrong, becoming Memphis’s reliable second option behind Ja Morant. These success stories highlight how talent evaluation continues to evolve, with teams placing greater value on basketball IQ and specialized skills over raw athletic measurements.

The development of these players reminds me of how professional basketball organizations worldwide nurture talent. Just yesterday, I was watching the Pampanga Giant Lanterns struggle against the Bacolod Tubo Slashers in the MPBL, eventually securing a 100-91 victory that moved them closer to the league leaders. While the level of competition differs dramatically from the NBA, the fundamental principle remains: identifying and developing talent requires patience and the right organizational structure. Pampanga’s methodical approach to building their roster mirrors how successful NBA franchises have maximized their 2020 draft picks—through careful development programs and putting players in positions where their specific skills can flourish.

From my perspective as someone who’s followed player development across multiple leagues, the most impressive aspect of the 2020 class isn’t just the star power at the top but the remarkable depth. Players like Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey, and Payton Pritchard have become valuable rotation pieces for playoff teams, while James Wiseman serves as a cautionary tale about projecting big men too high based primarily on physical tools. I’ve always valued players who contribute to winning basketball over empty stats, and this class has plenty of those winning-type players.

What particularly stands out to me is how several of these players have already signed massive contract extensions, signaling their teams’ confidence in their continued development. Edwards’s max extension could reach $205 million over five years if he makes an All-NBA team, while Haliburton’s $205 million designated rookie extension shows Indiana’s commitment to building around him. These investments demonstrate how crucial hitting on draft picks remains in constructing a contender, especially with the new CBA making team-building more challenging for high-spending franchises.

As we approach the four-year anniversary of that unusual draft night, I’m convinced the 2020 class will be remembered as one of the stronger groups in recent memory. The top has produced genuine superstars, the middle has yielded quality starters, and the later rounds have revealed several gems who have outperformed their draft positions. While it’s still too early for definitive historical rankings, my bet is that this class will produce multiple All-Stars and potentially a couple of Hall of Famers when all is said and done. The development stories we’ve witnessed so far—from Edwards’s ascent to Haliburton’s playmaking mastery—provide fascinating case studies in how talent, opportunity, and development infrastructure combine to create NBA success stories.