Who Were the Biggest Winners and Surprises in the 2020 NBA Draft Class?

Looking back at the 2020 NBA Draft class, I’ve got to say it’s one of those groups where initial reactions didn’t always tell the full story. When we talk about winners and surprises, we often focus on the lottery picks, but what fascinates me is how certain players and teams managed to defy expectations in ways that remind me of the dynamics you sometimes see in other leagues—like the PBA, for instance. I was recently reading a quote from Coach Tim Cone about Blackwater’s situation, where he mentioned how Barefield and David had been in and out of the lineup and how people were underestimating them because they hadn’t played major minutes together until that game against Rain or Shine. It struck me that this kind of under-the-radar synergy is exactly what we saw with some of the 2020 draftees—players who started slow or flew under the radar but eventually became pivotal.

Let’s start with the obvious winners, and for me, the Minnesota Timberwolves absolutely nailed it by selecting Anthony Edwards first overall. I’ll admit, I had my doubts early on—his rookie season was solid but not spectacular, averaging around 19.3 points per game with shooting splits that left room for improvement. But fast forward a couple of years, and he’s blossomed into an All-Star and a franchise cornerstone, leading the Wolves to playoff relevance with his explosive scoring and improved defense. What’s impressive is how he grew into his role, much like how Cone described Blackwater’s duo finally clicking when they played together off the bench. Edwards didn’t have the immediate spotlight like some past number one picks, but his development curve has been steep, and now he’s arguably the face of that draft class. Another clear winner, in my book, is the Charlotte Hornets with LaMelo Ball at pick three. Ball came in with a ton of hype, and he delivered right away, snagging Rookie of the Year honors and putting up numbers like 15.7 points and 6.1 assists per game in his first season. His flashy playmaking and court vision have made the Hornets must-watch TV, and though injuries have been a hiccup, when he’s on the court, he’s a game-changer. I love how he embodies that surprise element—not because he was unknown, but because he translated his potential into impact so quickly, something not every highly-touted prospect manages to do.

But the real surprises, the ones that make you sit up and take notice, often come from later picks or unexpected fits. Take Tyrese Haliburton, for example, who went 12th to the Sacramento Kings. I remember thinking at the time that he was a steal, but even I didn’t predict he’d become an All-Star so soon. His IQ and efficiency are off the charts—in his second season, he averaged about 15.3 points and 8.2 assists while shooting over 40% from three, and his trade to the Indiana Pacers only amplified his influence. It’s reminiscent of how Coach Cone pointed out that underestimating a team because key players are in and out of the lineup can backfire; Haliburton was somewhat overlooked in a draft heavy on guards, but his consistency and unselfish play have made him one of the biggest steals. Then there’s Desmond Bane, selected 30th by the Memphis Grizzlies. I’ll be honest, I didn’t see him becoming a 20-points-per-game scorer and a vital piece for a playoff team. His three-point shooting, hovering around 43% in his second year, has been a revelation, and it shows how late-first-round picks can outshine their draft position if given the right system and minutes. This ties back to that idea of players coming off the bench and making an impact—just like in the PBA example, where limited initial exposure didn’t define their potential.

On the flip side, there were some disappointments or slower burns that added to the surprise factor. James Wiseman, the second overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, is a case in point. Injuries derailed his early career, and he’s struggled to find his footing, which in a way mirrors how some talents need more time to gel, as Cone alluded to with Blackwater’s lineup changes. I think Wiseman’s story is a reminder that draft position isn’t everything, and sometimes the biggest surprises come from how a player adapts to adversity. Meanwhile, teams like the Detroit Pistons, who picked Killian Hayes seventh, might be reevaluating their choices given his slower development compared to others in his range. From my perspective, the 2020 class teaches us that patience and fit are crucial—just because a player doesn’t explode onto the scene doesn’t mean they won’t become valuable down the line.

Wrapping it up, the 2020 NBA Draft has given us a mix of expected stars and unexpected gems, with winners like Edwards and Ball living up to the hype, and surprises like Haliburton and Bane redefining their draft slots. It’s a lot like that PBA insight where underestimating a team because of lineup fluctuations can lead to missed opportunities—in the NBA, overlooking later picks or slow starters often means missing out on future stars. Personally, I find this class incredibly rewarding to analyze because it underscores the unpredictability of player development. As we look back, I’d say the biggest takeaway is that drafts aren’t just about the top picks; they’re about finding those hidden synergies, much like a coach spotting potential in a bench player. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to never write off a draft class too early—because as 2020 showed, the surprises are often what make it memorable.