L.G. Patterson/Associated Press
Nearly all of the attention surrounding prospects eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft is focused at the top, and rightfully so. Players like LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman and Anthony Edwards are the most-coveted of what looks to be a generally weak draft class.
But for teams that are just on the edge of the lottery and playoff contention, finding one additional piece in this year’s class that could surprise everyone just might be the difference between picking in the lottery again in 2021 or making it to the postseason. Players like Brandon Clarke, Kevin Huerter and Landry Shamet come to mind; players who likely aren’t going to be stars—at least at this point in their careers—but have become early difference-makers who have punched above their draft position.