Let the speculation begin.
One of the most fascinating draws in history now has a lottery order. Without a clear choice no. 1, which is being held in October during a pandemic and the uncertainty regarding the teams players can catch up with for training, figures are chaos.
Here’s how The Post sees the top 14 playing out.
1. Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia
A trio of D’Angelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns and Edwards could be a productive offensive group. Like Russell and Towns, the 6-foot-5 Edwards is wired to score, as his 19.1 points per game as a newcomer would suggest. They can all learn how to defend together better.
Warriors: James Wiseman, PF / C, Memphis
Assuming the Warriors do not move or trade the choice, the big 7-foot-1 big man needs an inside presence, giving them a finish blocker that complements the explosive scoring duo of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, and taking on Draymond Green defensive pressure.
Hornets: LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawarra Hawks (Australia)
A no-brainer for the Hornets, despite how well Devonte ‘Graham played this past season. Ball may be the face of the franchise, a 6-foot-7 player who makes others around him better and is considered by some to be the top talent in this concept.
4. Bollen: Deni Avdija, SF / PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
The pair-dimensional Israeli 6-foot-9 pairing with emerging Finnish big man Lauri Markkanen gives the Bulls a dynamic forward tandem for the future. The top international import in the concept, Avdija led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the championship of the Israeli league at just 19 years old.
5. Cavaliers: Obi Toppin, SF / PF, Dayton
Toppin gives the advancing Cavaliers a young stud to go with the backlog of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. The National Player of the Year from Ossining, NY, can contribute directly to both ends, and if he improves his jump shot, Cleveland could have an All-Star in the explosive 6-foot-9 forward.
6. Hawken: Onyeka Okongwu, PF / C, USC
The defensive-averse Hawks have been making a strong offensive team, but they need to be better at the other end of the floor. Okongwu is a step in the right direction, while improving Atlanta’s ability to score in the paint.
7. Pistons: Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Iowa State
Detroit goes nowhere without repairing its point guard problems, making Haliburton the obvious choice. A deadly spot-up shooter, he can execute a team and has preferred size at 6-foot-5.
8. Knicks: Precious Achiuwa, SF / PF, Memphis
With Knicks fans calling on Cole Anthony, team president Leon Rose is pulling a stunner, another local to choose from, the 6-foot-9 Bronx native, a direct difference maker around the court and at the defensive end. The lone college freshman to make a double-double average, Achiuwa can team up with Frank Ntilikina and Mitchell Robinson to give Tom Thibodeau the makings of a greatly improved defensive unit.
9. Wizards: Devin Vassell, SG, Florida State
With Bradley Beal potentially on the block, Vassell is a natural fit in the nation’s capital. Even if the Wizards hold Beal, Vassell can play on the wing at 6-foot-6 and benefit from the attention given to Beal and returning point guard John Wall.
10. Sons: Killian Hayes, PG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Closely missed on the postseason will be a long-term plus for the rising Suns, adding Hayes, Ricky Rubio’s replacement, on the ball. Although his long-distance jumper remains a work in progress, the 6-foot-5 Hayes, born in the US but raised in France, is a great player and distributor and will be surrounded by experienced shooters in Phoenix.
11. Spurs: Cole Anthony, PG, North Carolina
The Spurs are too smart to drop Anthony, the son of former NBA point guard Greg Anthony. While some teams may be scared by his New Year in North Carolina – when a knee injury and poor shooting percentages fell his purse – San Antonio will see his strengths, from his high-scoring ability to relentless work ethic and alpha-male character traits.
12. Kings: Patrick Williams, SF / PF, Florida State
Forget his underwhelming numbers in one season at Florida State – Williams averaged 9.2 points and 4.0 rebounds – as Leonard Hamilton limited his minutes to 22.5 per game. Williams is a physical, skilled and versatile 6-foot-8 forward, and could explode given more space and freedom on the next level. In addition, he is the youngest player in the concept, having just turned 19.
13. Pelicans: Aaron Nesmith, SG / SF, Vanderbilt
Sion Williamson and Brandon Ingram could use an astronaut like the 6-foot-6 Nesmith, a goalie who shot 52.2 percent from deep and averaged 23 points per game before suffering a season-ending foot injury in January.
14. Celtics (via Grizzlies): Saddiq Bey, SF, Villanova
3-and-D wings are now the rage in the league, and Bey has written direct collaborator about him a lot. He can hold various positions, he shot 45.1 percent from distance last year and he is the kind of smart, high character player who fits the Celtics’ winning culture.
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