A Recap of This Year’s Top Picks
Each year, a total of 60 outstanding college basketball players get drafted to bring their talents to the NBA. This event is life-changing for many players and their families. Some players have received publicity ever since they were kids, while some came from struggling families or a scary childhood.
The draft was held remotely, like how most of our daily lives are now conducted. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stood at his podium announcing the team and the player being drafted as the young athletes looked on nervously and celebrated with family at home.
Anthony Edwards, the first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Edwards was the top player in his class in Atlanta during his high school career and took those talents to dominate at the University of Georgia.
Edwards, who goes by the nickname “Ant-Man” despite his towering 6’5” structure, was the top shooting guard of his class and averaged 19 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists per game, and 0.6 blocks per game. NBA and Timberwolves fans alike will hope he will keep those talents in his rookie year and throughout his career.
Following the New York Knicks selection of San Diego State’s Malachi Flynn at number two, the Michael Jordan-owned Charlotte Hornets selected highly-touted phenom LaMelo Ball as the third pick.
Ball started his professional career in Lithuania and Australia and is the younger brother of Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball. He first came into the spotlight playing side by side with his brothers at Chino Hills High School in Southern California. His other brother, LiAngelo signed a one-year contract with the Detriot Pistons just yesterday.
LaMelo always shocked the crowd with his flashy passes, great handles, and killer jumper. Although Lamelo was often the youngest on the team, he continuously dominated throughout his high school years.
Despite competing against competition different from America, that did not stop LaMelo from growing as a player, both mentally and physically. 19-year-old LaMelo hit a growth spurt during his time overseas, rising to 6’7”. LaMelo, along with the other draftees, will bring their talents and join NBA veterans on their squads for the 2021 season.
Many top collegiate ballers also saw their names called in the first round, including Auburn small forward Issac Okoro (Cavaliers, 5th overall), Kentucky point guard Tyrese Maxey (76ers, 21st overall), and New Zealand combo guard RJ Hampton, who played overseas (Nuggets, 24th overall).
Many of these phenomenal players may have a lot to prove, but as long as they work hard and stay focused they will achieve great things in the NBA. It is very possible that one of these incredible players listed here will win the 2021 Rookie of The Year award.
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