The Wizards will pick ninth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, which doesn’t exactly narrow down their options for those looking to predict which direction they’ll go. This has led to a wide variety of predictions from the NBA media on the Internet.
Basically, there is no consensus on which player the Wizards will take, and that means we might have another surprise on draft night. Few thought they would take Rui Hachimura to No. 9 last year and the same for the year before when they enlisted Troy Brown Jr. in the 15th.
The two favorites for the Wizards this year appear to be USC’s Onyeka Okongwu and Florida State’s Devin Vassell. Both would add defense, which Mages desperately need. Okongwu would give them rim protection and Vassell would provide length on the wing.
Here’s a rundown of the mock NBA drafts that got updated after Thursday’s lottery and what the wizards think they will do …
NBC Sports Washington – Killian Hayes, G, France
“Wizards taking a guard might surprise some people, but Hayes would make sense to them because of his versatility and long-term advantage. In the short term, he could support John Wall and possibly play him and Bradley Beal in three – And at just 18, he could be in his prime just when Wall, who turns 30 next month, leaves his. Hayes has serious star potential that would be hard to let go just because someone else satisfies a need. “
Sports Illustrated – Devin Vassell, G / F, Florida State
“Washington has plans to make the playoffs next season, and a near-ready winger who can take down shots and make a positive defensive impact with his length is pretty much what the doctor ordered for this particular roster.”
The Ringer – Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC
“Do everything great with rare versatility as a defender. He always competes and has a knack for making great plays.”
CBS Sports – Obi Toppin, PF, Dayton
“Washington needs a lot of help in many different places, but Obi Toppin fits the greatest need and has the power to star more potential … The hope is that those lobs will come from healthy Brad Beal and John Wall in a core. the front office is clearly not ready to give up yet. “
SB Nation – Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State
“Haliburton is not the type of guard who knocks down the defense from dribbling and puts constant pressure on the hoop, which means he will probably be at his best as a secondary ball manager. Add his awesome defensive instincts – his recovery rate of 3.8 ranked in the top 40 in America – and Haliburton looks like a nice complementary piece if not exactly a future star. “
NBA Draft Net – Devin Vassell, G / F, Florida State
“One of the most athletic wings in this year’s NBA draft … Shows a lot of promise as a wing that can help on both ends of the floor … High flying. Explosive jump.”
Forbes – Devin Vassell, G / F, Florida State
“Quality 3 and D sails are extremely valuable in today’s NBA, and Vassell stands out as one of the most promising prospects in this class.”
Sports News – Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC
“Alongside John Wall, Bradley Beal and Davis Bertans, Okongwu would have a natural role and would be a welcome addition to one of the worst defenses in the league.”
Uproxx – Devin Vassell, G / F, Florida State
“The best-case scenario for the Wizards may be Okongwu going down to # 9, as Washington desperately needs a long-term competent option at the center. That’s not available here, though, and Vassell is both the best player available and a perfect fit. “
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NBA mock draft recap: Few agree on Wizards pick, but Devin Vassell and Onyeka Okongwu are favorites originally to appear on NBC Sports Washington
