Looking back at the 2020 NBA Draft, I can’t help but feel it was one of those rare drafts where the narrative shifted dramatically in just a couple of years. At the time, everyone had strong opinions about which teams nailed their picks and which completely fumbled—but now, with the benefit of hindsight, we can really break down who the biggest winners and losers turned out to be. I remember watching the draft live, scribbling notes and thinking about how certain players would fit into their new systems. Some picks made perfect sense on paper, while others left me scratching my head. And honestly, seeing how things have played out since then has been fascinating.

One of the clearest winners, in my view, has to be the Minnesota Timberwolves. They snagged Anthony Edwards with the first overall pick, and while there were questions early on about his shooting efficiency and defensive focus, he’s blossomed into an absolute superstar. Edwards averaged 24.7 points per game in his third season and has become the face of the franchise—something the Wolves desperately needed. I’ve always been high on players with that kind of explosive athleticism and charisma, and Edwards has delivered beyond what many analysts predicted. On the other hand, the Charlotte Hornets made a solid choice with LaMelo Ball at number three, but I still wonder if they could’ve done more with that pick. Ball is flashy and exciting, no doubt, but his injury concerns and the team’s overall stagnation make me question whether they maximized their opportunity.

Then there’s the curious case of teams like the Golden State Warriors, who picked James Wiseman second overall. I’ll admit, I was initially intrigued by his physical tools, but it’s hard to see that selection as anything but a miss now. Wiseman struggled to stay healthy and never quite found his footing in Golden State’s system, eventually getting traded to the Detroit Pistons. The Warriors, known for their sharp roster construction, seemed to misfire here—and it’s a reminder that even the best organizations can have draft missteps. Compare that to the San Antonio Spurs selecting Devin Vassell at 11th; he’s developed into a reliable two-way wing, averaging nearly 18 points per game last season. Sometimes, it’s the mid-lottery picks that yield the most value, and I’ve always appreciated teams that find gems outside the top five.

What’s interesting is how team context shapes these outcomes. It reminds me of a quote from coach Tim Cone in the PBA, where he discussed the importance of players fitting together: “I think we are kinda underrating Blackwater because Barefield and David have been playing major minutes and they have been in and out of the line-up. [The game against Rain or Shine] was really the first game they kinda played together, but they came off the bench.” That idea resonates deeply with the NBA draft—it’s not just about individual talent, but how pieces mesh. Take the New York Knicks, for example. They picked Obi Toppin at eighth, a high-flying forward who showed promise but never quite fit with Julius Randle in the frontcourt. Toppin’s per-game stats hovered around 7 points and 3 rebounds, which is decent, but I can’t help but think he’d have thrived in a system that gave him more freedom. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings took Tyrese Haliburton at 12th, and he’s been a revelation—averaging over 20 points and 10 assists last season, proving that sometimes the best moves are the ones that fly under the radar.

Of course, not every story is about immediate success. The Chicago Bulls took Patrick Williams fourth overall, and while he’s shown flashes of defensive versatility, his offensive game has been slower to develop. As someone who values two-way players, I had high hopes for Williams, but his progression has been uneven. On the flip side, the Philadelphia 76ers selecting Tyrese Maxey at 21st was an absolute steal. Maxey’s speed and scoring punch have made him a key piece alongside Joel Embiid, and he put up 20.3 points per game last season. I love seeing late picks outshine their draft positions—it’s a testament to scouting and player development.

As we wrap this up, I’m struck by how the 2020 draft class has reshaped several franchises. Winners like the Timberwolves and Spurs made selections that aligned with long-term vision, while others, such as the Warriors and Hornets, face lingering questions. From my perspective, the real losers aren’t just the teams that missed on top picks, but those that failed to integrate their choices effectively. It’s a reminder that drafting is as much about fit and development as it is about talent. And honestly, I can’t wait to see how these players continue to evolve—because in the NBA, the draft is just the beginning of the story.