Pencil Storm asked their resident NBA fanatics to address three pressing questions and give some insight into this year’s NBA Draft, which airs on ESPN Wednesday, November 18th at 8pm.

This isn’t a draft question but you are a lifelong Lakers fan so thoughts on winning the title and what it means to LeBron’s legacy.

Ben Galli

At the risk of trying not to sound too arrogant about it, these are simply expectations of Laker fandom.  They’re 17-15 in the Finals and have won 11 in my own lifetime.  Right now what matters is to get to 18 to pass the Celtics and then 5 more after that so stupid Boston fans can stfu about the titles won in Minneapolis.  What’s special about this one is we yet again have one of the greatest players of all time donning the purple & gold and seem set to contend for a while after missing the playoffs every year since 2013.  

As for LeBron, it’s just extra special to be on this ride with him as he still, astonishingly, makes a bigger impact on winning basketball games than anyone in the league.  He’ll soon be the highest scoring player in NBA history and would be the 4th Laker to have that honor (Mikan, Chamberlain, Abdul-Jabbar).  LeBron is very much invested in his legacy and he’s spent his career using his talent to leverage his power as a player.  And he’s influenced the way today’s athletes pursue their own professional happiness and development. 

Michael Jordan won his first title in his 7th season.  LeBron spent 7 years in Cleveland, saw they couldn’t attract the help he needed to win and left. Remember, he had to battle the Big 3 of the Celtics that really started the super team craze.  He went to Miami for 4 years and learned how to win but felt he still owed Northeast Ohio a title so he came back and did just that.  After 4 years in Cleveland he could see it was the same old Cavs franchise that lacked the culture and attractability to help him catch Jordan in titles and so he made the best decision for playing out his career.  

And really, one of the most famous people in all the world who regularly hobnobs with similarly genius talents is not going to want to live in Akron, Ohio forever.  It’s yet to be seen if LBJ will catch His Airness in rings, but he is definitely going out in style in the twilight of his career.

Covid has wrecked havoc with all sports and the NBA draft is no exception.  How would you rate the overall talent in this year’s draft compared to the past 5 years?

This year’s draft is being overshadowed by James Harden’s trade demands.  Players forcing trades is an unfortunately bitter pill for fans of those teams and I sympathize with folks rubbed the wrong way by those usually selfish actions.  But man that bitter pill is also exactly what NBA addled fans crave.  Impact from the draft isn’t usually seen for a few years but superstars changing teams in the offseason as seems to be the case on the yearly generates the type of short term excitement that’s necessary for sports to succeed in today’s  rapid information climate.  

There’s been much speculation on if the Warriors will trade their 2nd pick for more immediate help and more recently if the Hornets will decide to give up the 3rd pick for Russell Westbrook, a player Michael Jordan allegedly covets.  But all that pales in comparison to the content that would be created in speculation of how three of the oddest and most maligned NBA superstars, and we’re talking all time levels here, would play together. 

This year’s draft has some unknowns perhaps best exemplified by the lack of a consensus top player. There’s not much agreement on who’s going where because there’s no surefire, can’t miss talents like a Zion Williamson, Ben Simmons, or Luka Doncic. Every potential lottery pick comes with reservations.  But there’s also a lot of depth. A lot of high ceiling players that could eventually become the superstars they want to be.  It’s true there was no NCAA Tournament this year to fall in love with prospects (thanks 2020!) but with a growing number even from America playing overseas, the draft is becoming more and more unpredictable every year.

Put on your GM hat and give us your first five picks/moves with some special attention saved for Big $ and his Cleveland Cavs.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves - Anthony Edwards - Picked him over LaMelo Ball who might have a higher ceiling because Edwards should fit better with D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns.  If the Wolves want to sell tickets, they’ll go with Ball but if they want to build a contender, Edwards might be the better choice for their current iteration.

2. Golden State Warriors - James Wiseman - Wiseman has been the most consistently linked to the Warriors at this spot but I do think they trade this pick to get more immediate help for their championship run this season.  The Warriors are still in the prime of a dynastic run they started before KD so I think they’ll be picking for another team and other players might be in play here.

3. Charlotte Hornets - Killian Hayes - Hayes has high upside here as a 19 year old point guard with good size  that’s already played 3 years of pro ball in Europe. It’s tough to say if the Hornets are willing to trade such a high pick for Russell Wesbrook.  That might be too steep a price for them but if they don’t think they’re  going  to get a superstar in the draft and want a recent league mvp that can excite the fan base, maybe Jordan will acquire the biggest star he’s ever had on his team.  Jordan, Kobe (rip), and Iverson have all mentioned Westbrook as one of their favorite players in recent years.  

4. Chicago Bulls - LaMelo Ball - I don’t see Lonzo’s little brother falling past this pick.  I can see him being picked by every team above because he has an enticing skill set.  Great size, fancy passing, and explosive ability.  His shooting will be unpredictable and some may be concerned with his game translating well to the NBA but he was also “born for this”.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers - Deni Avdija - I think the Cavs should go with this versatile playmaker over Dayton legend Obi Toppin.  Not sure if they will but Avdija plays winning basketball. His foul shooting leaves much to be desired (52.3%) but if his work ethic matches how hard he plays, the shooting should soon become acceptable.  But I know I’m not the one you want to hear from.  With his breakdown of the Cavs offseason moves, here’s Big $’s 2 cents:

Big $:

Little known fact, the NBA draft is not only my favorite sports related event of the year, it's probably my favorite day overall. I mean, I love the NCAA tourney just like everyone else, but it's mainly to scout players for the draft a few months later.  So without further adieu, here is my 2 cents on the pandemic delayed 2020 NBA Draft (with a special focus on my beloved Cleveland Cavs).

- I am all for the fire sale. I would like to see Koby and the Cavs flip Love and/or Drummond for some serviceable wing help and draft capital. If we can clear out the veteran laden front court, it would make the expected pick of Obi Toppin (PF - Dayton) more palatable. It would also clear room for a possible pick of "Aspiring Adebayo" Onyeka Okungwu (PF - USC) at 5. He is the electric defender, rim protector, and all around bad-ass that this young group needs.

- If the Cavs stay away from the trade phones, the 3 spot has to be addressed. The #1 prospect here is Deni Avdija (Maccabi- Tel Aviv). He is an all around talent who can run the floor and knock down shots. He can also lead an offense when the young bull wants to play off the ball. There is a knock on his footspeed, but I have watched the tape and he can switch 1-5 on defense with success. Sadly, I believe the Bulls get him at 4.

- Therefore, if there is no front court fire sale and Deni is gone, I would be happy with either of the 3 and D wings left: Isaac Okoro (Auburn) or Patrick Williams (FSU).

- Outside of the Cavs, I am intrigued by the Point Guard depth in the draft. Starting with Tyrell Terry (Stanford). Kid has a crazy basketball IQ and a Steph Curry ceiling (you heard it here first). I also think Killian Hayes (France) and Tyrese Halliburton (Iowa State) are going to contribute immediately. This trio doesn't even account for heralded Tar Heel , Cole Anthony who I also expect to be a solid pro.

So there it is, Big $'s 2 cents. Enjoy the Draft everyone!