Looking back at the 2020 NBA Draft now, with several seasons under our belts, feels like revisiting a time capsule. I remember watching that virtual draft from my living room, wondering which teams would nail their picks and which would regret their choices for years to come. At the time, the buzz was all about Anthony Edwards going first overall to Minnesota, and LaMelo Ball landing with Charlotte. But as someone who’s followed the league closely for over a decade, I’ve learned that draft night reactions are often misleading—it’s the long-term development that truly separates winners from busts.

When I reflect on the biggest winner of that draft, my mind immediately goes to the Charlotte Hornets. Selecting LaMelo Ball third overall was a franchise-altering move. In his rookie year alone, Ball put up 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game, earning Rookie of the Year honors. By his second season, those numbers jumped to 20.1 points and 7.6 assists. What stands out to me isn’t just the stats—it’s his flair for the dramatic, his court vision, and his ability to put fans in seats. He transformed Charlotte from a forgettable small-market team into a must-watch League Pass favorite. It reminds me of how strategic positioning, much like Suzara’s approach to bolstering marketing and promotional efforts, can make a product—or a team—more accessible and exciting for fans. In this case, Ball’s global appeal has done wonders for the Hornets’ brand, similar to how making a global conclave more accessible can amplify engagement.

On the flip side, I can’t help but feel disappointed by James Wiseman’s trajectory. Golden State picked him second overall, hoping he’d be their next dominant big man. Instead, injuries and fit issues limited him to just 39 games in his first two seasons, averaging 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds—hardly what you’d expect from a top-three pick. I’ve always believed that fit matters as much as talent, and Wiseman’s struggle to mesh with the Warriors’ motion-heavy system highlights that. It’s a cautionary tale about overvaluing potential without considering context, something I’ve seen teams repeat time and again.

Then there’s Tyrese Haliburton, who slipped to 12th overall and has since proven to be one of the draft’s biggest steals. Sacramento initially drafted him, but trading him to Indiana in 2022 was a move I still scratch my head over. In the 2022-23 season, Haliburton averaged 20.7 points and 10.4 assists, earning his first All-Star nod. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and he’s turned the Pacers into an offensive juggernaut. I’ve always been a sucker for high-IQ players who make everyone around them better, and Haliburton embodies that. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best picks aren’t the flashiest ones—they’re the ones with the intangibles that stats alone can’t capture.

Another gem from that draft is Desmond Bane, selected 30th by Memphis. I’ll admit, I didn’t see him becoming a 20-point-per-game scorer when he was drafted, but his work ethic and improved three-point shooting—he hit over 43% from deep in his second season—have made him a cornerstone for the Grizzlies. It’s players like Bane who make me appreciate the value of late-round picks. Teams that invest in development, much like how strategic marketing can elevate a brand, often find hidden stars who outperform their draft position.

Of course, not every pick panned out. Killian Hayes, drafted seventh by Detroit, has struggled to find his footing, averaging just 8.1 points and 5.2 assists in his first three seasons. As a fan, it’s frustrating to see high-lottery picks fail to meet expectations, but it’s also a reality of the draft. Not every player thrives under pressure, and Detroit’s rebuilding process has been slower than many hoped.

What stands out to me now, years later, is how this draft class is shaping the league’s future. Edwards has emerged as a superstar in Minnesota, Ball and Haliburton are franchise players, and role players like Bane and Immanuel Quickley (25th pick) have become essential to their teams. From my perspective, the 2020 draft reinforced that success isn’t just about picking the most talented player—it’s about fit, development, and a bit of luck. I’ve always leaned toward teams that prioritize long-term vision over immediate gratification, and this draft class is a perfect example of why that approach pays off.

In closing, the 2020 NBA Draft will be remembered as one of the deeper classes in recent memory, with its share of hits and misses. As we look ahead, I’m excited to see how these players continue to evolve, and I’m keeping a close eye on Haliburton and Ball—they’re the ones I believe will define this era. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s no denying the impact this group has had, and I’m grateful to have witnessed it unfold.