2020 Draft Class NBA: Where Are These Rising Stars Now?

I remember sitting in my living room back in November 2020, watching the virtual NBA draft unfold during that strange pandemic year. The absence of roaring crowds and in-person handshakes made it feel almost surreal, yet we all knew we were witnessing the arrival of what would become one of the most fascinating draft classes in recent memory. Fast forward to today, and these players have taken wildly different paths—some becoming household names while others have faded into obscurity. Just last Friday, September 9th at 5 p.m., I found myself at Philsports Arena watching a preseason game that featured several members of this very class, which got me reflecting on where these rising stars stand now.

When we look back at the 2020 draft, Anthony Edwards immediately comes to mind as the crown jewel. Selected first overall by Minnesota, Ant-Man has transformed from a raw athletic prospect into a bona fide superstar. I've followed his career closely, and what impresses me most isn't just his 24.6 points per game average last season—it's his palpable joy for the game. Watching him drain three-pointers with that infectious smile reminds me why I fell in love with basketball. He's not just putting up numbers; he's becoming the face of the Timberwolves franchise and arguably the most exciting two-way guard in the league. His progression reminds me of watching a young Dwyane Wade—the same explosive first step, the same fearlessness attacking the rim.

Then there's LaMelo Ball, the third pick who won Rookie of the Year and has since made Charlotte relevant again. I'll admit I had my doubts about the Ball family circus, but LaMelo has silenced every critic including myself. His court vision is simply otherworldly—I've never seen a 6'7" point guard who can whip no-look passes with such precision. Last season he averaged 23.3 points and 8.4 assists before that ankle injury sidelined him, and the Hornets completely fell apart without him. What strikes me about LaMelo is how he's managed to blend flash with substance; those behind-the-back passes actually create high-percentage shots rather than just highlight reel material.

The real steal of the draft, in my opinion, was Tyrese Haliburton falling to twelfth. Sacramento's decision to trade him to Indiana will likely haunt them for years. I've analyzed countless point guards throughout my career, and Haliburton's basketball IQ ranks among the highest I've ever seen. His 20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game last season don't even tell the full story—it's his preternatural feel for controlling tempo that makes him special. Watching him orchestrate the Pacers' offense feels like observing a chess master several moves ahead of everyone else.

Of course, not every story from that class has been a fairytale. James Wiseman, the second overall pick, has struggled with injuries and consistency, bouncing from Golden State to Detroit. I watched him play in Summer League and saw flashes of that tantalizing potential, but he still looks lost defensively. Then there's players like Desmond Bane who was picked 30th but has outperformed many taken before him, averaging over 21 points for Memphis last season. It goes to show that draft position isn't everything—development situation and fit matter tremendously.

What fascinates me about evaluating this class three years later is seeing how their environments shaped their trajectories. Patrick Williams, picked fourth by Chicago, has shown glimpses of two-way versatility but hasn't been put in positions to maximize his skills. Meanwhile, Immanuel Quickley, selected 25th by New York, has flourished in Tom Thibodeau's system and finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting. The difference between thriving and surviving often comes down to organizational patience and coaching philosophy.

As I sat in Philsports Arena last Friday watching some of these players compete, it struck me how much has changed since their draft night. The arena buzzed with energy as fans cheered for these young stars who are no longer prospects but established NBA players. Some have already signed max contract extensions worth up to $207 million over five years, while others are fighting for roster spots. The separation between the haves and have-nots becomes more pronounced with each passing season.

Looking ahead, I'm particularly excited to see how players like Tyrese Maxey continue to develop. The 21st pick has become an integral part of Philadelphia's core, averaging over 20 points while shooting 43% from three-point range. His work ethic is legendary—I've heard stories about him taking 1,000 shots before practice even begins. That combination of talent and dedication is what separates good players from great ones.

Three years into their careers, the 2020 draft class has given us everything from franchise cornerstones to cautionary tales. The top picks have largely lived up to their billing, with Edwards and Ball looking like future All-NBA regulars, while the depth of talent throughout the first round has proven exceptional. As these players approach their prime years, I believe we'll look back at this class as one that reshaped multiple franchises. The journey from draft night to established professional is never linear, but the 2020 cohort has provided some of the most compelling narratives in recent basketball memory.