NBA Draft First Overall Pick Odds: Anthony Edwards Still Favored; Obi Toppin & Deni Avdija Shorten to +550
- The NBA will follow in the footsteps of the NFL as they prepare to host the 2020 NBA Draft virtually on June 25th, 2020
- Georgia’s Anthony Edwards odds have fallen from -150 to +100 to be selected first overall
- Read below to find out who has the best value to become the first overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft
With the pandemic still lingering the 2020 NBA Draft will take place virtually on June 25th, 2020. Although the draft will take place virtually, the NBA will still be welcoming top talents from all around the globe to their league.
In the opening NBA Draft odds, Georgia’s Anthony Edwards was the odds-on favorite at -150. Edwards’ odds have now fallen to +100. With this move, oddsmakers believe prospects like James Wiseman, Obi Toppin, and others, have a chance at being the first name off the board and Edwards is no longer a lock.
Is Anthony Edwards still deserving of the top spot in the 2020 NBA Draft? Do any of the long-shots pose a threat to Edwards as the draft approaches? Let’s take a look at which prospects hold the best value and intrigue leading up to the 2020 NBA Draft.
Odds to Be Selected First Overall in 2020 NBA Draft
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Anthony Edwards | +100 |
| James Wiseman | +180 |
| LaMelo Ball | +300 |
| Deni Advija | +550 |
| Obi Toppin | +550 |
| Deni Avdija | +550 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | +1500 |
| Cole Anthony | +2000 |
| Killian Hayes | +2000 |
| Onyeka Okongwu | +2000 |
Odds taken April 28th
Does Edwards Deserve the Top Spot?
In SBD’s last NBA Draft piece, Edwards was the clear favorite at -150. His closest competitor was center James Wiseman at +200. Now, Wiseman’s odds have slightly shortened to +180, despite no major news on how the draft lottery or process will play out.
Edwards has the measurables and athleticism to be the number one overall pick. At 6-foot-5 and 225-pounds, he has the perfect build to be an elite guard in the NBA.
To put his measurables into perspective, Wiseman sits at 7-foot-1, 235-pounds. Wiseman has eight inches on Edwards, but just 10 pounds on him. Edwards won’t be coming in as a skinny underdeveloped prospect like some do, he will be NBA ready.
Edwards averaged 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in his lone season at Georgia. The Atlanta native shot just 40.2 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from beyond the arc. Unfortunately for Edwards, his streaky shooting has been his biggest knock.
If Anthony Edwards just did this more often, he’d be my #1 prospect.
He has the potential to be an elite slasher but settles for outside shots way too often. He’s got that ability to float midair that you just don’t see every day pic.twitter.com/TTmpujT4Sx
— NBA Draft Central (@NBADC_) April 25, 2020
The Georgia guard had 11 games where he shot less than 35 percent from the field. However, he also had seven games where he shot 50 percent or better from the field. The Bulldogs were not very good last year finishing with a 16-16 record, so Edwards was forced to have the ball in his hands a lot.
Edwards reminds me of Andrew Wiggins as he was coming into the league, however, I believe he has more potential. As of right now, the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Cleveland Cavaliers all have the best odds to land the number one selection at 14 percent.
These are places where Edwards could slide in and have an impact. Keep in mind, the Warriors have been looking for a true center for years now and Wiseman could be that guy.
Other Options
There are three other players I would look at for the number one pick in the 2020 NBA Draft: James Wiseman, Obi Toppin, and Deni Avdija. No, LaMelo Ball is not on my radar.
A report came out from USA Today stating that Ball is “working on his game training with Lavar”, which makes me nervous.
As we have seen with Lonzo Ball, when you draft into the Ball family you get everything that comes with that. I don’t believe any organization wants the headache that is Lavar Ball anywhere near their team.
Obi Toppin won the Naismith Player of the Year and the John R. Wooden Award as Dayton’s premier leader. Toppin averaged 20 points and 7.5 rebounds per game as the Flyers finished with an impeccable 29-2 record.
With the pandemic still ongoing, the pre-draft routine is going to be a little different. Although the NBA Combine could have helped Toppin’s stock, I do not think it will take away from the value he will bring to any team that selects him.
Deni Avdija would be an interesting first overall selection, but it should not surprise anyone if it does end up happening. Luka Doncic has proven that taking a chance on European players is worth it.
Deni Advija is from another world. Mix of Doncic-Bodiroga. patience and timing to play basketball unbelievable. Leadership. He Tolerates the mistakes really well for that age. NBA Talent
— David Gómez Muñoz デビッド・ゴメス (@davidgomezcoach) January 25, 2019
Sources have said that the Warriors scouted Avdija hard in Israel and he could turn out to be a great fit with Klay Thompson and Steph Curry. However, this is a deep draft and I think whoever ends up getting the first overall pick needs to take the best prospect available.
That player is Anthony Edwards.
Best Bet: Anthony Edwards (+100)
With 5+ years of sports journalism under his belt, Ryan Sura may be young, but he's already making his mark. Ryan is the lead NHL editor at SBD, along with managing content for MMA, Boxing, and Racing. He is also the commercial manager, highlighting the best promos at online sportsbooks across US.
