Memphis Freshman James Wiseman Odds-On Favorite to Be First Overall Pick in 2020 NBA Draft

• Memphis 5-Star Freshman James Wiseman odds-on to go first overall
• LaMelo Ball hard to judge during his season in Australia’s NBL
• Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, UNC’s Cole Anthony in contention as well

James Wiseman is the odds-on favorite to go first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. Playing under Penny Hardaway at Memphis, Wiseman is the early frontrunner to succeed Zion Williamson as the most prized asset in the draft.

It’s worth noting, of course, that at this stage last year, few people expected Williamson to be the top pick in the 2019 draft.

There’s a long way to go, but there’s no denying the excitement around Wiseman’s versatile game that’s built for the modern NBA.

Odds to Be #1 Pick in 2020 NBA Draft

Odds taken Oct. 24.

Wiseman is Generational Talent

Standing at 7-foot-1 and drawing comparisons to Chris Bosh, it’s easy to see why there’s such hope about Wiseman. He dazzled for Memphis East High School, averaging 25.8 points and 14.8 rebounds. He’s a force at both ends and was projected as the number one pick in Jeff Goodman’s 2020 NBA Mock Draft.

Hardaway, who also coached Wiseman in high school, will make the 18-year-old the focus of the Memphis offense. Wiseman will be a matchup nightmare in college basketball, and Hardaway knows how to bring the best out of him.

He’s going to have every opportunity to prove he deserves to go first overall, but with so much basketball still to be played, the -140 price still seems too short before he steps on a college court.

The upside is there for Wiseman on the Tigers. There’s a good chance he continues on this trajectory and cements himself as the best player in next year’s draft. At the moment, though, the uncertainty is too great to suggest that any player should be at -140.

Edwards, Anthony Set for Monstrous Seasons

A pair of likely one-and-done guards, Anthony Edwards and Cole Anthony, sit at +215 and +550, respectively.

Anthony will be playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels, while Edwards will be representing the Georgia Bulldogs.

Edwards’ game relies on athleticism – he should dominate plenty of opposing guards in college with his sheer strength and quickness. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard can get his shot whenever he wants and boasts an arena-shaking dunking ability. With the potential to become an awesome perimeter defender, Edwards has drawn comparisons to Victor Oladipo.

Anthony has a well-rounded game with playmaking skills that give him a solid floor in the NBA. The main question surrounds his three-point shot. Playing for the Tar Heels, Anthony could stuff the stat sheet, and if he becomes a more consistent shooter from deep, will be a real threat to Wiseman for the number one spot.

His limited defensive potential might put off certain front offices, but the upside is there to make him a good bet at +550.

Can LaMelo Actually Ball Out?

LaMelo Ball, playing for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia, splits Edwards and Anthony in the betting market. An entertainer with flashy passing and shooting range, Ball will be an interesting test for NBA executives.

Luka Doncic wasn’t taken first overall, despite shining in Europe. Ball needs to have a massive year – and show major defensive improvement – in the NBL to go first overall.

LaMelo Ball x RJ Hampton

These two 2020 NBA prospects put on a show in their first NBL matchup ?

(via @NBL) pic.twitter.com/xuaMeq8NaZ

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 24, 2019

There’s undoubted talent, though front offices will be wary of his athleticism. Ball could go number one – it’s still a bit of a surprise to see him at a shorter price than Anthony – but +450 doesn’t represent good value.

At +600, Ball would be a more interesting option in this market.

Wiseman deserves his status as favorite. In Anthony, Edwards and Ball, though, there are enough realistic contenders for the first overall pick that being such a heavy favorite at this stage is over the top.