NBA draft live updates: Wolves select Anthony Edwards with No. 1 pick, Hornets get LaMelo

The NBA Draft 2020 began with countless uncertainties, with various athletes being considered as a possible No.1 pick for the 2020-21 season. The Draft, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held virtually at ESPN's studio in Connecticut. The players' reactions were live streamed from their respective homes or venues, while NBA commissioner Adam Silver and deputy commissioner Mark Tatum announced the picks. 

Also read | Warriors select James Wiseman with the second overall pick: James Wiseman to Warriors

NBA Draft live updates

As projected, LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman and Anthony Edwards were the top three picks of the night. While some later picks were surprises, the Golden State Warriors were said to be leaning towards Wiseman, who would develop well with the team. Edwards, who played for Georgia, was the No.1 pick, seemingly the best fit for the Minnesota Timberwolves roster. Ball, on the other hand, was apparently the favoured pick for the Charlotte Hornets. 

Also read | Hornets select LaMelo Ball with No. 3 pick in NBA draft: LaMelo Ball to Hornets

NBA Draft first pick: Anthony Edwards to Timberwolves

With the 1st pick of the @NBADraft, the @Timberwolves select Anthony Edwards (@theantman05)!

2020 #NBADraft presented by State Farm on ESPN pic.twitter.com/8fIzqgodnO

— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2020

Hoping to add new talent to a roster that boasts Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell, the Timberwolves chose Edwards – a dynamic scorer with a promise for consistency. He was the scoring leader, averaging 19.1 points per game in 2019-20 for the Georgia Bulldogs. Per reports, they plan to send their 17th overall pick to OKC Thunder to gain the 25th and 28th overall picks plus Ricky Rubio. 

Also read | Nets end up with Shamet after 3-team, NBA draft-night deal

LaMelo Ball to Hornets as the No. 3 pick

With the 3rd pick of the @NBADraft, the @hornets select LaMelo Ball (@MELOD1P)!

2020 #NBADraft presented by State Farm on ESPN pic.twitter.com/B8h6UgCg9Y

— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2020

Ball, picked third, will join the league after a successful season with Australia’s Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League (NBL). Known for his quick shooting, he finished the NBL season while averaging 17 points and 7.5 rebounds. While his injury cut his season short, the young star had back-to-back triple-doubles for the Hawks.

Also read | T-wolves take Edwards with top pick, agree to deal for Rubio: Anthony Edwards to Timberwolves

James Wiseman to Warriors as the No. 2 pick

With the 2nd pick of the @NBADraft, the @warriors select James Wiseman (@BigTicket_JW)!

2020 #NBADraft presented by State Farm on ESPN pic.twitter.com/WUMICmrzdL

— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2020

While the Warriors were linked to Israel's Deni Avdija and Edwards, Wiseman was apparently the team's preferred choice. “I'm truly ready just to go to Golden State and go and learn as much as possible," said the 19-year-old, who averaged 34.2 points in three games as for the Tigers. He was suspended for 12 games after that as his family had received money during the process. 

Other first-round picks

• Chicago Bulls – Patrick Williams 
• Cleveland Cavaliers – Isaac Okoro
• Atlanta Hawks – Onyeka Okongwu
• Detroit Pistons – Killian Hayes. 
• New York Knicks – Obi Toppin
• Washington Wizards – Deni Avdija 
• Phoenix Suns – Jalen Smith
• San Antonio Spurs– Devin Vassell
• Sacramento Kings – Tyrese Haliburton
• New Orleans Pelicans – Kira Lewis Jr.
• Boston Celtics – Aaron Nesmith
• Orlando Magic – Cole Anthony
• Portland Trail Blazers – Isaiah Stewart
• Timberwolves – Aleksej Pokusevski
• Dallas Mavericks – Josh Green
• Brooklyn Nets – Saddiq Bey
• Miami Heat – Precious Achiuwa
• Philadelphia 76ers – Tyrese Maxey
• Denver Nuggets – Zeke Nnaji
• Knicks – Leandro Bolmaro
• Milwaukee Bucks – R.J. Hampton
• Oklahoma City Thunder – Immanuel Quickley
• Celtics – Payton Pritchard
• Utah Jazz – Udoka Azubuike
• Los Angeles Lakers – Jaden McDaniels
• Toronto Raptors – Malachi Flynn
• Celtics – Desmond Bane

Some trades made during the night

• Timberwolves received Ricky Rubio, No. 28 pick Jaden McDaniels and Immanuel Quickley, who was later traded to the Knicks. In return, the OKC Thunder received No. 17 pick Aleksej Pokusevski. 

Dallas is acquiring Philadelphia's Josh Richardson and No. 36 pick for Seth Curry, source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 19, 2020

• Philadelphia 76ers get Seth Curry from the Mavericks, who receive 36th pick and Josh Richardson

This is a three-way deal that includes the Pistons, with Luke Kennard heading to the Clippers, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/Nmt9zcRIUE

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 19, 2020

• Brooklyn Nets received Landry Shamet, while the Clippers got Luke Kennard. The Pistons receive Rodney McGruder and No. 19 2020 first-round pick – Saddiq Bey. 
• Charlotte Hornets received Nick Richards (No. 42 pick), while the Pelicans get a future second-round pick.
• Utah Jazz trade their future second-round pick to Pelicans for No. 39 pick Elijah Hughes
• Thunder acquire Czech star Vit Krejci, while the Wizards get the No. 53 second-round pick. 
• The Clippers also get No. 33 pick Daniel Oturu, while the Knicks get a 2023 second-round pick through Pistons. 
• Boston Celtics land two future second-round picks, while the Grizzlies get No. 30 Desmons Bane.
• Pistons also receive Tony Bradley, while the Jazz get a future pick, along with cash considerations.

With the No. 24 pick, the Pelicans take RJ Hampton ⭐️ @brhoops

RJ will be heading to the Nuggets pic.twitter.com/szjSW039Dq

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 19, 2020

• Pelicans acquire a lottery-protected 2023 first-round pick, while the Nuggets receive No. 24 pick RJ Hampton. 

(Image credits: AP)