Looking back at the 2020 NBA Draft class four years later, I can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and surprise at how things have unfolded. As someone who’s followed basketball both as a fan and an analyst for over a decade, I’ve seen draft classes come and go, but this one stands out for its unpredictability. Some players soared beyond expectations, while others—despite high hopes—struggled to find their footing. It’s fascinating how careers diverge so quickly, and in this piece, I’ll break down who I believe emerged as the biggest winners and losers from that night.

Starting with the winners, Anthony Edwards immediately comes to mind. Selected first overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards has not only lived up to the hype but arguably exceeded it. I remember watching his rookie year and thinking, "This kid’s got it." His athleticism was never in question, but his growth as a shooter and playmaker has been remarkable. In his third season, he averaged around 24.6 points per game and led the Wolves to a playoff berth, something that seemed distant just a few years ago. What impresses me most is his clutch gene—he’s not afraid to take the big shot, and that mentality has turned him into a franchise cornerstone. Then there’s Tyrese Haliburton, picked 12th by the Sacramento Kings. I’ll admit, I thought he’d be solid, but his ascent to All-Star status with the Indiana Pacers has been one of the league’s best stories. Haliburton’s court vision and efficiency are elite; he’s averaging nearly 20 points and 10 assists per game this past season, and his impact on team chemistry is palpable. It’s players like him who make me appreciate the draft’s hidden gems—sometimes, the mid-first round picks turn out to be steals that reshape entire franchises.

On the flip side, the losers of this class include some big names who haven’t quite panned out. James Wiseman, the second overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, comes to mind first. I had high hopes for him given his physical tools, but injuries and fit issues derailed his early career. He’s bounced around a bit since, and while he’s shown flashes, his averages of around 7 points and 5 rebounds per game just don’t cut it for a top pick. It’s a reminder that draft position isn’t everything—development and opportunity matter immensely. Another guy who’s struggled is Killian Hayes, taken seventh by the Detroit Pistons. Hayes had the pedigree, but his shooting woes and turnover issues have limited his impact. Watching him, I often think about how some players need the right system to thrive, and unfortunately, he hasn’t found it yet. His stats hover around 6 points and 4 assists, which, frankly, is disappointing for a lottery pick.

But you know, it’s not just about individual stats—team context plays a huge role, something that Cone’s quote about Blackwater in the PBA reminds me of. He said, "I think we are kinda underrating Blackwater because Barefield and David have been playing major minutes and they have been in and out of the line-up. [The game against Rain or Shine] was really the first game they kinda played together, but they came off the bench." That resonates with the NBA draft class because cohesion and fit can make or break a player’s early years. Take LaMelo Ball, for instance, the third pick by the Charlotte Hornets. He’s a winner in my book, not just for his Rookie of the Year award, but because the Hornets built around his playmaking. He’s putting up All-Star numbers, around 23 points and 8 assists, and his flair for the game makes him a fan favorite. But if he’d landed on a team with less patience or a crowded backcourt, things might have been different. Similarly, Desmond Bane, picked 30th by the Memphis Grizzlies, is a huge winner—he’s become a key scorer, averaging over 21 points, and his three-point shooting is lethal. I love seeing late picks exceed expectations; it’s a testament to scouting and player development.

Of course, there are players in the middle ground, like Patrick Williams, the fourth pick by the Chicago Bulls. He’s shown promise defensively, but his offensive consistency is still a work in progress. In my view, he’s neither a clear winner nor loser yet—just someone who needs more time. And that’s the thing about evaluating drafts: it’s an ongoing process. Four years in, we have a decent picture, but careers can shift with one breakout season or trade. Personally, I lean toward valuing long-term impact over early hype, which is why I’d rank Edwards and Haliburton as the top winners, while Wiseman and Hayes stand out as the biggest disappointments so far.

Wrapping this up, the 2020 NBA Draft class is a mixed bag of triumphs and letdowns, much like any draft, but with its own unique twists. From my perspective, the winners are those who seized their opportunities and grew within their teams, while the losers often faced setbacks beyond their control. As we look ahead, I’m curious to see how these narratives evolve—maybe a few "losers" will turn it around, and that’s the beauty of basketball. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing landscape, and that’s why I keep coming back to analyze it year after year.