How the top SEC basketball picks in the 2020 NBA Draft are doing

Habitually known as a hotbed of basketball talent, the SEC always boasts an abundance of quality players, many of whom enter the NBA Draft and go on to enjoy great careers. Last year, four players featured amongst the top 20 picks of the 2020 NBA Draft, aiming to take the huge step from college to professional basketball.

Some players make an immediate impact when they reach the NBA, while others can take time to settle and make their mark. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how those four SEC stars are faring in their debut seasons, following the 2020 NBA Draft.

Anthony Edwards

There has always been plenty of excitement surrounding Anthony Edwards, dating back to his high-school career. He was then considered one of the best new talents in basketball, given a five-star rating by the most renowned recruiting services.

Considered to be a top-five player and the top shooting guard in the 2019 class, Edwards chose to play college basketball with Georgia Bulldogs of the SEC. According to reports at the time, he chose the Bulldogs because of head coach Tom Crean, who had coached two of his favorite players, Dwayne Wade and Victor Oladipo.

As a freshman, during just one amazing season with the Georgia Bulldogs, Edwards registered an exceptional average of 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, plus 2.8 assists per game. After declaring himself for the 2020 NBA Draft, touted as one of the leading prospects, Edwards was chosen and the No. 1 overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Although the Timberwolves have struggled this season, bottom of the NBA Western Conference standings with just 13 wins and 38 losses, 19-year-old Edwards has continued to shine individually. In March this year, he scored 42 points in one game against the Phoenix Suns, becoming the third youngest player in NBA history to score 40+ points.

Isaac Okoro

The fact that McEachern High School retired the jersey of Isaac Okoro, for only the second time in their history, that alone indicates just how highly rated he was. When he chose to play college basketball with Auburn Tigers in the SEC, the talent was clear to see. During his freshman Tigers campaign, Okoro averaged 12.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2 assists per game.

Despite just one season of SEC action, Okoro declared himself for the 2020 NBA Draft. As one of the best small forward prospects, he was chosen as the fifth overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Having played 42 of 50 games until early April, Okoro is already a key player, although the latest NBA betting odds for the Cavs at Betway suggest they will struggle to make the Playoffs, priced at +50000 to win the Central Division on April 7.

Kira Lewis Jr.

After graduating early from Hazel Green High School, Kira Lewis Jr. was keen to showcase his enviable talent at the college level. Rejecting numerous important NCAA Division I offers, Lewis chose to stay closer to home and in the SEC, where over two seasons, he became a hugely successful point guard for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

In his final sophomore season with the Crimson Tide, Lewis averaged 18.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, before declaring himself for the 2020 NBA Draft. As the 13th overall pick in the first round, Lewis has become a rotation player with the New Orleans Pelicans, although he did register a career high of 16 points and 6 assists against the LA Lakers, at the end of March this year.

Aaron Nesmith

Something of a late developer, Aaron Nesmith wasn’t able to grab much attention until his senior year at Porter-Gaud School, in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. Having matured into an excellent player, able to play as a shooting guard or small forward, four-star rated Nesmith committed to Vanderbilt Commodores and enjoyed a solid first SEC campaign.

Nesmith started the 2019-20 SEC season in great form, although foot injury cut short his second SEC season to just 14 games. After declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft, as the 14th overall pick, he joined the Boston Celtics. During the 2020-21 campaign, 21-year-old Nesmith has made 29 appearances, registering an average of 3.4 points per game, hitting 36.6 percent from three-point range.

SEC Graduates Continue to Shine

As we can see from all four of these NBA debutants, promising professional careers are beginning to blossom. Anthony Edwards is clearly the leading lights, rated as one of the most outstanding basketball players of his generation. That said, the other trio of players have made solid starts to their own fledgling NBA careers, which is great advertising for the quality of talent moving up from the SEC in each NBA Draft.

How the top SEC basketball picks in the 2020 NBA Draft are doing to SEC Basketball

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