For many young adults, this is the biggest day of their life, fulfilling their lifelong dream of playing in the NBA. 

The NBA draft was held virtually this year on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2020. The Minnesota Timberwolves had the first pick. They selected six-foot-six shooting guard, Anthony Edwards, from the University of Georgia. The Golden State Warriors had the second pick, and they selected James Wiseman, a center from the University of Memphis. This addressed a huge need in hopes of making another championship run this year. The Charlotte Hornets were next on the clock and they chose the best player available, LaMelo Ball, a point guard from Chino Hills, California. The Chicago Bulls were up next and they went with a surprise pick, selecting Patrick Williams, small forward out of Florida State University. Williams is very athletic and a great defender but lacks the playing experience. As he came off the bench, he won the ACC sixth man of the year award. 

“I have just been putting my head down and getting in the gym, focusing each and every day, “ said Williams via Bulls.com writer Sam Smith. “Eventually, everything ended up as it is supposed to. Just focus on the hard work, make sure I am in the gym and make sure whatever team takes me I am ready. I pretty much told Bulls management that I am here to contribute. Pretty much the same mindset I had at Florida State. Coming in to contribute any way I can whether that’s starting and playing big minutes or coming off the bench or handing out Gatorade. I’m just there to contribute and give it my all.”

The steal of the draft came when the Sacramento Kings selected point guard Tyrese Haliburton from Iowa State University. He averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists a game, and he was highly thought of as the second-best point guard in the draft. The Kings look to pair him and De’aron Fox together to try and make a lethal duo in the backcourt.

This year’s NBA draft was a success, including many surprising picks and big trades. With each team preparing for a second NBA season in the bubble, we will have to wait and see how these rookies perform.