Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft: Big lottery changes, Miami Heat grab wing

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 03: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves hugs LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets after the game at Target Center on March 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hornets defeated the Timberwolves 135-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 03: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves hugs LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets after the game at Target Center on March 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hornets defeated the Timberwolves 135-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons shoots a free throw during the fourth quarter of the NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft: 10. Isaiah Stewart, Phoenix Suns

Original pick: Jalen Smith

Suns 2020 starting lineup

  • Chris Paul
  • Devin Booker
  • Mikal Bridges
  • Jae Crowder
  • DeAndre Ayton

New Suns 2020 starting lineup

  • Chris Paul
  • Devin Booker
  • Mikal Bridges
  • Jae Crowder
  • DeAndre Ayton

In the actual 2020 NBA Draft, the Suns selected Jalen Smith. While he showed some promise in Summer League, Isaiah Stewart is very clearly the better prospect at this point in time.

Stewart got a ton of minutes with the Pistons last year and would have had the chance to play a huge role with the Suns. The backup center position was the only real area of weakness for the Suns last year.

Having Stewart around instead of Frank Kaminsky would have been a great upgrade for the Suns. He’s a big, physical big man that can bang down low but also shoot the three.

Stewart would have no chance of taking Ayton’s spot in the starting lineup, but he’d be one of the best backups in the league. He would also be getting the chance to play with two of the best guards in the NBA.

He jumps up six spots in this re-draft, and the Suns draft someone at a position of need who can also be a part of their future. A great fit for both parties involved.