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
Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves runs against the Washington Wizards (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)

Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft: 19. Jaden McDaniels, Detroit Pistons

Original pick: Saddiq Bey

Pistons 2020 starting lineup

  • Killian Hayes
  • Wayne Ellington
  • Saddiq Bey
  • Jerami Grant
  • Mason Plumlee

New Pistons 2020 starting lineup

  • Tyrese Maxey
  • Cole Anthony
  • Jaden McDaniels
  • Jerami Grant
  • Mason Plumlee

Despite losing out on all three of their original picks, the Pistons still manage to secure some great talent in this re-draft. Jaden McDaniels falls to them at 19 and has the chance to play a huge role in their starting lineup.

McDaniels rounds out a new Detroit starting lineup that is made up of primarily rookies. While they may have chosen to start veterans, it’s not a reach to say each of these players couldn’t have worked their way into the starting rotation by the end of the season.

Looking ahead, McDaniels is projected to play a huge role for Minnesota this upcoming season. He’ll likely be starting at power forward, but in this world, he’d probably be the small forward.

He’s 6-9, an efficient shooter, a solid defender, and has the ideal body type for an NBA player. There’s just not much more you can ask for from a prospect coming out of the draft.

The Pistons actually end up coming away with a solid haul of players in this re-draft. Is it better than the three first-rounders they got in real life? That’s for you to decide.