2020 NBA Draft Odds: James Wiseman Becomes Favorite to Go First Overall
Photo credit: Steve Dykes/Getty Images. Pictured: James Wiseman
There's obviously a lot of uncertainty about the NBA right now in terms of when the 2019-20 season will resume, if it will at all, what the playoffs might look like and what all that means for the incoming draft class.
Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported yesterday that the NBA draft lottery — initially scheduled for May 19 — is likely to move back. The draft, initially scheduled for June 25, will likely suffer the same fate.
Since lottery odds — and therefore draft position — are determined by end-of-season record, the NBA will have to make a decision on how the remainder of the 2019-20 campaign will play out before any draft events can take place.
Still, sportsbooks are offering odds on which eligible player will go No. 1 in the draft — whenever that may occur. In fact, other than title odds, it's the only way for an NBA bettor to get action during this time.
As it stands right now, James Wiseman, who played three games for Memphis before withdrawing due to eligibility concerns, is the current favorite to be the first player selected at DraftKings. That's actually a change from yesterday: He was second overall in odds behind Georgia guard Anthony Edwards, who was even money a day ago but now sits at 2-1.
There have been recent rumors that the Golden State Warriors, who currently sit with the league's worst record at 15-50, would have the Memphis big man atop their draft board, which makes sense given their team needs.
Following Wiseman and Edwards in odds are LaMelo Ball, brother of NBA player Lonzo, at 3-1; Dayton big man Obi Toppin at 4-1; and Israeli wing Deni Avdija at 5-1. No other player is below 14-1 currently.
See the full odds below.
Odds as of Wednesday, April 29, and via DraftKings. Get up to a $1,000 sign-up bonus at DraftKings today or see more offers and reviews for the best online sportsbooks.
2020 NBA Draft Odds to Go Number 1
- James Wiseman: -110
- Anthony Edwards: +200
- LaMelo Ball: +300
- Obi Toppin: +400
- Deni Avdija: +500
- Tyrese Haliburton: +1400
- Cole Anthony: +1700
- RJ Hampton: +2000
- Killian Hayes: +2000
- Onyeka Okongwu: +2200
- Isaac Okoro: +4000
- Tyrese Maxey: +5000
- Nico Mannion: +6600
- Jaden McDaniels: +6600
- Vernon Carey: +7500
- Theo Maledon: +7500
- Precious Achiuwa: +8000
- Isaiah Stewart: +8000
- Kerry Blackshear Jr.: +10000
- Devon Dotson: +10000
- Josh Green: +10000
- Ashton Hagans: +10000
- Cassius Stanley: +10000
- Joel Ayayi: +10000
- Zeke Nnaji: +10000
- Jordan Nwora: +10000
- Yoeli Childs: +10000
- Armando Bacot: +15000
- Mamadi Diakite: +15000
- Payton Pritchard: +15000
- Filip Petrusev: +15000
- Tre Jones: +20000
- Xavier Tillman: +20000
- Luka Garza: +20000
- Udoka Azubuike: +30000
- Charles Bassey: +30000
- Cassius Winston: +30000
- Isaiah Joe: +30000
- Paul Reed: +30000
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