Basketball Beeswax 2020 NBA Draft Awards Pt.1

John Stockton Steal Award: Deni Avdija, Washington Wizards

The John Stockton Steal Award goes to the biggest steal of the draft in a player that was taken lower than they should’ve been, named after John Stockton who is the NBA’s all time leader in steals and a draft day steal himself. Deni was one of my favorite prospects in this draft and seeing him drop to #9 was a shock. Three years ago, I’d understand it. The stigma around international players is a thing that will always exist no matter how progressive this league becomes. I foolishly believed that Deni would rocket up draft boards in spite of this acknowledged bias because of the emergence of international prodigy Luka Doncic as one of the NBA’s best players and a MVP candidate moving forward. I’d like to think that Luka’s continued ascension alongside players like Deni and Killian Hayes becoming legitimate pieces to a successful team would break the prejudice against players of that background but it’s starting to look like a delusion of grandeur. Regardless of European players’ futures in basketball, Deni Avdija is a fantastic addition and the best value pick of the night.

Most Likely to have a Song Written about Them: Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic

The modern NBA and culture that surrounds it is deeply rooted in hip hop with stars from each world having a heavy influence on the other. A trend that has picked up in recent years is the writing of songs about particular NBA players. These players don’t necessarily have to be good, nor does the song as undrafted free agent Sheck Wes taught us. The point is the recognition and validating quality to a song being written in your honor. Who will follow in the tradition of Mo Bamba and Tyler Herro? My guess is Cole Anthony. Aesthetically pleasing style of play, Blue Blood origins, and a confident edge all factor in to Cole’s arrival.

First Lottery Pick All-Star: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

This choice seems easy to me. While I don’t think LaMelo is the best player to come out of this draft, I understand his appeal to young fans and the already developed star power he brings as a 19-year-old. The fan vote alone should be enough to propel Ball to an All-Star appearance within his first few years in the league.

First Lottery Pick Out of the League: Kira Lewis Jr, New Orleans Pelicans

I hate to be negative on a night defined by fulfilled dreams and overwhelming positivity, but for the sake of symmetry coinciding with my LaMelo prediction, I’m singling out Kira Lewis Jr as the first lottery pick to be out of the league altogether. It’s nothing personal, but there’s little margin for error for his position in a top heavy league built around point guards. That, along with the fact that Kira’s game is based in having an athletic advantage over his opponents adds up to a potentially disappointing career if he’s not able to adjust to the NBA pace and quality of play.

Most Intimidating in a Pickup Game: Isaiah Stewart, Portland Trail Blazers

I love basketball, both playing and watching it. There’s little that could stray me away from a casual pickup game at my local gym or park. However, I said little could stray me, not nothing. Isaiah Stewart is in that category. Just take one look at this absolute tank and you’ll see why. Imagine being on the receiving of a hard screen or post up from him and knowingly accepting defeat as he beats you with brute force and soft finesse simultaneously. It’s better to simply pack your bags and leave before Stewart takes over.

Best Spike Lee Cameo: That time Spike Lee showed up at Cole Anthony’s house

Likelihood of Starting Another Malice at the Palace: Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers 6.2

This award is very specific, almost to a fault. That’s what stats are these days, overly scrutinizing with an emphasis on numbers over the standard eye test. Of all the numbers to get bogged down in, this is one. The likelihood of starting/being involved in another Malice at the Palace incident is an amazing metric for determining a player’s drive and the ratio of effort he’ll put into himself vs the team. Isaac Okoro scores a 6.2/10 on the MaliceMeter in its inaugural year due to his physicality and doglike attitude towards on-ball defense that’s likely to antagonize opponents.

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IMAGE CREDIT: James Devaney