The Indiana Pacers have a monopoly on 2020 draft picks
Poor Mr. Wiseman.
Monday night’s contest between the Golden State Warriors and the Indiana Pacers will feature four players who were drafted in the fascinating 2020 NBA draft. And wouldn’t ya know it, all four of those players have started the year on Indy’s team!
That’s a damn shame considering Golden State drafted #2 overall in that draft and yet never quite got the dividends they were looking for. Let’s take a look at those four players in the order they were drafted, and get a quick update on how their careers are progressing as we close the chapter on 2024.
James Wiseman
As the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft Wiseman entered the league with immense expectations as a 7-footer boasting athleticism and a polished skillset for his age. The Golden State Warriors drafted him envisioning him to be a combination of David Robinson and Giannis Antetokounmpo, an athletic freak capable of controlling the paint and being a monster in transition.
His early days with the Golden State Warriors showed flashes of brilliance, but injuries quickly derailed his development. With Covid basically wiping out his rookie year, he was kater limited by a lack of consistent playing time on a championship-focused roster, Wiseman struggled to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NBA game.
After being traded and bouncing around, his potential still intrigues, but the question remains whether he can stay healthy and unlock his immense upside. Now with the Pacers, Wiseman has suffered an Achilles tear that has washed away yet another year for the big man.
Obi Toppin
Taken just six spots after Wiseman at the 8th spot overall by the New York Knicks, Obi Toppin entered the league as the reigning Naismith College Player of the Year. He was hyped as a dynamic, high-flying forward that could be a problem in any dunk contest.
Despite occasional highlight jam and flashes of offensive potential, his time in New York was marred by inconsistent usage and a limited role behind Julius Randle. The Knicks’ slower-paced offense didn’t maximize his athleticism, and Toppin never became the star many envisioned. In Indiana’s uptempo system, Toppin’s transition game and finishing ability shine, giving him a chance to redefine his career.
Per the Indy Star: “In the last two-and-a-half, three weeks, Obi has taken his game to another level,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “More physical. Defense and rebounding really, really tremendous. Offensively, he’s getting in a rhythm. He’s one of our important weapons. When he defends and rebounds the way he has been in recent games, it’s another really important factor for us.”
Tyrese Haliburton
Selected 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings, Tyrese Haliburton has far outperformed his draft position, becoming the crown jewel of the 2020 class. Known for his high basketball IQ, unselfish playmaking, and smooth shooting, Haliburton has grown into one of the league’s best young point guards.
After a surprising midseason trade to Indiana by the Kangz in 2022, he took the reins as the Pacers’ franchise cornerstone. He’s posting All-Star numbers while elevating his teammates with his vision and leadership. Despite questions about his unorthodox shooting form on draft night, Haliburton has silenced critics by thriving in nearly every aspect of the game. He’s even an NBA gold medalist after hooping with Team USA in Paris this last summer.
Aaron Nesmith
Drafted 14th overall by the Boston Celtics Aaron Nesmith entered the league as a reputed sharpshooter. Unfortunately, early struggles in his career raised doubts about his long-term potential. He never fully found his rhythm in Boston’s crowded rotation, leading to limited opportunities.
However since joining the Pacers Nesmith has carved out a niche as a high-energy role player who can stretch the floor and contribute defensively. His willingness to embrace the dirty work—diving for loose balls, guarding multiple positions—has endeared him to fans and coaches alike. While he hasn’t yet become the elite shooter he was projected to be, Nesmith’s hustle and versatility have given him staying power. Here’s the latest on him for Sports Illustrated:
One player who the Pacers are still waiting on coming back from injury is Aaron Nesmith. The small forward has been out for several weeks with an ankle sprain. It looked bad when it first happened and it clearly was severe enough for him to miss almost two months at this point.
Nesmith is Indiana’s best perimeter defender, so they need him on the court badly. He’s also a great three-point shooter. Getting someone like that back on the court would be a big help for a team that is trying to make up ground in the Eastern Conference standings.
You never know how these draft picks are gonna turn out, but shout out to the Pacers for taking anyone they can from the 2020 draft and giving them an opportunity.