Wednesday Quickies & Open Thread: NBA Draft Edition

Several former Kentucky Wildcats are hoping to hear their names called tonight.

By Zac Oakes@ZacOakes Updated Nov 18, 2020, 6:13pm EST

UPDATE

We’ll be using this for tonight’s open thread for the 2020 NBA Draft.

While we wait for the festivities to begin, here’s a message from Kentucky head coach John Calipari on getting to see his players realize their NBA dreams:

Graduation night tonight!!!#SucceedAndProceed https://t.co/82UVSX8nty
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) November 18, 2020

Instead I’m going to be on a Zoom with some friends to celebrate. Talked to all the guys today and wished them all luck. Also sent a #BuiltDifferent swag bag to each of them. Can’t wait for tonight!
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) November 18, 2020

Go Cats!

I never really thought I’d be writing about the NBA Draft in November, but it’s 2020 and everything is weird, so here we are.

Tonight is the NBA Draft, and five Kentucky Wildcats have entered their names and will hope to be announced tonight as NBA teams take their pick of the up-and-coming talent.

Tyrese Maxey is a lock to be drafted, and the only Wildcat that is pretty much a lock to go in the first round. The former Wildcat is projected all over the board, but most expect him to be picked anywhere from late in the lottery to 22 or 23.

After that, Immanuel Quickley is generally viewed as an early-mid second round pick. It would be great if Quickley were to slide up into the end of the first round, which isn’t impossible, but it’s more likely he hears his name called in the 35-45 range.

As for Nick Richards, Ashton Hagans and EJ Montgomery, none of the three are guaranteed to be picked. Some projections have either Richards or Hagans going at the end of the second round, but as teams have had few opportunities to do proper scouting, it’s hard to get a read on what those teams are thinking of doing with those picks.

Like with the NFL Draft, the event will be virtual this year. Adam Silver will be calling off the picks live on television from the ESPN Studios in Bristol, Connecticut, with no players or fans in attendance.

If you want to tune in tonight, here’s how you can do so.

How to Watch and follow the 2020 NBA Draft

When: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7 pm EST

TV Channel: ESPN

Live Online Stream: WatchESPN app

Radio: ESPN Radio

ESPN Draftcast

Tweet of the Day

Tyrese Maxey has never been afraid to outwork his opponents

Here's an inside look at a day in the life of the Kentucky star ahead of the NBA draft. pic.twitter.com/MNu65lkj9o
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 16, 2020

I’m confident Maxey is going to have a really good NBA career.