Anthony Edwards paid tribute to his late mother and grandmother as he was named the NBA’s number one draft pick with a move to Minnesota Timberwolves.
Both family members died of cancer and the Georgia guard, 19, sat next to paintings of the pair as the announcement was made.
“It’s an indescribable feeling – I can’t even describe it,” Edwards said.
“My family is emotional. I’m sure when I get off of here I’m going to get emotional.”
Edwards stands to earn a four-year contract worth $44.2m (£33.39m) under terms of the existing collective bargaining agreement.
Memphis 7ft centre James Wiseman was the number two pick selected by six-time champions Golden State Warriors, who finished bottom of the Western Conference last season.
Point guard LaMelo Ball, the brother of New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo, was the third pick selected by the Charlotte Hornets. LaMelo, 19, and 2017 second pick Lonzo, 23, are the first brothers selected in the top five of the NBA draft.
Chicago Bulls opted for Florida State small forward Patrick Williams as the fourth pick.
The draft was originally scheduled for 25 June but had been delayed because of the fallout from the coronavirus. Last year’s event was held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, but Wednesday’s event was conducted at ESPN headquarters in Connecticut and held via video calls.
Boxes of hats were sent to the top prospects so they could wear the appropriate one when their name was read out.
Analysis
BBC Sport’s Nesta McGregor
In past years the draft featured the names of teenagers already known around the world – before they’d even bounced a ball as a professional on an NBA court.
Allen Iverson in 1996, LeBron James in 2003 and most recently Zion Williamson in 2019.
It’s been suggested this year’s group lacks an obvious transcendent superstar – however what it lacks in quality, it appears to make up for with quantity.
The general consensus is the class of 2020 has a larger selection of players expected to have a long, fruitful NBA career than in years gone by.
James Wiseman going at number two is a great sign for the game’s ‘big men’, too.
The value of the centre position has somewhat diminished as the game has evolved. Points in the paint are still important but the most prized commodity in today’s NBA are perimeter shooters.
Many of the players in this year’s draft haven’t played competitive high-level basketball in months due to Covid-19 restrictions – now they will join up with their respective teams without a chance to compete in the NBA Summer League.
