TEMPE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 14: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly locked in on Anthony Edwards.
The Minnesota Timberwolves did end up with the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, but this unusual draft means that there isn’t one true stud that is the uncontested best player in this pool. While some rumors have linked the Timberwolves to LaMelo Ball of late, the latest buzz has them set on using the top pick on the player with arguably the highest ceiling in this draft.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony is reporting in his latest mock draft that the Timberwolves will likely use the first pick on springy Georgia guard Anthony Edwards.
Anthony Edwards has all the tools to be a star in this league
Edwards is not a perfect prospect, as he averaged just 2.8 assists per game and shot under 30 percent from the 3-point line. However, it’s easy to see why he has been mocked to Minnesota so frequently. A lethal slasher with tremendous athletic ability, Edwards can attack the rim, handle the ball in transition, and guard multiple positions on defense. If he stays engaged on defense and improves his shooting, he could be a consistent All-Star in the pros.
Edwards is a much better fit on Minnesota’s roster than Ball, as the Wolves already have D’Angelo Russell running the point. Minnesota could start Russell and Edwards together in the backcourt while letting Karl-Anthony Towns do his thing in the low post. With Minnesota also in possession of the No. 17 pick in this draft, Gersson Rosas has more than enough assets to rebuild this franchise.
While they may not make the postseason this year, a core of Towns, Russell and Edwards as the top three scorers should be good enough to make some noise in the West. That hypothetical success in the future, however, hinges on Edwards becoming a better shooter.
