NBA Draft 2020: Why Anthony Edwards should still be the No. 1 pick
By Joe Casey
Even though public opinion has begun to change surrounding the first NBA Draft pick, Anthony Edwards should still be the first name called on November 18th.
As the fourth-ranked prospect in the ESPN 100, a McDonald’s All American and the top-ranked shooting guard in the country, it was no secret what Anthony Edwards brought to the floor.
However, even with his many accolades at the high school level, he was not garnering the same NBA attention as some of the other players in his class. This changed during the 2019-20 regular season, as Edwards elevated the play of his entire team and separated himself from his peers in the upcoming draft.
Since the abrupt end to the college basketball season, it has been assumed that Edwards would be selected with the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. This assumption should have been reinforced by the Timberwolves acquiring the first pick, because by adding the Georgia guard to the young duo of D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota would finally have the talent to propel themselves back into the playoffs.
In the long-term, these three young stars could make Minnesota contenders for years to come. Yet, when something seems like a “no-brainer” many begin to question if there is a better alternative to the popular choice.
Recently, public opinion surrounding the first pick has shifted from Anthony Edwards to Lamelo Ball. Even though Ball has shown overseas that he is a legitimate NBA prospect with the ability to impact the offensive end as a scorer and facilitator, Anthony Edwards should still be selected as the #1 pick on November 18th.
Here’s a look as to why he should clearly be selected first.