NBA Draft 2020: Why Anthony Edwards should still be the No. 1 pick
By Joe Casey
The Fit
Earlier in the year Minnesota acquired D’Angelo Russell from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins. Russell, an all-star caliber guard is a longtime friend of Timberwolves center and franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns.
Towns and Russell did not have the ability to play many games together this year, both due to the pandemic and nagging injuries. However, even though they have yet to play even half a season together, their off-court chemistry and familiarity playing alongside each other at the AAU level will help them find success in the upcoming season. So how does Anthony Edwards fit in this dynamic?
Edwards would not only solidify the backcourt but also be an immediate contributor to the team on both sides of the floor. By drafting Edwards, Minnesota would be able to solidify their future backcourt while also providing Towns much needed help.
Based on the combination of his physical gifts and offensive ability, Edwards would be able to immediately elevate the Timberwolves. His ability to shoot from behind the arc would help space the floor and give Towns breathing room in the low post. He would also help share the load, with Russell, of providing much-needed scoring out of the backcourt.
The arrival of Edwards could also help attract free agents and retain players who are set to hit the market this year, for example, if restricted free agent Malik Beasley returns to Minnesota he would excel as a ball-dominant sixth man.
In the current NBA climate, a duo of superstars is more common than a “big three” and while Edwards may not be an All-NBA talent when he enters the league the ability he has shown over his short time in college, will not only compliment the play style of Russell and Towns but will help make the franchise a playoff threat for a long time.