After a delay of almost five months, the 2020 NBA Draft will finally take place on November 18. Despite the draft class not having a unanimous first pick, Georgia’s Anthony Edwards looks likely to go number one.
During a recent interview with ESPN, Edwards was asked who he felt was his NBA player comparison. He replied, “His name is Dwyane Wade. I look on the TV and say I can be that guy or be better than him.”
The three-time NBA champion then replied, saying that Edwards could be better than him.
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He can be better. America here is your number 1 pick! Ayo @VicOladipo we’re all built from the same cloth 💪🏾 That Tom Crean cloth! https://t.co/ZTXg9VpZU7
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) October 30, 2020
Both have worked under coach Tom Crean. He was the head coach when Wade was at Marquette and is currently the head coach at Georgia. Wade has always been supportive of the 19-year-old. Back in November 2019, he tweeted about Edwards saying he was the “real deal.”
Lil bro is the real deal‼️ keep sleeping if you want https://t.co/qD1PxHwqNo
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 28, 2019
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Is Dwyane Wade an apt comparison for Anthony Edwards?
Edwards is an explosive combo guard who can also play as an undersized small forward at 6’5. He is one of the most athletic prospects in the draft, and he uses this to blow past defenses and finish strongly at the rim.
Edwards, who has also been compared to Victor Oladipo, is similar to the Pacers guard when it comes to three-point shooting. Both of them have poor efficiency, but this is due to the sheer volume of shots taken. Edwards shot just 29% from his 7.7 attempts in his freshman season, while Oladipo averaged 31% last season on 5.5 attempts.
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Wade was one of the best defenders in the league, and Edwards has the potential to match him. He’s still young and learning and will get better with experience. If he is drafted by the Timberwolves, his defensive responsibility will be very high, considering the lack of good defenders on the team.
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A comparison to Wade or Oladipo seems fair for the 19-year-old. He is one of the most exciting prospects in the draft and will be a huge asset to any team that picks him.
ALSO READ – NBA Trade Rumours: Philadelphia 76ers Eyeing Pacers’ Victor Oladipo