“He Fits Positionally”: Former College Basketball Coach Backs Timberwolves’ Choice of Anthony Edwards

The world saw Anthony Edwards becoming this year’s #1 NBA Drafts pick. Minnesota Timberwolves picked him after a grueling search operation that went on for months. As per a NY Times report, they took a ton of interviews to finalize the #1 pick.

Earlier, the rumor was strong that they were going to select LaMelo Ball, but that never became a reality. This hiring of Edwards is in line with bringing back the Timberwolves who have almost become irrelevant in the league.

Why Anthony Edwards?

In an interview, American basketball coach Fran Fraschilla expressed, “Well, he fits positionally, they have a point guard, they have a center, now they have an athletic, line-backer type two-guard. He’s an outstanding athlete, great in open court, loves to score in different ways. And it’s not a safe bet, but he’s one of the youngest players in the draft and they deal like positionally. He gives them two-guard to go along with D’Angelo Russell in that backward.”

The Timberwolves until now depended heavily on PG D’Angelo and Center Karl-Anthony Towns. Now, all they needed was an NBA-ready player who can help them get back into the playoffs, and with Edwards, they’ve got one.

What makes the Minnesota Timberwolves’ signing both good and alarming?

The Bulldogs freshman averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 boards, 1.3 steals in his college year before becoming the one-and-done athlete. However, he recently revealed how basketball was never his first love, while football was. He also very frankly said that he didn’t much like watching the NBA. This could raise some eyebrows against him.

However, Edwards’ game speaks a different language altogether. He brings size to the defense, weighing 225 lbs, and has broad shoulders. He is a rim-finisher with a decent jump shot ability. The area of improvement for him will be his playmaking. But that can be worked out in the coming time.

Notably, when Edwards’ name was announced, he was sitting close to the frames of his late mother and grandmother, who unfortunately lost their lives to cancer. He has been a fighter since a very young age. Will he be able to live up to expectations in the NBA as well? 

Read also – NBA Draft 2020: Anthony Edwards Labelled Mr. Inconsistent by Top Scouts