I still remember the night of November 18, 2020, watching the virtual NBA draft from my living room. The pandemic had turned everything upside down, but the excitement around who would become the number 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft felt strangely normal. When Commissioner Silver announced Anthony Edwards' name, I remember thinking this kid from Georgia had that special combination of athleticism and charisma that could transform a franchise. Three seasons later, looking back at who was the number 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and where they are now reveals one of the most fascinating career trajectories in recent memory.
The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Edwards with that coveted first pick, and honestly, I had my doubts initially. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance—he averaged 19.3 points per game—but the Wolves struggled, finishing with just 23 wins. What's remarkable is how quickly he's evolved. Last season, he exploded for 24.6 points per game while leading Minnesota to their first playoff appearance in four years. I've watched countless players come through the league, but Edwards' combination of explosive scoring and defensive intensity reminds me of a young Dwyane Wade.
What strikes me most about Edwards' journey is how it contrasts with the reality for most professional basketball players. This reminds me of something I recently came across from the Philippine basketball scene. An Abra team owner was quoted saying, "Maikli lang ang careers ng mga players so I keep telling them, 'If you have opportunities that you think is better than what Abra offers, go for it.' If by chance gusto nyo bumalik, we will always welcome you with open arms." This philosophy resonates deeply with me—the recognition that careers are短暂 and players must seize their moments. Edwards understood this perfectly when he left Georgia after just one season, and it's paying off spectacularly.
The transformation in Edwards' game between his second and third seasons has been extraordinary. He improved his three-point percentage from 29% to 36% while taking nearly eight attempts per game. More importantly, he's become the emotional leader of a Timberwolves team that's now considered a legitimate Western Conference threat. I've spoken with several NBA scouts who believe he could make the All-NBA team as early as this coming season if he maintains this trajectory.
When we examine who was the number 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and where they are now, Edwards represents the ideal outcome—a player who has not only met but exceeded the enormous expectations that come with being the top selection. His combination of individual brilliance and team success makes him the clear standout from his draft class, which includes talented players like LaMelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton who've also developed into stars. But in my view, Edwards has that special "it" factor that separates very good players from franchise-changing talents.
Reflecting on that 2020 draft night, I'm struck by how much has changed in just three years. Edwards has gone from a promising prospect to the face of a rising Timberwolves franchise. He's made two All-Star appearances already and has Minnesota positioned as a team to watch in the Western Conference for years to come. The journey of who was the number 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and where they are now tells us something important about player development—sometimes the obvious choice turns out to be exactly the right one.