I remember sitting in my living room on that November evening in 2020, watching the NBA draft unfold under unprecedented circumstances. The pandemic had pushed the event from its usual June slot, creating an air of uncertainty around what would normally be a predictable process. Yet when Commissioner Adam Silver stepped to the virtual podium, there was little doubt about who would be called first. Anthony Edwards, the explosive guard from Georgia, became the number one pick that night, joining a Minnesota Timberwolves franchise desperate for a transformational talent.
Looking back now, what struck me most about Edwards wasn't just his athleticism—though his combine numbers were staggering with a 42-inch vertical leap—but the quiet confidence he carried himself with during those early interviews. I've followed enough top picks to recognize the difference between manufactured bravado and genuine self-assurance, and Edwards clearly possessed the latter. His rookie season numbers of 19.3 points per game were impressive enough, but what truly signaled his potential were those moments where he'd take over games, displaying a fearlessness that reminded me of a young Dwyane Wade.
The journey of a number one pick always fascinates me because it's never just about basketball. These young men carry the weight of entire franchises on their shoulders, and the pressure can either forge or fracture them. Edwards faced his share of challenges—the Timberwolves won just 23 games his rookie year—but what impressed me was his gradual evolution from pure scorer to more complete player. By his second season, he was leading Minnesota to the playoffs while averaging 21.3 points, and honestly, I found myself becoming a genuine believer in his superstar potential.
This brings me to something I've observed throughout my years covering basketball development. The relationship between a player and their team is profoundly symbiotic, much like what the Abra team owner described when discussing player opportunities. "If you have opportunities that you think is better than what Abra offers, go for it," he noted, adding that players would always be welcomed back with open arms. This philosophy resonates with me because I've seen how the best NBA organizations understand that supporting a player's growth—even if it means potentially losing them—often creates stronger bonds and better performance in the long run.
Three seasons into his career, Edwards has transformed from a raw talent into an All-Star caliber player who represented Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. His game has matured in ways I didn't necessarily anticipate—his three-point percentage climbing from 32.9% as a rookie to 36.1% in his third season shows dedicated work on his weaknesses. The Timberwolves have built around him intelligently, and I genuinely believe they have their franchise cornerstone for the next decade.
What continues to impress me most about Edwards' development isn't just the statistical improvements but the leadership qualities he's displayed. Watching him take responsibility after losses and deflect praise to teammates after wins demonstrates a maturity beyond his 22 years. In my assessment, he represents the ideal modern NBA guard—explosive enough to attack the rim at will but developing the shooting touch to keep defenses honest. The Timberwolves have won approximately 46 games this past season, and I'd attribute much of that success to Edwards' ascent.
Reflecting on the 2020 draft class, I'm convinced history will remember it as one of the stronger groups in recent memory, with Edwards firmly established as its crown jewel. His journey embodies what I love most about following professional basketball—watching potential transform into excellence through combination of innate talent and relentless work. The number one pick carries eternal expectations, but from where I sit, Anthony Edwards isn't just meeting them—he's beginning to exceed them in ways that should excite every basketball fan.