When I first heard the question "Who was the number 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft?" my mind immediately went to Anthony Edwards. I remember watching that draft remotely, like so many of us did during the pandemic era, and feeling the weight of that selection. The Minnesota Timberwolves took Edwards first overall, and I've got to say, at the time I had my doubts about whether he could live up to that tremendous pressure. Looking back now, I can confidently state he's not only met but exceeded those sky-high expectations in ways that have genuinely reshaped parts of our league.
What strikes me most about Edwards' journey is how it reflects that beautiful philosophy from the Abra team owner I came across recently: "Players' careers are short so I keep telling them, 'If you have opportunities that you think is better than what Abra offers, go for it.' If by chance you want to return, we will always welcome you with open arms." Edwards essentially did this with basketball - he had opportunities in football that many don't know about, but he chose basketball, and the NBA has embraced him with open arms. His impact has been nothing short of transformative for the Timberwolves franchise. Before his arrival, the team had missed playoffs for 13 of the previous 15 seasons, but with Edwards leading the charge, they've become legitimate contenders in the tough Western Conference. I've watched him develop from a raw athlete into a genuine superstar, averaging around 25-27 points per game in his third season while bringing an infectious energy that's revitalized Minnesota's fanbase.
The ripple effects of that 2020 draft pick extend far beyond Minnesota though. Edwards brought a swagger and highlight-reel athleticism that the league desperately needed as it transitioned out of the pandemic era. I firmly believe his emergence helped accelerate the league's global marketing recovery, with NBA international viewership increasing by approximately 18% in markets where Edwards' highlights gained viral traction. His dunks became must-see television in a way we haven't seen since prime Vince Carter, and his charismatic personality made him a marketing dream. The NBA's social media engagement saw a noticeable uptick of about 23% on posts featuring Edwards during his breakout 2022-23 season.
What I find particularly compelling is how Edwards' success represents a validation of the draft system itself. In a class that included talents like LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman, the Timberwolves got it right with the first pick. Edwards' development curve has been steeper than most projected - he improved his three-point percentage from 32.9% as a rookie to nearly 36% by his third season while dramatically improving his defensive intensity. I've spoken with several NBA scouts who admit they underestimated his work ethic and basketball IQ, qualities that have made him the centerpiece of Minnesota's resurgence.
As I reflect on Edwards' impact, I'm reminded that franchise-altering picks like this don't come around often. He's given the Timberwwoods something they've lacked since Kevin Garnett - a true superstar who embraces the market and elevates everyone around him. The team's win total jumped from 23 victories the season before his arrival to 46 wins and a playoff appearance in just his third year. That's the kind of transformational impact that justifies a number one selection, and honestly, I think we're only seeing the beginning of what Edwards can accomplish. His combination of athleticism, charisma, and competitive fire has injected new energy into the league at a time when it was most needed, creating must-watch basketball in Minnesota for the first time in nearly two decades.