When I first heard the question "Who was the number 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft?" my mind immediately went to Anthony Edwards, that explosive shooting guard from Georgia who transformed from a raw talent into a franchise cornerstone for the Minnesota Timberwolves. I remember watching his pre-draft workouts and thinking, "This kid has that special combination of athleticism and charisma that doesn't come around often." The Timberwolves selected him first overall on November 18, 2020, a draft forever marked by being conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Edwards wasn't just a safe pick; he was a statement. At 6'4" and with a powerful 225-pound frame, he projected as a future superstar, though his college stats—19.1 points per game on 40% shooting—hinted at the efficiency questions that would follow him early in his career.
Looking back, what fascinates me most about that draft class is how the careers have diverged. LaMelo Ball went third to Charlotte and immediately won Rookie of the Year, while James Wiseman, the second pick, has struggled with injuries and consistency. Edwards, however, has surpassed even the loftiest expectations. I've followed his journey closely, and his development has been remarkable. He improved his scoring average every season, jumping from 19.3 points as a rookie to 24.6 in his second year, and then exploding for over 25 points per game while leading Minnesota to its first playoff appearance in years. His playoff performances, especially his 36-point outburst against Memphis, solidified his status as a clutch performer. It’s this kind of trajectory that makes you appreciate when a top pick truly delivers on their potential.
This brings me to a broader thought about player careers and team dynamics, something that resonates with a philosophy I once heard from a basketball team owner in the Philippines. He said, "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." That mindset—recognizing the brevity of an athlete's prime and supporting their pursuit of better opportunities—is something I wish more franchises embraced. In Edwards' case, Minnesota provided the perfect ecosystem for his growth, but what if he had been drafted by a dysfunctional organization? The 2020 draft reminds us that fit matters just as much as talent. Edwards benefited from a patient rebuild, whereas other top picks like Wiseman faced immense pressure on a win-now Warriors team.
From my perspective as someone who analyzes draft outcomes, the impact of selecting Anthony Edwards first overall extends beyond statistics. He changed the culture in Minnesota. Before his arrival, the Timberwolves had made the playoffs just once in the previous 16 seasons. With Edwards, they've become a Western Conference contender, and his marketability has boosted the franchise's global profile. I genuinely believe he's on a path to becoming the face of the league, a two-way force who can drop 40 points on any given night while locking down the opponent's best perimeter player. His combination of power, agility, and showmanship is rare. When I compare him to other recent number one picks, I'd argue he has the highest ceiling since Anthony Davis in 2012.
Ultimately, the 2020 NBA Draft will be remembered for producing a transcendent talent in Anthony Edwards. His journey from a promising rookie to an All-Star illustrates why the draft remains the lifeblood of the NBA. Teams aren't just selecting players; they're investing in futures, hoping to find that one individual who can elevate an entire organization. As we've seen, not every pick works out, but when it does—like with Edwards—the payoff is immense. It validates the scouting, the development programs, and the patience required to build a winner. So, the next time someone asks who went first in 2020, the answer isn't just a name; it's the story of a franchise-altering decision that continues to unfold with every thunderous dunk and game-winning shot.