Minnesota Timberwolves: Ranking Anthony Edwards and the rest of their offseason moves

No. 4: Using the first pick on Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards was easily a top-three pick in this year’s draft, along with LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman. However, while it may have been many fan’s hope (and mine included if I’m being honest) that Minnesota use the number one pick on Edwards, it’s a decision that has opened themselves up to some criticism.

Edwards’ detractors will point to a few things. First of which, there are questions as to who was actually the best player in this year’s draft. While Ball’s numbers are better as a whole against Edwards’, it’s also worth remembering that they played in two very different situations.

Ball played overseas and was never tested against American college opposition. Meanwhile, Edwards played in a Georgia program in a tough SEC conference with six former top-100 high school players, and two other high volume scorers.

And while critics of the former-Georgia freshman would point to attitude and commitment issues with Edwards saying he’s, “…still not really into it [basketball]”, it’s worth noting that LaMelo comes with his own…um…distractions.

And while some may compare Edwards’ mentality issues to those of Andrew Wiggins, and perhaps they may have a point, it’s also worth noting all the positives that Edwards brings with him.

To begin with, Edwards was probably the best pick for the Wolves. Minnesota needed a shooter and facilitator in that three-spot while Josh Okogie could carry the Timberwolves in that role defensively. Not only that, but the front office chose Edwards without knowledge of what they’d get done later in the week.

Without knowing that they’d acquire Rubio and re-sign Beasley, Minnesota needed someone who could produce and play with a star guard in Russell, and there’s some serious question as to whether or not LaMelo could do that.