Minnesota Timberwolves Draft: LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards?

Minnesota Timberwolves Draft: LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards?

Defensive Impact

Both Ball and Edwards have major question marks defensively. The concern is less about their ability to defend and more about their willingness to put in the work.

LaMelo has solid defensive instincts and is long and athletic enough to stay in front of his man one-on-one. But he often lacks effort, both on and off the ball. He could also stand to fill out his frame and become a bit stronger.

Edwards is similar. He’s strong and quick enough to be a lockdown defender but loses focus and has defensive lapses often. He gets lost on the help side every once in a while. Of course, the main advantage that Edwards has is that he should be able to guard at least three positions in today’s NBA while Ball may only be able to guard one effectively and two at even a passable level.

LaMelo could easily be a solid defender in the NBA. He moves completely on instinct, but with a good coach, it seems as though he’ll be able to learn some principles, and he’s definitely smart enough to fit into a defensive scheme. And again, his length and athleticism give him the upside to be an above-average defender.

But Edwards seems more likely to be the type of lockdown defender that would be ideal next to Russell. His athleticism alone will cover for some of his flaws, and he should be able to improve his focus. He’s big-bodied and can step in to guard NBA wings immediately.

Advantage: Edwards, slightly.

Now, how would each player fit the Wolves’ current roster?