Minnesota Timberwolves Draft: LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards?

Minnesota Timberwolves Draft: LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards?

Overall Fit

Edwards might also be a better fit from a team chemistry standpoint. So much of NBA basketball is about how players interact with each other, and Edwards has an energetic, positive energy about him.

Ball might be fine, but he’d bring a lot of new attention to the Wolves locker room. It’s possible that he and Russell would have a hard time co-existing as playmakers.

Even if there are stretches of laziness, Edwards would add some toughness to the Wolves’ defensive backcourt when he’s on. LaMelo tends to play looser, even when he’s trying. You’d never consider him a tenacious defender, whereas Edwards has moments of real tenacity.

Perhaps most importantly, Edwards is a better overall shooter. His free throw numbers are better, his form looks solid, and he shot a lot of contested pull-up 3-pointers in college. He’ll get wide-open looks if he’s drafted by the Wolves, and if he can shoot somewhat respectably he’ll be a good option right away.

Advantage: Edwards

Overall Advantage: Edwards

Anthony Edwards should be the top player on the Wolves’ draft board. He’s just too good of an athlete and natural scorer to pass up on. Ball might end up being a higher-impact playmaker, but his lack of shooting touch is concerning.

With head coach Ryan Saunders’ already apparent knack for player development, Edwards could be expected to improve his defensive focus and shot selection. Learning from guys like Russell and Beasley would help his development as a scorer and playmaker, and judging from Edwards’ film session with Mike Schmitz, he seems eager to learn.

The Wolves would be getting a high-risk, high-reward prospect in either LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards, but in this particular environment, Edwards seems more likely to excel.