The latest NBA mock drafts all seem to be pointing in a similar direction for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
There has yet to be a true consensus surrounding what the Minnesota Timberwolves will do with the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Unless, of course, you consider their apparent desire to move down from No. 1 a consensus — because those intentions aren’t exactly a secret.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Latest mock drafts point towards Anthony Edwards
Mock drafts from around the internet have had a range of possible selections for the Wolves. Recently, that trend had included more mocks tabbing LaMelo Ball as Minnesota’s selection, which was contrary to the early movement towards Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, who is the more obvious positional fit.
Now, a couple of prominent mock drafts have been released, and they both have Edwards heading to the Twin Cities.
One is from The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, who had not yet released a full mock draft with commentary. He has the Wolves taking Edwards, and notes that “executives around the NBA” think the Wolves are trying to trade “down or out”.
O’Connor also says that Edwards “brings a nice scoring skill set that would fit nicely” alongside D’Angelo Russell.
Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Woo also has the Wolves taking Edwards, noting his All-Star potential and that taking the raw wing talent would be showing trust in the coaching staff’s ability to develop him into a true two-way threat.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Everyone knows the Wolves are trying to trade No. 1
In addition to O’Connor’s comments within his mock draft, other reporters and analysts have been keying in on the Wolves’ efforts to try and trade the selection.
Everyone around NBA thinks Wolves try to trade #1. But there's skepticism about them finding a deal. Teams with stars unlikely to deal one for such an uncertain #1 prospect
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) October 14, 2020
Trading down sounds tough too. CHA in good spot @ 3. CHI, ATL can find better fits @ 4/6. DET has 0 assets
This isn’t exactly a shock to anyone that’s paying attention, but Jonathan Wasserman’s final point is a good one: many of the teams that the Wolves would try and trade back with aren’t quite as attractive as trade partners as they’d like them to be.
On the one hand, Charlotte would surely love to get Edwards. But knowing that they’ll get one of Edwards, Ball, and James Wiseman is a comforting spot to sit. The Detroit comment is spot-on, and I’d throw New York in that same conversation — not enough assets unless a third team gets involved.
Chicago and Atlanta are better fits than how Wasserman portrays them, however, because of their abundance of tradeable assets. Yes, they can get solid prospects at No. 4 and No. 6, but if either front office values, say, Edwards highly, then they have the assets to get a trade done for No. 1.
At any rate, the Wolves’ desire to trade back is widely known. That said, there certainly isn’t yet a consensus on whether the pick at No. 1 would be Ball or Edwards if Minnesota ultimately stands pat.
Somehow, it doesn’t feel like we’ll have any better an idea of what Gersson Rosas until Adam Silver takes the (virtual) podium, does it?