Recently, Zach Lowe hosted a special edition of his podcast in Minneapolis. During this live edition of The Zach Lowe Show, The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, and Donte DiVincenzo all (separately) joined the show to talk with Lowe. Krawczynski discussed a wide range of topics of Timberwolves history, but most notably perhaps the 2020 draft and what ultimately led them to draft Anthony Edwards over LaMelo Ball.
Of course, there were a bunch of factors that went into the Wolves' decision to pick Edwards. However, one was the interview process, and Ball's surprising ambition to become president of the United States didn't sit well with the Wolves. Yes, you read that right.
“So, we know they picked Edwards. But that’s not my little nugget for you all. It’s why they picked Edwards, Krawczynski said. There were a million different reasons in their evaluation. But one of them was that they had an interview with LaMelo Ball during this process—trying to figure out, ‘Hey, is this the guy for us?’ And LaMelo… did not interview very well. One of the questions they asked him was: ‘Hey LaMelo, after you’re done playing, what do you see yourself doing? What kind of things do you aspire to?’ And LaMelo said: ‘I want to be President of the United States.'
Frankly, nothing about LaMelo is presidential, whether it's his erratic playstyle or goofy personality. While some people might disagree, I have to respect Ball for shooting for the stars with this quote. Whether it's on or off the court, Ball is never scared to shoot his shot.
Before I look back at the 2020 draft quickly, I have to say Krawczynski's story gives me so many questions. What was Edwards' answer? There are so many possibilities, I can't even make a guess, but man, would I love to know. What answer were the Wolves looking for? While it will likely never happen (although stranger things have happened), what would some of LaMelo's presidential speeches be? I'd pay to see that. And finally, what Timberwolves player would make the best president? This one, I actually have an answer for, Naz Reid, he's just so likable.
Edwards wasn't the consensus No. 1 pick in 2020
With all of those random questions out of the way, let's get back to the basketball of it all.
It's hard to imagine now, but five years ago, it was a real debate whether Edwards should have been the No. 1 pick. Edwards displayed elite scoring prowess and athleticism at Georgia, but there was concern about how he would translate as a playmaker and 3-point shooter. As crazy as it sounds now, people also questioned if he truly loved basketball.
LaMelo had his concerns, too, most notably, his decision-making and defense. Unlike Edwards, Ball hasn't done much to ease these doubts. However, many people believed he should have been the No. 1 pick due to his tantalizing blend of size, shot-making, and playmaking. Ball ultimately fell to the third pick, where the Charlotte Hornets selected him.
Needless to say, Edwards was the right pick. He is a top-five level player who has led the Wolves to a back-to-back conference finals. Conversely, LaMelo has been an All-Star-level player, but he has battled injuries throughout his career and has yet to play in the playoffs.
While I doubt that LaMelo's "desire" to be president tipped the scales in favor of drafting Edwards, it's a hilarious factor that helped lead the Wolves to the best decision they ever made.