2020 NBA Draft Preview: Anthony Edwards 6’5 225 SG- Georgia
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What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): Edwards possesses an NBA-ready body for a shooting guard. The Georgia freshman showed the potential to take over games by himself with his scoring (MSU ‘19). Against the Spartans, Edwards had 33 points in the second half, thanks to an explosive first step which in turn set up his jab step to create space for jumpers. NBA defenders will have to be prepared to stop Edwards left-to-right crossover, one of his signature moves. He is also a willing rebounder and can start the fastbreak once he crashes the glass. His leaping ability not only allows him to get rebounds at a 5.2 per game average, but he also can finish at the rim with the best of them. At his size, he moves in transition with fluid motion. Defensively, Edwards plays with active hands (Delaware State ‘19) but does fall asleep occasionally off the ball.
Weaknesses: Edwards can fall in trouble with settling for the three-point shot (29% shooting on 7.7 attempts per game). The Atlanta native had five games with at least 29 points but also had four games where he only scored six points in each game. Can he find a more consistent offensive game at the next level? He will have to improve his decision making even at the off-guard position (2.8 assists-to-2.7 turnover ratio). Not a natural point guard but was asked to play the position at times, which caused indecisiveness.
Other Notes:
- Attended Therrell and Holy Spirit Prep High School (Ga.). Participated in the Jordan Brand Classic and McDonald’s All- American game.
- Wears No. 5 to honor his mother and grandmother who both died on the fifth of the month during an eight-month span when Edwards was in the eighth grade. From then on, he was raised by his siblings.
- 2019-2020 ( 32 games, 32 sts, SEC Freshman of the Year): 19.1 PPG, 40% FG, 29% 3-PT, 77% FT, 5.2 RPG, 2.8 APG,
Time to get NASTY (Our Summary):
Edwards was coached at Georgia by Tom Crean and his game is reminiscent to some of Crean’s former guards: Victor Oladipo and Dwyane Wade. Oladipo and Wade, however, were grizzled college veterans, and Edwards played just one year in college. The Georgia freshman will have to polish his ball handling abilities and ability to play off the ball in order to garner the same success as the aforementioned NBA All-Star guards. Edwards would be best served paired with a point guard who can take the ball handling responsibilities off of him. In addition, he needs a capable pick-and-roll type of center to play beside him. The Minnesota Timberwolves would be an intriguing option for Edwards at the top of the draft.
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