Coming into this past season in college hoops, Anthony Edwards was widely regarded as the likely number one pick in this summer’s NBA Draft. The Atlanta native shocked a lot of folks by staying home and playing for the Georgia Bulldogs instead of signing with a more prestigious basketball program. Unfortunately, he was not able to find much team success with his home state squad, but he still showed the nation why he was so highly regarded.
Anthony Edwards NBA Draft Profile
The Bulldogs had an abundance of young players trying to figure things out this season. That made things tough for them in a very good SEC, but their star man was still able to shine. Edwards averaged 19 points, five rebounds and close to three assists per contest. Shortly after the NCAA canceled the rest of the winter sports seasons, he declared for the upcoming NBA draft.
College Career
The 6’5” wing wasted no time showing off his explosive scoring abilities. He scored 53 points combined in his first two collegiate games. Those were just two of his 13 outings with 20 or more points. Anthony Edwards put on a show in the Maui Invitational’s second round, scoring a career-high 37 points against Michigan State. He opened his SEC tenure with 23 points in a tough loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. In what might have been his best performance of the season, Edwards scored 36 in an overtime loss at South Carolina. He was special that night, hitting tough jumpers and forcing his way to the rim at will.
Strengths
This could be a long list, as Edwards has all the tools to be a star at the next level. He is a good shooter from the perimeter, both on the catch and off the dribble. His handle is solid and he has the instincts and agility to create space for his shot. Edwards is not an elite facilitator, but his playmaking is still effective. He draws so much attention that he creates open looks for teammates, and is a willing passer.
His frame and athleticism allowed him to get to the basket with ease at the college level. For a kid his size, weighing 225 pounds, his first step is extremely dangerous. He explodes out of the triple threat position, gliding past defenders on his way to the hoop. This burst also makes his step-back move more effective. Factor in his finishing ability both above the rim and around defenders and Edwards can be an elite scorer at the next level.
Weaknesses
There aren’t many weaknesses to speak of when examining Edwards’ skill set. If there was one drawback during his time in college, it was his mentality. On the surface, that criticism may be a bit harsh. He does not have an attitude problem or any off the court trouble to speak of, but his in-game mindset can be lacking. His talent level was far above any of the players he faced at the collegiate level. Therefore there were times where he seemed to coast.
He could be the game’s leading scorer without having to leave first gear because he has such a diverse offensive skill set. However, when he is fully engaged, he has the ability to be the best player on the court, not just in terms of scoring. When Edwards has the mentality to attack the rim first, he can be a dominant player. He just can’t fall into the trap of settling for jump shots. Also like most young players, he has a long way to go on the defensive end. He has the size and ability to be a great defender. His next step is working on his techniques and attention to detail on that end.
NBA Player Comparison
With Edwards build, athleticism, and skill set, he compares to a new age version of Michael Finley. With the way the NBA game has expanded past the three-point line, it can be difficult to find an exact comparison. Edwards, like Finley, possesses the ability to create his own shot, just with an extended range to fit how the game is played now. The one-and-done Bulldog has a ways to go to match Finley in terms of defensive acumen and overall polished nature of his game. Still a teenager, he has plenty of time to keep growing and developing on both ends of the floor.
NBA Draft Projection
It will be interesting to see how the draft process plays out with the current state of affairs in the United States. Anthony Edwards is still being projected as a very high pick, possibly the first player drafted. In years past it may have been a lock that big men like Vernon Carey or James Wiseman would go number one overall. With the way the NBA game has changed in recent years, a versatile scoring wing like Edwards is now more coveted than the dominant post players.
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