Fans no doubt spent Friday night comparing Anthony Edwards, who the Timberwolves ranked # 1 overall in November’s NBA draft, and Charlotte Guard LaMelo Ball.
Ball went third in the same draft to the Hornets, and he was undoubtedly the only other player seriously considered to be taken over by the Timberwolves at the helm. James Wiseman, ranked 2nd overall, never met with Minnesota during the design process.
Edwards has a strong rookie campaign for Minnesota and, with his physical strength and athleticism and the ease with which he can score, looks like it has what it takes to become a future all-star.
Still, Ball still has a few questions about Minnesota’s draft decision. Because it blinds the audience. Since switching to the starting line-up six games ago, the point guard has averaged 21.7 points, 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds, while shooting 45 percent from the field and 49 percent from below.
All-Star Numbers published by a rookie in a year when rookies had little to no start-up. Not too shabby.
Timberwolves head coach Ryan Saunders noted Ball’s ability to read defenses and play from the pick and roll, which he had previously done internationally.
Edwards noted that he still doesn’t know Ball well as a person, while Wiseman is a friend of his. But he knows that about Ball: « I love his game. »
Edwards will not be involved in the comparison game with any other rookie – because he does not pay much attention to the production of colleagues in his draft class.
« I don’t really care, you know what I’m saying, what they’re doing. I just watch basketball, » Edwards said. « I don’t really care or not newbies. I’m just trying to watch LeBron, KD, Harden and people like that.
« I just care how I play. I don’t really care how other rookies play. »
D’Angelo Russell missed the game on Friday and will miss it on Sunday too. The wolves’ starting point guard didn’t do the road trip with Minnesota as he continues his fight with a pain in his left leg.
« But he’s still making progress, » Saunders said. « I have no other information than that you just further evaluate him. »
Jarrett Culver is on the journey, although due to his sprained ankle he is not expected to play on the journey either.
« He did a little more, » Saunders said. « Shot more (Thursday) so he was in a good mood too. It’s nice to have him back on the team for a bit. » Related articles
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