Zach Lowe recently 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 joined the show (separately) to talk with Lowe. Krawczynski discussed a wide range of topics in Timberwolves history, but perhaps most notably the 2020 draft and what ultimately led them to draft Anthony Edwards over LaMelo Ball.
Of course, there were a number of factors that went into the Wolves’ decision to select Edwards. One of those, however, was the interview process, and Ball’s surprising ambition to become President of the United States did not sit well with the Wolves. Yes, you read that correctly.
“So we know they picked Edwards. But that’s not my little nugget for all of you. That’s why they picked Edwards, said Krawczynski. There were a million different reasons in their evaluation. But one of them was, during this process, they had an interview with LaMelo Ball, trying to figure out, “Hey, is this the guy for us?” And LaMelo…didn’t interview very well. One of the questions they asked him was, “Hey LaMelo, what do you see yourself doing when you’re done playing?” What kind of things are you pursuing?’ And LaMelo said, ‘I want to be president of the United States.’
Honestly, nothing about LaMelo is presidential, whether it’s his erratic playing style or crazy personality. While some people may disagree, I have to respect Ball for shooting for the stars with this quote. Whether on or off the court, Ball is never afraid to shoot.
Before I quickly look back at the 2020 draft, I have to say that Krawczynski’s story leaves me with so many questions. What was Edwards’ response? There are so many possibilities, I can’t even hazard a guess, but man, I’d love to know. What answer were the Wolves looking for? While it will probably never happen (though stranger things have happened), what would some of LaMelo’s presidential speeches be? I’d pay to see that. And finally, which Timberwolves player would make the best president? I actually have an answer for this: Naz Reid, he’s just so likable.
Edwards wasn’t the consensus No. 1 pick in 2020
Now that all those random questions are 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 showed elite scoring skills and athleticism at Georgia, but there was concern about how he would translate as a playmaker and three-point shooter. As crazy as it sounds now, people also wondered if he really liked basketball.
LaMelo also had his concerns, specifically his decision-making and defense. Unlike Edwards, Ball hasn’t done much to dispel these doubts. However, many people believed he should have been the No. 1 pick due to his enticing mix of size, passing ability and playmaking ability. Ball ultimately fell to the third pick, where the Charlotte Hornets selected him.
Needless to say, Edwards was the right choice. He is a top-five player who has led the Wolves to back-to-back conference finals. Conversely, LaMelo has been an All-Star level player, but he has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has yet to play in the playoffs.
While I doubt LaMelo’s “desire” to be president tipped the scales in favor of drafting Edwards, it is a hilarious factor that helped the Wolves make the best decision they’ve ever made.
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