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Golden State Warriors believe Anthony Edwards can be franchise star

By Tony Pesta

ATHENS, GA - FEBRUARY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs controls the ball during the second half of a game against the Auburn Tigers at Stegeman Coliseum on February 19, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - FEBRUARY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs controls the ball during the second half of a game against the Auburn Tigers at Stegeman Coliseum on February 19, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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It appears the Golden State Warriors are growing very fond of the idea of selecting the 2020 NBA Draft prospect, Anthony Edwards.

The 2020 NBA Draft doesn’t appear to be overfilled with elite talent but the Golden State Warriors believe Anthony Edwards is one of the few prospects with the potential to take over a franchise within the next few seasons.

Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that a source close to the team says the Warriors think Edwards can contribute immediately and develop into a cornerstone quickly.

This is high praise for the potential No. 1 overall pick. Edwards put himself on the map with a strong freshman season in Georgia – averaging 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

It’s important to look deeper into this report, however. The Warriors never explicitly say Edwards will be the face of their franchise – just that he has the potential to be a leader in the future for some NBA teams. It feels implied that taking the torch from Stephen Curry would require an amazing jump from Edwards. Is he capable of making that jump?

On the surface, Edwards has all the raw tools of a skilled scorer at the NBA level. He can penetrate defenses and finish at will around the rim. He is a high-flying athlete with brute muscle that helps him plow through opponents like a bulldozer.

There are questions about his shooting ability. Edwards shot just 29.4 percent from the 3-point line in college but this could be a result of fatigue affecting his shot selection late in games – often settling for tough pull-up jumpers rather than using his greatest strength as a slasher.

Though he wasn’t an engaged defender in college, we have to assume Edwards can be a lockdown wing in the right circumstances. He has great size and speed, with long arms that will make him a threat in the future.

The Warriors need a rookie that can help them win right now and it seems Edwards is one of the players they believe can help instantly.

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