NBA Draft: How Anthony Edwards fits with Golden State Warriors

With the 2020 NBA Draft steadily approaching, let’s analyze how Anthony Edwards would fit with the Golden State Warriors.

Anthony Edwards is rumored to be high on the Golden State Warriors wish list. If the Minnesota Timberwolves stray away from the projected No. 1 overall pick – the Warriors could lock in on this top-tier NBA Draft prospect.

Edwards has arguably the highest potential of anyone in his class. This alone has piqued the Dubs’ interest. Let’s take a deeper look as to how he would fit with the current team.

Best Role: Scoring Sparkplug

There’s no question that the Warriors would look for Edwards to become a scorer. His game focuses heavily on getting to the rim and using his strength to convert over smaller opponents. Edwards can play above the rim and will thrive in a fast-paced offense.

His 3-point shooting could use some work. As could his overall shot selection. Restricting him into a score-oriented role inside the Warriors system will help him pick his shots wiser. There is no reason why Edwards can’t blossom into one of the better scoring players of the draft.

While the Warriors aren’t in need of additional scoring alongside Andrew Wiggins and the Splash Brothers, it could be important for Edwards to provide an extra safety net in case the offense has trouble on certain nights.

Spot in Rotation: Sixth Man

Edwards would fill in best as a sixth man. He isn’t going to steal a starting spot from either Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson. And, pushing Wiggins to the four or out of the lineup entirely would be sacrificing quite a bit of height.

Instead, Edwards will be a backup guard to stagger minutes between Thompson and Curry. His role as a spark plug off the bench would solidify his value to the team.

The Risk: Crowded backcourt

The biggest risk here is that the Warriors will crowd their backcourt with too many talented guards.

Edwards isn’t a prospect who will be patient before earning a significant role. He will want to receive minutes quickly and that’s something the Warriors might not be able to offer. If they end up being forced to play Edwards alongside Curry/Thompson, it could result in disastrously bad defense. The lack of size between these three would make them vulnerable – not to mention rookie guards are typically bad on defense already.

The simple fact is, Edwards is an electric prospect – but not one that will benefit the Warriors right now.