In Kevin O’Connor’s latest mock draft for The Ringer, the top of the board was shaken up by a significant trade.
Instead of the Minnesota Timberwolves, it was the Charlotte Hornets on the clock with the first overall pick. In O’Connor’s post-final mock, the Hornets moved up to the Timberwolves’ position to bring James Wiseman to Buzz City.
According to O’Connor, both the Golden State Warriors and Hornets “covet” the Memphis Tigers product.
Rumblings around the league suggest Golden State and Charlotte covet Wiseman; to get him, the Hornets might need to leapfrog to trade up.
With the 7-foot center off the board, the Warriors turned their attention to Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards with the No. 2 overall selection in The Ringer mock draft. According to O’Connor, Edwards landing in the Bay “makes logical sense.”
Via The Ringer:
Golden State will likely target a wing if Wiseman is off the board, and Edwards makes logical sense to grow within their system. He has elite defensive upside, and could develop good offensive habits playing alongside so many proven winners.
View O’Connor’s full post-Finals mock draft here.
In his first season in the SEC, Edwards tallied 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest. In 32 games, Edwards shot 40.2% from the field and 29.4% from beyond the arc. Following his freshman campaign, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard was named SEC Rookie of the Year.
In the Warriors Wire 2020 big board, the 6-foot-5 wing was listed as the No. 1 overall player in the top-30.
Upon arrival to Golden State, Edwards would instantly provide a much-needed jolt of athleticism to Golden State’s veteran-led backcourt. As he develops into an established role at the NBA level, Edwards could serve as a change of pace guard in Steve Kerr’s rotation.
Edwards’ ability to explode to the rim could provide Kerr’s backcourt a new dynamic when it comes to attacking opposing defenses. Once Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson come off the floor, Edwards could slide in next to Eric Paschall to form a formidable scoring tandem off the bench.
Coming soon to Mission Bay? pic.twitter.com/ajcse7U6Ox
— Tommy Call III (@tommy_III) February 23, 2020
