Everyone remembers where they were in 2020, but for Anthony Edwards, that year meant something entirely different than it did for the rest of us. While the world was reeling from a global pandemic and sports leagues were figuring out how to play in "bubbles," a kid from Atlanta was waiting to hear his name called by Adam Silver. Anthony Edwards was drafted in 2020, specifically on November 18th.
It was a weird night. No suits on a physical stage. No awkward handshakes with the Commissioner. Instead, "Ant-Man" sat on a couch, surrounded by family and portraits of his late mother and grandmother. That image alone told you everything you needed to know about the guy's motivation.
The 2020 NBA Draft: A Unique Moment in History
If you're asking what year did Anthony Edwards get drafted, you’re likely looking for context on why that draft felt so "off." Usually, the draft happens in June. Because of the COVID-19 delays, the 2020 class had to wait an extra five months. That’s five months of over-analyzing every single flaw.
The Minnesota Timberwolves held the number one pick. Honestly, there wasn't a "consensus" top guy like Victor Wembanyama or LeBron James. People were torn. Do you take James Wiseman? Do you take the flashy playmaker LaMelo Ball? Or do you take the powerhouse guard from Georgia?
Minnesota went with Edwards.
It’s easy to look back now and say it was an obvious choice. It wasn't. Critics at the time—and there were plenty of them—worried about his efficiency. They worried about his "love for the game" because of an interview where he mentioned he liked football. Imagine that. People actually questioned if a generational athlete cared enough about basketball because he was honest about his multi-sport talents.
Why the Timberwolves Bit the Bullet
Minnesota needed a spark. They had Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell, but they lacked a "dog." They needed someone who could create their own shot when the shot clock was winding down.
Edwards played one season at the University of Georgia. He averaged 19.1 points per game. He wasn't the most efficient shooter back then—hitting only about 29% of his threes—but the raw athleticism was undeniable. He was a 225-pound teenager who moved like a cheetah.
The 2020 draft was conducted virtually from ESPN’s studios in Bristol, Connecticut. When the Timberwolves officially selected him first overall, it marked the first time a Georgia Bulldog had ever gone number one.
The Scouting Reports That Got It Wrong (and Right)
Looking back at the 2020 draft profiles is a trip. Most scouts saw the ceiling, but they were terrified of the floor.
Strengths noted at the time:
- Elite transition scoring.
- NBA-ready body (he was already built like a veteran).
- High-level shot creation.
- Potential to be a lockdown defender.
The "Red Flags":
- Shot selection (he took a lot of long, contested twos).
- Defensive consistency (he tended to fall asleep off-ball).
- The "Motor" question.
He proved the motor skeptics wrong almost immediately. By the second half of his rookie season, it was clear he wasn't just another athletic wing. He was a personality. He was a leader. He was exactly what a struggling franchise in Minneapolis needed.
Comparing the 2020 Class
To understand the 2020 draft year, you have to look at who else was in that room—or, well, on those Zoom calls.
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
- James Wiseman (Warriors)
- LaMelo Ball (Hornets)
- Patrick Williams (Bulls)
- Isaac Okoro (Cavaliers)
Wiseman was the "safe" big man pick who unfortunately struggled with injuries and fit in Golden State. LaMelo Ball won Rookie of the Year over Edwards, which is still a point of contention for Wolves fans. LaMelo was flashy and brought the Hornets back to relevance, but Edwards had the higher scoring ceiling.
Tyrese Haliburton went 12th in that draft. Tyrese Maxey went 21st. In hindsight, the 2020 draft was incredibly deep, even if it didn't have the "superstar" hype leading into it.
The Financials of a Number One Pick
Getting drafted in 2020 wasn't just a prestige thing; it was a massive payday. As the first overall pick, Edwards signed a four-year contract worth roughly $44.2 million. This is dictated by the NBA's rookie scale.
Because he was the top pick in 2020, he was eligible for his massive rookie scale extension in the summer of 2023. He signed a five-year "designated rookie" extension that could reach up to $260 million. That's the trajectory of a guy who actually lived up to the #1 overall billing.
The Impact of the COVID Delay
The fact that Anthony Edwards was drafted in 2020 meant he had no Summer League. Usually, rookies get those July games in Las Vegas to get their feet wet. Edwards didn't get that. He went straight from the draft in November to training camp in December.
The season started on December 22nd.
That is an insane turnaround. Most rookies get months to move to a new city, find a house, and learn the playbook. Edwards had about three weeks. It explains why he started his rookie year a bit slow before exploding after the All-Star break.
What Most People Forget About That Night
Everyone talks about the "football" comments, but few remember that Edwards dedicated his draft night to his mother, Yvette, and his grandmother, Shirley. Both passed away from cancer when Anthony was in the eighth grade.
He wore their colors. He kept their spirit front and center.
When you see him playing today with that "nothing can stop me" attitude, it traces back to 2020 and the years of hardship before it. He wasn't just a kid getting a job; he was a kid fulfilling a promise.
How to Track His Career Stats Since 2020
If you're following his progress since he entered the league, keep an eye on these specific markers:
- Points Per Game: Has risen almost every single season.
- Three-Point Percentage: The biggest "if" from his draft profile that he has largely solved.
- Playoff Performance: Edwards has shown he is a "16-game player," meaning he gets better when the lights are brightest.
Moving Forward: The Legacy of 2020
The 2020 NBA Draft will forever be remembered as the "Pandemic Draft." It will also be remembered as the year the Minnesota Timberwolves finally found their "guy."
If you're looking to dive deeper into Edwards' career, your next step should be watching his rookie year highlights compared to his most recent playoff run. The physical transformation is one thing, but the mental growth—the way he manipulates defenses now—is the real story.
Check the official NBA stats page or Basketball-Reference to see how his win shares and PER (Player Efficiency Rating) have climbed since he stepped onto the court as a 19-year-old.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors:
- Rookie Cards: Look for "2020-21 Panini Prizm" or "Donruss Optic" cards. These are his official rookie year releases.
- Jersey History: Since being drafted in 2020, he has primarily worn number 1 (and later switched to 5, his original number).
- Contract Status: He is under team control for the foreseeable future, making him the cornerstone of any long-term NBA analysis regarding the Western Conference.
The year 2020 changed the NBA in a lot of ways, but for Minnesota, it was the start of a completely new era.
