Who Was the Number 1 Pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and How Has Their Career Progressed?

I still remember watching the 2020 NBA Draft from my living room, that strange virtual ceremony where Adam Silver announced picks from his basement. When the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Anthony Edwards with the first overall pick, I'll admit I had my doubts. The Georgia guard had shown flashes of brilliance, but questions lingered about his commitment to basketball over football. Fast forward to today, and I've become one of his biggest believers - this kid has transformed from a raw talent into one of the most explosive players I've seen in years.

Those early days reminded me of something a coach once told me about development - it's rarely linear. Edwards' rookie season had its growing pains, with the Timberwolves finishing 23-49 in the pandemic-shortened season. He put up decent numbers - 19.3 points per game - but the efficiency wasn't there yet. What struck me most was his attitude. Unlike some top picks who seem overwhelmed, Edwards carried himself with this unshakable confidence that reminded me of young Dwyane Wade. There were moments of sheer brilliance mixed with typical rookie mistakes, but you could see the foundation being laid.

The real turning point came in his second season, when Minnesota made the playoffs for just the second time in 18 years. Edwards averaged 21.3 points and became that secondary scoring option alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. I remember watching their playoff series against Memphis, where Edwards dropped 36 points in Game 1, and thinking "this is different." His game reminded me of that quote from a veteran player I once interviewed: "First two sets, okay naman, kontrolado namin. Pero in-expect din namin talaga na pwede talaga siyang magdikit. Good thing lang 'yung kung paano talaga kami nag-prepare and nag-ready." That's exactly how Edwards developed - he'd control what he could, expect the game to tighten up, but his preparation allowed him to break through when it mattered.

Last season was when Edwards truly arrived as a superstar. His numbers jumped to 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting nearly 46% from the field. But statistics don't capture his impact - he became the emotional leader of that team. When Towns went down with injury, Edwards shouldered the scoring load without missing a beat. I've followed enough number one picks to recognize when someone's making the leap from good to great, and Edwards was clearly making that transition. His playoff performance against Denver was legendary - averaging 31.6 points against the eventual champions, including that iconic dunk over Jokic that broke the internet.

What impresses me most about Edwards isn't just his athleticism - though my goodness, the man jumps like he's got springs in his shoes - but his basketball IQ. He's learned to pick his spots, when to attack and when to facilitate. His three-point shooting has improved from 32.9% as a rookie to 36.1% last season, and he's become much more efficient in the mid-range. Defensively, he's developed into someone you can trust to guard the opponent's best perimeter player. I've watched him grow from a score-first rookie to a complete two-way player, and the trajectory reminds me of Paul George's development, just happening faster.

Looking at Edwards' career through the lens of other number one picks, he's already surpassed what many achieve in their entire careers. Through his first three seasons, he's played 223 games, averaging 21.8 points while shooting 44.1% from the field. He's made the playoffs twice, been named an All-Star, and most importantly, established himself as the face of Team USA basketball heading into the Paris Olympics. Compare that to recent top picks like Zion Williamson (134 games due to injuries) or Deandre Ayton (solid but not spectacular), and Edwards is clearly the standout from his draft class.

The Timberwolves clearly believe they've found their franchise cornerstone, signing him to a five-year designated rookie extension that could be worth up to $260 million. That's superstar money for a reason - Edwards has shown he can carry a team, elevate his game in big moments, and handle the pressure that comes with being the number one pick. I've spoken with scouts who compare his magnetic personality and playing style to a young Michael Jordan - not in terms of achievement yet, but in that special combination of swagger, athleticism, and competitive fire that separates good players from cultural icons.

As I reflect on Edwards' journey so far, what stands out is how he's proven the doubters wrong. People questioned his commitment to basketball, but he's shown nothing but dedication to improving his craft. Critics said he was too raw, but he's developed into one of the most polished scorers in the league. Skeptics wondered if he could lead, but he's become the heart and soul of a playoff team. At just 22 years old, he's already accomplished what many veterans never do, and the scary part is he's still getting better. The Timberwolves didn't just get a number one pick - they got a franchise-changing talent who's on pace to become one of the defining players of his generation.