There really wasn’t an obvious pick atop the 2020 NBA Draft. Minnesota had the No. 1 pick, and it was seen as a class without a clear-cut No. 1, with Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, and LaMelo Ball all in the running for the top pick — it just depends what you were looking for.
Obviously the Wolves made the right choice in taking Edwards, who has since emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA — and fans have one person to thank: LaMelo Ball. Minnesota was very close to taking the point guard with the top pick, based on information from Jon Krawczynski on The Zach Lowe Show, who says a bizarre answer during an already poor pre-draft interview left the Wolves with cold feet.
“They had an interview with LaMelo Ball during this process, trying to figure out, ‘Hey, is this the guy for us?’ And LaMelo — did not interview very well. One of the questions they asked him was: ‘Hey LaMelo, after you’re done playing, what do you see yourself doing? What kind of things do you aspire to?’ And LaMelo said: ‘I want to be President of the United States.’
It’s a bit weird to throw in that you want to be president without any additional information, and this lack of being grounded likely turned off the Timberwolves, who were looking for more maturity from their No. 1 overall pick.
The fascinating thing is what would have happened if the Wolves decided to take Ball at No. 1. It would have meant the Warriors at No. 2 would have landed Edwards instead of draft bust Wiseman, where he’d eventually slot in next to Stephen Curry and give Golden State the best backcourt in the NBA. It also would have left Charlotte with another tragic draft pick to add to their history of mistakes.
Talk about dodging a bullet.
You an find the full interview here.
