Minnesota Timberwolves' star Anthony Edwards is single-handedly rewriting the narrative around his NBA potential. His scorching performances in the 2024 playoffs have ignited a conversation about his place among the most successful No. 1 overall recruits in recent NBA history.
From Top Recruit to Rising Star
Edwards, the former No. 1 recruit by 247Sports in the 2019 class, is exceeding expectations in his fourth NBA season. His electrifying play during the playoffs, including a ho-hum (for him) 27 points on Monday night, has propelled him into the spotlight. However, a closer look at his journey reveals a path less traveled.
Edwards opted to reclassify to the 2019 class, joining the University of Georgia for one season. Despite a shortened season due to COVID-19, he averaged a respectable 19.1 points, showcasing the raw talent that scouts had admired. Even then, there were question marks. His pre-draft process was shadowed by doubts about his commitment to basketball, with Edwards openly discussing aspirations to play in the NFL.
Postseason Heroics Reshape Legacy
Fast forward to 2024, and Edwards is silencing those doubts with every highlight reel play. His recent performances have been nothing short of phenomenal. In Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets, he exploded for 43 points, joining an elite company of players – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant – with three consecutive playoff games of at least 35 points. He even joined Bryant in the exclusive club of players with back-to-back 40-point playoff games before the age of 23.
Edwards Chasing Anthony Davis for Top Spot
These heroics have propelled Edwards into contention for the title of the most successful No. 1 overall recruit of the 247Sports era (since 2010). Currently, Anthony Davis holds that distinction. Davis, a dominant big man, was a force during his lone season at Kentucky and has gone on to become an eight-time NBA All-Star and NBA champion.
The Top Recruits Ranked
Here's a look at how the top No. 1 overall recruits from the 247Sports era stack up based on NBA success:
Anthony Davis (2011): 8x All-Star, Best PER: 30.8 (2013-14)
Anthony Edwards (2019): 2x All-Star, Best PER: 19.7 (2023-24)
Ben Simmons (2015): 3x All-Star, Best PER: 20.4 (2019-20)
Andrew Wiggins (2013): 1x All-Star, Best PER: 16.5 (2015-16)
Chet Holmgren (2021): Rookie of the Year Runner-Up, Best PER: 20.4 (2023-24)
Edwards' Trajectory Points Upward
While Edwards may not yet surpass Davis' accomplishments, his meteoric rise suggests a bright future. At just 22 years old, Edwards is already a two-time All-Star and a key component of a Timberwolves team on the cusp of a Western Conference Finals berth. His charisma, dazzling dunks, and infectious energy have endeared him to fans, solidifying his position as a future face of the league.
The Verdict
Anthony Edwards' playoff surge is a powerful reminder that potential can quickly translate into reality. While the debate for the top recruit of the 247Sports era continues, Edwards is undeniably etching his name among the league's elite, and his story is far from over.
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