Was Anthony Edwards Worthy of the No. 1 Pick? | Rookie Reports | The Ringer

On this edition of ‘Rookie Reports,’ The Ringer’s J. Kyle Mann breaks down how Anthony Edwards has fared so far in his rookie campaign after being selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the no. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft. Kyle takes a look at Edwards’s offensive upside, his exceptional athleticism, and how he could improve on the defensive side of the floor.
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[@crazyasianskills]

A masterpiece of an intro. J. Kyle Mann has such a swaggy YT game.

[@giom3248]

Man I was noticing the intro editing too, DOPE

[@ndigogh]

Absolutely a marvel of an intro

[@kameron72902]

@@ndigogh good pun

[@s2r781]

His ability to pick the perfect pop culture reference to match what he's talking about is unmatched

[@futurehofer1564]

sub to his channel, the dime drop

[@AndreaBaixinho]

J. Kyle Mann's videos are very well crafted. The pace, the instrumentals, the vocabulary, the analysis and the jokes... he has a very recognizable style and he is arguably the best basketball analyst on KZbin. My favorite, at least

[@theamateurobserver]

He’s fantastic, his pod with Ben Taylor is great too

[@Ethan-qk8fv]

@@theamateurobserver what’s the podcast I didn’t know there was one? I know he has his own yt channel the dime drop

[@theamateurobserver]

@@Ethan-qk8fv it’s Ben Taylor’s podcast Thinking Basketball, the pod is incredible but you can find the episode with JKM on Spotify

[@theamateurobserver]

@@Ethan-qk8fv it’s episode 54

[@tatamigalaxy3473]

Seconded! Only one that comes close for me is Kevin O'Connor, love KOC!

[@k_f.1526]

J. Kyle Mann the GOAT

[@KaramIsOkay]

J. Kyle and Thinking Basketball collab P L E A S E

[@chromeantennae]

PLEASE

[@llleeolly1717]

Almost like a back and forth of them either supporting or challenging each other’s thoughts kyles eyes vs bens stats OMG would it be lit

[@RennWickam]

BEEN DYING FOR THIS

[@aidanclifford9115]

They have on a podcast

[@donttalkaboutmymomsyo]

Mann sometimes appears on TB's podcast

[@1patrickryan]

He’s gotta be the most under appreciated #1 pick in years, LaMelo mostly stole his hype and deservedly so but Ant and the Wolves have gotten way less respect for progressing through this shitshow of a season than they deserve. Going into next year with a healthy squad I think KAT Ant and DLo are underrated as hell as a young core together.

[@ChrisbeFoSerious]

He’s underappreciated for sure, but Ayton was and IS still forgotten about despite being an efficient double double every night as the 3rd Option. If/when Ayton takes a major leap, it’s gonna be super noticeable.

[@chrishansen2409]

@@ChrisbeFoSerious but luka and trae were drafted after him, and both have been all star starters and luka is an mvp candidate (at least last year), lamelo is a solid rookie with a lot of potential but if he didn’t have the ball name he wouldn’t be as hyped up

[@ChrisbeFoSerious]

@@chrishansen2409 yes, but phenomenal players being drafted after a super solid player that’s still growing doesn’t make him a bad player or bust lol. Luka was my #1 Pick for a over a year, but Ayton was going #1 without Question unless the Mavs landed the 1st Pick.

[@MasterBepis]

@@chrishansen2409 Well playoff Ayton has been bustin ass and I'm excited!

[@PBMdanya]

@@ChrisbeFoSerious this comment didn’t age well.

[@schm2818]

his pull up 3 has been top 3 percentage wise since the all-star break, I think that should be noted about his pull up game.

[@itzfusionplex4266]

Yeah, I really think the new HC has helped unlock him.

[@MasterResolve]

ya there was very little mention regarding the massive jump shot improvement. He's been great all April.

[@CareFreeCommuting]

Good point.

[@jackcena6738]

Yea

[@niklaszillig7282]

Totally didn’t just read pull out game

[@connorl.l.8096]

As a Raptors fan, I'm still reeling from his dunk on Yuta. One of the most vicious things I've ever seen in basketball.

[@slimpickkns1178]

Anthony edwards is a future legend imo. He has great progression so far . Always doing good and his stats are good as well.

[@elcuh9976]

😊

[@mattiatorre6665]

J Kyle Mann has the silkiest and smoothest voice ever

[@RennWickam]

To anyone who thought Edwards didn't actually like basketball, I implore you to watch his interview with Mike Schmitz where they went through his game film. Guy isn't just talking, he's actively looking for how to improve himself and when he makes mistakes, he wants to be that leader, that Star. At his worst Edward's play makes him look like an overzealous kid, but that's because he wants to be great. I personally think he's going to reach that potential he has

[@toteispoe4]

He needs to get overzealous about defense. If he does, then the Timberwolves won't need to regret what happened with Jimmy Butler and what it took to get him.

[@RennWickam]

@@toteispoe4 fr, he has all of the potential to be a great defender and he's shown flashes of being a great one, but he's not like that most of the time. His defensive fundamentals aren't great and his effort isn't always their either, probably a product of not taking basketball seriously until High School and letting his natural abilities get him to where he is now. I genuinely think he'll be able to do that from everything he's said though

[@youngsatch]

Lmao that intro ending with him going “🤷🏾‍♂️ shiit” was perfect

[@Nes89]

To add on his J, his lower body rotates counter-clockwise in the air. I think a Summer of tweaking little things like that will be huge (remember he didn't have summer league etc this year because of the shortened year). I think he's primed to make a big jump next year if KAT is still around/healthy

[@OfficialJPryde]

It looks like he’s emulating KD’s shot but doesn’t have the same height to have his fluidity & release. A slight tweak and he’ll definitely be more consistent.

[@TavaraTheLaughingLion]

@@OfficialJPryde How is he emulating KD's shot?

[@OfficialJPryde]

@@TavaraTheLaughingLion his gather, stance with his feet, and elbow. His release is different tho.

[@elimoilanen4542]

Many good shooters rotate their body mid air. It releases tesion in the core making a smoother shot for many. I wish he would talk about later in the year and ant said himself he jut had to get adjustedto the 3pt line. Afte rthe break hes been shooting fairly decent from deep. Id guess around 35%

[@OfficialJPryde]

@@elimoilanen4542 it’s good for getting alignment for sure

[@chrisguy9017]

I love this kid. Didn't watch a game of Minnesota before this year.

[@ruinsobrien]

cant blame u coming from a dude that lives in mn

[@brodown64]

@@ruinsobrien same tbh

[@pain_patrick3743]

Same

[@toadftw23]

Ant is a legend in the making. On the court, there's pretty much nothing he can't do and he has the physicality to dominate. I think for him, it would be great to become a better passer since he'll be holding the ball a lot and the best way to make use of KAT is to have him off ball often.

[@danberry4647]

Imagine if the hornets picked him and those announcers reactions to that dunk

[@ot-xx6il]

Tbh they’re just doing it for lamelo

[@722Moo]

How could the hornets have picked him if the timberwolves wanted him first?

[@grandpa203]

Yeah I see Ant cleaning alot of those things up....the defense is a major part...he has a chance to become a legit two star if he really wants it. Also the clip where you showed Cj Mcollum pull up game. I recently watched a game of his when he was in college and you can see how much his shot has changed.

[@lamarbrandon4730]

He has progressively gotten better theoughout the season, especially since all star break. And shown flashes of brillance. Will only get better

[@juddbittman9847]

A1 from D1 baby. Kids improving alot. I think you have to give him a B+ when you consider these rookies didnt get summer league, a real training camp or preseason. A coaching change, though for the better, thrown in.

[@reidsilva1711]

Id love a behind the scenes of how they are made. probably countless hours but watches and listens so effortlessly

[@alfiehaigh8412]

This man needs to get his own channel, shit would blow up

[@Redranger99]

He did then he joined the ringer

[@a11pu1poj]

He does, it's called The Dime Drop

[@magiadelingles9832]

18 PPG on 40/32/78 shooting% He's a bad defender but he's just 19 he'll get a lot better

[@yahyajama8233]

He just doesn’t try on defense I don’t like it

[@stefan218]

@@yahyajama8233 but what’s promising is that he tries during clutch moments and he is successful doing so. All he needs to do is have that same energy throughout the game

[@yahyajama8233]

@@stefan218 fax

[@123123roo]

This dude is specialllllllllllll. love watching him Dlo and kat get buckets

[@nicks7393]

looking back on it now absolutely... potential HOF if he stays healthy

[@BruceWaynesFactory]

Watched a video of ant saying he really found himself in that Portland game 1 where he drove and got hurt by bumping into kanter, it knocked the wind out of him he said, he came back and said that’s where he found himself, I’ve noticed ant uses his strong elbows a lot, very thick kid

[@ualikhansvanbayev8404]

This vid is absolutly perfect( luv the background music)

[@nazreidsburner8805]

Surprised you didn't mention his 42 point night ,third youngest player to drop 40 only behind LeBron & KD

[@nbaplay-by-playstreaming13]

.....and the 18 points in a quarter twice.

[@BioBizzzz]

we need a follow up

[@MasterResolve]

23/4/4 this month on 45/38/83 splits. He's turning into a stud.

[@gpropho]

Damn this is some of the best NBA content on KZbin you sir are different !

[@user-gc3qj7md8c]

Wrong

[@konstantins1385]

I come to the comment section to express my appreciation for the typography in this series 👍

[@Anthony-si8ih]

The closing clip dunking on Jokic really came full circle. I agree.

[@VisionaryUchiha]

Not only was he worth the number one pick. He’s going to go down as the best unquestioned #1 pick for a long time!

[@rorybanta515]

As someone who watches the wolves multiple times a week, I feel that he's just going to keep getting better. He's starting to have more consistent high scoring nights and his decision making is trending upwards. I think Lamelo was definitely more NBA ready, but I don't think it's crazy to say that in a few seasons we could be seeing Ant as an all star. He's got a lot of work to do, but I think he's committed and has the drive to improve his weak spots.

[@obistclair]

Jkylemann is the type of guy i want to listen all day

[@ehrenwiegand5383]

Damn! Amazing video and breakdown -- major props! If he took one big note from this video to heart he'd improve 20%. I feel like he needs the right push from a coach or his own awareness after getting called out on it enough times. The sky is the limit for the Ant Man. He's here to stay a scoring machine. Watch out NBA, he's just getting started

[@salmott]

J Kyle, you da mann!

[@Arthur-ew5en]

Yessssir rookie reports is back!!! ❤️🐐

[@kambion]

LOL you did this thing 20 games too early... His efficiency sky rocketed.

[@itzfusionplex4266]

Yeah he went insane after this

[@hanschristopherson8056]

How could you not like this guy?

[@fknChoke]

This is by far my favourite series on the ringer.

[@adampohlen2133]

Back after year 3. The answer is yes.

[@proballa27]

Demar Derozan is an excellent example of a guy who worked his way up the pick and roll pyramid. When he started off in the league you could hardly call him even a level 1 guy. He shot it horribly, had zero handle, and averaged 0.7-1.8 assists per game despite heavy usage as a guard and with 1.8-2.0 turnovers. He slowly improved each year, and he's now at 7.1 assists per game, with the same 1.8 turnovers, has some of the best handle in the league, and is clearly a level 2 and debateably even pushing a level 3 playmaker off the pick and roll.

[@jvostudio]

I dont see him as a great player as of now but I see him as a really confident kid which is rare for a rookie. And that confidence is what will push him to be great, similarly to how westbrook and embiid started

[@midnightmarauder8937]

You guys have to credit the music in the description or something, respect the artists.

[@OrlandoCoolridge]

What is that second beat in this video, that shit smacks.

[@ChrisbeFoSerious]

I gotta say, I was SUPER high on Ant before the draft, cooled off on him since I was always much higher on LaMelo... and then really didn’t like his media answers (which contradicted his previous interviews much before the draft), and then he looked like a total BUM the first 2 months or so... but then that College Ant started coming out as he got more comfortable with the media. Kid is just likable. Looks like he has the right mindset about the game, especially on defense-and his SHOOTING has looked SUPER promising. Passing IQ and shot IQ have already drastically improved. Slashing and dunking are still great as always. Dude REALLY turned around and has already taken a league in his first year. Super impressive, and officially a fan once again for the long haul.

[@nerdforskating]

Anthony Edwards seems to have what many of top prospects don't that I think separates him: he's not afraid to fail. When kids come into the league, particularly lottery pick prospects, they seem to feel the pressure to be an already finished product that can already do everything they need to do to be the player they're expected. Edwards seems not afraid to let em fly, and has an idea of himself being a center piece of a strong offensive team. He's not there yet, but if he does get to being an elite player, it will be due to him not being afraid to look stupid while learning how to become one

[@seanseams6308]

That boy not scared to shoot i like it, he’ll get better at those

[@kentmilbrandt3989]

He is only 19 years old two years from now he will be a NBA all star year after year.

[@RJLKMRD]

This video needs to be updated

[@Ethan-qk8fv]

I always can’t wait to watch your videos bro I need more

[@blablablabla2572]

looks sus

[@enrique-lopez]

This is the best quality video I've seen in a long time 👍🏼

[@aes2630]

I need these instrumentals, especially the intro

[@BackWhereYouStarted]

This is such a perfect vid. Informative, fun, flashy, truth-based, and the injections of hilarity keep you glued

[@tshegomotjuwadi9323]

Literally came onto KZbin looking for the newest Rookie Report. Thank you The Ringer

[@skoolynugenator1802]

His outside shooting was abysmal first half of the season. It’s gotten much better.

[@msn1063]

He’s been shooting very efficient since all star break. He is averaging 24 points of 44% from the field since allstar

[@ighsight]

Solid analysis here. One thing I would like to see is Edwards' analytics broken down in smaller month to month chunks, after All Start game, etc. I think some of the improvements he needs that are mentioned in this video have been taking place in season.

[@RennWickam]

The way Edwards talks about himself is going to turn himself into the next Wilt Chamberlain I swear, A-1 From Day One 💯

[@RennWickam]

@Todd Lerfahndler you misunderstood what I meant by the next Wilt. I'm talking about the mythical athlete that Wilt was where the only proof is from his own mouth, like having a 48" vertical or being able to bench 500lbs. By no means am I saying Edwards is NEARLY as great as Wilt

[@jeremywho2289]

Whoever edited this video is the real mvp.

[@toteispoe4]

The narrator and the editor are the same guy. If you ever watched his Dime Drop videos, you'd see how the editing has always been there.

[@ayoung3505]

These supercut intros are my new favorite thing on the internet

[@kendrickdavis4419]

I'd love to see a breakdown on Immanuel Quickley!

[@Aaron-fn5ju]

dude will probably tear up the league, this aggressive playing style... damn

[@Beleleleina]

As a person who lives in Minneapolis, and a fan of the soon-to-be Seattle Timberwolves. I hope he becomes really good and I can watch one more first-round and out sweep before they move. I also root for Edwards because he didn't know who A-rod was. That's right F*** the Yankees.

[@YaBoiJern757]

His shooting will be fine the main thing about a lot of good shooters or shooters that have potential to be good shooters is they have bad shot selection and the problem with him is not that he can't shoot he has very poor shot selection as his shot selection gets better his ability to shoot will shine

[@RhinoG5sneakerreview]

Have a kid I know, decided to play football at the D1 level but reminded me of a smaller version of Edwards with the ability to attack the rim, both with the great ability to move through the defense

[@mr.t-real2009]

Great piece

[@Dollar-zb2ik]

He really the ROTY

[@Delacloture]

I love these rookie reports

[@johnappleseed203]

Ant the goat of interviews already

[@samlivesay6149]

Thank you Mr. Kyle Mann

[@calebk8518]

awesome breakdown very insightful nice one j mann

[@alang8243]

Outstanding video. Well done.

[@KaawSauce]

Excellent, as always.

[@drew2nice83]

J Kyle Mann is a beast!!

[@BabyCagefighter]

J KYLE MANN FINALLY

[@wolfgooner2321]

1:03 whoa what the hell? That's some Kyrie level shit 😲

[@tobiaschaparro2372]

People that were worried about him preferring football forgot that the ultimate hooper himself, Allen Iverson said football was his fav sport

[@Dack3ry]

Great video!

[@fizzy346]

The first 30 seconds was the best part

[@rapstallion6615]

Excellent analysis.

[@matheusbernardes6926]

Should have compared his pre and post all star numbers, he is being way better post all star in basically everything, what should prove we can be a little more optimistic

[@zpacify]

I hope he gets better and figures it out because not since Vince and MJ have we seen somebody fly through the air like this. He's so fun to watch. But he needs to be a winning player and be more efficient. Eventually he could average 25-6-6-1 bpg-2spg. 🙏🏼

[@TSH-sx3ec]

I don't think you were being optimistic enough!

[@thepizzaguy516]

That intro was GOATED

[@gastly123]

1:33 this is great

[@kylehagglund3229]

The intro!!! So good!

[@gabrielsongradtke4441]

J Kyle Mann is the greatest

[@MarshallMcKenzie]

He already looks much better than he did at Georgia despite playing against much better competition. If he can match his confidence with work rate, I have little doubt we will see him on many All Star teams.

[@domwilson2505]

Love that pick and roll pyramid thing. I’m gonna steal that because as a bulls fan I struggle describing my issue with Zach Lavines game. But I think it’s perfect to describe him as a soft level 2 guard as well. And to me if you’re gonna be bad on defense you gotta be a level 3 on offense to be that max type player

[@adampohlen2133]

as a wolves fan this was spot on

[@raulmartinez9372]

You kill this shit bro. What an intro

[@nessdagoat]

Best into ever. No bs. Took me about 6 watches before I got into the vid. ARod needs to buy that and play it for every team intro 🤣 before they move to Seattle

[@maxcastin4777]

The goat is back

[@pohlman1]

Anthony edwards has so much potential

[@coopercarr9407]

I want J. Kyle Mann to watch my intramural season and break down my game

[@tommccarthy7644]

Top notch opening.

[@diegovdd]

People has to remember that rookies this season didnt get to training camp + summer league. Also they didnt play almost any game the previous year on college. So we talking about guys that got drafted practically from HS to NBA and playing right away not even a summer of training camp with their teammates. I think that next year will see a big leap with rookies like Ant, Melo, Tyrese and so on. If they look good rn imagine with next summer of training oh man thats gonna be good

[@tonyperkis420]

That intro 🔥🔥🔥

[@tobyironside1419]

dime drop with the best content on here!!!

[@Brysonhundley]

I love Kevin and all the other basketball guys on this channel but i think J Kyle Mann’s style and attention to detail make him the most entertaining guy to watch on the Ringer. Dude does not get nearly enough cred. also he’s a fellow Kentuckian 😤😤