Everyone remembers where they were during the weirdness of 2020, but for Minnesota Timberwolves fans, one specific night stands out. It wasn't just another draft. It was the moment the franchise finally caught a break. If you're wondering when did Anthony Edwards get drafted, the short answer is November 18, 2020.
But "when" is only half the story.
The context matters. This wasn't your typical glitzy Brooklyn affair at the Barclays Center with suits and handshakes. Because of the global pandemic, the 2020 NBA Draft was a virtual event, broadcast from ESPN’s studios in Bristol, Connecticut. Anthony Edwards, a kid from Georgia with a smile that could light up a stadium and a vertical that defied physics, sat on a couch at home. When Commissioner Adam Silver called his name as the number one overall pick, the trajectory of Minnesota sports shifted instantly.
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The Weirdest Draft in NBA History
It's easy to forget how much uncertainty surrounded that year. Usually, the draft happens in June. In 2020? We had to wait until November. The college season had been cut short, meaning scouts had less tape to watch. There was no traditional March Madness to see how players performed under the bright lights.
People were skeptical.
Critics questioned if Edwards truly loved the game. They pointed to a Forbes interview where he mentioned he wasn't "really into" basketball as a kid and preferred football. They looked at his shooting percentages at the University of Georgia—about 40% from the field—and wondered if he was just an athlete or a true basketball player. Looking back, those doubts seem almost hilarious now.
Minnesota had a 14% chance of landing that top pick. When they won the lottery, the debate was fierce. Do you take the playmaking wizard LaMelo Ball? Do you take the towering James Wiseman? Or do you bet on the raw, explosive power of "Ant-Man"?
Gersson Rosas, the Timberwolves' president of basketball operations at the time, made the call. He went with the kid from Atlanta.
Why the Date November 18, 2020, Matters
The timing was strange for the players too. Usually, a rookie gets drafted in June, plays Summer League in July, goes to training camp in September, and starts the season in October.
Edwards didn't have that.
He was drafted on November 18, and training camp started just two weeks later. The 2020-21 season tipped off on December 22. He had basically zero time to be a "rookie" in the traditional sense. He was thrown straight into the fire.
Georgia’s Rising Star
Before he was the face of the NBA, Edwards was a "one-and-done" phenom at Georgia. He averaged 19.1 points per game. He was the SEC Freshman of the Year. But Georgia wasn't exactly a basketball powerhouse. They went 16-16.
That lack of team success made some analysts nervous. They saw a guy who could score but didn't know if he could win. What they missed was the sheer competitive engine. Even in college, you could see the flashes—the 33-point explosion against Michigan State in Maui where he looked like a man among boys.
When the Timberwolves took him, they weren't just drafting a shooting guard. They were drafting a personality.
The Draft Class Context
To understand the significance of when Anthony Edwards was drafted, you have to look at who he was compared to.
- LaMelo Ball: Went 3rd to Charlotte. He won Rookie of the Year, but Edwards has arguably surpassed him in terms of "franchise cornerstone" status.
- James Wiseman: Went 2nd to Golden State. Injuries and fit issues hampered his start.
- Tyrese Haliburton: Went 12th. He turned into an All-Star, showing just how deep this "weak" draft actually was.
Proving the Doubters Wrong
The transition wasn't seamless. Honestly, the first half of his rookie season was a bit of a rollercoaster. He came off the bench at first. He struggled with shot selection. People started whispering that maybe the skeptics were right.
Then came the dunk.
On February 19, 2021, Edwards practically jumped over Yuta Watanabe. It wasn't just a dunk; it was a statement of intent. From that moment on, the "bust" talk vanished. He finished his rookie campaign averaging 19.3 points, nearly identical to his college numbers, but with a swagger that suggested he belonged at the very top.
How the 2020 Draft Defined the Current Era
Since that night in November, the Timberwolves have gone from a lottery mainstay to a legitimate Western Conference threat. Edwards didn't just join the team; he took it over.
If you look at the "Before and After" of November 18, 2020:
The "Before" was a team struggling for identity, relying heavily on Karl-Anthony Towns but lacking a true perimeter alpha.
The "After" is the "Ant" era.
He’s become an All-Star, an All-NBA talent, and a gold medalist with Team USA. He’s the guy who stares down Kevin Durant in the playoffs and talks trash to veterans twice his age. None of that happens if Minnesota plays it safe and picks someone else.
The Financial Impact
Being drafted first overall comes with a specific paycheck. In 2020, the slot value for the #1 pick was a four-year deal worth roughly $44 million. It’s a huge investment, but for the Wolves, it’s arguably the best money they’ve ever spent. That rookie contract laid the groundwork for his massive five-year designated rookie max extension, which could be worth up to $260 million.
Common Misconceptions About His Draft Night
A lot of people think Edwards was a consensus, "no-brainer" number one pick like LeBron James or Victor Wembanyama. He wasn't.
In fact, leading up to the draft, many mock drafts had LaMelo Ball going first. There was genuine debate. The Timberwolves actually kept their choice very close to the vest. Even on the day of the draft, there were rumors of trades.
Another misconception? That he was "just a dunker." While his athleticism was his calling card, the Timberwolves' scouting department banked on his ability to become a high-volume three-point shooter. They saw the mechanics were there, even if the college percentages were low. They were right.
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What to Watch for Now
Knowing when did Anthony Edwards get drafted is just the entry point to following his career. The real story is the evolution from a 19-year-old kid on a couch in Atlanta to a global icon.
If you're a fan or a collector, keep an eye on:
- 2020-21 Panini Prizm Rookie Cards: These are the gold standard for his draft year.
- Playoff Growth: Each year since 2020, his scoring average and efficiency in the postseason have climbed.
- Leadership: He’s gone from the "youngest guy in the room" to the undisputed leader of the locker room.
The 2020 draft proved that you don't need a fancy stage or a crowded room to find a superstar. Sometimes, all you need is a kid with a lot of heart and a team willing to take a chance on his potential. Anthony Edwards wasn't just a draft pick; he was a hard reset for an entire organization.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the full 2020 NBA Draft board to see how other teams missed out on "Ant."
- Revisit his rookie year highlights, specifically the games after the 2021 All-Star break, to see the exact moment he figured out the NBA game.
- Follow the Timberwolves' current standings to see how that 2020 decision continues to pay dividends in the Western Conference playoff race.