Pre-Draft Interview Raises Eyebrows for Timberwolves

As the 2020 NBA draft approached, LaMelo Ball's unconventional response during a pre-draft interview reportedly caught the attention of the Minnesota Timberwolves front office. On a recent episode of The Ringer's Zach Lowe Show, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic shared insights into the Timberwolves' decision-making process that ultimately led them to select Anthony Edwards with the No. 1 overall pick instead of Ball.

Krawczynski revealed that the Timberwolves sought to gauge LaMelo's fit with the team during his interview, specifically asking him about his aspirations post-basketball. Ball's reply, expressing a desire to be the President of the United States, raised questions about his maturity and focus, contributing to their selection of Edwards.

LaMelo Ball's NBA Journey

Despite being chosen third overall by the Charlotte Hornets, LaMelo Ball has made a considerable impact in the NBA. Over his six-season career, he has averaged 21.1 points, 7.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds, 3.1 three-pointers, and 1.5 steals per game, claiming the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2020-21 and earning an All-Star nod in his second season.

However, injuries have plagued Ball, limiting him to 51 or fewer games in four of his first five seasons. The Hornets, during his tenure, have struggled to reach the playoffs, currently standing at 4-7 this season.

The Success of Anthony Edwards

In contrast, Anthony Edwards has thrived with the Timberwolves. Now a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, Edwards boasts a career scoring average of 23.9 points per game and has led the team to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances. The Timberwolves currently have a promising start to the season, sitting at 7-4, showcasing the wisdom of their draft choice.