How a Warriors workout changed Edwards’ mindset
One of the biggest knocks on potential No. 1 NBA draft pick Anthony Edwards is his inconsistent motor. At times during his lone season at Georgia, he struggled to stay engaged, jogging back on defense or failing to move off the ball.
During a recent workout with the Warriors in Atlanta, Edwards, 19, was reminded to maintain his intensity. “It’s not about how many shots you make in a row,” Edwards recalled a Golden State official telling him. “Just go hard. Just go as hard as you can.”
This was an aha moment for Edwards, whose strength, size and athleticism have drawn comparisons to Dwyane Wade and Donovan Mitchell. In ensuing workouts with other teams, he reflected on the Warriors’ advice and ratcheted up his effort.
“They just gave me some key advice, some key points that I needed,” Edwards said Wednesday. “I took those and ran. I feel like it just changed the way I approached everything.”
The Warriors, like many teams, have reservations about Edwards’ inefficiency and basketball IQ. But according to a league source, Golden State is impressed enough with his physical gifts that it likely would take him at No. 2 in next Wednesday’s NBA draft if he’s available.
In addition to being a readymade scorer, Edwards has the length and lateral quickness to guard multiple positions. One Western Conference scout told The Chronicle, “Even if he doesn’t get much better, he’s a solid NBA starter for a long, long time. I’m not sure you can say that for sure about anyone else in this draft. And if Edwards gets better, he’s a multitime AllStar.”
By some measures, the Warriors would be an ideal fit for him. Edwards, who also has worked out with the Timberwolves ( No. 1 pick) and Hornets ( No. 3), would have the luxury of coming off the bench as a rookie for a Golden State team trying to return to title contention. After learning from Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green — all of whom are in their early 30s — for a few years, he could be poised to help lead the Warriors into a new era.
“I feel like I would fit that team great or any other team great,” Edwards said. “What I bring to the table, and them being able to trust me and draft me. I’ll be blessed wherever I go.”