Along with James Wiseman becoming a Golden State Warrior, Anthony Edwards landing with his hometown Atlanta Hawks is far and away the most intriguing possibility in this draft. Edwards shocked the college basketball world by committing to play at the University of Georgia, and ending up playing his high school, college, and professional careers in the state would be a very nostalgic storyline.
Even more exciting than the feel-good story he would bring with him is the player that Atlanta would add to its young core. Edwards is a legitimate candidate to be the first overall selection in this draft, as he is a physical specimen who has the potential to be a two-way star in the NBA.
He is currently posting averages of 20.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3 assists per game to go along with 2.3 steals per game, including a 37 point outburst against Michigan State. Like Cole Anthony, his efficiency has been a question so far, but he will likely find his touch soon. A backcourt of Trae Young and Anthony Edwards could absolutely terrorize the NBA and would separate the Hawks as the most talented young core in basketball by a mile.
Draft Stock Trend: -1
As NBA franchises become more and more comfortable with drafting international prospects, the Cavaliers will steer away from the guard position from the first time since the second departure of LeBron James and select wing Deni Advija from Israel. Advija’s numbers do not jump off of the page, as he receives little playing time in EuroLeague. His current averages are 2.3 points per game and 2.1 rebounds on 39% shooting in 11.6 minutes per game.
NBA scouts will be enticed by Advija because of his sheer potential. Standing at 6-foot-8 inches tall, Advija projects to become a very good point forward in the NBA, given the proper development. With a scarcity of legitimate top-ten pick candidates in this draft that are not lead guards, the Cavaliers have no choice but to take the international wing.