NBA Rookie Watch - Edwards v. Others

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

LaMelo Ball shot 1-10 and had four turnovers while getting waxed on defense today and the only thing I've seen about his game is his dime in transition. Networks just want this kid to be a star so badly.

[Jester1534]

LaMelo Ball shot 1-10 and had four turnovers while getting waxed on defense today and the only thing I've seen about his game is his dime in transition. Networks just want this kid to be a star so badly.

Every game they play on the front page of ESPN.com they show his 2-3 good flashy passes.

[bleedspeed]

So what is Edwards ceiling and floor? Can he be as good as LaVine?

Here is my latest continuum of scenarios for Ant Edwards:

Best Case - D-Wade
Next Best Case - Vince Carter
Most Likely Case - DeMar DeRozan
Second to Worst Case - Zach LaVine
Worst Case - Dion Waiters

Thank you for posting this. I was curious where he sat as far as potential. It looks like he has a pretty decent shot to pass DLO as second best in a year 3 or 4 if DLO or Towns is still here. (big if)

[Lipoli390]

LaMelo Ball shot 1-10 and had four turnovers while getting waxed on defense today and the only thing I've seen about his game is his dime in transition. Networks just want this kid to be a star so badly.

I saw that. I haven't seen anything from Ball yet to change my mind that he was the one player in the top three to absolutely stay away from. While I was disappointed in Gersson's decision to draft Edwards rather than drafting Wiseman or trading down, I was greatly relieved he didn't take Ball. And from what I've seen of Edwards so far, I'm encouraged.

It is truly annoying to see the networks fawning all over him and showing highlights that aren't remotely indicative of his overall performance.

[AbeVigodaLive]

LaMelo Ball shot 1-10 and had four turnovers while getting waxed on defense today and the only thing I've seen about his game is his dime in transition. Networks just want this kid to be a star so badly.

I saw that. I haven't seen anything from Ball yet to change my mind that he was the one player in the top three to absolutely stay away from. While I was disappointed in Gersson's decision to draft Edwards rather than drafting Wiseman or trading down, I was greatly relieved he didn't take Ball. And from what I've seen of Edwards so far, I'm encouraged.

It is truly annoying to see the networks fawning all over him and showing highlights that aren't remotely indicative of his overall performance.

The Ball hype will work itself out. He's already pretty polarizing. If he continues to struggle... he'll become the new whipping boy for the NBA community.

Right now, networks need to promote something/somebody. And it's not like Edwards has (1) done better and (2) it hasn't been as "pretty."

I highly doubt Ball will be getting positive highlights for much longer if his play continues like this.


[Note: Personally, I think both players have been pretty damn terrible. But if we're picking-and-choosing positive signs for Edwards... it's only fair that the same can be said for Ball right now. At the very least, Edwards' glimpses are things other players do. For Ball, some of them are things only a select few can do... even if few and far between...]

[Lipoli390]

LaMelo Ball shot 1-10 and had four turnovers while getting waxed on defense today and the only thing I've seen about his game is his dime in transition. Networks just want this kid to be a star so badly.

I saw that. I haven't seen anything from Ball yet to change my mind that he was the one player in the top three to absolutely stay away from. While I was disappointed in Gersson's decision to draft Edwards rather than drafting Wiseman or trading down, I was greatly relieved he didn't take Ball. And from what I've seen of Edwards so far, I'm encouraged.

It is truly annoying to see the networks fawning all over him and showing highlights that aren't remotely indicative of his overall performance.

The Ball hype will work itself out. He's already pretty polarizing. If he continues to struggle... he'll become the new whipping boy for the NBA community.

Right now, networks need to promote something/somebody. And it's not like Edwards has (1) done better and (2) it hasn't been as "pretty."

I highly doubt Ball will be getting positive highlights for much longer if his play continues like this.


[Note: Personally, I think both players have been pretty damn terrible. But if we're picking-and-choosing positive signs for Edwards... it's only fair that the same can be said for Ball right now. At the very least, Edwards' glimpses are things other players do. For Ball, some of them are things only a select few can do... even if few and far between...]

Good point, Abe.

[FNG]

LaMelo 0-5 with 3 assists and 3 turnovers tonight. So far he's been a disaster. Immensely talented in some ways so I'm not giving up on him, but what a terrible start for him.

I liked Edwards debut. I would argue that his efficient 15-4-4 with some aggressive defense was the best debut of the 2020 class/ Let's see if he can build on it.

[Coolbreeze44]

LaMelo 0-5 with 3 assists and 3 turnovers tonight. So far he's been a disaster. Immensely talented in some ways so I'm not giving up on him, but what a terrible start for him.

I liked Edwards debut. Let's see if he can build on it.

What a shame on Melo. I'd love to see him bust.

[Lipoli390]

LaMelo 0-5 with 3 assists and 3 turnovers tonight. So far he's been a disaster. Immensely talented in some ways so I'm not giving up on him, but what a terrible start for him.

I liked Edwards debut. I would argue that his efficient 15-4-4 with some aggressive defense was the best debut of the 2020 class/ Let's see if he can build on it.

I agree, FNG. Ball looks like a disaster so far. And while I thought Wiseman looked pretty good last night, I'll take Edwards' performance tonight over Wiseman's. I love Edwards' physical talents, but what we've seen so far suggests that he has a high basketball IQ and plays with focus and intensity. I think it's his focus and intensity that distinguishes him from Wiggins more than his physical strength and better ball-handling. He's also really likable.

[FNG]

Haliburton, who was my target if we traded down, is having a nice game tonight too- might lead the Kings to a victory over the Nuggets.