The Scenario
Anthony Edwards went #1 to Minnesota — the franchise that ruined Wiggins. LaMelo Ball went #3 to Charlotte — a team with no direction. Both were questioned. Four years later: Edwards is a top-5 player. LaMelo is an All-Star. This class hit.
Anthony Edwards
Pick #1 • Timberwolves
James Wiseman
Pick #2 • Warriors
LaMelo Ball
Pick #3 • Hornets
Anthony Edwards → Minnesota Timberwolves (#1)
| Factor | Rating | Weight | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| HC (Finch arrival) | 85/100 | 15% | 12.8 |
| Running Mate (KAT, then Gobert) | 80/100 | 18% | 14.4 |
| Culture Change | 85/100 | 15% | 12.8 |
| Personality Fit | 95/100 | 15% | 14.3 |
| Market (Small, hungry) | 80/100 | 12% | 9.6 |
| Development Path | 85/100 | 15% | 12.8 |
| New Ownership | 80/100 | 10% | 8.0 |
| TOTAL FIT SCORE | 84.6 | ||
What Happened
Everyone feared Minnesota would ruin another #1 pick. Instead, new ownership brought in Chris Finch, traded for Gobert, and built a winner. Edwards became the alpha dog, took them to the Western Conference Finals, and looked like a future MVP.Minnesota finally got it right. Ant's personality was too big to fail.
LaMelo Ball → Charlotte Hornets (#3)
| Factor | Rating | Weight | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| HC (Borrego → Clifford) | 55/100 | 15% | 8.3 |
| Green Light | 95/100 | 18% | 17.1 |
| Playmaking Role | 90/100 | 15% | 13.5 |
| Supporting Cast | 50/100 | 15% | 7.5 |
| Market (Small) | 65/100 | 12% | 7.8 |
| Ownership (Jordan → new) | 50/100 | 15% | 7.5 |
| Injury Concerns | 45/100 | 10% | 4.5 |
| TOTAL FIT SCORE | 72.2 | ||
What Happened
LaMelo won ROY with flashy passes and deep threes. All-Star by year 2. Charlotte still isn't good, but that's not his fault — the roster around him has been inconsistent.His talent is undeniable. Whether Charlotte can build a winner around him is another question.
James Wiseman → Golden State Warriors (#2)
| Factor | Rating | Weight | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| HC (Steve Kerr) | 90/100 | 12% | 10.8 |
| System Fit (small ball) | 25/100 | 20% | 5.0 |
| Development Time (win-now) | 20/100 | 20% | 4.0 |
| Injuries | 25/100 | 18% | 4.5 |
| Role Clarity | 30/100 | 15% | 4.5 |
| Veteran Core | 40/100 | 10% | 4.0 |
| Experience Gap (3 college games) | 25/100 | 5% | 1.3 |
| TOTAL FIT SCORE | 35.2 | ||
What Happened
Golden State was in win-now mode with an aging core. They didn't have time to develop a raw center. Wiseman played 3 games in college, then spent years injured. Eventually traded for CP3. Wrong player for the situation. GS needed contributors, not projects.
The Draft Class
Ant (MIN)
WCF, All-NBA
LaMelo (CHA)
ROY, All-Star
Wiseman (GS)
Traded
Point swing: Edwards vs. Wiseman — draft position doesn't guarantee development
The Verdict
Traditional Re-Draft Says:
"Edwards #1, LaMelo #2, Wiseman drops out of top 10"
Contextual Re-Draft Says:
"Edwards needed Minnesota's new direction. LaMelo needed the freedom Charlotte gave him. Wiseman needed a rebuilding team with patience — GSW was the worst fit possible."
Minnesota finally broke the curse with the right pick AND the right situation.Golden State's win-now timeline meant no room for development. Context saved Edwards. Context killed Wiseman.