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Anthony Edwards said on Wednesday that he is having fun during the pre-draft process but the former Georgia Bulldogs guard is also ready for it to be over and make the transition to the NBA.
The majority of the prospects in the NBA draft this year have had upward of eight months to prepare. The long layover due to the coronavirus pandemic has allowed players a better opportunity to improve their games but most are ready to put that work to the test.
Edwards is widely projected to be selected within the first three picks but there is not much certainty as to which team will call his name beyond that. He said the different mock drafts don’t bother him but he is ready to finish the process and focus his attention on his next team.
“It’s crazy just seeing people tag you in stuff,” Edwards said. “You’re seeing the three different teams, three different players going to each team but I don’t really care about stuff like that. Whatever team is willing to take the chance on me, I’m just ready to go in and give my all.”
Edwards has only worked out with the three teams atop the draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets, which is likely an indication he and his camp believe he won’t slip much further than that.
While Edwards has been highly regarded as an explosive player, questions linger about his drive and focus on the court. He credited his workout with the Warriors for changing his mindset but admitted he wasn’t locked in at times last season.
“I’m not going to blame my offensive stuff on not bringing effort on the defensive end,” Edwards said. “I would say it was a lack of not being locked in. I feel like I changed that tremendously.”
The 19-year-old has seemingly worked on fixing much of his weaknesses over the past several months since finishing his collegiate career. Now, it will be on him to keep that momentum going into his first season in the NBA.
The NBA draft is scheduled to begin on Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN.
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