With the Cleveland Cavaliers rebuilding for the next few years , all eyes will be on the top prospects the next couple years. It appears the Cavs got a major boost in the 2020 draft with the classification of prospect Anthony Edwards.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will have the Atlanta Hawks’ 2019 NBA Draft pick if they place in the top 10, and by the looks of it, that should allow them to have a cornerstone player, such as Zion Williamson, who appears to be the ideal prospect for Cleveland in next year’s draft. In the 2020 NBA Draft, the same rule applies in regards to the Atlanta Hawks (whereas the Cavs would also need to give their 2021 and/or 2022 second-round pick to Atlanta based on the next two seasons not being conveyed), and luckily for Cleveland, star guard prospect James Edwards reclassified, and will be eligible to be in the 2020 NBA Draft.
For the Cavaliers, that’s outstanding news. Edwards has all the tools to be a tremendous guard at the next level, and Evan Daniels of 247Sports touched on Edwards’ reclassification impact heading into next year.
"“Edwards was ranked as the No. 3 player in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and moved up to No. 2 player in the post-summer Top247. With the move to the 2019 class, he will slide to No. 1 in the Top247 player rankings, bumping James Wiseman to No. 2. Here’s a full breakdown of Edwards’ move to No. 1With the move, Edwards, a 6-foot-5 guard out of Atlanta (Ga.) Holy Spirit School, will begin to jump into the recruiting process.”"
Obviously this is big news for the Cavs, because with the team rebuilding for the next few years, they need all the star power they can get in the next few drafts. It certainly looks like the Cavs got a major boost with Edwards joining the high school class of 2019.
Another 247Sports analyst, Brian Snow, gave his breakdown on why Edwards is the number one prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft, and sees a strong comparison to James Harden.
"“Recently we profiled the case for and against the top four prospects in the 2019 class, and why they could or couldn’t end up No. 1 (The debate for No. 1 in 2019). Now there is no debate, it is Edwards.At 6-foot-5, a strong body, high level athleticism, and elite shot making, Edwards has the look of someone who could be the next James Harden.”"
Snow then highlighted how ideal Edwards’ skill-athleticism combination already is in terms of his future NBA projection.
"“Edwards has the ability to pull up from 25 feet and be a weapon shooting, he can attack off the rim and take advantage of smaller or slower defenders, and then also he is a good passer when the opportunity presents itself.What is somewhat surprising about Edwards is how explosive he is as an athlete. Edwards has a thick frame that makes you think he is going to only be average as an athlete, but that is definitely not the case. He finishes well above the rim, can move his feet on defense, and has a dynamic first step.When you put it all together, Edwards is both the most complete player in terms of production, and has the highest ceiling with his potential. As good as Edwards is now, he is destined to get a lot better, and also his skillset fits in perfectly with the direction basketball is going.”"
This certainly looks like it will have a huge impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers and their efforts to rebuild this team, with the class of 2020 adding a potential future superstar.
As Snow mentions before his reclassification the 2020 draft class didn’t have that clear cut number one prospect, and now it appears Edwards is the clear best prospect now. The Cavs desperately need guys who can be a playmaker, but can also create his own shot as the go to guy and Edwards could be that guy if Cavs are in a position where they can draft him.
A lot of luck has to go the Cavs way the next two years, but if it does the Cavs could be in position to draft Zion Williamson this year and Anthony Edwards the following year. If that does indeed happen the Cavs could have one of the most promising and exciting young teams in the league with young players like Williamson, Edwards, Collin Sexton, and Cedi Osman.