2 goals for Anthony Edwards if he’s selected by Cavs in 2020 NBA Draft

Goal #2 for Edwards if he’s drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers: Be top three in steals on the team

For as much as we talk about Edwards’ offensive game in regards to the 2020 NBA Draft, his overall defensive game is solid, though there are some areas he can surely improve upon. With Edwards being quick and having a fast first step, this allows him to be a capable on-ball defender when he’s fully locked-in, and with his 6-foot-5 and 225-pound frame, he can surely hold his own with some of the bigger guards in the NBA.

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Edwards being in the starting lineup and guarding the two-guard would allow Sexton to defend the point guard, which would benefit him and his limits on the defensive end.

While there is still some concern about his off-ball defense, Edwards did show flashes last season when he led his team with 1.3 steals per game. Again using that quickness of his to create turnovers and easy scores for the Cavaliers will be okay while he gets acclimated to learning an NBA defensive system.

Having Edwards in the starting lineup overall would seem like a better move because that would allow Garland to slide to a bench role.

While many fans have seemingly already given up on Garland, I think there is plenty of potential left there, but having him and Sexton paired together for such long stretches and a starting minutes-share was not the best move.

Edwards would give the Cavaliers a bigger, more physical guard in the starting rotation, which could help their defensive numbers overall since they would not have a smaller guard getting burnt by a bigger guard.

This second goal, also factoring in Andre Drummond, who fully intends to pick up his player option for next season and is a gifted team defender, to go with Porter, Larry Nance Jr. and Sexton, does still seem feasible, though, if Edwards were to get the burn.

Overall, Edwards upside is incredible, and with some work on offense (mid-range and three-point shooting), will be a consistent threat to score on all three levels. Though his defensive game is far from polished, there is potential there for him to be an average defender at least on-ball that could play the passing lanes and create turnovers in the team sense.

Now before we start speculating too much, the Cleveland Cavaliers need the ping pong balls to bounce their way on August 20th during the draft lottery if we are to even see Edwards suit up with the Wine and Gold. But for now, it’s fun to play the “What If?” game!