To understand this, we have to rewind to the 2020 NBA Draft. Three prospects had the Timberwolves genuinely torn. LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and James Wiseman all carried legitimate No. 1 potential. Each came from a unique path, narrowing the gap even further. In the end, the margins were so slim, but thanks to an interview, which may have tipped the Wolves toward Ant.

In an interview with Zach Lowe, Timberwolves beat writer Jon Krawczynski revealed that, “they had an interview with LaMelo Ball during this process, trying to figure out, hey, is this the guy for us? And LaMelo did not interview very well. And one of the questions that was asked of him is, “Hey, LaMelo, like, okay, after you’re done playing, like what do you see yourself doing when your career is over?”

Ball didn’t calculate that this one question would mean him taking a financial hit. Krawczynski, then on The Zach Lowe Show, revealed, “LaMelo said, ‘I want to be president of the United States.'” That sealed his fate then and there. Notably, the Wolves selected Anthony Edwards with the number one pick, and he signed a four-year $44 million deal.

On the other hand, the Warriors passed on LaMelo Ball, who fell to third, reaping a $35.5 million deal for the same duration. In the end, it might have worked out for both, but Ball had the potential to earn more.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances and made the All-NBA Second team last season, netting him the incentive as part of the contract. Lamelo Ball is still one of the most promising talents, but on a young and struggling Hornets team, he has yet to make it to the conversation of being one of the best players in the league.

So, as things stand, Ant Man has made close $16 million more through his NBA career so far. And maybe it was all because of how his interview went. The Wolves general manager at the time, Gersson Rosas, was in awe of Anthony Edwards’ honesty.

“What he has overcome. His motivation to be successful in life. I love that he’s a multisport natural athlete who is smart and bright and intelligent and, at the same time, young, raw, and naive to life,” Rosas told The Ringer. But ultimately, both of them have successfully reached their potential.

Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball are racing, but with a difference

In terms of career success, Anthony Edwards emerged as a transcendent talent. His freakish athleticism and urge to grow see him in the running to be the future face of the league. He has led the Timberwolves to consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances, but more importantly, he is incredibly marketable.

Edwards’ signature sneakers with Adidas are also an absolute hit. His first sneaker, the AE1, sold out almost instantly. Furthermore, his magnetic personality draws teammates towards his ambitions. On the other side, LaMelo Ball probably has a different character, but a similar impact.

The Charlotte Hornets haven’t made the postseason since 2016. In recent history, they came the closest with Ball at the helm. In just his second season, he played 75 games, leading the Hornets to the Play-In tournament. Since then, health has been a recurring problem for the 24-year-old, and Charlotte has suffered too. But in hindsight, both teams found what they needed.

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They got a star to build around, with personalities that attract crowds. They have already grasped early success, both being All-Stars at some point in their career. And they only seem to be improving with every year.

This season, Anthony Edwards has been on a tear, averaging 27.1 points and shooting 50.4% from beyond the arc. LaMelo Ball has played seven games and is posting career highs in assists and rebounds, while posting a positive net differential for the Hornets. Both of them are future stars who could reach unfathomable heights.

Right now, it’s evident that Anthony Edwards was the right choice. But by the end of their careers, do you think their accolades could match up closely? Let us know your views in the comments below.