We have to revisit the 2020 NBA draft for this one! Three prospects had the Timberwolves bamboozled. LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and James Wiseman could all have been the number one picks. Each came from a different situation. The margins were absolutely fine, to the point that maybe an interview led to the Wolves selecting Ant.

In an interview with Zach Lowe, Timberwolves beat writer Jon Krawczynski revealed Ball didn’t “interview very well” with the franchise during the pre-draft process. One of his answers to his future aspirations? “I want to be President of the United States,” Krawczynski claimed on The Zach Lowe Show. That led to the Hornets’ talisman taking a financial hit.

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.

See, both of them signed the maximum extension, five years, with the potential of earning $260 million. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to back-to-back WCF 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 closely $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, fell in love with 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 both at the top

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.

His signature sneakers with Adidas are an absolute hit. His first sneaker, the AE1, sold out almost instantly. Furthermore, his personality is magnetic, drawing 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. 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% from beyond the arc. LaMelo Ball has played six games and is posting career-highs in assists and rebounds, while having 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.