Jack87 news today,Four players from the 2020 NBA draft class have agreed to five-year, $200 million contract extensions since free agency began on June 30.
The latest is Anthony Edwards, who has agreed to a five-year, $260 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN. In the 2022-23 season, his third season in the league, he averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.7 three-pointers per game, and his field goal percentage was 36.9%. Judging from the player’s role in the team, Edwards has taken over the Timberwolves’ offensive dominance.1xbet registration
Edwards, who turns 22 in August, is an explosive guard who has developed a decent three-point shot off the dribble. He also has the potential to be a solid defender, defensive back and small wing. Edwards’ aggressiveness still has a lot of room for improvement. With his size, strength and athleticism, he’s more than capable of taking more than 5.3 free throws per game. Additionally, as he continues to take on more offensive responsibilities, he will have to refine his passing game not only to build up direct shots but also to play in a more versatile fashion.
It’s understandable that the Timberwolves drafted Edwards with the No. 1 pick in 2020. If he wins MVP, Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), or makes any of the three All-NBA teams in 2020, then they can understand. Under the “Derrick Rose Rule,” his contract for 2023-24 would be $260 million, not $206 million.
Edwards has the final year left on his 2023-24 rookie contract. After that, he, Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert will account for about $128 million to $135 million in total Timberwolves salary during the 2024-25 season. To be fair, Edwards has at most two years to prove his deal won’t be a toxic asset.
LaMelo Ball also agreed to a five-year, $260 million extension with the Charlotte Hornets. Of course, he needs to meet the same criteria as Edwards to raise his salary from $206 million to $260 million.1xbet signup
When the 2020 freshman class entered the NBA, Ball was considered the most likely star player. In the 2021-22 season, he averaged 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game, and was selected to the All-Star Game. With his court vision, creative passing and top-notch transition ability, he stood out earlier than the rest of his class.1xbet sports
Ball would be a better player if he wasn’t plagued by injuries. In the 2022-23 season, he became a more efficient three-point shooter, averaging 4 three-pointers per game, hitting 37.6% while dishing out more assists (8.4). However, he’s limited to just 36 appearances this season due to a non-contact fracture to his right ankle.
Ball missed a total of 73 games in his first three NBA seasons. It’s too early to count him out, but he’s showing some really bad signs in terms of career stamina. Judging from the way Ball is currently playing, he relies on speed to launch the offense, which means he needs to strengthen his bones and muscles to stay healthy. At the same time, he has to develop more offensive skills that allow him to be effective on the floor in the slower half-court offense.1xbet casino
