Wolves' Ant Edwards vs. Magic's Paolo Banchero: Who's Best No. 5?
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is changing his number back to No. 5, and is switching with Kyle Anderson, who will assume No. 1.
Edwards has worn the number at each and every level of basketball he has played. Now, he shares the number with Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero.
Which No. 5 is the better young star for their team?
Already, the comparison is a bit skewed. Edwards is heading into his fourth NBA season and already made his first All-Star game. He averaged 24.6 points per game this past season on 46 percent shooting. His 3-point percentage continually improves year over year, too.
Banchero has played just one season for the Magic, but had an incredible first year that ended with a Rookie of the Year award for himself. He averaged 20 points per game, though the efficiency wasn't incredible.
With a year of experience, the second-year pro will be able to score more efficiently and more often. His team will be more talented, allowing him to be able to further expand on his game in the upcoming season.
Ideally, the comparison will be made in the context of their first season, heading into year two. The two averaged around 20 points per game on similar efficiency. What Banchero does this next season will be incredibly important to the comparison of the two young stars.
Banchero, however, could have the higher ceiling. At 6-10, the forward is able to create for himself and has a 250 pound frame that allows him to play anywhere he wants on the court.
If Banchero, 20, sees a leap in his counting stats on top of efficiency and the Magic find their way to postseason play, the two young stars will be able to be better grouped together for years.
In different conferences, the two teams and players will see each other twice each season, too.
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