Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Timberwolves Passed on LaMelo Ball Due to Presidential Ambitions
Imagine a basketball team picking a new player.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were choosing between two players, LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards.
When they talked to LaMelo, he said that after he finishes playing basketball, he wants to become the President of the United States!
The team thought this was a bit strange and worried he might not focus enough on basketball.
So, they decided to pick Anthony Edwards instead.
LaMelo is still a great player and has lots of time to do both basketball and maybe even run for president later!
The Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly selected Anthony Edwards over LaMelo Ball in the 2020 NBA Draft.
A contributing factor to this decision was LaMelo Ball's stated post-basketball ambition to become President of the United States.
The Timberwolves management reportedly viewed Ball's presidential aspiration negatively, preferring a player with a singular focus on basketball.
Information about Ball's interview and the Timberwolves' reasoning was shared by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
LaMelo Ball is still considered a gifted young player with a bright future in the NBA.
- Who
- The Minnesota Timberwolves and LaMelo Ball
- What
- The Timberwolves reportedly chose Anthony Edwards over LaMelo Ball in the 2020 NBA Draft partly because Ball expressed a desire to become President of the United States.
- When
- During the pre-draft phase of the 2020 NBA Draft
- Where
- This information was revealed on a podcast by The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski.
- Why
- The Timberwolves management interpreted Ball's presidential ambition as a potential lack of sole focus on basketball and preferred Edwards for his perceived fit and approach.
Timberwolves' Perspective
LaMelo Ball's Ambitions
Player's Focus and Fit
Timberwolves' Perspective
The Timberwolves management viewed Ball's aspiration to become US President as a sign that his focus might not be solely on basketball, leading them to prefer Anthony Edwards for his perceived better fit and approach to the game.
LaMelo Ball's Ambitions
LaMelo Ball expressed his desire to be President of the United States as a post-basketball goal, indicating lofty ambitions that, while not directly related to his playing career, were perceived negatively by the Timberwolves' management.
- Draft Year
- 2020
- Timberwolves' First Pick
- Anthony Edwards
- Player with Presidential Ambitions
- LaMelo Ball
- Source of Information
- The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski on a podcast