Carsen Edwards picked at No. 33, reportedly headed to Celtics
With the No. 33 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Carsen Edwards, although the Purdue guard is reportedly heading to the Boston Celtics.
Arguably no player in this year's draft elevated their stock more during the NCAA Tournament than Edwards did. The 21-year-old had a performance for the ages, averaging 34.8 points on 45.1 percent shooting from the floor - including a 45.9 percent mark from distance. Edwards broke the single-tournament record for 3-pointers made (28) in two fewer games than the previous record holder and fell one triple short of the single-game tournament record with 10 threes in the Boilermakers' Elite Eight overtime loss.
The Houston native matched a career high that night with 42 points and was named the Most Outstanding Player in the South Region. Edwards was no slouch during the regular season either, as he led the Big Ten in scoring (24.3), field goals made (277), and 3-pointers made (135). He capped off his collegiate career with second-team All-American honors. It's unrealistic to believe Edwards will replicate these numbers on a nightly basis at the next level, but he'll surely provide instant offense.
Bio
Position: G
School: Purdue
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-feet
Weight: 199 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-6
Max vertical: 34 inches
Strengths
- Scoring machine; gets his points both on and off the ball in a variety of ways.
- Unlimited range; can pull up on a dime from just about anywhere on the court.
- Has quickness to blow by defenders.
- Strong frame allows him to absorb contact and draw fouls (averaged 6.1 free-throw attempts last season).
Weaknesses
- Streaky shooter; can heat up quickly and equally go ice-cold for long stretches.
- He's a bit turnover-prone and will need to improve on his decision-making, playmaking skills; had more turnovers (113) than assists (104) last season.
- Undersized for his position; might be better served to play off the ball alongside a taller point guard to maximize his scoring abilities.