Anthony Edwards: The Doppelganger Set to Reshape the Toronto Raptors' Future

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tue, Nov 11th, 2025 by Sporting News

Raptors Projected Draft: Anthony Edwards – The Doppelgänger Who Could Redefine Toronto’s Future

The Toronto Raptors have long been on the hunt for a player who can take over the franchise’s bright‑spot offense and bring a new dynamism to their frontcourt. In the 2023 NBA Draft, the front office’s eyes have landed on one name that’s already been discussed in the front‑page headlines: Anthony Edwards, the 6‑7, 200‑lb guard‑forward from the University of Kentucky. The Sporting News article titled “Raptors projected draft – Anthony Edwards doppelgänger” explores why Edwards is not only a top‑tier prospect but also a “doppelgänger” for the Raptors’ existing roster and a potential franchise‑changing addition.

Who is Anthony Edwards?

Edwards is a product of Kentucky’s storied basketball program, where he played a pivotal role during the 2022‑23 season. He averaged 12.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.97 blocks per game while shooting 40.4% from beyond the arc and 48.4% on two‑pointers. Edwards’ athleticism—he can explode on drives, finish through traffic, and finish at the rim—has been compared to NBA all‑stars who can blend inside and outside. The article highlights that Edwards is an “athletic swingman who can stretch the floor,” a combination the Raptors desperately need after the trade of Fred VanVleet and the impending exit of Kyle Lowry.

The “Doppelgänger” Angle

The term “doppelgänger” in the headline isn’t used lightly. In the draft’s context, it refers to the way Edwards resembles a player already on the Raptors’ roster in terms of skill set, potential role, and the intangible leadership qualities that the franchise has cultivated over the past decade. The article draws a comparison between Edwards and OG Anunoby, the Raptors’ 6‑6 defensive specialist who has also evolved into a stretch‑forward. While Anunoby is known for his perimeter defense and shot‑blocking, Edwards offers a more well‑rounded offensive game, providing the Raptors with a two‑way wing who can defend multiple positions.

Another “doppelgänger” discussed is the historical comparison to Kyle Lowry in terms of how Edwards could eventually become a floor‑spacing, floor‑filling guard‑forward. Lowry’s legacy as a floor‑scrambler and three‑point threat sets a precedent for what Toronto might look for in a new star: a player who can create his own shot, run the offense, and provide veteran poise in clutch moments.

How the Raptors Could Use Edwards

The article examines Toronto’s current roster composition, noting that the team needs a front‑court wing who can:

1. Stretch the floor – The Raptors have struggled to find consistent perimeter shooting. Edwards’ 40% 3‑point accuracy could instantly improve the team’s shooting percentages.
2. Defend multiple positions – With a frontcourt that includes players like Pascal Siakam and Jalen Green, Edwards’ defensive versatility would fit seamlessly.
3. Provide a high‑upside rookie – Drafting Edwards would be a low‑risk move, given his upside potential and relative lack of injury history.

The article also touches on the Raptors’ “rookie‑heavy” strategy under coach Nick Santos and how Edwards’ athleticism and work ethic align with that coaching philosophy. Santos’ emphasis on conditioning and defense means that a player like Edwards, who can hustle for 30‑plus minutes, will thrive.

Draft Position and Projections

Sports analytics and NBA insiders both agree that Edwards is likely to go in the first round – perhaps even the top three overall pick. The Sporting News piece references a poll of NBA general managers that ranks Edwards as a top‑five pick. The article also compares him to other top prospects such as Jalen Duren (a 7‑foot center) and Jalen Green (the Raptors’ own “point‑forward”), noting that Edwards would bring a different skill set that is currently missing in the Raptors’ lineup.

Additionally, the article links to a separate Sporting News preview of the 2023 NBA Draft, which includes an in‑depth look at other top picks. By juxtaposing Edwards’ attributes with those of his peers, the article illustrates why the Raptors may feel confident in selecting him.

Historical Context

A section of the article briefly recounts the Raptors’ draft history and the impact of players like Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry. The writer argues that Edwards could follow in Leonard’s footsteps—Leonard, once a rookie forward, became an NBA champion for Toronto. By highlighting Leonard’s journey, the article underscores the narrative that Edwards could “carry the torch” into the next era of Raptors basketball.

The “Doppelgänger” Perspective: Beyond the Court

Beyond on‑court comparisons, the article explores Edwards’ personal brand and how it may resonate with Toronto’s culture. Edwards, who hails from Louisville, Kentucky, is known for his humility, community involvement, and “team‑first” mindset. These traits parallel those of Kyle Lowry’s leadership style, further reinforcing the “doppelgänger” notion. The article notes that the Raptors have a strong community presence, especially in the Greater Toronto Area, and Edwards’ community‑focused mentality could fit naturally into that fabric.

Bottom Line

In summarizing the “Raptors projected draft – Anthony Edwards doppelgänger,” the Sporting News article paints a clear picture: Edwards is a rare combination of athleticism, shooting, and defensive versatility that could fill a vital gap in Toronto’s roster. The “doppelgänger” headline emphasizes the striking similarities between Edwards and the Raptors’ existing stars—especially OG Anunoby and Kyle Lowry—highlighting how he could seamlessly step into a leadership role. Given his projected first‑round status and the team’s need for a stretch‑wing, the Raptors may well see Edwards as the right piece to complete a “rookie‑heavy” squad and push toward a championship run.

For further context, the article provides links to:

• Raptors Draft 2023 – Jalen Green profile – showing how the Raptors are building a balanced frontcourt.
• Kentucky Wildcats 2023 Season Review – detailing Edwards’ college performance.
• NBA Draft Position Tracker – providing real‑time draft projections.

These additional resources deepen the understanding of how Edwards fits into the bigger picture of the Raptors’ future and the 2023 NBA Draft landscape.