It also helps that Edward Kenway's main effect works not just with pirates, but with assassins, too
It provides reliable removal, protection, and control tools, often supported by stable mana bases and the best dual lands in MTG
There are a ton of good cats in the set, from classics like Savannah Lions to more recent additions like Ajani's Pridemate, not to mention Ajani, Caller of the Pride
If you have good reason to think that you will not lose if the opponent gets another turn, then you need to consider passing the turn
Doctor's companion (You can have two commanders if the other is the Doctor.) The source of the copy from Adric, Mathematical Genius's first ability is the same as the source of the original ability
You can take Raphael down many paths, but here are a few targets I like: Professional Face-Breaker, Fear of Missing Out, Gingerbrute, and Slickshot Show-Off