Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars. Coming off a career-defining season, the young guard has established himself as a cornerstone of the Minnesota Timberwolves' future.
Voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards's rise has been nothing short of spectacular. He posted career highs across various metrics last season, a performance that earned him his first All-NBA selection and a seventh-place finish in MVP voting. Edwards's contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, a feat that few anticipated.
Playoff Performance
Edwards shone brightest when the stakes were highest. His scoring average increased from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. Not only did he become a more prolific scorer, but he also improved various other facets of his game. His assists rose from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs, illustrating his evolving playmaking skills.
Shooting efficiency also saw an uptick. Edwards's shooting percentage climbed from 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range in the regular season to 48% overall and 40% from beyond the arc in the playoffs. These statistics underscore his ability to adjust and excel under playoff pressure, a hallmark of elite players.
Learning from the Best
Edwards had the invaluable opportunity to hone his skills with some of the best in the business during his time with Team USA. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," he reflected. The rigorous training sessions and the chance to observe top-tier athletes up close had a lasting impact on him.
"I think the best thing that I learned was from Steph. I took Bron's pregame routine, but Steph just playing without the ball. So like, the last few days [with the Timberwolves] we've been playing five on five, I just be cutting, getting out of the way, and I get easy shots. So I think I learned the most from Steph," Edwards said. This revelation speaks volumes about his commitment to expanding his game.
Incorporating New Elements
Edwards has started to incorporate off-ball movement into his game, taking a page out of Stephen Curry's playbook. Known for his off-ball excellence, Curry adds a layer of complexity that defenders struggle to counter. Edwards's newfound focus on moving without the ball reflects a matured strategy that should make him even more difficult to guard.
Maintaining high levels of off-ball activity requires peak physical fitness, something Edwards has been diligently working on. The ability to continually move and create space is not only physically taxing but also demands a high basketball IQ and anticipatory chemistry with teammates, both of which Edwards is developing.
Looking Forward
As Anthony Edwards continues to evolve, the Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves with a player whose potential is limitless. Whether cutting to the basket, finding open shots, or orchestrating plays, Edwards is setting new standards for himself and his team.
With each game, the promise of what Anthony Edwards can become becomes clearer. His relentless drive, coupled with his willingness to learn from the best, signals a future where he could very well be at the pinnacle of the NBA hierarchy. For now, fans and pundits alike can only watch in awe as this young star continues his meteoric rise.