Anthony Edwards is rapidly ascending the ranks of NBA stardom, his name now resonating alongside the league’s elite. Voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards has stormed into the limelight with a series of performances that underscore his uncanny potential and game-changing abilities.
Career-High Season
Last season was a watershed moment for Edwards, marked by career highs across various metrics and an inaugural All-NBA selection. This breakout was punctuated by a seventh-place finish in MVP voting, highlighting his rapid progression and significant impact on the league. His contributions were instrumental in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, a testament to his growing influence on the court.
Playoff Brilliance
Edwards's statistics saw a remarkable boost as the stakes heightened during the playoffs. He elevated his scoring from an already impressive 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. His assists also surged, jumping from 5.1 per game to 6.5 in the postseason. Notably, his shooting accuracy improved under pressure, with his overall shooting percentage climbing from 46% in the regular season to 48% in the playoffs, and his three-point percentage rising from 35.7% to an efficient 40%.
Learning from Legends
Edwards’s development was further accelerated by his time with Team USA. He had the chance to observe and learn from the routines and practices of top-tier athletes, an experience he describes as invaluable. Reflecting on this, Edwards said, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices."
Among the lessons Edwards absorbed, two stood out. "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," he noted.
Incorporating Off-Ball Movement
Edwards’s newfound focus on off-ball movement is a direct result of observing Stephen Curry’s game. Curry’s incessant activity without the ball adds a layer of complexity that defenders find hard to counter. This constant motion requires peak physical fitness and a deep understanding of anticipatory chemistry with teammates, traits that Curry has honed over the years.
Edwards’s adaptation of this element into his own game is already yielding results. By incorporating off-ball movement, Edwards is finding easier shots and becoming a more versatile offensive threat. This evolution not only broadens his skill set but also makes him a more challenging player to defend, adding another dimension to his already formidable arsenal.
As Edwards continues to refine his game, his trajectory suggests that he is on a path to becoming one of the NBA’s most dominant players. His blend of scoring prowess, improved playmaking, and strategic off-ball movement is setting a new standard for his performance. With each passing season, Anthony Edwards is making it clear that he is not just the future of the Minnesota Timberwolves but a rising pillar of the NBA. His story is one of growth, learning, and relentless ambition, an inspiration for fans and a cautionary tale for opponents.