Anthony Edwards is swiftly carving out his place as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. In just a few seasons, the Minnesota Timberwolves guard has gone from a promising rookie to a key factor in his team's success. Voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards's accolades and contributions are starting to stack up impressively.
Rising Through the Ranks
Last season proved to be a breakout year for Edwards, who posted career highs across various metrics. His performances earned him his first All-NBA selection, and he finished seventh in MVP voting. These achievements are not just individual honors but indicators of the pivotal role he played in leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals.
Edwards's statistics tell a story of growth and efficiency. His scoring average increased from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to a remarkable 27.6 PPG during the playoffs. Similarly, his assists rose from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs. A notable improvement was also seen in his shooting percentages, which 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.
Learning from the Best
A significant part of Edwards's development can be attributed to his tenure with Team USA, where he had the rare opportunity to observe and learn from some of the game's top-tier athletes. Reflecting on this period, Edwards said, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices." This sentiment echoes his earnest desire to learn and grow.
During his time with the national team, Edwards absorbed valuable lessons from iconic players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. "I think the best thing that I learned was from Steph," Edwards revealed. "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."
Incorporating New Elements
Stephen Curry's mastery of off-ball movement has added a new layer to Edwards's game. This strategy, which demands peak physical fitness and high levels of off-ball activity, makes it difficult for defenders to predict and counterattack. Edwards has started to incorporate this newfound knowledge into his playstyle, emphasizing off-ball movement to create scoring opportunities. "I just be cutting, getting out of the way, and I get easy shots," he explained, underscoring the immediate impact of Curry's influence.
Such off-ball activity doesn't just come down to physical fitness; it also hinges on the anticipatory chemistry built over time with teammates. Great players like Curry have fine-tuned this chemistry, turning it into a game-changer. By integrating these principles into his play, Edwards is not merely enhancing his own performance but also setting a higher standard for the Timberwolves' offensive strategies.
Edwards’s consistent improvement and ability to adapt and learn from the best bode well for his future. His rise is not merely a flash in the pan but a result of hard work, dedication, and a continual quest for excellence. Given his trajectory, it's no wonder he finds himself among the top players in the league, with an ever-growing list of accomplishments that serve as a testament to his burgeoning stardom.