Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars. His meteoric rise in the league has been punctuated by an outstanding season that saw him reach several career milestones. Voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards's performance has garnered well-deserved recognition across the board.
Last season, Edwards posted career highs across various metrics, illustrating his growth and consistency as a player. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he earned his first All-NBA selection. Completing the season with a flourish, Edwards finished seventh in MVP voting, signifying his status among the league's elite.
Playoff Breakthrough
Edwards's contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals. His scoring average surged from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to an impressive 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. This uptick in performance during critical games underlined his capability to rise to the occasion.
Moreover, Edwards's assists saw a significant increase, rising from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs. His shooting percentages also climbed, showcasing his efficiency and adaptability under pressure. From 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range in the regular season, he improved to 48% overall and 40% from beyond the arc during the playoffs. Such statistics highlight his relentless drive to elevate his game when it matters most.
Learning from the Best
Edwards's development has been further enriched by his time with Team USA, where he had the opportunity to observe and learn from some of the sport's top-tier athletes. Reflecting on this experience, Edwards shared, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices." This exposure provided him with invaluable insights into the routines and practices that contribute to elite performance.
A particularly transformative lesson came from observing Stephen Curry and LeBron James. "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 revealed.
Incorporating Off-Ball Movement
Edwards has started to incorporate this off-ball movement into his game, emulating Curry's ability to add a layer of complexity that defenders struggle to counter. This evolution in his playing style requires not only refined technical skills but also peak physical fitness to maintain high levels of activity without the ball.
Great players like Stephen Curry have built anticipatory chemistry with their teammates over the years, a facet of the game that Edwards is beginning to understand and apply. By learning from the best, he is positioning himself to reach new heights and further solidify his status as a cornerstone of the Timberwolves' future.
As he continues to grow and adapt, Anthony Edwards stands as a testament to the power of hard work, learning, and aspiration. His ascent in the NBA is not just a showcase of individual talent but a reflection of his willingness to absorb lessons from the legends and integrate them into his own unique approach to the game. With each season, Edwards is not just building a career; he's crafting a legacy.