The NBA always has room for rising stars, and Anthony Edwards is quickly cementing his status as one of its most luminous figures. His recent accomplishments have not only garnered widespread respect from fans and analysts alike but also positioned him as a cornerstone for the Minnesota Timberwolves' future ambitions.
A Meteoric Rise in the Rankings
Earning recognition for his on-court prowess, Edwards secured the 10th spot on CBS Sports' Top 100 NBA players list, a nod to his exceptional talent and hard work. This accolade is a testament to his rapid development and his increasing influence in the league.
Career-High Achievements
Last season, Edwards displayed remarkable growth, posting career highs across various metrics. His contributions were pivotal in propelling the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, a feat that wouldn’t have been possible without his outstanding performance. This remarkable run saw Edwards earn his first All-NBA selection and finish seventh in MVP voting.
Delving into the statistics, Edwards's scoring average made a notable leap 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 the high-pressure postseason speaks volumes about his ability to step up when it matters the most.
Elevating Every Facet of His Game
Aside from scoring, Edwards showcased his all-around abilities by increasing his assists from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs. His shooting touch also improved, with his overall shooting percentage climbing from 46% in the regular season to 48% during the playoffs. From beyond the arc, he improved from a respectable 35.7% to a remarkable 40%.
Learning from the Best
Edwards’s growth is not just a solitary journey but also a product of invaluable lessons learned from observing and interacting with the NBA’s elite. During his stint with Team USA, he closely watched the routines and practices of top-tier athletes, gaining insights that have clearly translated into his game.
Reflecting on this experience, Edwards said, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices." These practices offered a glimpse into the dedication and habits that define greatness.
Incorporating Lessons from Legends
Edwards has been particularly vocal about the impact of learning from NBA stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. "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 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.
Observing Curry’s off-ball movement has added a new dimension to Edwards’s game, enhancing his ability to create scoring opportunities without needing to dominate the ball. This element of Curry’s play introduces a layer of complexity that defenders find hard to counter, making it a valuable addition to Edwards's skill set.
The Physical Demands of Excellence
To maintain such high levels of off-ball activity, physical fitness is crucial. Great players like Curry have spent years building chemistry and understanding with their teammates, and Edwards is now on a similar path, seeking to integrate these nuanced aspects into his own game.
As Edwards continues to evolve, his commitment to learning and adapting stands out. His journey, marked by career highs and an eagerness to absorb wisdom from NBA legends, signals a bright future for the young star and the Timberwolves faithful.
Anthony Edwards’s ascension in the NBA is not just about raw talent; it’s also about his relentless drive to glean knowledge from the best and apply it effectively on the court. With his current trajectory, Edwards is not just a player to watch; he’s a player destined to shine brightly in the NBA's constellation of stars.