Anthony Edwards: The NBA's Rising Star
Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars. The young phenom has consistently elevated his game, captivating fans and analysts alike with his impressive performances. Last season, Edwards reached new heights, posting career highs across various metrics and earning his first All-NBA selection.
This remarkable ascent did not go unnoticed, as Edwards was voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list. His contributions were critical in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, a testament to his burgeoning leadership and skill.
Edwards's prowess on the court was particularly evident in his scoring ability. His scoring average soared from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. This marked improvement was a significant factor in the Timberwolves' deep playoff run. Moreover, his assists rose from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs, showcasing his versatility and playmaking skills.
The NBA star's shooting efficiency also saw a notable uptick. Edwards improved his overall shooting percentage from 46% in the regular season to 48% in the playoffs. His three-point accuracy also climbed from 35.7% to an impressive 40%. This ability to elevate his game when it matters most underscores his potential to become one of the league's elite players.
Edwards's development has been influenced significantly by his experiences with Team USA. He had the rare opportunity to closely observe and learn from some of the game's top athletes. Reflecting on his time with the national team, Edwards remarked, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices." These sessions provided him a chance to assimilate the routines and practices of legends.
Among the invaluable lessons Edwards picked up was LeBron James's pregame routine and the art of playing without the ball from 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 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 shared.
Incorporating off-ball movement into his repertoire has added a new dimension to Edwards's game. It's a skill that has been a hallmark of Curry's career, making him one of the most challenging players to defend. This aspect of Curry's play—its complexity and the high level of physical fitness it demands—has evidently inspired Edwards.
Being constantly active off the ball requires peak physical conditioning, something Edwards has clearly embraced. His ability to seamlessly integrate these new techniques into his game was evident in the playoffs, where his enhanced movement off the ball often resulted in easy scoring opportunities.
Moreover, great players like Curry have built anticipatory chemistry with their teammates over the years—a dynamic Edwards appears eager to develop with the Timberwolves. As he continues to cultivate this off-ball movement and build synergy with his teammates, Edwards’s play is poised to ascend even higher.
Last season also saw Edwards finish seventh in MVP voting, a remarkable achievement for such a young player. This recognition not only highlights his individual talent but also his impact on the court. His relentless work ethic and dedication to improving every facet of his game bode well for his future.
Anthony Edwards’s trajectory is a compelling saga of a young athlete harnessing his immense talent, learning from the best, and consistently pushing the boundaries of his game. As he continues to evolve, the Timberwolves—and the broader NBA—stand to benefit immensely from his growth. The sky truly is the limit for Edwards, and fans can look forward to many more electrifying performances from this emerging superstar.