Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars. This rising talent has captured the collective imagination of fans and critics alike, demonstrating consistent growth on the court that has earned him accolades and a spot among the league's elite.
A Stellar Season
Edwards's performances last season were nothing short of spectacular. He was voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, a testament to his exceptional skill and impact in the league. Driving his acclaim were career highs across various metrics, reflecting both his versatility and dominance on the floor.
The season was punctuated by Edwards earning his first All-NBA selection and finishing seventh in MVP voting. These achievements are indicative of his high-level play and his crucial role in the success of the Minnesota Timberwolves, leading the team to the Western Conference finals with his pivotal contributions.
Edwards's statistics speak for themselves. His scoring average rose from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. Similarly, his assists per game increased from 5.1 in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs. These metrics underscore his ability to elevate his performance when the stakes are highest.
Excellence Under Pressure
Among the most impressive aspects of Edwards’s playoff run was his shooting efficiency. His overall shooting percentage climbed from 46% in the regular season to 48% in the playoffs, while his accuracy from beyond the arc improved from 35.7% to 40%. These increases highlight his clutch shooting and adaptability under pressure.
Learning from the Best
Beyond his on-court achievements, Edwards also benefitted from valuable experiences off the court. During his time with Team USA, he had the opportunity to closely observe and learn from the routines and practices of top-tier athletes. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," shared Edwards, emphasizing the significance of these training sessions.
Among the luminaries he observed, Edwards drew significant inspiration from 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 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 remarked.
Incorporating New Skills
Edwards has started to incorporate off-ball movement into his game, a skill honed by Stephen Curry over years of anticipatory chemistry with his teammates. This addition brings a new layer of complexity to his playing style, making him even more challenging for defenses to counter. The high levels of off-ball activity that Edwards is aiming to maintain will undoubtedly require peak physical fitness, mirroring the type of game that has defined Curry’s career.
Edwards’s evolution into a player who can excel with or without the ball is a testament to his adaptability and relentless pursuit of growth. By learning from veterans and incorporating new facets into his game, he is continually expanding his repertoire, making him a more profound threat on the court.
The future is undeniably bright for Anthony Edwards. With his steadfast dedication, increasing skill set, and the invaluable experience garnered from mentors like Curry and James, he's poised to continue his ascent into the upper echelons of the NBA. As he builds on these foundations, both Timberwolves fans and the broader basketball community will be watching with great anticipation.