As the NBA landscape shifts with each passing season, few players have made as dramatic an impact as Anthony Edwards. Rapidly emerging as one of the league's brightest stars, Edwards's stellar performances have not only garnered him widespread recognition but have also been instrumental in bolstering the Minnesota Timberwolves' playoff aspirations.
Rising Through the Ranks
Anthony Edwards has ascended to an elite tier within the NBA, as evidenced by his placement at No. 10 on CBS Sports' Top 100 NBA Players list. This ranking reflects a breakout season where Edwards posted career highs across numerous metrics, an achievement that underscores his growing influence on the court. Last season, he received his first All-NBA selection, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier player.
His exemplary performance didn't go unnoticed, as he finished seventh in the MVP voting—a clear indicator of the league-wide recognition of his abilities. The Timberwolves' journey to the Western Conference finals owes much to Edwards’s contributions, illustrating his pivotal role in their postseason success.
Playoff Performances and Statistics
The playoffs revealed another layer of Edwards's game. His scoring average surged from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to an impressive 27.6 PPG in the postseason. But it wasn’t just his scoring that improved. Edwards's assists also saw a significant uptick, rising from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs. Such versatility and adaptability signal his evolution into a well-rounded player who can impact the game in multiple ways.
Shooting percentages often fluctuate under playoff pressure, but not for Edwards. His overall shooting percentage climbed from 46% in the regular season to 48% during the playoffs. Similarly, his accuracy from beyond the arc improved, with his three-point shooting percentage increasing from 35.7% to 40%.
Learning from the Best
Edwards's development hasn’t occurred in isolation. His time with Team USA provided him with the unique opportunity to 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," Edwards noted, emphasizing the invaluable lessons gleaned from training alongside some of the best in the game.
Among the mentors who left a significant imprint on him were 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 revealed.
Incorporating Off-Ball Movement
Stephen Curry’s mastery of off-ball movement has been a hallmark of his game, adding a layer of complexity that defenders struggle to counter. Recognizing the potential to enhance his own game, Edwards has started to incorporate similar off-ball movement into his play. This added dimension not only diversifies his scoring opportunities but also makes him a more unpredictable and lethal offensive threat.
The influence of Curry is apparent in Edwards's enhanced ability to navigate through defenses without the ball, finding the right moments to cut and position himself for easier shots. This evolution in his playing style demands peak physical fitness and a high level of anticipatory chemistry with teammates—traits that Edwards is steadily developing.
With each passing game, Anthony Edwards continues to elevate his status within the NBA. His combination of raw talent, refined skills, and the strategic incorporation of lessons learned from some of the game's greats places him on a trajectory toward even greater achievements. As he matures and refines his game, the NBA can expect nothing less than excellence from this rising star, whose journey is only beginning.