Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars, a player whose impact is being felt both on and off the court.
Ranked No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards posted career highs across various metrics last season, earning his first All-NBA selection and finishing seventh in MVP voting. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals.
Playoff Performance Elevates Edwards's Game
During the regular season, Edwards averaged 25.9 points per game (PPG). However, when the stakes were raised in the playoffs, his scoring increased to an impressive 27.6 PPG. This uptick in performance didn’t just stop at scoring. His assists rose from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs, further demonstrating his all-around game. Moreover, his shooting percentage climbed notably—from 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range in the regular season to a remarkable 48% overall and 40% from beyond the arc in the playoffs.
Learning from the Best
Edwards had the opportunity to closely observe the routines and practices of top-tier athletes during his time with Team USA. This exposure has had a profound effect on his game. “I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices,” Edwards shared.
He particularly highlighted the impact of learning from legends such as 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.”
Adapting His Game
Edwards's willingness to adapt and incorporate these lessons is already evident in his increasing off-ball movement. His ability to maneuver without the ball adds a new layer of complexity to his game, one that defenders struggle to counter. The importance of maintaining peak physical fitness to support high levels of off-ball activity cannot be overstated, a point emphasized by the tireless movement seen in Curry’s game.
Furthermore, the development of anticipatory chemistry with teammates, something that great players like Curry have built over years, is another critical aspect that Edwards is beginning to understand and implement. As he continues to gel with his teammates, the Timberwolves can only benefit from his enhanced playing style.
The Future Looks Bright
As Anthony Edwards continues to elevate his game, the NBA world takes notice. His rapid rise, fueled by an insatiable drive to learn and improve, positions him not just as a star of today, but a beacon of the league's future.
With his impressive playoff performances and newfound off-ball prowess, Edwards is setting the stage for what promises to be an illustrious career. The lessons he has gleaned from the game's greats are being seamlessly integrated into his play, making him a formidable force on the court. As the Timberwolves look to build on their recent successes, all eyes will be on Edwards to lead the charge.