Anthony Edwards is quickly carving out a name for himself as one of the NBA's most electrifying talents. The Minnesota Timberwolves' guard has not just captured the admiration of fans but has also earned robust recognition from the basketball community. This is evident from his ranking as No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list—a testament to his incredible rise in the league.
Last season was a breakthrough year for Edwards, who set career highs across a range of metrics. His stellar performances earned him his first All-NBA selection and a commendable seventh place in MVP voting. These accolades spotlight not only his individual brilliance but also the pivotal role he played in taking the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals.
The Numbers Speak Volumes
Edwards’s growth is clearly reflected in his statistical output. Over the course of the regular season, he averaged 25.9 points per game. However, come playoff time, he elevated his scoring to an impressive 27.6 PPG. This leap underscores his ability to deliver when it matters most. His assist numbers also saw a significant uptick, rising from 5.1 per game during the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs.
Beyond scoring and playmaking, Edwards demonstrated notable improvements in his shooting efficiency. His overall shooting percentage climbed from 46% in the regular season to 48% in the playoffs. Likewise, his three-point shooting saw a boost, increasing from 35.7% to 40%. These strides highlight a player who is refining his game and becoming increasingly difficult to defend.
Learning from the Best
Edwards’s development is not just a product of natural talent but also a result of studying and learning from some of the NBA's greatest. His time with Team USA provided him a unique opportunity to observe the routines and practices of elite athletes. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," Edwards remarked, emphasizing the value he found in day-to-day preparation and training.
Among the peers he watched closely were LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Edwards has integrated elements from their games into his own. "I think the best thing that I learned was from Steph. I took Bron's pregame routine, but Steph just playing without the ball," Edwards noted. His appreciation for Curry’s off-ball movement is particularly noteworthy. "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."
Off-Ball Movement: The Key to Complexity
Studying Curry's style has influenced Edwards to incorporate more off-ball movement into his own game—a shift that could make him even more multifaceted as a player. Stephen Curry's off-ball activity adds a layer of complexity to Golden State’s offense, making it incredibly difficult for defenders to focus solely on him. By adopting similar tactics, Edwards aims to become a harder target for defenses to lock down.
Implementing such off-ball movement demands top-notch physical fitness and acute basketball IQ. Great players like Curry have spent years developing chemistry with their teammates and mastering anticipatory movements. Edwards's decision to work on this aspect of his game indicates his commitment to reaching that upper echelon of play, where he not only scores but also makes those around him better.
The Road Ahead
As Anthony Edwards prepares for the upcoming season, expectations are higher than ever. His remarkable achievements last season—both in personal statistics and team milestones—set a new bar for what he can achieve. With the added layers of skill he’s developing, particularly influenced by studying the greats like Curry and James, Edwards is well on his way to not just sustaining but surpassing his current form.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are poised to build on their recent success, and with Edwards leading the charge, the excitement surrounding their potential is palpable. If his trajectory continues upward, fans and pundits alike will soon be debating not if, but when, Edwards will crack the top tier of NBA superstars.