Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars, a fact underscored by his recent accolades and performances on the court. Voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, his rise has been meteoric. Over the course of the last season, Edwards has posted career highs across various metrics, earning his first All-NBA selection and finishing an impressive seventh in MVP voting.
The season was a breakout period for Edwards. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals. His scoring average saw a notable increase from 25.9 points per game (PPG) during the regular season to 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. The young star didn't just improve his scoring; his all-around game developed impressively. His assist numbers rose from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 per game during the playoffs. Such growth in pivotal moments underscores his value and potential as a franchise cornerstone.
Elevating His Game
Edwards's shooting prowess also saw marked improvements in the postseason. His shooting percentage climbed from 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range during the regular season to 48% overall and 40% from beyond the arc in the playoffs. This rise in efficiency, especially under the intense pressure of playoff basketball, speaks volumes about his maturity and ability to perform on the biggest stages.
A significant factor in his development has been the opportunity to learn from some of the game's greatest. Edwards had the chance to closely watch and learn from the routines and practices of top-tier athletes during his time with Team USA. Reflecting on this invaluable experience, Edwards said, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices."
Learning from the Legends
During his stint with the national team, Edwards absorbed lessons from the best in the business. He shared, "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."
Steph Curry’s off-ball movement, which adds a layer of complexity that defenders struggle to counter, became a focal point for Edwards. He has started to incorporate off-ball movement into his game, a strategy that requires peak physical fitness to maintain high levels of activity continuously. Curry's mastery in creating space and finding scoring opportunities through movement rather than ball handling is something Edwards is emulating, aiming to take his game to new heights.
The Building Blocks of Greatness
The greats like Stephen Curry have built anticipatory chemistry with their teammates over the years, and Edwards seems poised to follow in those footsteps. The ability to move without the ball and create easy scoring chances through clever positioning and cuts can elevate his efficiency and unpredictability on the court. As Edwards continues to integrate these elements into his play, the Timberwolves stand to benefit immensely from his growth.
In conclusion, Anthony Edwards's trajectory points to a future where he could become one of the most dominant players in the league. His dedicated offseason work, combined with the valuable lessons learned from elite players, positions him well for continued success. With career-high performances, an All-NBA selection, and influential playoff contributions under his belt, the sky's the limit for this rising star. As the Timberwolves gear up for another competitive season, they'll be leaning heavily on Edwards's burgeoning talent and leadership.