Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars, and if his recent accolades and performance metrics are any indication, the journey has only just begun for the 22-year-old guard from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Climbing the Ranks
Edwards's remarkable ascent is underscored by being voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list. This recognition is a testament to his explosive growth and undeniable impact on the court. Last season, Edwards not only posted career highs across various metrics but also earned his first All-NBA selection, a clear indicator that he is one of the league's elite players.
Impressive MVP Voting Results
Such was his influence last season that Edwards finished seventh in MVP voting. It's no small feat in a league teeming with talent. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, a stage the team had not reached in years.
Rising Stats in the Playoffs
In the crucible of the playoffs, Edwards's game reached new heights. His scoring average increased from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to an impressive 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. His assists also rose significantly, from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 per game in the playoffs. Additionally, his shooting percentages saw a notable improvement, climbing from 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range in the regular season to 48% overall and 40% from beyond the arc in the playoffs.
Learning from the Best
Edwards's time with Team USA provided him a unique opportunity to observe and learn from some of the game's best athletes. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," Edwards reflects. His experience there was not just about international competition; it was a masterclass in basketball IQ and discipline.
Edwards had the rare chance to study the routines and practices of top-tier athletes closely. "I think the best thing that I learned was from Steph. I took Bron's pregame routine, but Steph just playing without the ball," he noted. This self-awareness and willingness to adapt highlight his commitment to evolving as an all-around player.
Incorporating Off-Ball Movement
One significant aspect that Edwards has started to incorporate into his game is off-ball movement—a facet perfected by Stephen Curry and known for adding a layer of complexity difficult for defenders to counter. "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," said Edwards.
The importance of off-ball activity cannot be overstated. Maintaining high levels of off-ball movement requires peak physical fitness, something that the best players, like Curry, have managed to achieve. Moreover, great players build anticipatory chemistry with their teammates over the years, making their off-ball initiatives even more effective.
The Road Ahead
As Edwards continues to refine his game by leveraging the lessons learned from his time with Team USA and his observations of legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the sky seems to be the limit for him. With his continued development, the Minnesota Timberwolves are poised to make deeper runs in the playoffs, further solidifying Edwards's status as one of the NBA's premier talents.
Edwards's meteoric rise is a narrative of talent honed through hard work, strategic learning, and an unyielding desire to reach the pinnacle of basketball greatness. His journey exemplifies why he is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA today.