Anthony Edwards is swiftly ascending the ranks of the NBA, establishing himself as a formidable force on the court. Recently voted No. 10 in the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards's trajectory seems nothing short of meteoric.
A Breakthrough Season
Last season marked a significant milestone in Edwards's burgeoning career. The young guard posted career highs across various metrics, demonstrating his versatility and tenacity. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he secured his first All-NBA selection and finished a commendable seventh in the MVP voting. It was a season that underscored his potential and solidified his status as one of the league's emerging stars.
Edwards's impact was especially felt during the playoffs. His scoring average surged from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to an impressive 27.6 PPG in the postseason. Similarly, his assists rose from 5.1 per game to 6.5 per game, showcasing his ability to elevate his game when it mattered most. His shooting also improved, with his overall percentage climbing from 46% to 48% and his three-point accuracy jumping from 35.7% to 40% in the playoffs.
Leading the Timberwolves
Edwards's contributions were pivotal in propelling the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals. His performance was not merely about personal accolades; it translated into team success. The Timberwolves relied heavily on his dynamic playmaking and scoring prowess, which were instrumental in their impressive playoff run.
Learning from the Best
Part of Edwards's growth can be attributed to his time with Team USA. Observing and learning from some of the best players in the world provided him with invaluable insights. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," Edwards noted, highlighting how this exposure helped refine his skills.
One of the most significant lessons Edwards took away was from 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 shared.
New Dimensions to His Game
Incorporating off-ball movement into his repertoire has added a new layer of complexity to Edwards's game. Stephen Curry's off-ball movement is known for being incredibly difficult for defenders to counter, and Edwards has begun to emulate this aspect. This kind of activity requires peak physical fitness and anticipatory chemistry with teammates, elements that Edwards is diligently working on.
By adopting LeBron James's pregame routine and Curry's off-ball strategies, Edwards is showing a commitment to continuous improvement. His willingness to adapt and refine his game bodes well for his future and indicates that his current success is just the beginning.
The strides Edwards has made thus far are impressive, but his dedication to learning and growth suggests that even greater accomplishments are on the horizon. As he continues to draw from the best in the game and apply those lessons to his play, the future looks exceedingly bright for Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.