Anthony Edwards has solidified his place as one of the NBA's most promising talents. With an assortment of achievements and accolades, his rise to stardom is nothing short of spectacular.
A Star on the Rise
Edwards has carved out a significant niche in the league, capturing the attention of analysts and fans alike. His impressive performance last season earned him the No. 10 spot on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list. Such recognition is a testament to his rapid development and burgeoning influence on the court.
Last season, Edwards posted career highs in multiple metrics. His remarkable play earned him his first All-NBA selection, a marker of his growing prowess. Additionally, finishing seventh in the MVP voting further highlighted his impact and value to the league.
Driving the Timberwolves Forward
Edwards's contributions were instrumental in propelling the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals. His scoring average saw a significant uptick, rising from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to an impressive 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. This surge in performance when it mattered most underscores his capability to thrive under pressure.
His impact wasn't limited to scoring. Edwards's assists increased from 5.1 per game during the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs, displaying his ability to facilitate and create opportunities for his teammates. Furthermore, his shooting efficiency improved, with his overall shooting percentage climbing from 46% to 48%, and his three-point accuracy improving from 35.7% to 40% during the playoffs.
Learning from the Best
Edwards's time with Team USA provided him with invaluable opportunities to observe and adopt the practices of elite athletes. Reflecting on the experience, Edwards stated, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices." These training sessions allowed him to witness firsthand the dedication and routines of top-tier players.
Among the many lessons learned, Edwards found great value in Stephen Curry's off-ball movement. “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." This adaptation is already paying dividends, as Edwards has started to incorporate more off-ball movement into his game, making him a more versatile and unpredictable player.
Great players like Curry have long demonstrated the advantages of constant movement without the ball. This skill adds a layer of complexity that leaves defenders struggling to keep up. Moreover, it requires peak physical fitness, an area where Edwards has shown tremendous growth and commitment.
Building Chemistry and Vision
Success in off-ball movement also benefits from anticipatory chemistry with teammates, a trait built over years of playing together. While Edwards continues to fine-tune this aspect of his game, the potential is clearly evident. His enhanced ability to read the court and his developing rapport with teammates make him a formidable force.
As Edwards continues to evolve and adapt, his trajectory points towards even greater heights. His blend of athleticism, learning aptitude, and commitment to improvement positions him as a key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves and a cornerstone of the NBA's future.