Anthony Edwards: A Rising Star in the NBA Firmament
Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars, and his recent accolades provide ample evidence of his meteoric rise. Voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards has been turning heads and cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with on the court.
The last season was particularly significant for Edwards as he posted career highs across various metrics, showcasing his versatility and growth as a player. His stellar performance earned him his first All-NBA selection and a seventh-place finish in the MVP voting, underscoring his critical role in the success of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
One of the standout aspects of Edwards's season was his ability to elevate his game during the playoffs. His scoring average increased from an impressive 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to a remarkable 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. Moreover, his assists saw a similar rise, jumping from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs. These statistics highlight Edwards’s ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to his team’s playoff campaign.
Edwards's shooting percentages also saw marked improvements when it mattered most. His overall shooting percentage climbed from 46% in the regular season to 48% in the playoffs, with his three-point shooting percentage increasing from 35.7% to an impressive 40%. These numbers are indicative of a player who not only steps up in critical moments but also adapts and refines his game to meet the heightened competition in the playoffs.
The Timberwolves' journey to the Western Conference finals was undoubtedly fueled by Edwards’s pivotal contributions. His ability to rise to the occasion and lead his team showcased his potential to be a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.
Edwards’s growth has been influenced by his experiences with some of the best in the game. His participation with Team USA allowed him to closely observe and learn from the routines and practices of top-tier athletes. Reflecting on this experience, Edwards said, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices."
Among the lessons he took away from his time with Team USA, Edwards highlighted two NBA legends in particular. "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 insight has led Edwards to incorporate more off-ball movement into his game, a skill that Stephen Curry has mastered and one that adds a layer of complexity that defenders struggle to counter.
It’s not just about physical skills; maintaining a high level of off-ball activity demands peak physical fitness. Edwards seems to understand the holistic nature of his development, drawing inspiration from the anticipatory chemistry great players like Curry have built with their teammates over the years. These subtle yet significant enhancements to his game highlight Edwards’s willingness to evolve and adapt, traits that are essential for any player aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Anthony Edwards's trajectory is one that blends natural talent with a relentless drive to learn and improve. As he continues to refine his skills and incorporate lessons from the league’s best, he is setting the stage for a career that could very well see him becoming one of the NBA's elite players. The combination of his statistical achievements, his ability to perform under pressure, and his openness to learning from seasoned veterans make him a player to watch in the seasons to come.