Anthony Edwards: Rising to Stardom in the NBA
Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars, a trajectory underscored by his impressive achievements over the past season. Voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike with his exceptional performance on the court.
Last season was a milestone year for Edwards, who posted career highs across various metrics. His outstanding play earned him his first All-NBA selection and saw him finish seventh in MVP voting—a testament to his growing influence and skill set. Edwards's contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, a feat that highlighted his crucial role in the team's success.
The 21-year-old guard demonstrated his scoring prowess by increasing his points per game (PPG) average from 25.9 in the regular season to 27.6 in the playoffs. His overall shooting percentage also saw an uptick, climbing from 46% in the regular season to an impressive 48% in the playoffs. From beyond the arc, his three-point shooting improved from 35.7% to 40%, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Edwards's playmaking abilities were equally notable, with his assists rising from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 during the playoffs. These stats not only underline his scoring capabilities but also his capacity to elevate the play of his teammates.
Edwards's growth can be attributed, in part, to his invaluable experience with Team USA. During his time on the national team, Edwards had the unique opportunity to observe and learn from some of the best players in the league. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," Edwards remarked, reflecting on his time training alongside elite athletes.
Among those from whom Edwards gleaned insights were LeBron James and 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," said Edwards.
Indeed, incorporating off-ball movement into his repertoire has added a new dimension to Edwards's game. Stephen Curry's off-ball movement is renowned for its complexity and the challenges it poses to defenders. This level of play requires not only skill but also exceptional physical fitness to maintain high levels of activity throughout the game.
Great players like Curry have built anticipatory chemistry with their teammates over the years, a dynamic that Edwards is now beginning to develop with the Timberwolves. This anticipatory play involves reading the game several steps ahead, a quality that Edwards is honing as he integrates these new elements into his game.
As Edwards continues to evolve, his potential seems boundless. His ability to adapt, learn, and implement new strategies demonstrates a maturity beyond his years. The strides he has made in just one season suggest that he could become one of the league's dominant players for many years to come.
For the Timberwolves, Edwards's progression is a beacon of hope. His leadership and talent are central to the team's future prospects, and if his current trajectory is any indication, both he and the Timberwolves have much to look forward to in the seasons ahead.