Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars. In the past season, he showcased his exceptional prowess on the court, earning him substantial recognition across the league. Notably, Edwards was voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, a testament to his rising stock among peers and pundits alike.
Edwards's remarkable improvement was evident as he posted career highs across various metrics. His contributions did not go unnoticed, as he earned his first All-NBA selection, an accolade that marked his ascent into the league's elite tier. Furthermore, Edwards finished seventh in MVP voting—a remarkable feat for a player still in the early stages of his career.
Pivotal Role in Timberwolves' Success
The Minnesota Timberwolves' journey to the Western Conference finals was significantly bolstered by Edwards's performance. His scoring average saw an impressive uptick during the playoffs, rising from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to 27.6 PPG in the postseason. This increase was accompanied by a rise in assists, from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs, showcasing his ability to elevate his game when it mattered most.
Edwards also sharpened his shooting efficiency under playoff pressure. His shooting percentage climbed from 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range in the regular season to a stellar 48% overall and 40% from beyond the arc in the playoffs. These statistics underscore Edwards’s capability to perform at a high level during critical moments, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer.
Learning from the Best
Edwards's participation with Team USA provided him with a unique opportunity to observe and learn from top-tier athletes. Reflecting on his experience, Edwards remarked, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices." This exposure has evidently contributed to his overall development and on-court intelligence.
Among the notable influences was Stephen Curry, from whom Edwards gleaned valuable lessons on 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,” Edwards shared. His ability to adapt and incorporate off-ball movement into his game adds a new dimension to his offensive arsenal, making him increasingly difficult to defend.
Emulating Elite Off-Ball Movement
Edward's decision to incorporate off-ball movement is inspired by Curry's complex and effective playing style. Curry’s off-ball movement has long been a nightmare for defenders, creating scoring opportunities through constant motion and requiring peak physical fitness to maintain. Edwards's commitment to this style of play signifies not only his dedication to enhancing his own game but also his understanding of the physical and mental endurance required for sustained excellence.
Great players like Curry have built anticipatory chemistry with their teammates over the years, an aspect Edwards aims to develop with the Timberwolves. Through continuous practice and game-time implementation, Edwards is gradually building this chemistry, enhancing his team's overall dynamics and effectiveness. His evolving playstyle signals potential for even greater contributions in the seasons to come.
In summary, Anthony Edwards is proving to be a formidable force in the NBA with his rapid improvement, strategic learning from experienced players, and pivotal role in the Timberwolves’ success. As he continues to refine his off-ball movement and other aspects of his game, the league can expect to see more of his electrifying performances, ensuring that his name remains prominent in discussions of the NBA’s future stars.