Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars, demonstrating his outstanding growth and potential in the league. Once a promising young talent, Edwards has recently solidified his place among the NBA elite, earning accolades that underscore his impressive trajectory.
A Season to Remember
Anthony Edwards was voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, a recognition of his significant impact on the court. This past season was a breakout one for Edwards, as he posted career highs across various metrics, earning his first All-NBA selection—a testament to his extraordinary performance.
Edwards’s contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, an achievement that many attribute to his relentless drive and skill. His outstanding season did not go unnoticed, as he finished seventh in MVP voting. This remarkable feat reflects his importance to the Timberwolves and the league at large.
Playoff Performance and Beyond
In the playoffs, Edwards elevated his game even further. His scoring average increased from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. Additionally, his assists rose from 5.1 per game in the regular season to an impressive 6.5 in the playoffs. Such improvements are indicative of a player who thrives under pressure and can deliver when it matters most.
Edwards also improved his efficiency, with his shooting percentage climbing from 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range in the regular season to 48% overall and 40% from beyond the arc in the playoffs. These statistical jumps highlight not only his scoring ability but also his effectiveness and versatility on the court.
Learning from the Best
Part of Edwards’s remarkable growth can be attributed to his time spent with Team USA, where he had the opportunity to observe and learn from some of the NBA’s top-tier athletes. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," Edwards noted, underscoring the value of training alongside elite players.
Of particular note, Edwards took inspiration from two of the game’s greats: 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," Edwards explained. By adopting James's pregame routines and Curry’s off-ball movement, Edwards has diversified his gameplay and added layers of complexity that make him even harder to defend.
Incorporating Off-Ball Movement
One of the most significant lessons Edwards absorbed from Curry is the art of playing without the ball. This off-ball movement adds a level of unpredictability and complexity that defenders find difficult to counter. For Edwards, learning to seamlessly integrate this aspect into his game is a significant milestone in his development.
Playing effectively without the ball requires not only skill and strategy but also peak physical fitness. Maintaining high levels of off-ball activity demands that players stay in top condition, something that great players like Curry have perfected over the years through rigorous training and built anticipatory chemistry with their teammates.
As Edwards continues to incorporate these elements into his style of play, it’s evident that his game is evolving. His ability to cut, move, and find open shots without the ball has already started paying dividends, making his offensive repertoire more dynamic and his team more formidable.
With a blend of exceptional talent, a willingness to learn, and an ever-growing list of on-court accomplishments, Anthony Edwards’s future in the NBA looks exceptionally bright. His recent season proves that he is not just emerging but is already among the league's best, poised to reach even greater heights in the years to come.