Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars. Having been voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards is making a compelling case as one of the league's elite. His ascension is marked by a series of accolades and statistical milestones that highlight his growth and value to the Minnesota Timberwolves and the broader NBA landscape.
Last season, Edwards posted career highs across various metrics, showcasing his development and expanded role within the Timberwolves' roster. His standout performances earned him his first All-NBA selection, and he finished seventh in MVP voting—a testament to his impact and the recognition he's garnered from coaches, analysts, and peers alike.
Edwards's contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals. His offensive prowess was particularly notable, with his scoring average increasing from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. More than just a scorer, Edwards demonstrated his playmaking abilities as well, with his assists rising from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs. His shooting efficiency also improved under playoff pressure, 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.
While his on-court performances were exceptional, Edwards's off-court growth was equally significant. During his time with Team USA, Edwards had the chance to closely watch and learn from the routines and practices of top-tier athletes. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," Edwards remarked, emphasizing the value of the intensive training environment.
One of the most influential lessons Edwards took away from his international experience was from Stephen Curry. "I think the best thing that I learned was from Steph," Edwards said. "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 start incorporating off-ball movement into his game, a strategic element that adds an additional layer to his offensive arsenal.
Stephen Curry's off-ball movement is renowned for its complexity and effectiveness, often leaving defenders struggling to counter. This style of play requires peak physical fitness and a deep understanding of spatial dynamics on the court. Great players like Curry have built anticipatory chemistry with their teammates over the years, and Edwards is now integrating these advanced techniques into his own repertoire.
As Edwards continues to refine his game, his ability to blend scoring, playmaking, and off-ball movement is setting him apart. His progress is a promising sign for the Timberwolves, who are looking to build on their recent success and aim for higher achievements in the coming seasons. For a player with such a rapidly rising profile, the sky seems to be the limit for Anthony Edwards.