Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars, solidifying his ascendency with stellar performances and accolades. Last season, he posted career highs across various metrics, culminating in his first All-NBA selection and a seventh-place finish in MVP voting. His efforts were instrumental in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals.
Notably, Edwards's scoring average saw an uptick from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. His contributions weren't limited to scoring, as his assists per game increased from 5.1 in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs. Additionally, his shooting percentage soared, reflecting 48% overall and an impressive 40% from beyond the arc, compared to 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range during regular season play.
These statistics and his on-court impact didn't go unnoticed, as evidenced by his No. 10 ranking on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list. Edwards’s meteoric rise can be attributed to both his natural talent and his willingness to learn and adapt, especially from the best in the game.
Learning from the Best
Edwards's time with Team USA provided him the invaluable opportunity to watch and learn from top-tier athletes. Discussing the experience, Edwards emphasized the importance of these moments: "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices." The rigorous training sessions allowed him to pick up nuances that would otherwise be difficult to grasp.
Among his notable observations was the intricate pregame routine of LeBron James. Edwards integrated aspects of LeBron’s meticulous preparation into his own regimen, aiming to fortify his approach both mentally and physically. However, it was Stephen Curry’s exceptional off-ball movement that left a lasting imprint on the young star.
"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.
Mastering Off-Ball Movement
Incorporating off-ball movement into his game has added a new dimension to Edwards’s already expansive skill set. Stephen Curry's off-ball movement creates a puzzle for defenders, forcing them to account for his whereabouts even without the ball. This strategy opens opportunities, both directly and indirectly, increasing his effectiveness on the court.
Implementing this aspect of the game requires peak physical fitness, something Edwards is acutely aware of. The Timberwolves' staff have ensured that his fitness levels are optimal, aligning with the demands of maintaining high off-ball activity. This kind of movement also requires a deep understanding and anticipatory chemistry with teammates, something Curry has perfected over years with the Golden State Warriors.
Just starting to harness this aspect of his game, Edwards is already seeing favorable results. His comments reveal an understanding of the broader tactical advantages that come with this skill: "I just be cutting, getting out of the way, and I get easy shots." Simplifying the game in such a manner allows him to exploit defensive lapses, making him a more versatile and unpredictable threat.
A Bright Future
Anthony Edwards's journey from rising prospect to one of the league's elite has been nothing short of impressive. His ability to assimilate lessons from legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry indicates a maturity and a thirst for knowledge that bodes well for his future. As he continues to integrate new elements into his game, the basketball world eagerly awaits what this young star will achieve next.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, bolstered by Edwards’s spectacular growth, find themselves in a promising position. With his leadership and skill, the team’s aspirations for future championship runs look increasingly plausible, painting a bright horizon for Minnesota basketball.