Anthony Edwards: The NBA's Rising Star Ascends to New Heights
Anthony Edwards is swiftly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars. Last season marked a significant milestone in his career, highlighted by career highs across various metrics. Voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards has firmly established himself among the elite players in the league.
One of Edwards's most notable accomplishments last season was earning his first All-NBA selection. This accolade, coupled with a seventh-place finish in MVP voting, underscores the impact he has had on the court. His scoring prowess was evident as his points per game (PPG) average increased from 25.9 in the regular season to 27.6 in the playoffs. Likewise, his assists rose from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs, demonstrating his ability to elevate his play during critical moments.
Edwards’s shooting efficiency also saw a marked improvement. During the regular season, he shot 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range. In the playoffs, these figures climbed to 48% overall and 40% from beyond the arc. Such statistics reflect not only his scoring ability but also his adaptability and determination to perform under high-pressure situations.
Pivotal Role in Team Success
Edwards's contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals. His performances were instrumental in propelling the team to new heights, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the franchise. Observing and learning from top-tier athletes during his time with Team USA has evidently added layers to his game.
Learning from the Best
Edwards had the unique opportunity to closely watch and learn from basketball legends while with Team USA. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," Edwards remarked. This exposure provided valuable insights into the routines and practices of elite athletes.
Among his Olympic teammates, Stephen Curry's off-ball movement and LeBron James's pregame routine stood out to Edwards. "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.
Indeed, incorporating off-ball movement into his game has added a new layer of complexity that defenders struggle to counter. Maintaining high levels of off-ball activity requires peak physical fitness, something Edwards has evidently worked on. His ability to remain active and agile adds to his versatility on the court, making him a more complete and difficult-to-defend player.
Building Team Chemistry
Great players like Stephen Curry have built anticipatory chemistry with their teammates over the years, and Edwards is on a similar trajectory. By learning to play without the ball, he is facilitating easier shots and opening up offensive dynamics for his team. This anticipatory chemistry requires time, patience, and a deep understanding of team play, something Edwards has been cultivating.
As the upcoming season approaches, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Anthony Edwards. His rapid rise and evolving game make him one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA. With his ability to learn from the best and continuously improve, the future looks incredibly bright for Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.