Anthony Edwards is swiftly establishing himself as one of the NBA's most promising talents. Following a stellar season that saw him achieve career highs across several metrics, Edwards has been voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list. This recognition is a testament to his growth and impact in the league.
Last season, Edwards earned his first All-NBA selection and finished seventh in MVP voting, underscoring his significant contributions to the Minnesota Timberwolves. His performance was instrumental in guiding the team to the Western Conference finals, a feat that marked a significant milestone for both Edwards and the Timberwolves.
Elevated Play in the Playoffs
Edwards's regular-season scoring average of 25.9 points per game (PPG) increased to an impressive 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. His ability to elevate his game when it mattered most was further demonstrated by his assists, which rose from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 during the playoffs. His shooting percentage also saw a notable improvement, 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.
Learning from the Best
A pivotal aspect of Edwards's development can be attributed to his time with Team USA, where he had the opportunity to observe and learn from some of the league's top-tier athletes. Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Edwards stated, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices."
He specifically highlighted the lessons learned from future Hall of Famers Stephen Curry and LeBron James. "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.
Incorporating New Strategies
Edwards's commitment to incorporating off-ball movement into his game is already paying dividends. This strategy, which he observed and admired in Curry's play, adds a layer of complexity that defenders find difficult to counter. Moreover, maintaining high levels of off-ball activity demands peak physical fitness, a challenge Edwards appears eager to embrace.
The value of off-ball movement, especially when perfected through years of anticipatory chemistry with teammates, cannot be overstated. Great players like Curry have demonstrated how these subtleties can create easy scoring opportunities and disrupt opposing defenses.
For Edwards, learning to navigate the nuances of off-ball play marks an important step in his evolution as an elite NBA player. His willingness to adapt and absorb techniques from established stars signals a dedication to continual improvement, a trait that bodes well for his future in the league.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, bolstered by Edwards's rapid development, look poised for greater success. As Edwards continues to refine his skills and integrate new dimensions into his game, his trajectory points towards a potentially illustrious career, one that could see him climb even higher on future top player lists and solidify his status as one of the NBA's premier talents.