Anthony Edwards's ascent in the NBA has been nothing short of meteoric. Rapidly emerging as one of the league's brightest stars, Edwards's performances have garnered significant recognition. Voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards's rise is supported by a series of career benchmarks achieved last season.
Continuing his upward trajectory, Edwards posted career highs across multiple metrics and earned his first All-NBA selection. Additionally, he finished seventh in MVP voting—a testament to his growing impact on the league. Leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, Edwards's contributions were pivotal. His scoring average saw a notable increase, rising from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to 27.6 PPG during the playoffs. Furthermore, his assists per game also surged, climbing from 5.1 in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs.
The playoffs saw Edwards improve not only in scoring but also in his shooting efficiency. His overall shooting percentage increased from 46% in the regular season to 48%, and his three-point shooting saw a rise from 35.7% to 40%. These advancements showcase a player who is not only rising to the occasion but also evolving his game under pressure.
Learning from the Best
A significant part of Edwards's development comes from his time with Team USA. During this period, he had the opportunity to observe and learn from some of the game's top athletes. Reflecting on the experience, Edwards stated, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices." This hands-on learning environment allowed him to absorb valuable lessons from basketball icons like 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."
Adapting and Improving
Edwards has integrated these lessons into his game, particularly emphasizing off-ball movement. Stephen Curry's off-ball activity adds an element of complexity that defenses struggle to counter, which Edwards is beginning to adopt. This level of off-ball activity requires not just skill but peak physical fitness, which Edwards has embraced as part of his training regimen.
It's clear that Edwards is not just learning superficial elements of these elite players' games but is internalizing their discipline and methodologies. Curry's anticipatory chemistry with his teammates, built over years, serves as a model for Edwards. Implementing these insights, Edwards has started to weave off-ball movement into his style, making him a more versatile and unpredictable player on the court.
The resulting improvements in Edwards's game are already apparent. By cutting and moving efficiently off the ball, he is finding easier scoring opportunities and enhancing his team's overall performance. His ability to adapt and incorporate new skills underlines his commitment to ongoing development and excellence in the sport.
A Glimpse of the Future
The future appears exceedingly bright for Anthony Edwards. His achievements, both statistical and qualitative, signal the arrival of a player poised to leave a significant mark on the league. As he continues to study and emulate the best, there’s little doubt that Edwards is on the path to solidifying his status as one of the premier players in the NBA.
With the start of a new season, all eyes will be on Edwards to see how he further hones his craft. Given his track record of rapid improvement and his willingness to learn and adapt, the upcoming seasons promise a continuation of this impressive journey. Anthony Edwards is not merely a rising star; he is establishing himself as a cornerstone of the NBA's future.