Anthony Edwards's Rise: A Star in the Making for the NBA
Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars. Following an exceptional season filled with career highs, prominent accolades, and commendable performances, the young guard has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Edwards's performance last season caught the eyes of many, culminating in his first All-NBA selection and a remarkable seventh place finish in MVP voting. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, a feat that speaks volumes about his impact on the team’s success. Voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards has proven to be more than just potential; he’s a rising star poised for greatness.
Breakout Performances
Throughout the regular season, Edwards showcased an impressive display of skill and consistency. His scoring average climbed to 25.9 points per game (PPG), but it was in the playoffs where he truly shone. Elevating his game under pressure, Edwards increased his scoring average to 27.6 PPG. This uptick in performance is emblematic of the star-level caliber he is reaching.
Additionally, Edwards's assists rose from an already respectable 5.1 per game in the regular season to a notable 6.5 in the playoffs. His ability to facilitate the game and involve his teammates did not go unnoticed. His shooting percentages also saw an upward trend, improving from 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range in the regular season to 48% overall and 40% from beyond the arc during the playoffs. These metrics underscore Edwards’s developing efficiency and versatility on the court.
Learning from Legends
During his tenure with Team USA, Edwards had the invaluable opportunity to observe and absorb practices from some of the sport's greatest athletes. Reflecting on this experience, Edwards emphasized the importance of the practices. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," he mentioned, highlighting the critical learning moments that took place.
Among the lessons learned, Edwards took particular inspiration from LeBron James's meticulous pregame routine and Stephen Curry's masterful off-ball movement. "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 Off-Ball Movement
Inspired by Curry, Edwards has begun to integrate off-ball movement into his game, a skill that adds an extra layer of complexity for defenders. Curry's legendary off-ball mobility requires peak physical fitness and years of developing anticipatory chemistry with teammates. For Edwards, starting to adopt these strategies is a testament to his commitment to growth and versatility.
Such movement not only makes him a more unpredictable and dangerous player but also creates opportunities for easy shots, as highlighted in his own words. By learning to play without the ball, Edwards ensures defenders cannot rest and must remain attentive at all times.
Looking Ahead
As Edwards continues to refine his game, the blend of his raw talent, burgeoning skills, and maturity will undoubtedly push him toward even greater heights. His upward trend in various performance metrics, combined with the wisdom gleaned from some of the NBA's largest figures, positions him well for sustained excellence and contribution to team success. He is well on his way to potentially becoming one of the elite players in the league.
The path Edwards is forging is not just about individual glory but about elevating his team and inspiring the next generation of players. The Minneapolis faithful have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead with Anthony Edwards leading the charge.