In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, Anthony Edwards stands out as a rising star, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. Not only did Edwards secure a spot as No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, but he's also begun to chase the legacies of the sport's most influential figures. The past season has been a transformative period for the young guard, marked by career highs and critical contributions to his team's success.
A Season of Milestones
Last season, Edwards posted career-high numbers across multiple metrics, culminating in his first All-NBA selection. His standout performance was further recognized with a seventh-place finish in the MVP voting. These accolades reflect his immense value to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team he helped steer to the Western Conference finals. Edwards's scoring prowess was on full display, with his point average elevating from an already impressive 25.9 points per game (PPG) during the regular season to 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. His all-around impact didn't stop there; he also increased his assists from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 during the playoffs.
Elevating His Game
One of the most notable aspects of Edwards's transformation has been his improvement in efficiency. His shooting percentage rose from 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range in the regular season to 48% and 40%, respectively, in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. This increase in accuracy underscores his evolving offensive repertoire and adaptability.
Learning from the Best
A significant factor in Edwards's development has been his exposure to elite level talent and their training routines. Participating with Team USA afforded Edwards an invaluable opportunity to learn from basketball's elite. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," Edwards remarked about his time with the national team.
During these practices, Edwards took note of the routines and skills of some of the best players in the world. "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," he explained.
Incorporating New Skills
With insights gained from watching Stephen Curry, Edwards began to integrate off-ball movement into his game. This shift has not only made him a more versatile player but also posed additional challenges for defenders who now have to account for his movements both on and off the ball. The importance of maintaining high levels of off-ball activity is not lost on Edwards; such a style of play demands peak physical fitness and a deep understanding of team chemistry, elements that Curry has exemplified throughout his career.
Great players, like Curry, have built an innate anticipatory chemistry with their teammates over years of high-level play, and Edwards appears eager to develop similar connections with his Timberwolves teammates. His willingness to learn and adapt shows a maturity beyond his years, suggesting that his rise in the NBA is only just beginning.
As Anthony Edwards continues to devour the knowledge and skills of the game's greats, his ascent in the NBA seems inevitable. Last season's achievements were merely a preview of what lies ahead for this budding superstar. With each game, Edwards is not just playing for today but sculpting a career that could one day be mentioned alongside the legends of the sport.