Anthony Edwards appears poised to cement his place among the NBA's elite. Coming off a season brimming with individual accomplishments and significant team success, the Minnesota Timberwolves star is quickly becoming one of the league's most dynamic players.
A Season to Remember
Edwards's 2022-2023 season was nothing short of spectacular. Notably, he was voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, a clear indicator of the impact he has made in just a few years in the league. Posting career highs across various metrics, Edwards earned his first All-NBA selection—a milestone that speaks to his growth and excellence on the court. Edwards also finished seventh in MVP voting, underscoring the respect he has garnered league-wide.
His prowess was particularly evident in the playoffs, where he elevated his game significantly. Edwards's scoring average rose from an impressive 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to a scorching 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. Showing himself to be a multifaceted player, his assists per game also increased from 5.1 in the regular season to 6.5 during the playoffs. These improvements played an indispensable role in leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, underscoring his value to the team.
Mastering the Craft
The playoffs also saw Edwards improve his shooting efficiency. His overall shooting percentage climbed from 46% in the regular season to 48% in the playoffs. More notably, his three-point shooting saw a significant boost, going from 35.7% to 40%. This jump in efficiency not only reflects individual hard work but also strategic improvements in his game.
Learning from Legends
One of the perhaps lesser-known but incredibly influential aspects of Edwards's development was his time spent with Team USA. Surrounded by top-tier athletes, Edwards seized the opportunity to observe and learn. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," he noted. It was during these high-intensity sessions that young stars like Edwards could absorb the habits and routines of seasoned professionals.
Incorporating Wisdom
Among the plethora of lessons learned, two stood out for Edwards: LeBron James's pregame routine and Stephen Curry's mastery of playing without the ball. "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 elaborated.
Indeed, Stephen Curry's off-ball movement has long been a subject of fascination and analysis. It adds a layer of complexity to the offense that many defenses find difficult to counter. For Edwards, incorporating this aspect into his game marks a significant step in his evolution as a player. The process, however, requires exceptional physical fitness and a keen understanding of team dynamics. Great players like Curry have honed their anticipatory chemistry with teammates over years, making them a nightmare for defenders.
For Edwards, the challenge lies in replicating this level of movement and chemistry with his Timberwolves teammates. Given his rapid improvement and inherent talent, few would bet against him achieving this. As he continues to refine his skills, the NBA can expect to see even more dazzling performances from the young star.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Anthony Edwards - a player who, in just a few short years, has demonstrated he possesses the drive, talent, and intellect to be one of the NBA's brightest stars. Whether it's incorporating new elements into his game or elevating his team to greater heights, Edwards's journey is one that basketball fans will be eagerly following.