Anthony Edwards: The NBA's Rising Star
Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars. At just 22 years old, Edwards has already made significant strides in his professional career. Last season, fans and analysts alike witnessed his potential as he posted career highs across various metrics, solidifying his place among the league's elite.
Edwards was voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, a testament to his growing influence on the court. Furthermore, his peers and coaches recognized his talent as he earned his first All-NBA selection. This accolade was well-deserved, reflecting his impact on the sport during the season.
Building on his regular-season performance, Edwards's prowess was even more evident in the playoffs. His scoring average increased from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to an impressive 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, an achievement that speaks volumes about his abilities under pressure.
Offensively, Edwards's game has matured significantly. He not only improved his scoring but also became a more effective playmaker. His assists rose from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs. Additionally, his shooting percentages also saw a notable uptick. Edwards's overall shooting percentage climbed from 46% in the regular season to 48% in the playoffs, while his three-point shooting improved from 35.7% to 40%.
Edwards's growth can be partially attributed to his experience with Team USA. He had the opportunity to closely watch and learn from the routines and practices of top-tier athletes. Reflecting on this experience, Edwards said, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices." During this time, he was able to absorb invaluable lessons from some of the sport's finest players.
Among these lessons, Edwards highlighted the impact of learning from 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," Edwards shared. This insight has led him to incorporate off-ball movement into his game, a strategy that has proven to be effective.
Stephen Curry's off-ball movement creates a layer of complexity that defenders struggle to counter. This aspect of his game demands both high levels of physical fitness and a deep understanding of spacing and timing. Great players like Curry have built strong anticipatory chemistry with their teammates over the years, something Edwards is now beginning to develop within the Timberwolves roster.
The importance of physical fitness in maintaining high levels of off-ball activity cannot be overstated. Edwards has shown a commitment to staying in peak physical condition, ensuring he can sustain the relentless pace required for this style of play. As a result, his ability to create scoring opportunities through cutting and movement has added a valuable dimension to his already potent offensive toolkit.
Edwards's dedication and willingness to learn from the best have set him on a path to greatness. His recent success is a reflection of his hard work, adaptability, and a keen understanding of the game. As he continues to evolve, there is little doubt that Anthony Edwards will remain a formidable force in the NBA for years to come.