Anthony Edwards: NBA's Rising Star Taking Lessons from Legends
Anthony Edwards is rapidly emerging as one of the NBA's brightest stars. Voted No. 10 on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards has posted career highs across various metrics and earned his first All-NBA selection in the past season. His stellar performances have not gone unnoticed, finishing seventh in MVP voting and playing a pivotal role in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals.
Edwards's impact on the court was profound. His scoring average increased from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to an impressive 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. This uptick in performance did not stop at scoring; his assists rose from 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs, showcasing his evolving all-around game.
Playoff Performance
Notably, Edwards's shooting percentage also climbed during the playoffs—rising from 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range in the regular season to 48% overall and 40% from beyond the arc. These statistics underline Edwards's ability to elevate his game under pressure, a trait that is essential for any player aspiring to greatness.
Learning from the Best
A significant part of Edwards's development can be attributed to his time with Team USA, where he had the chance to closely watch and learn from the routines and practices of top-tier athletes. "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices," Edwards stated. This opportunity to observe and absorb techniques from some of the game's best players has evidently paid off.
Edwards has openly spoken about the influence of NBA superstars LeBron James and Stephen Curry on his game. "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 remarked. This willingness to adapt and integrate new strategies highlights Edwards's dedication to enhancing his play.
Adopting Off-Ball Techniques
The ability to play effectively without the ball is a rare and valuable skill, one that Stephen Curry has mastered over the years. Great players like Curry have built anticipatory chemistry with their teammates, making their off-ball movement a constant threat to opponents. By incorporating similar off-ball techniques into his game, Edwards adds a layer of complexity that defenders struggle to counter.
Maintaining high levels of off-ball activity requires peak physical fitness, and Edwards's commitment to physical conditioning has been evident in his recent performances. His incorporation of Curry's off-ball movement into his game demonstrates a keen understanding of how to create easy scoring opportunities for himself, further bolstering his offensive repertoire.
The Road Ahead
As Anthony Edwards continues to evolve, his ability to blend scoring prowess with strategic off-ball movement will undoubtedly make him a more formidable player. His journey from a promising young talent to one of the NBA's top players has been marked by continuous improvement and an eagerness to learn from the best. The lessons he has taken from LeBron James and Stephen Curry are already bearing fruit, and it will be exciting to see how these influences shape his game in the seasons to come.
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, having a player of Edwards's caliber leading the charge bodes well for their future aspirations. With his ever-improving skill set and the invaluable experiences gained from playing alongside basketball's elite, Edwards is poised to cement his place among the NBA's elite. The next chapter in his career promises even greater heights, and if last season is any indication, Anthony Edwards is ready to take on the challenge.