A Rising Star: Anthony Edwards's Ascendance in the NBA
Anthony Edwards is rapidly cementing his status as one of the NBA's most promising talents. In an impressive rise that has captivated fans and analysts alike, Edwards's performance last season left no doubt about his burgeoning superstar potential.
Sitting at No. 10 on CBS Sports' Top 100 NBA players list, Edwards's ascent is well-earned. The previous season saw him post career highs across a variety of metrics. His efforts were further validated with his first All-NBA selection and a noteworthy seventh-place finish in MVP voting. These accolades are a testament not only to his raw talent but also to his relentless pursuit of excellence.
One of the most significant milestones in Edwards's career last season was his instrumental role in propelling the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals. His contributions on the court were pivotal, and the stats do not lie. Edwards saw his scoring average rise from 25.9 points per game (PPG) in the regular season to a remarkable 27.6 PPG in the playoffs. Additionally, his assists increased from an average of 5.1 per game in the regular season to 6.5 in the playoffs, exemplifying his ability to elevate his game when it mattered the most.
Efficiency was another area where Edwards demonstrated improvement. His shooting percentage climbed from 46% overall and 35.7% from three-point range in the regular season to 48% overall and an impressive 40% from beyond the arc during the playoffs. Such enhancements speak volumes about his dedication to refining his craft and his ability to adapt under pressure.
Learning from the Greats
Edwards's time with Team USA offered him invaluable opportunities to observe and learn from some of the NBA's elite. Reflecting on this experience, he stated, "I think the best part about the whole [Olympic experience] was the practices." It was during these sessions that he closely watched the routines and practices of top-tier athletes, absorbing lessons that would significantly influence his game.
Among the many insights gained, two stood out for Edwards. "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 shared. This simple yet profound advice from Stephen Curry has already begun to transform Edwards's approach to the game.
Incorporating Off-Ball Movement
Learning to play without the ball has added a new dimension to Edwards's versatility. This method of off-ball movement, a hallmark of Curry's game, brings a layer of complexity that defenders struggle to counter. Maintaining such high levels of off-ball activity necessitates peak physical fitness, illustrating the demanding nature of this style of play.
As Edwards integrates this into his repertoire, he has started to incorporate more off-ball movement into his game, enhancing his ability to find easy scoring opportunities. Adopting Stephen Curry's off-ball techniques not only makes Edwards a more well-rounded player but also makes him a greater threat offensively, as he consistently positions himself to capitalize on defensive lapses.
Furthermore, as great players like Curry have illustrated, building anticipatory chemistry with teammates is crucial. Over the years, such synergy has allowed Curry to execute his off-ball strategy to perfection, and Edwards seems to be on a similar path. With time and continued development, the chemistry between Edwards and his Timberwolves teammates could reach similar levels of coordination and anticipation.
Anthony Edwards's journey, punctuated by continuous improvement and the incorporation of lessons from some of the game’s greats, underscores the bright future that lies ahead for this young star. As he continues to develop his skills, both on and off the ball, the basketball world eagerly awaits to see just how high Edwards’s ceiling can be. In the fast-evolving landscape of the NBA, he undoubtedly stands out as a transformative figure poised to shape the future of the sport.