Young NBA talents are often confident, and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards is no exception. Recently, Edwards ignited discussions about his potential and career trajectory following a comment made by his teammate.
In an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews on NBA Today, veteran teammate Austin Rivers declared that Ant-Man could be the NBA’s best player within a few years. “I think we’re [two or three years] away from you being the best basketball player in the NBA,” Rivers said.
Anthony Edwards Austin Rivers’ sentiment was filled with confidence. “Yeah, I 100% agree with [you] for sure,” he responded.
At just 22 years old, Edwards has plenty of time to reach his desired destination. He is confident in his ability to grow and feels that he has only scratched the surface of what he can achieve. When asked how far he has progressed in achieving his goal, the player assessed his progress as about 40 percent.
Drafted first overall in 2020, Edwards has consistently displayed a scorer’s mentality and a desire to be a leader on the court. While his rookie season was impressive, averaging 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, his sophomore season saw some struggles with efficiency. However, Edwards continues to show flashes of brilliance, a testament to his athleticism and scoring prowess.
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Can Anthony Edwards live up to the hype?
There’s no denying that Edwards is a massive talent in today’s basketball. He is explosive, athletic, and possesses a scorer’s mentality. However, the path to becoming the NBA’s best player is challenging. Superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant have spent years honing their skills and facing adversity to reach their ultimate destinations.
Several factors will come into play for Edwards to reach his ambitious goal. Firstly, improvement in his shot selection and overall efficiency is crucial. While he can score in bunches, limiting turnovers and taking smarter shots will be essential to become a truly dominant force.
Secondly, Edwards will need to develop his playmaking abilities. Great scorers can also elevate their game by creating scoring opportunities for their teammates. Becoming a well-rounded offensive threat will make him a much more complete player.
Finally, Edwards’ defensive abilities will be a crucial factor. While his athleticism translates well on that end of the court, he needs to become a more consistent defender. The biggest superstars are often two-way players who can impact the game on both ends.
There’s no question that Anthony Edwards has the talent and confidence to become an NBA superstar. However, reaching the “best player in the NBA” level will require dedication, hard work, and continuous improvement. Only time will tell if Edwards can live up to his lofty expectations and that of fans.
Also Read: Anthony Edwards Gets Into Heated Altercation With Bradley Beal During Timberwolves vs Suns
