When the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Anthony Edwards first overall in 2020, most people were focused on what he could do on the offensive end. Edwards averaged just over 19 points on 40.2% from the floor and 29.4% from three in 32 games at the University of Georgia. Of course, Ant needed to become more efficient, but it was obvious that he could score.
Over the last decade, No. 1 draft picks excelled at scoring in high school and college. That makes sense, given that the ability to dominate on the offensive end is paramount in the modern NBA. However, only a few of those players have been able to dominate in the NBA. Some of those players include Derrick Rose, Blake Griffin, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis. Even though executives and coaches prioritize offense in the league, defense is what can turn a good offensive player into an all-time NBA talent.
Edwards’ campaign with Team USA has been a blast through the club’s first three exhibition games. Ant has been leading his team on the offensive end, averaging 13 points as their most reliable scorer. Again, this should come as no surprise to Timberwolves fans. The offense has always been there from Ant. However, his defense has been most eye-catching.
USA has only played preliminary matches so far. However, World Cup hoops never disappoint, as you’d think they were already a few weeks into September based on the competitiveness between countries. Although the games don’t matter, Edwards always puts forth his best effort, especially because he’s preparing to win a gold medal. Team USA has filled its roster with gifted young scorers. Even though Edwards is one of Team USA’s youngest players, it appears he has recognized that and is altering his game accordingly.
I wrote about his veteran maturity and ability to recognize the game last week. However, with that level of maturity has come the blossoming of his defensive talents on the perimeter, resulting from his will to be great.
“He’s working on all facets of his game,” Mike Conley told Jon Krawczynski regarding Ant during the Timberwolves’ City Edition reveal party. “He’s hungry, he’s angry, he’s all that at the same time. It’s going to be really fun to see his development and how he comes back this season.”
Becoming a great player requires much more than just putting up great numbers. There is also value in how a player handles themselves in tight games and stressful situations. We saw Edwards’ ability to control both sides of the floor shine through last season, and, as Krawczynski pointed out in his post above, we are seeing that on full display for Team USA.
Edwards is listed as 6’5,” 225 pounds, with a 6’9” wingspan. Given that he’s only 22 years old, it would be appropriate to expect some growth. For example, Jaden McDaniels has reportedly jumped from just under 6’10” to 6’11”.
Being that Ant is listed at 6’5,” 225 pounds, with a 6’9” wingspan, he is built to be a tremendous 2-way talent. Couple that with the high odds he continues to grow, and we may have an all-time scorer and defender on our hands. However, genetics can only carry a player so far. You need to have an incredibly high passion and drive to get drafted into the NBA and even more so to become great. But it’s obvious that Ant has that level of commitment, passion, and drive.
