Anthony Edwards is having one hell of a summer. First, Team USA selected him to play in this month’s FIBA World Cup in Asia. Then he signed a gigantic rookie max extension worth up to $260 million as soon as he was eligible. Now heading into his fourth season in the NBA, he’s making a significant change on the court, switching from No. 1 to his preferred No. 5 this season.
It’s the next progression. From the backflips into Lake Minnetonka and the viral quips and training sessions, Edwards has endeared himself to fans in Minnesota. The max contract is a symbol of Edwards’ status as one of the biggest rising stars in the NBA. The Team USA roster spot signifies a commitment to representing his country with the 2024 Olympics. Still, the change from No. 1 to No. 5 might be the most significant development for Edwards this offseason.
In an interview with Shams Charania to announce his number change, Edwards reminded fans that he wore No. 5 from childhood through college. He only didn’t choose it when the Timberwolves drafted him because Malik Beasley was already wearing the number. Ant will be swapping numbers with Kyle Anderson, who wore No. 5 last year season and will take No. 1 this year. Edwards said in the interview that he’s going to be even better with the No. 5 emblazoned across his chest, which should scare the hell out of the league. The former Georgia Bulldog is already an All-Star and proven playoff star before his 22nd birthday.
Ant will become the 11th player in Minnesota Timberwolves history to don the No. 5, and easily the greatest No. 5 in Wolves history from the minute he steps on the court in October. Doug West was the first Timberwolves player to wear number five from 1990 to 1998. Then it switched hands from William Avery to Anthony Goldwire, who wore it for his five appearances in a Wolves uniform in 2004. From 2007 through 2013, Craig Smith, Martell Webster, Will Conroy, and Josh Howard wore the number.
In 2014, the No. 5 finally passed to a worthy player, Gorgui Dieng. From 2014 to 2020, Dieng wore No. 5 with grace. He appeared in more than 500 games, including more than 200 starts. He helped the Wolves make the playoffs in 2018 for the first time since 2004 while wearing the No. 5. After the great Gorgui Dieng, Malik Beasley and Kyle Anderson have worn No. 5 admirably.
Edwards finally has the jersey number he’s desired since he entered the NBA. He will become the greatest No. 5 in Timberwolves history once he plays his first game in the 2023-24 NBA season. But Anthony Edwards has to set his sights higher. Is it possible for Edwards to become the greatest No. 5 in NBA History?
He’s battling De’Aaron Fox and Paolo Banchero for the title of best No. 5 currently in the NBA, a battle Edwards should win. But who does he need to vanquish to become the greatest No. 5 the NBA has ever seen?
There have been some really good players to wear the No. 5 throughout their careers. Big Shot Bob, Robert Horry, wore No. 5 for most of his career. Bill Walton switched to No. 5 when he landed on the Boston Celtics for the 1986 championship run, and Jason Kidd wore the No. 5 on and off throughout his Hall of Fame career. But there can be only one best No. 5 of all time. And, ironically, he’s the player that Ant is also chasing for the title of the best player in Timberwolves history.
Yes, Kevin Garnett is the greatest player to ever wear the No. 5. KG famously wore No. 21 in Minnesota. During his first 12 years in the NBA, he won an MVP, was a 10-time All Star, and made the playoffs eight times. But he changed to No. 5 when the Wolves traded him to Boston in the summer of 2007. While wearing No. 5, Garnett won a championship in his first year with the Celtics and was the Defensive Player of the Year. He went to another NBA Finals in 2010 but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. He also made the playoffs in all six of his season in Boston, and added five more All-Star selections. To us, he’ll always be 21. But to the national media and the casuals, KG will be remembered for what he did as No. 5 with the Celtics.
Edwards switching his number is a rebranding of sorts. No. 1 is the old Edwards, a young kid trying to make a name for himself in the league. No. 5 will bring him back to his roots and his family, while also edging him closer to global superstardom. Five is more than a number for Anthony Edwards. But with the switch, he could end up as the best No. 5 we’ve ever seen.
