Anthony Edward’s Growth in the Past 4 Years
Since Joining the NBA in 2020, Anthony Edwards has been one of the best players in the entire league. In just 4 years, he went from averaging 19.3 points per game in his rookie year to 25.9 points per game this season, leading the Timberwolves to the playoffs as a NO. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
The Timberwolves’ Records Since Drafting Edwards
This year the Minnesota Timberwolves finished the regular season with a record of 56-26; that is a winning percentage over 68%. Besides that, there is only 1 game difference between the Timberwolves and the two teams ahead of them. Just to remind you, this Minnesota team barely made the playoffs last season and was eliminated in the first round. Now, they are only 2 games away from advancing to the second round.
As you can see, the Timberwolves winning percentage increased from 32% to 68% in just 4 years. I will have to credit that Anthony Edwards. Today, we are going to dive into Edwards’ basketball journey.
From Football Prodigy to NBA All-Star
Anthony “Ant-Man” Edwards, the former NO. 1 ranked player in high school, was born in Atlanta, Georgia to Yvette Edwards and Roger Caruth. As many of you might not know, Edwards spent most of his early childhood on the football field as an all-around player. He was a quarterback, running back, and cornerback for the Atlanta Vikings, a local youth football league team. He picked up the game of basketball when he saw his brothers playing in the backyard, and he fell in love with it ever since.
Unfortunately, his mother and grandmother passed away from cancer when Anthony Edwards was 14 years old. Despite the tragedy, it did not stop him from chasing his dream of playing in the NBA and becoming the most outstanding basketball player in the world. He continued to put in the hard work; by the time he entered high school, he was already competing with players who were bigger, stronger, and faster than him. After his freshman year at Therrell High School, he averaged 16 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. In that same summer, he also joined the Amateur Atheltic Union (AAU) and played for the Atlanta Express. Unsurprisingly, he dominated the tournament and drew attention from the entire country. Fast forward to the summer of 2017, he decided to transfer to Holy Spirit Prep to compete with the best players in the nation. After two successful seasons with Holy Spirit Prep, Edwards became a No. 1 prospect in the class of 2019, averaging 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists. He then committed to play basketball at the University of Georgia.
As a Freshman at the University of Georgia, Edwards broke the record for most points by a freshman in the debut game. This record was previously held by NBA Hall of Famer, Dominique Wilkins (Dr. J). He then declared for the NBA draft after a successful season at UGA, averaging 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He was then drafted as a NO. 1 pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves that following summer.
Edwards’ Accomplishments Prior to His NBA Career:
No. 1 High School Recruit
McDonald’s All-American
Jordan Brand Classic Nominee
NCAA - SEC Freshman of the Year
Second Team All-SEC
Now, it has only been four years since Edwards was drafted. I think he has been living up to the hype and proving everyone why he was the No.1 pick.
Edwards’ Accomplishments post Draft Night:
All-Rookie First Team
2x NBA All-Star (2023, 2024)
3x playoff appearances
Anthony Edwards - Player Analysis
In just four short years, Edwards has dignifiedly become one of the top 15 players in the league. I believe he is going to be one of the top five players in a few years, perhaps the “face of the league.” You might argue that Luka Doncic is going to end up with that title, but here is my take on that. In the past few decades, there have been some great international players in the NBA. However, none of them were able to take the title - the face of the NBA. Anthony Edwards is different; he is confident, characteristic, and fearless. I think this is what makes him so likable as a player. I have never seen a player like Edwards, who will trash talk a veteran that is still in his prime. Last week, there was a moment where Edwards started Chirping at Kevin Durant after hitting a 3-pointer.
Now, here’s my analysis of Anthony Edwards and what makes him such a good player
Athletisism
Footwork
Quick frist step
Great finisher at the rim
Great shooter
Mamba Mentality
Overall, Edwards just reminds me so much of Kobe and MJ, especially his insane vertical and body control. He barely has any weaknesses, besides his shot selection. He can also be inconsistent sometimes; however, this is just his fourth year in the league. He and the Timberwolves are already giving KD and Devin Booker a really hard time in the playoffs. He is also still developing to be even more all-around. In short, this generational talent from Atlanta is going to be a problem in the league for the next two decades. I think Edwards can build a dynasty with Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota and become a championship contender every year.