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After helping the Minnesota Timberwolves end a four-game losing streak with timely shots and defensive stops, Anthony Edwards could have entered the locker room basking in his play.
Instead, the 23-year-old Edwards used that moment to define how he would try to elevate his leadership during his fifth NBA season. Edwards’ message following the Wolves’ win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 29, 2024, resonated so well that at least one notable teammate could quote Edwards verbatim.
“‘If I don’t do something, hold me accountable,’” Wolves forward Naz Reid recalled Edwards’ message to Athlon Sports. “‘I can’t sit here and hold y’all accountable if I don’t hold myself accountable.’ That is something that is huge.”
Nearly six months later, the Wolves have seen Edwards making a huge difference.
Minnesota holds a 3-1 first-round playoff series lead over the third-seeded Los Angeles Lakers largely because of Edwards’ production. In the postseason, Edwards has ranked fifth in the NBA in points per game (29.8) while shooting well from the field (45.2%) and from 3-point range (43.2%). The sixth-seeded Wolves became a playoff threat largely because Edwards averaged career highs in the regular season in scoring (27.6 points), field goal percentage (.447) and in 3-point shooting (39.5%). While the Wolves experienced season-long adjustments after trading their franchise player (Karl-Anthony Towns) and integrating two new stars (Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo), Edwards impressed the Wolves with his increased leadership in terms of his words and actions.
“There’s 15 grown men in the locker room, so it’s about knowing that everyone has emotions and knowing how to talk to everybody,” Edwards said. “Everybody can’t deliver a message the same way one through 15. Some guys, I have to talk to and pull to the side. Some guys I have to talk to and cuss at. There’s different ways, and it’s about not being afraid. That’s the biggest thing to step into that role. My teammates trust me. So it’s a privilege to have guys like that.”
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards operates with the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura defends during Game 3 of their first-round playoffs series at Target Center on April 25.Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Edwards said he didn’t feel comfortable initially with embracing that privilege.
Despite becoming a fan favorite for his entertaining dunks, strong athleticism and positive personality, Edwards maintained during his first four NBA seasons that he lacked credibility to become a leader on a team filled with accomplished veterans. Despite collecting three NBA All-Star appearances (2023-25) and a gold medal with the U.S. men’s Olympic team in the 2024 Paris Games, Edwards also expressed disinterest in becoming the face of the league.
With the Wolves, however, Edwards embraced having a larger leadership role this season. After Minnesota lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 Western Conference finals in five games, Edwards vowed he would improve in various areas. He would learn how to handle increased double-teams. He would improve his training habits so he could endure a prolonged postseason run. He would help the Wolves make another deep playoff push.
Minnesota dealt Towns to the Knicks before the 2024-25 season for reasons beyond salary cap concerns — including optimism that Randle could mesh well with Rudy Gobert and bullishness about DiVincenzo’s two-way skills. Minnesota also expected Edwards to take a leap as the team’s definitive No. 1 option after already assuming that role when Towns missed 18 games last season with a torn meniscus in his left knee. The Wolves believed Edwards could handle this responsibility partly because he spent the beginning of his career earning respect through his performances and work ethic while still deferring to his veteran teammates.
“It starts with his ability and willingness to be coached, coached hard and being held accountable,” Wolves coach Chris Finch said of Edwards. “He’s not afraid of accepting responsibility. It’s one of the things that endears him to his teammates, and he knows that. It’ll always start and end with the best players that always have the most responsibility. I think it’s genuine. A lot of times, I’ve been on teams where your best players take accountability, but it doesn’t feel genuine. With him, it does.”
That’s because Edwards made tangible efforts to ensure improvement in numerous areas.
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards guards Lakers forward LeBron James during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series at Target Center on April 27.Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Amid concerns about how he became fatigued during last year’s Western Conference finals, Edwards hired a chef to improve his diet. Even after training and competing with the U.S. Olympic team last summer, Edwards trained immediately at the Wolves’ practice facilities following the Paris Games. In hopes to refine his scoring and playmaking, Edwards has studied game footage of Wolves games and current and past NBA stars with Wolves assistant coach Pablo Prigioni and Wolves’ director of player development Chris Hines.
“His work ethic is even better,” Gobert said of Edwards. “He’s been putting in the work every day on the court, in the weight room and really taking care of his body. So I think he’s ready now. He’s ready to be the voice of the team and try to take this team as far as we can go.”
Edwards used his voice during pivotal moments.
During the Wolves’ early-season struggles, he lamented publicly and privately that the team needed to make everyone feel comfortable with giving and receiving constructive criticism. After the Wolves learned they would face the Lakers in the playoffs, Edwards concluded Minnesota’s practice by huddling everyone together. He then stressed that the team needed to maximize its effort and attention to detail during the postseason instead of just relying on talent.
“Having that kind of leadership and having that kind of awareness to say those types of things at his age is very important,” Wolves veteran guard Mike Conley said. “It gave us a good springboard into the postseason.”
The Wolves listened to that message, and Edwards backed up his speech with strong play. After the Wolves initially struggled with managing the Lakers’ first-half aggressiveness in Game 1, Edwards addressed his teammates at halftime about how everyone could improve their spacing and reads to ensure a more productive offense. In the second half, Edwards scored 14 of his 22 points and six of his nine assists while the Wolves collectively shot 52.4% from the field and 50% from deep.
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards reacts to a call as referee Josh Tiven looks on during Game 4 of his team's first-round playoff series against the Lakers at Target Center on April 27.Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Afterward, Edwards spent more time lavishing praise on Jaden McDaniels’ two-way play and Randle’s aggressiveness than on his own play and halftime speech.
“I just always want to get 1% better every day. That’s the goal,” Edwards said before turning to Randle at the podium. “I really got that from Julius, honestly. I’ve seen him doing it. I was like, ‘Man, I need to try it out.’ It’s been working for me. So appreciate it, my brother.”
Randle laughed before feeding Edwards with compliments.
“Ant’s energy is contagious,” Randle said. “So it’s hard if you’re in the gym and you don’t want to be great and not want to get better. He might’ve gotten that from me. But I get a lot from him with how he attacks his work and attacks it every day. It’s contagious.”
Depending on the series outcome, Edwards has since either critiqued his own play or elevated his teammates. After posting 25 points on 10-for-22 shooting and zero assists in the Wolves’ Game 2 loss, Edwards conceded he struggled combating the Lakers’ zone defense and vowed to make adjustments. Following more prolific performances in Minnesota’s wins in Game 3 (29 points) and Game 4 (43 points), Edwards called on the team to get Randle more shot attempts. Sitting next to him, Randle looked both amused and flattered over Edwards’ support.
Edwards showed a more serious side in the locker room. Then, Edwards told reporters he forewarned his teammates that Game 5 will be “the toughest game we’ve played all season.” Edwards anticipated the Lakers will play with desperation before an energetic home crowd during a potential elimination game. Nonetheless, Edwards said he told his teammates that “it should be fun; get your rest and be ready to go.” Both Edwards’ teammates and coaches liked the message.
“I’ve had a lot of really good, mature conversations with him about things that are going on with the team, how we’re playing and what’s needed,” Finch said. “Sometimes you need a platform to be able to do that. It’s easy to be a leader when things are going great, but hard when it’s not. I’ve been very impressed with him.”
Mark Medina is an NBA contributor for Athlon Sports. Follow him on X, Blue Sky, Instagram, Facebook and Threads.
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Instead, the 23-year-old Edwards used that moment to define how he would try to elevate his leadership during his fifth NBA season. Edwards’ message following the Wolves’ win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 29, 2024, resonated so well that at least one notable teammate could quote Edwards verbatim.
“‘If I don’t do something, hold me accountable,’” Wolves forward Naz Reid recalled Edwards’ message to Athlon Sports. “‘I can’t sit here and hold y’all accountable if I don’t hold myself accountable.’ That is something that is huge.”
Nearly six months later, the Wolves have seen Edwards making a huge difference.
Minnesota holds a 3-1 first-round playoff series lead over the third-seeded Los Angeles Lakers largely because of Edwards’ production. In the postseason, Edwards has ranked fifth in the NBA in points per game (29.8) while shooting well from the field (45.2%) and from 3-point range (43.2%). The sixth-seeded Wolves became a playoff threat largely because Edwards averaged career highs in the regular season in scoring (27.6 points), field goal percentage (.447) and in 3-point shooting (39.5%). While the Wolves experienced season-long adjustments after trading their franchise player (Karl-Anthony Towns) and integrating two new stars (Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo), Edwards impressed the Wolves with his increased leadership in terms of his words and actions.
“There’s 15 grown men in the locker room, so it’s about knowing that everyone has emotions and knowing how to talk to everybody,” Edwards said. “Everybody can’t deliver a message the same way one through 15. Some guys, I have to talk to and pull to the side. Some guys I have to talk to and cuss at. There’s different ways, and it’s about not being afraid. That’s the biggest thing to step into that role. My teammates trust me. So it’s a privilege to have guys like that.”
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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards operates with the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura defends during Game 3 of their first-round playoffs series at Target Center on April 25.Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Edwards said he didn’t feel comfortable initially with embracing that privilege.
Despite becoming a fan favorite for his entertaining dunks, strong athleticism and positive personality, Edwards maintained during his first four NBA seasons that he lacked credibility to become a leader on a team filled with accomplished veterans. Despite collecting three NBA All-Star appearances (2023-25) and a gold medal with the U.S. men’s Olympic team in the 2024 Paris Games, Edwards also expressed disinterest in becoming the face of the league.
With the Wolves, however, Edwards embraced having a larger leadership role this season. After Minnesota lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 Western Conference finals in five games, Edwards vowed he would improve in various areas. He would learn how to handle increased double-teams. He would improve his training habits so he could endure a prolonged postseason run. He would help the Wolves make another deep playoff push.
Minnesota dealt Towns to the Knicks before the 2024-25 season for reasons beyond salary cap concerns — including optimism that Randle could mesh well with Rudy Gobert and bullishness about DiVincenzo’s two-way skills. Minnesota also expected Edwards to take a leap as the team’s definitive No. 1 option after already assuming that role when Towns missed 18 games last season with a torn meniscus in his left knee. The Wolves believed Edwards could handle this responsibility partly because he spent the beginning of his career earning respect through his performances and work ethic while still deferring to his veteran teammates.
“It starts with his ability and willingness to be coached, coached hard and being held accountable,” Wolves coach Chris Finch said of Edwards. “He’s not afraid of accepting responsibility. It’s one of the things that endears him to his teammates, and he knows that. It’ll always start and end with the best players that always have the most responsibility. I think it’s genuine. A lot of times, I’ve been on teams where your best players take accountability, but it doesn’t feel genuine. With him, it does.”
That’s because Edwards made tangible efforts to ensure improvement in numerous areas.
You must be registered for see images attach
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards guards Lakers forward LeBron James during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series at Target Center on April 27.Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Amid concerns about how he became fatigued during last year’s Western Conference finals, Edwards hired a chef to improve his diet. Even after training and competing with the U.S. Olympic team last summer, Edwards trained immediately at the Wolves’ practice facilities following the Paris Games. In hopes to refine his scoring and playmaking, Edwards has studied game footage of Wolves games and current and past NBA stars with Wolves assistant coach Pablo Prigioni and Wolves’ director of player development Chris Hines.
“His work ethic is even better,” Gobert said of Edwards. “He’s been putting in the work every day on the court, in the weight room and really taking care of his body. So I think he’s ready now. He’s ready to be the voice of the team and try to take this team as far as we can go.”
Edwards used his voice during pivotal moments.
During the Wolves’ early-season struggles, he lamented publicly and privately that the team needed to make everyone feel comfortable with giving and receiving constructive criticism. After the Wolves learned they would face the Lakers in the playoffs, Edwards concluded Minnesota’s practice by huddling everyone together. He then stressed that the team needed to maximize its effort and attention to detail during the postseason instead of just relying on talent.
“Having that kind of leadership and having that kind of awareness to say those types of things at his age is very important,” Wolves veteran guard Mike Conley said. “It gave us a good springboard into the postseason.”
The Wolves listened to that message, and Edwards backed up his speech with strong play. After the Wolves initially struggled with managing the Lakers’ first-half aggressiveness in Game 1, Edwards addressed his teammates at halftime about how everyone could improve their spacing and reads to ensure a more productive offense. In the second half, Edwards scored 14 of his 22 points and six of his nine assists while the Wolves collectively shot 52.4% from the field and 50% from deep.
You must be registered for see images attach
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards reacts to a call as referee Josh Tiven looks on during Game 4 of his team's first-round playoff series against the Lakers at Target Center on April 27.Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Afterward, Edwards spent more time lavishing praise on Jaden McDaniels’ two-way play and Randle’s aggressiveness than on his own play and halftime speech.
“I just always want to get 1% better every day. That’s the goal,” Edwards said before turning to Randle at the podium. “I really got that from Julius, honestly. I’ve seen him doing it. I was like, ‘Man, I need to try it out.’ It’s been working for me. So appreciate it, my brother.”
Randle laughed before feeding Edwards with compliments.
“Ant’s energy is contagious,” Randle said. “So it’s hard if you’re in the gym and you don’t want to be great and not want to get better. He might’ve gotten that from me. But I get a lot from him with how he attacks his work and attacks it every day. It’s contagious.”
Depending on the series outcome, Edwards has since either critiqued his own play or elevated his teammates. After posting 25 points on 10-for-22 shooting and zero assists in the Wolves’ Game 2 loss, Edwards conceded he struggled combating the Lakers’ zone defense and vowed to make adjustments. Following more prolific performances in Minnesota’s wins in Game 3 (29 points) and Game 4 (43 points), Edwards called on the team to get Randle more shot attempts. Sitting next to him, Randle looked both amused and flattered over Edwards’ support.
Edwards showed a more serious side in the locker room. Then, Edwards told reporters he forewarned his teammates that Game 5 will be “the toughest game we’ve played all season.” Edwards anticipated the Lakers will play with desperation before an energetic home crowd during a potential elimination game. Nonetheless, Edwards said he told his teammates that “it should be fun; get your rest and be ready to go.” Both Edwards’ teammates and coaches liked the message.
“I’ve had a lot of really good, mature conversations with him about things that are going on with the team, how we’re playing and what’s needed,” Finch said. “Sometimes you need a platform to be able to do that. It’s easy to be a leader when things are going great, but hard when it’s not. I’ve been very impressed with him.”
Mark Medina is an NBA contributor for Athlon Sports. Follow him on X, Blue Sky, Instagram, Facebook and Threads.
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