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Anthony Edwards has only continued to rise in the NBA since he first debuted in the 2020-21 season and with every season passed and every new improvement, Edwards has continued to assert himself as one of the best players in the NBA today.
But being just one of the best players in the league isn't the ceiling for Edwards. His rapid ascension as one of the most outstanding young players in the NBA is largely due to his impressive athleticism and abilities as a scorer, but the more well-rounded that he becomes, the more likely it is the Minnesota Timberwolves star can someday soon stand alone as the best player in the NBA.
Presently, Edwards has some very tough competition in that regard. Victor Wembanyama will only continue to rise as another one of the best players in the NBA and with current titans like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, who is looking for his first MVP award himself, Edwards will have to take a large leap to make it into the conversation any time soon.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends on Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
But besides Wembanyama, the advantage that Edwards has over those other players is his youth and the time that it gives him to grow more and more. In fact, he's already grown. Edwards came into the league as an explosive player, able to use his athleticism to cut through the court and drive down to the paint, but every year he's added to his bag.
Most notably last season, Edwards took a massive leap as a shooter, posting career-bests in field goal percentage at 49%, three point percentage at 40% and effective field goal percentage at 57.2%.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball up the court during the first half against the Denver Nuggets in game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Adding an accurate three point shot is a huge development for Edwards, and with the addition of LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota squad next season, Edwards will have far less responsibility as a playmaker on the court and instead can focus that energy into taking yet another step in his offensive game, which should be a scary sight for the league.
With Ball on the team though, Edwards will have more responsibility in another way and that's as a defender. Edwards has never been a bad defender by any means, with a career-defensive rating of 112.6, but he'll need to be even more of a two-way threat with Ball taking over so much offensive burden without adding much defense.
Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie (20) attempts to get control of the ball away from Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Edwards has all of the physical talents to make that defensive leap and should he be able to be that two-way weapon while further diversifying his offensive game, then there should be little argument against him being a true MVP contender every season, if not the outright winner.
His trophy case may look a little light at the moment, though he has multiple All-Stars and two NBA second-team selections, but Edwards one day soon could raise the MVP award should he stay on his current path.
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But being just one of the best players in the league isn't the ceiling for Edwards. His rapid ascension as one of the most outstanding young players in the NBA is largely due to his impressive athleticism and abilities as a scorer, but the more well-rounded that he becomes, the more likely it is the Minnesota Timberwolves star can someday soon stand alone as the best player in the NBA.
Presently, Edwards has some very tough competition in that regard. Victor Wembanyama will only continue to rise as another one of the best players in the NBA and with current titans like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, who is looking for his first MVP award himself, Edwards will have to take a large leap to make it into the conversation any time soon.
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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends on Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Edwards Has Time
But besides Wembanyama, the advantage that Edwards has over those other players is his youth and the time that it gives him to grow more and more. In fact, he's already grown. Edwards came into the league as an explosive player, able to use his athleticism to cut through the court and drive down to the paint, but every year he's added to his bag.
Most notably last season, Edwards took a massive leap as a shooter, posting career-bests in field goal percentage at 49%, three point percentage at 40% and effective field goal percentage at 57.2%.
You must be registered for see images attach
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball up the court during the first half against the Denver Nuggets in game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Adding an accurate three point shot is a huge development for Edwards, and with the addition of LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota squad next season, Edwards will have far less responsibility as a playmaker on the court and instead can focus that energy into taking yet another step in his offensive game, which should be a scary sight for the league.
Adding More Defense
With Ball on the team though, Edwards will have more responsibility in another way and that's as a defender. Edwards has never been a bad defender by any means, with a career-defensive rating of 112.6, but he'll need to be even more of a two-way threat with Ball taking over so much offensive burden without adding much defense.
You must be registered for see images attach
Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie (20) attempts to get control of the ball away from Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Edwards has all of the physical talents to make that defensive leap and should he be able to be that two-way weapon while further diversifying his offensive game, then there should be little argument against him being a true MVP contender every season, if not the outright winner.
His trophy case may look a little light at the moment, though he has multiple All-Stars and two NBA second-team selections, but Edwards one day soon could raise the MVP award should he stay on his current path.
Continue reading...
