Shama: At 24 Anthony Edwards Can Build Off Superstar Status

[BleedGopher]

Per Shama:

Anthony “Ant” Edwards, only 24 years old, starts his sixth training camp with the Timberwolves this week and is one of the best basketball players in the world. Tim Connelly, the franchise’s president of basketball operations, told a media gathering Monday his superstar guard can become one of the “greatest players of all time.”

At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Edwards might be in the best condition of his life after an offseason addressing his training and his skillset—preparing to take the next step in his elite career. That step could include an NBA MVP Award and lifting his franchise to a first ever NBA Finals.

What would it take to win his first league MVP Award after having twice been named All-NBA in his career? “We gotta win,” Edwards said. “I think all MVPs win at a high level (and) average a whole bunch of points.”

Michael Jordan won five MVP awards. The first came when he was 25.

This offseason an intermediary between Edwards and Jordan provided some input for the Minnesota MVP. Edwards said he picked up on the tip of using his back to lean in on a defender, rather than establishing leverage with his butt as he has done in the past. That was trademark positioning for the GOAT.

Edwards said his communications with Jordan are just beginning. “Nah, we don’t really have no relationship how y’all think we got one right now. It’ll come in years to come but right now it’s just through somebody.”

It’s been suggested that Edwards needs to be more consistent against mediocre competition. In the past his approach has been more about getting his teammates involved than himself. He predicted a change for this season to establish more consistency and production: “Try to get a career high in points,” he said. “…I think that’s how I am going to stay engaged.”

Edwards has been diligent this off-season and hinted at a new offensive move that could be used in crunch times of games. Coach Chris Finch sees that development as one of the ways Edwards can elevate his game.

What is it? “I can’t tell you. You’ll see,” Edwards teased.

David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Howl Wolves!!

 

[GopherLady]

Per Shama:

Anthony “Ant” Edwards, only 24 years old, starts his sixth training camp with the Timberwolves this week and is one of the best basketball players in the world. Tim Connelly, the franchise’s president of basketball operations, told a media gathering Monday his superstar guard can become one of the “greatest players of all time.”

At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Edwards might be in the best condition of his life after an offseason addressing his training and his skillset—preparing to take the next step in his elite career. That step could include an NBA MVP Award and lifting his franchise to a first ever NBA Finals.

What would it take to win his first league MVP Award after having twice been named All-NBA in his career? “We gotta win,” Edwards said. “I think all MVPs win at a high level (and) average a whole bunch of points.”

Michael Jordan won five MVP awards. The first came when he was 25.

This offseason an intermediary between Edwards and Jordan provided some input for the Minnesota MVP. Edwards said he picked up on the tip of using his back to lean in on a defender, rather than establishing leverage with his butt as he has done in the past. That was trademark positioning for the GOAT.

Edwards said his communications with Jordan are just beginning. “Nah, we don’t really have no relationship how y’all think we got one right now. It’ll come in years to come but right now it’s just through somebody.”

It’s been suggested that Edwards needs to be more consistent against mediocre competition. In the past his approach has been more about getting his teammates involved than himself. He predicted a change for this season to establish more consistency and production: “Try to get a career high in points,” he said. “…I think that’s how I am going to stay engaged.”

Edwards has been diligent this off-season and hinted at a new offensive move that could be used in crunch times of games. Coach Chris Finch sees that development as one of the ways Edwards can elevate his game.

What is it? “I can’t tell you. You’ll see,” Edwards teased.

David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Howl Wolves!!

Just think about what this kid is doing...last year, he spent the summer with the greatest players in the world, and a lot of that time was with Steph Curry, and look at Ant's 3 this year.

He's also seen their work ethic, so taken his to the next level.

He's talking to Jordan, KG, etc.

He's in the best shape of his life, WITH a focus on ball handling. The sky's the limit for this young man.

On top of it, he's everyone's hype man. Every player seemed so happy yesterday, he's the guy that will hype up all of his teammates and get back to them all, and help them. He's a leader on the court.