Coming into this playoffs, it was widely expected that Anthony Edwards would show up and show out for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite a cranky knee that cost him some games down the stretch of the regular season, Edwards always rises to the occasion when his team needs him.
He was one of the NBA’s best in the clutch this year, and was coming off back to back playoff runs of averaging at least 25 points per game, in which he led Minnesota to the Conference Finals in both years.
This spring has not been Edwards’ best though, as he has battled knee injuries, and is reportedly only playing at 60 percent. Despite that, he looks every bit of the superstar we all know him to be, including giving Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs all they can handle. Edwards’ performance has definitely opened the eyes of the NBA community.
Edwards is showing that he can challenge Wembanyama as the next face of the NBA
Edwards has been on the record saying that he has no interest in being the “face” of the NBA. He even pointed out Wemby as a worthy candidate for that honor.
However, the more Edwards plays, and the more he shows out, the stronger his case becomes of being the face of the league.
There’s nothing quiet about his game. The explosive dunks. The stepback threes. The constant trash talk with players, coaches, and fans. The moments that you never forget. His loud and boisterous personality. We have seen that all on full display from Ant-Man all season.
In addition, this series against San Antonio, he is out there on two injured knees, and having an impact on the game. He had two games in a row of 30-plus points, including willing Minnesota to a win down the stretch in Game Four.
Performances like that is what makes Edwards a worthy candidate to be the face of the NBA, whether he likes it or not. Yes, Wemby has also had his fair share of virtuoso performances and is on his way to collecting a lot of different accolades, but Edwards will be right on his heels for the majority of their careers.
Edwards is just reaching the peak of his powers and we have seen how much success the Wolves have had because of it. As he continues to grow and get better, he will find himself at the top of the NBA hierarchy for the next decade plus.