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While the Minnesota Timberwolves struggled to find their way out of the gutter of the Western Conference once again in 2020/21, rookie Anthony Edwards opened a lot of eyes across the league. Despite a slow start, the former number one overall pick eventually lived up to the hype and is the current frontrunner to win Rookie of the Year above Charlotte Hornets phenom LaMelo Ball, who missed time due to a wrist injury.
Edwards finished the campaign with averages of 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. In the process, he became the highest-scoring rookie in Timberwolves history. He was also very healthy throughout the season, featuring in all 72 contests.
Here are three takeaways from year one for Anthony Edwards.
Flourished as a shooter
Coming out of the University of Georgia, Edwards was strictly known for his brute strength and ability to attack the rim with authority. He was a 29.7% shooter from long range in his lone season with the Bulldogs, while taking just 2.3 attempts per contest.
However, at the NBA level, Edwards has been a revelation from beyond the arc. Antman became just the fourth rookie ever to hit more than 170 three-balls in their first season (he hit 171), joining Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, and Saddiq Bey.
While Anthony Edwards shot 32.9% from long range, his number of attempts compared to college absolutely skyrocketed, taking 7.2 per game. In a shooter-heavy league like the NBA, it was always going to be important Edwards improved in this specific category. He clearly put it in the work and it definitely showed. Whether it was a catch and shoot or pull-up three, Antman showed huge promise from downtown.
Can improve as a playmaker
The next step to Anthony Edwards becoming an all-around superstar is improving his ability to facilitate the rock. While he spent time both at shooting guard and small forward this season, Edwards didn't create very often for his teammates.
The 19-year-old averaged just 2.9 assists per game and while guys like Ricky Rubio and D'Angelo Russell typically serve as the primary playmakers on the Timberwolves, this is definitely an area of Edwards' game that could be better.
If you look around the league, the best players can score at will and pass the ball at an extremely high level. If Anthony Edwards wants to be an All-Star for years to come and one of the faces of this league, he'll have to do the same.
No shortage of confidence
Was there anything more exciting than watching Antman conduct an interview with reporters? From cracking jokes to claiming he could throw 100 mph and probably play in the big leagues, Edwards is not lacking confidence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuWgunZng9Y
That belief in himself showed every single night on the court, especially towards the end of the season. In May alone, even though it featured just eight games for the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards dropped 27 points per night while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from deep. What was also impressive was the uptick in assists during that span (4.8 dimes). Edwards was ultimately named Kia Rookie of the Month for the third straight time.
With two 42-point performances throughout the campaign, he also became just the second player 19 years or younger to drop 40+ on more than one occasion other than LeBron James, who did it three times in 2003/04.
From putting Yuta Watanabe on a poster with arguably the dunk of the year to talking trash to numerous players across the Association, Anthony Edwards looked the part in his freshman year at the NBA level. He may seem borderline cocky but, you need a sense of arrogance in your game in order to succeed.
Anthony Edwards has proven that he is going to be a star for many years to come and a staple for this Minnesota Timberwolves franchise as they look to turn the ship around with a solid young core intact.
The next step for Antman? Making the playoffs and an All-Star team.
