At this point, Anthony Edwards‘ rookie season isn't near what Zion Williamson did in his first year. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves rookie is showing flashes of his insane potential in recent games, thanks to some qualities that are also evident in the New Orleans Pelicans' bruiser.
Ahead of their game against the Phoenix Suns Friday night, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch pointed out the similarities between the 2019 and 2020 top overall picks, per John Krawczynski of The Athletic.
“He is a load. Reminds me a little bit of Zion. He has this incredible explosiveness and powerful body and it's tough to handle against mismatches, against switches.”
Edwards is coming off a 42-point explosion against this same Suns team in their last game. The former Georgia Bulldog set the record for most points scored by a Timberwolves rookie, breaking Zach LaVine‘s 37. He also became the third-youngest player in league history to drop a 40-point performance.
Article Continues Below.@theantedwards_ against the @Suns:
🟢 42 PTS (career-high, franchise rookie record)
🟢 1st teenager to amass 100+ PTS in a 3-game period
🟢 3rd-youngest to score 40+ PTS #OnlyHere #RepublikaNgNBA pic.twitter.com/zWmvB8hTMX— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) March 19, 2021
Edwards has scored over 20 points in seven of his last eight games, giving him gaudy averages of 27.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals during that span. He is making the most out of the opportunity presented by the absence of Malik Beasley and D'Angelo Russell, who's expected to return soon.
Williamson is a different beast, though. The Pelicans forward is a physical anomaly who is gifted with skills that make him an unfair matchup for the most part.
Edwards has the tools to become a future star in the league, giving the Timberwolves the onus of deciding whether to unleash their prized rookie or relegate him to the background once Beasley and Russell return to the active roster.