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What are the expectations for the Timberwolves’ big three?

By Martim Andrade

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 19: Anthony Edwards #1, Rudy Gobert #27, and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 19, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 19: Anthony Edwards #1, Rudy Gobert #27, and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 19, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony Edwards

We can’t have a list of the most impactful players on the rotation for next season without including the man that did not have an off night in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.  Anthony Edwards is the young man who was most responsible for the Timberwolves getting to the postseason competition in the first place. And he will be, most likely, the man that will take us there again.

In just his third professional season, Anthony Edwards made the All-Star game, averaging 24 points, six rebounds, and four assists,   He also continued to improve his shooting accuracy and his defensive presence, resulting in a season with career-high statistics all around.

One thing that Ant has improved that can’t appear on a box score: Mentality. From a player that everyone questioned his love for the game in the days leading up to the 2020 NBA Draft through his lapses of judgment and maturity, to ultimately becoming the face of the franchise now, Edward’s transformation has only been possible due to indomitable focus and confidence.

Watch out for the little guy

Everyone witnessed a young player grow beyond his comfort zone during the season and the results were clearly evident. Not only was he able to compete at full force during the postseason, but we saw him going to practice every day since Game 5 of the Nuggets series, working on his game, improving on what he saw was missing, and trying to take that next step into NBA superstardom.

We will be able to see how he does in the FIBA World Cup later in August, as he headlines Team USA alongside some other young faces of the league, like Tyrese Haliburton, Mikal Bridges, and Paolo Banchero. This could be another chance for Ant to prove himself against very tough international players and under a set of different rules. We have seen him interact with Team USA coach Steve Kerr during the 2023 NBA Summer League, so we will have to wait and see how the Golden State Warriors coach will use the young Wolves star.

Coming into this season, we should expect an even bigger jump straight off the bat, with Ant taking on the number one option offensively.  But he will also be stepping up his defensive game, which was already “rewarded” with a couple of votes towards the All-Defensive teams.

We’ve seen a lot of glimpses of his two-way ability. While his offensive side continues to headline NBA highlight video footage, his defense is at the cusp of becoming consistent enough to be feared throughout the league.  He shares a defensive appreciation like teammate small forward Jaden McDaniels.  And it’s that defensive presence that has contributed to the team ensuring new players signed have something to say defensively as well.

The sky’s the limit for Anthony Edwards, so let’s hope the front office and the coaching staff don’t inhibit the kid’s ability to fly.

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