Anthony Edwards on a collision course with Karl Anthony Towns?

Fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves are blessed with the riches of so many Timberwolves competing in one form or another in FIBA, with up to six players directly competing for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Look alive Wolves fans! We have real basketball to enjoy the last several weeks as the 2023 rendition of the Men’s FIBA World Cup is in full swing. With a record 55 total NBA players suiting up for home and country, this International cycle features more parity than ever before on the global scene.

The Timberwolves have been heavily represented in the tournament, tied for the most in the NBA (back off Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Orlando Magic) with 5 players representing their country. When you include unsigned draft pick Matteo Spagnolo, the total balloons to 6.

With so many Timberwolves players in action, are any set to face one another on the international hardwood? Well if you take a peak at the current group standings heading into round two, there is a growing likelihood of a matchup sure to pique the interest of Timberwolves faithful.

Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl Anthony-Towns’ Dominican Republic squad currently sits in 2nd place in Group I, and budding international sensation Anthony Edwards powered Team USA to the top of Group J.

If the current group standings hold firm, the two pillars of Timberwolves basketball will become pitted against one another on a global stage as the winners of USA’s group J, will face off against the 2nd place finisher of the Dominican Republic’s group I.

While there are still two more games to determine the final FIBA bracket, this potential showdown would come to a head in the quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday, September 5th.

After a tough season filled with injuries, sickness, and setbacks Towns has displayed a form reminiscent of his All-NBA 2021-22 season. He is playing with confidence, joy, and most importantly the calf injury appears to be but a distant roadblock in the rearview mirror.

In the other corner, Anthony Edwards has seized his international debut, standing out head and shoulders above a team packed with franchise cornerstones. When Team USA needs a bucket, Ant-man responds. It’s another data point and a trajectory that has him taking aim at surpassing some of the great players of this game. Even his coaches have taken notice, as head coach Steve Kerr has publicly endorsed him as “the guy”. Even longtime Miami Heat mastermind Eric Spoelstra compared him to Maimi legend Dwayne Wade.

With both players playing at the top of their games, the thought of them suiting up against each other this coming Tuesday is a dream outcome for Wolves nation far and wide. Tune into Round 2 of the FIBA World Cup on September 1st & 3rd and keep an eye on group I and J standings. If it all shakes out right, Wolves fans will get a match to remember.