Anthony Edwards has blossomed into a consensus top-10 player in the league over the past few seasons. However, the 24-year-old still has another level to reach, entering his sixth season. The Minnesota Timberwolves have made two straight Western Conference finals appearances, and now the goal is to win a championship.
This will likely be paired with an MVP-level jump from Edwards, and he seems ready for this jump. During media availability at the Wolves' training camp, Edwards spoke to his goals for the season.
"I don't really think I'm going to be able to win Defensive Player of the Year, I got two of the best defenders on my team. I don't want to take away from those guys. But as long as my impact is there every night, I should be ok. As long as I make an All-Defensive team that means something... But MVP and championship, that's the goal." Edwards said when discussing his two-way impact and goals for the season.
Edwards' goal is lofty but reasonable
Edwards has finished seventh in MVP voting in back-to-back years. The Wolves were just a No. 6 seed in the West last year. However, with their core now being used to each other, it's fair to expect that the Wolves jump up the standings. If the Wolves finish as a top-three seed, it's not far-fetched to believe that Edwards will end up in the MVP mix.
Still, Edwards will have to add different elements to his game. It's been well-discussed that he is focused on adding a post-up and mid-range game. Despite averaging 27.6 points and leading the league in total 3-pointers made, Edwards shot just 37.6 percent from the mid-range. Improving as a mid-range and post-scorer would help Ant reach another level as an overall scorer.
Edwards could also improve as a playmaker, which he openly discussed. He averaged 4.5 assists and 3.2 turnovers last season. With Mike Conley aging, the Wolves could be counting on Edwards to be more of a lead ball handler. To thrive in this role, Edwards must make better decisions.
Staying engaged on defense, especially off the ball, will also be key to Edwards' season and MVP chances. He'll also likely get more difficult assignments following Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure. Edwards seems ready to completely buy into the defensive end of the floor.
All of these improvements are reasonable to expect given Edwards' age and his proven ability to constantly improve.
Winning a championship is a lofty goal, especially in the Western Conference with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and an improved Denver Nuggets squad. Regardless, Edwards' improvements would help the Wolves to reach this goal. Furthermore, Julius Randle is an ideal co-star next to Edwards, while Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo make up an elite supporting cast.
The Wolves aren't title favorites, and Ant isn't an MVP favorite. Nevertheless, it's in the realm of possibilities that Edwards wins MVP and leads the Wolves to their first championship in franchise history.