Anthony Edwards' biggest area of growth can subtly uplift the Timberwolves

As he's ascended to superstar status, Anthony Edwards continuously adds parts to his game. Two seasons ago, he almost suddenly became an elite shooter, leading the league in 3-pointers made and attempted. This past season, he became a mid-range sniper, which helped him elevate as a clutch scorer. Fittingly, each season Ant's scoring average has elevated.

Now, though, the Minnesota Timberwolves don't need Edwards to add something to his offensive game or take a statistical leap. LaMelo Ball alleviates a ton of pressure off Edwards' shoulders, and his stats might even take a hit, as a result. However, the Timberwolves do need more from Ant on defense. Firstly, last season was an abject disaster for Edwards on defense. Secondly, Ant will have more defensive responsibilities with LaMelo in the fold. 

Edwards' defensive growth is vital, but it won't be flashy. In fact, it's all about committing to the "little things," such as screen navigation and remaining engaged off the ball. 

Anthony Edwards needs to improve his defensive habits

On media day last season, Edwards spoke about how greatness is boring. 

"Greatness is boring… there was a lot of boring days in the gym just working on my one dribble pull-ups, but I think it benefits me," Edwards said. 

While Edwards was specifically discussing the process of getting better, you could make a similar connection by saying that the very best players are great at doing the "boring" little things. And this is an area of growth for Edwards. 

Overall, the Timberwolves' defense remained rock-solid last season, ranking seventh in the league. Still, the Wolves' defense was a rough watch at times as they were often disengaged off the ball, and Edwards was at the crux of some of these problems. 

Edwards often got back cut off the ball, showed an apathy toward navigating screens, and was lackadaisical when closing out. For these reasons, the Wolves' defense was 5.7 points per 100 possessions worse with Edwards on the court, per Cleaning the Glass. 

Now, his on-ball defense generally remained solid, especially in high-leverage moments. Regardless, it was frustrating to see Edwards, as the leader of the team, not bringing energy on defense in most games, and this trickled down throughout the team. Furthermore, this general indifference to defense certainly cost the Wolves some wins in the regular season. 

With no natural high-end power forward, Edwards might also have to guard forwards more often, and he'll have to crash the glass more often. Again, though, improving things like screen navigation, rebounding, and off-ball defensive engagement aren't things that jump off the screen.

Why LaMelo Ball can ensure we see a better version of Ant on defense

The bad news about LaMelo's arrival is that the Timberwolves can't afford another subpar defensive season from Ant. However, the good news is that he'll be able to preserve some of his energy for the defensive side of the floor. 

For all the understandable talk about Edwards' efforts, how overtaxed he was on offense surely played a role in his lackluster defensive season. Thankfully, Edwards has all the physical tools needed to succeed on defense. He also knows what's at stake this season and has routinely improved his game.

As such, we should see Edwards unlock more of his defensive upside, which would benefit him and the Timberwolves massively even if it's not a flashy improvement like developing as a shooter.

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