With LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant all aging, the claim for the best American-born player has seemingly been up for grabs. Jayson Tatum held that claim before going down with an Achilles injury. However, his injury opened the door for this debate to be reignited.
In many people's eyes, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is the next logical choice for this honor. Regardless, according to a an ESPN survery of scouts, coaches, and executives, Steph Curry still holds the claim as the best American player.
Curry slightly edged out Edwards, getting 11 to eight votes. Donovan Mitchell even got one surprise vote. In some ways, Curry over Edwards is an understandable take for now. Nevertheless, by this time next year, Edwards should surpass Curry in the eyes of most people. This survery also showed that Edwards is the future of American basketball, as he got the most votes for the best American player in five years.
Curry > Edwards is a resonable take
Part of the argument for Curry being better than Edwards is that he's harder to game-plan against. Notably, a scout said that Curry is still the guy who scares him the most. Curry is still the best shooter in the league by a significant margin. While Edwards had more total 3s than Curry, the latter still led the league in 3s per game at 4.4. Curry's gravity as a shooter makes him impossible to defend.
Furthermore, Curry is still a better playmaker than Edwards, averaging more assists (6) and fewer turnovers (2.9). Curry's absurd +13.4 offensive on-off swing edges Edwards' still solid +5.3 on-off swing. This number speaks volumes to Curry's offensive value and impact. Curry is a proven four-time champion and two-time MVP who is still playing at a top-five level at 37 years old. While Edwards has been an elite playoff performer, leaning toward the more proven player is understandable.
Considering that Curry is still playing at an elite level and his proven track record, listing him above Edwards as the best American player is understandable for now.
Edwards can clearly surpass Curry this season
It's important to note, though, that Edwards is still just 24 and far from a finished product. Even still, he has a case to be above Curry. Last season, Edwards took his shooting to another level, leading the league in total 3-pointers. While Curry is still the league's best shooter, Edwards is now one of the league's five best shooters. He is also a better finisher and defender than Curry.
Undoubtedly, Curry's durability as he's aged is impressive. However, Edwards is the most durable star in the league, missing just 19 total games in his five-year career. As a result, you could formulate a clear case for Edwards to be above Curry, and ESPN's survey shows how close the two players are.
For Edwards to clearly surpass Curry, a jump in playmaking is likely necessary. Edwards has shown flashes of improvement as a playmaker. Nevertheless, Edwards averaged 3.2 turnovers to 4.5 assists. He still needs to get better at handling double teams and making the right reads when he's pressured. If Edwards reaches another level as a playmaker while continuing his elite scoring and leading the Wolves to impressive heights, he'll likely get the edge over Curry.
It's also possible that Edwards generally remains the same player, but Curry takes a slight step back at 37. This could allow Edwards to jump Curry even without a playmaking leap.
Given the possible improvements Edwards can make, Curry's age, and the uncertainty around Tatum's injury, at this time next year, it's fair to predict that Edwards will be considered the best American player.