Anthony Edwards just got extra motivation to keep terrorizing the rest of the NBA

Anthony Edwards is having a career-best season, averaging 29.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 50.4/41.8/78.8 shooting splits. However, that apparently is not enough for Ant-Man to earn a spot as an All-Star starter. Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, and Victor Wembanyama all edged him out in the Western Conference. Notably, the NBA has adopted a US vs. World format this year, but each conference will still have 12 total players and five starters.

While the first three names are understandable, I don't think Curry or Wemby have as strong a case. Edwards has played in six more games than Wemby, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are four seeds ahead of the Golden State Warriors. With nearly similar production, it's hard to make a case, especially for Curry over Edwards, given the disparity in the standings, especially as the Warriors don't have an awful roster around Curry.

Wemby's fan voting broke a tie between him and Edwards. As such, Ant was close to earning a starting spot. He will surely earn one of the seven reserve spots, but it's disappointing he wasn't named a starter.

Ant is well-known for being an ultra competitor, and I'm sure being snubbed of an All-Star starter spot will give him an extra sense of motivation. That thought should terrify the rest of the league, given how well Edwards has played all season long.

Anthony Edwards' All-Star snub could give him an extra boost

In the end, who starts for an All-Star game isn't that meaningful. Can you name the starters in recent years? I certainly can't. Nevertheless, this would have been a cool honor for Edwards, who has been an All-Star reserve in each of his three previous All-Star selections.

Even though it's not a massive deal, I'm sure that Edwards' All-Star snub will give him a chip on his shoulder for the rest of the year.

He already looks like a top-five player in the league this season, so this idea should put the rest of the league on notice. Edwards is shooting an absurd 71.4 percent in clutch time situations and has added a mid-range shot to his bag this season. The 24-year-old has looked unstoppable as a scorer all season long, and his play is leading to winning.

It wouldn't shock me if Edwards looks even better to close out this season. He keeps leveling up, and this could lead to another jump to close out the year. This could undoubtedly help the Wolves surge up to a top-three seed (they are currently just three games behind the Denver Nuggets).

Individual honors are cool, and Edwards can still earn an All-NBA First-Team selection and/or the Clutch Player of the Year award. Frankly, this snub only increases the chances of that in my eyes. Nevertheless, Edwards and the Timberwolves are eyeing their first-ever championship -- that's the bigger picture. And Ant just got some extra motivation to unleash terror on the rest of the league this season.

While it's disappointing that Edwards isn't an All-Star starter, this snub could ultimately benefit him and the team.