It's said every year, but following an absolute masterpiece of a performance against the Miami Heat, it needs to be said again. The Minnesota Timberwolves are so lucky to have Anthony Edwards because this guy is the definition of a generational talent.
In the Wolves' season-opening game, Edwards put up 45 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. He also sank nine 3-pointers. Yes, you read that stat line right. The Miami Heat, who acquired two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, were left searching for answers on how to stop Edwards all night. You can infer that they didn't find any.
While Edwards doesn't have an NBA scoring title (yet), this game further proved that he's one of one at the top of the league when it comes to his ability to score efficiently at all three levels.
Anthony Edwards is the best scorer in the world
Sure, purely statistics-wise, guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic averaged more points than he did last season, but none of those guys are as good at all three levels as Edwards is. Gilgeous-Alexander is a master at getting to the rim, the foul line, and in the mid-range, but if there was one knock on his offensive game, it would be the lack of 3-point volume and effectiveness.
He's a back-to-back MVP, so obviously that doesn't hinder his ability to score the ball, but the lack of three-point volume has proven to be detrimental at different points. As for Doncic, it's mostly efficiency and turnovers. There are times when he can walk his way to 50 points, but there are other times when he'll continue to force tough shots, and his teams play such a heliocentric brand of basketball that if he's having a rough game, it usually ends in a loss.
With Edwards, there are no holes in his game when it comes to scoring. He shoots 40 percent from 3-point range on ridiculous volume. He's one of the most athletic players in the league, so getting to the rim is fairly easy for him. He's also drastically improved his mid-range play in recent seasons, turning it into a true weapon.
His scoring also scales up during the playoffs. Some players' scoring or efficiency takes a slight drop-off in the playoffs due to the game becoming more physical and fewer ticky-tack fouls being called, but that's never been a problem for Ant-Man. Take last night, for instance: 45 points, only five free throws.
Pairing LaMelo Ball with him will only make him more dangerous, too. Edwards one of the league's best catch-and-shoot 3-point shooters, and he now has a running mate to set him up with plenty of those looks. If you thought this performance was special, it's just the beginning.
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