Since the day he entered the league, Anthony Edwards had a special talent. He always had the potential to become one of the premier players in the NBA, and Minnesota Timberwolves fans are seeing that potential realized today.
The next step, of course, is translating that high-level individual talent into team success, and ultimately, a championship. The Timberwolves are well on their way to that goal, but Edwards knows it is a long-term process. A champion is not made overnight, and that is something he has come to understand since entering the league.
Speaking with prominent Minnesota podcaster Dane Moore after Thursday's win over the Chicago Bulls, Ant described how his mindset toward winning has grown since his rookie year, even citing how he got some personal advice from one unexpected source: Draymond Green. "I don't want to be a team that went to the playoffs a couple times and then don't go back," he said. "Or been to the Western Conference Finals and don't go back. I don't want to be that guy that had a moment."
Anthony Edwards said he talked to Draymond Green after the Olympics, and Draymond's advice to him was, "don't be a moment type of guy".
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) November 8, 2024
Asked Ant about how the importance of winning night to night this season is standing out. He said, "I don't want to be a moment, where I went… pic.twitter.com/P0r3fSeyri
Draymond Green gave Edwards advice after Olympics
Edwards explained that not being someone who only had one big moment was something Draymond impressed upon him after the Olympics. "Draymond, we had a great conversation at the USA, after the championship game, after the little celebration he was talking to me on the side. And it was just about, don't be a moment type of guy. So that's my main goal. I don't want to be a moment, where I went to the Western Conference Finals one time. I want to be somebody that, if we coming in, they better be ready to play."
This is an important mindset to have, especially with as many one-hit wonders as there seem to be in the NBA. Fading to obscurity can be easier than it seems, and it is reassuring that Ant is remaining cognizant of this. Edwards also recognized that Minnesota still has some work to do before they reach the level of a team that is a perennial contender.
"We got to get to that level, we're not there yet. And it's probably on me," Ant said. Once again, the Timberwolves' franchise player continues saying all the right things as he continues growing and trying to get Minnesota to their ultimate goal. Wolves fans may not be too fond of Draymond Green with all the bad-mouthing he has done regarding Rudy Gobert, but there is no doubt he had Edwards' best interest with this advice.