It's unfair to say that Anthony Edwards has never had a championship-level second option. Yes, Julius Randle wasn't consistent enough to be a No. 2 option, and his isolation-heavy style wasn't ideal alongside Ant. However, Edwards spent four years alongside Karl-Anthony Towns.
Now, just because Towns was a talented enough second option doesn't mean his game fit well alongside Ant. In fact, the duo never developed a strong two-man game. They weren't an awful fit by any means. Regardless, Edwards' biggest weakness is playmaking, and Towns didn't cover that up. Likewise, Towns benefits from playing alongside someone who operates more with screens since he's a terrific pick-and-popper. Simply put, they weren't a great match.
Thankfully, LaMelo Ball is tailor-made to be a co-star alongside Edwards.
LaMelo Ball is a dream fit alongside Anthony Edwards
Ball is a superb playmaker, which covers up Edwards' biggest weaknesses. He is also a fantastic spot-up shooter, which allows Ant to do what he does best as an on-ball scorer. Given this, the two players should be a perfect pairing.
To win at the highest level, every first option needs a dependable co-star who fits his game. Edwards finally has that.
It was just one half of preseason basketball against the Milwaukee Bucks; the chemistry between Ball and Edwards was already on display during Monday's game.
Two specific plays that stood out were this awesome guard-to-guard screen-and-roll that resulted in an Edwards bucket and this kickout from Ball to Ant. Frankly, it was rare to see a true two-man game between Ant and Randle or him and KAT. Again, it's just preseason, so I don't want to harp on this game too much, but there's no denying that Ball's game is a better fit alongside Ant, and we got a taste of what it looks like on Monday.
Ball's elite playmaking will create more opportunities for Edwards as a spot-up shooter. He became one of the league's best shooters in 2024, but far too many of his shots were self-created. Unlocking Edwards' catch-and-shoot abilities can help diversify his offensive attack and make the Wolves' offense as a whole less predictable.
We already know that Edwards is one of the game's best scorers, but he can reach another level, thanks to LaMelo. Having someone who can take the pressure off him should also give Ant more energy on the defensive side of the ball.
Ball could help the Timberwolves make a championship leap
Perhaps the most exciting truth is that despite niether playing being an ideal fit they had a ton of success with both Randle and KAT, making a conference finals run with both players. Now that Edwards has a star who truly complements his game and is far more talented than Randle, it's hard not to argue that Ball will boost the Timberwolves' championship equity.
Moreover, the Wolves' lack of playmaking alongside Edwards has routinely been an issue in high-leverage situations. Teams could load up on Ant and force him to playmake. He generally handled the pressure well, but everything was difficult for him. It became increasingly clear Minnesota needed someone alongside Edwards who could organize the offense and command attention as a scorer. Ball can do just that.
And within the context of matching up with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, having extra playmaking is vital since both teams pressure the ball relentlessly.
By all accounts, Ball will transform the Timberwolves' offense, and he can help them reach another level.
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