Michael Jordan reveals the advice he gave that helped Anthony Edwards level up

It's not a secret that Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards watched film on Michael Jordan this summer to work on his mid-range game and ability to handle defensive pressure. These improvements have been noticeable for Ant this season, as Edwards is averaging a career-best 29.8 points.  

On Tuesday night, during one of his insights to excellence segments on NBC, Jordan shared some details about his advice to Ant this offseason. 

"I had a conversation this summer with a high executive at Minnesota, and he was talking about Anthony Edwards, Jordan said. I heard during the course of the year that they were double teaming (him). He didn't know how to deal with the double team. Well, that's the highest respect that you could ever get, if a team feels like they have to double team you. Now, how do you figure out a way to break that double team? Move without the ball, move into the post, get in scoring position so you can act before the double team. All those simple things. Those are the types of conversations I try to have when players seek that information." 

Edwards has gotten better at dealing with double teams

Edwards has taken on more of a lead guard role this season, making these areas of growth extremely impactful. His assist numbers might not jump off the page, but he's making better decisions while being doubled, and his handle is tighter. Notably, Edwards' 10.4 turnover percentage is a career low. 

While Edwards has taken on more on-ball duties, his off-ball shooting certainly helps him beat double teams. He is currently shooting an absurd 53.1 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. Ant also ranks in the 88th percentile for spot-up plays per NBA.com.

Developing a mid-range game has also significantly benefited Edwards. This gives him another area to go off-ball and helps him position himself for more scoring opportunities regardless of the pressure he receives. Edwards is shooting a career-best 40 percent from the mid-range. 

Overall, Edwards looks for more comfortable when he's doubled teams and it's clear that Jordan's advice helped him. 

Edwards is on an incredible burner

Ant is currently on an unreal stretch, putting up 30-plus points in six straight games. He is averaging 38.3 points and genuinely looks unstoppable as a scorer. In fact, Edwards' second half production over a six-game stretch hasn't been matched by anyone since Kobe Bryant in 2007. While the Wolves have to win more consistently, if Edwards keeps this production up, he'll end up in MVP talks. 

It doesn't matter how much defensive pressure he receives (which is a lot), Edwards has found a way to beat this pressure, which is truly remarkable. This is a clear improvement from last year, where Edwards struggled with pressure at times.

Jordan's segment, airing right after Edwards carried the Wolves to an overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, felt poetic. Yes, the Wolves game wasn't on NBC, but still, this was a game where Ant's improvements were on full display.

The Pelicans relentlessly pressured Edwards, but he found a way to score in a variety of ways. He poured in 44 points on the night, including 34 second-half and overtime points. Plus, Edwards channeled his MJ mentality playing in the entire second half to will his team to victory.

Ultimately, Edwards is reaching another level in his age-24 season, both watching film on Jordan and his words of wisdom certainly helped Ant.