After the Minnesota Timberwolves' season ended in the Western Conference Finals, Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley had a joint press conference. During this press conference, Edwards discussed his mindset after the loss.
"I don't know why people would think it would hurt, Edwards said. It's exciting for me, I'm 23, I get to do it a whole bunch of times. I'm hurt moreso for myself for Mike [Conley]. I came up short for Mike... But hurting is a terrible word to use. I'm good."
Edwards' confidence is commendable, and at 23, the logic of having more chances makes sense. But there's no guarantee he'll be competing for titles for the rest of his career. As Ant was talking about having more chances, Conley looked devastated. The 37-year-old veteran knows all too well how rare an opportunity to compete for a title is. Conley's reaction says it all and sends a powerful message to Edwards.
Conley's career is proof not take deep playoff runs for granted
In 2013, with the Memphis Grizzlies at age 25, Conley made his first Conference Finals appearance. More than a decade later, with the Wolves, Conley returned to the Conference Finals. Despite being on several competitive teams with both the Grizzlies and Utah Jazz, Conley has only made a total of three Conference Finals. Hearing what Edwards said clearly struck a chord with Conley as he likely reflected on his career. As Conley is entering the last stage of his career, this was a rare opportunity to win a title. After the game, Conley reflected on how rare these chances are.
" I don't think anyone can really feel what I feel. I can't ask them to feel that. Because they haven't been around as long and seen how few opportunities you get at this chance." Conley said after the game.
Edwards should, of course, do everything possible to get the Wolves back to this stage, but he should also not take anything for granted. In the NBA, nothing is guaranteed, especially in the Western Conference. There are countless other examples of this throughout the NBA. Most notably, James Harden and Russell Westbrook made the Finals at 22 and 23, respectively, but they have yet to return. In the second apron era, it's only becoming more challenging to retain a core and build long-term success.
The Timberwolves have an ideal foundation but some key decisions this offseason
After two straight Conference Finals appearances, the Wolves feel poised to continue their success. They have built an ideal core around Edwards with a focus on defense and versatility. However, with Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker all being free agents, the Wolves will have some crucial decisions to make this offseason.
They will have to evaluate if Randle is the right second option next to Edwards, as well as the possibility of a blockbuster trade. Given their financial situation, it will be tough to re-sign both Reid and Alexander-Walker.
As a result, they'll be counting on young players to step up. They will also need to find another ball handler, either with Rob Dillingham further developing or by signing a veteran in free agency. In the NBA, you always have to be improving to maintain success, and the Timberwolves will have to find ways to do just that in a pivotal offseason.