We have all witnessed the remarkable nature of Anthony Edwards' rise to greatness. The Minnesota Timberwolves' young star has grown to a level that few saw coming, to the point where he is now one of the best players on the United States national team competing at the Olympics in Paris.
Of course, any talented player in the league could have joined the USA roster and competed at the Olympics, but it is the manner in which Edwards has taken the bull by the horns that goes beyond being impressive. He has declared himself as the top dog from day one of training camp, and he continues to back it up with his high level of play and never-wavering confidence.
The excellence Ant has put on display has drawn the attention of even seasoned NBA veterans like Draymond Green. Recently appearing on his self-named show, Draymond went into detail describing what he sees right now from Anthony Edwards.
Draymond says Ant is being given the keys to Team USA
In talking about Edwards, Green expressed a sentiment that seemingly everyone has been thinking: that Ant is the next great player in line after all the legends that came before him. "Ant-Man is special," Draymond said. "He continues to grow. And I think what I love most is the way Bron, Steph and KD are embracing him to be that next young guy up, and kind of giving him the keys to the team in a sense."
What Draymond is describing is what we have been seeing take place over the last several weeks. His top-level play is far from a coincidence or just a hot streak. "If you're watching these games, he's running the show. Whenever he's on the floor, it's his show ... He was half-joking when he said, 'they're gonna have to learn how to fit around me,' but I say half-joking, because he was definitely serious."
Green goes on to talk about how Ant's confidence borders on cockiness, but explains that in order to be great there has to be some element of cocky present. After playing next to Stephen Curry for the last dozen years, it is safe to say Draymond knows a thing or two about greatness.
It is certainly reaffirming to hear Green speak this way about Minnesota's franchise star. We have all been seeing the meteoric progression of Edwards, and it is becoming hard to deny, even from his NBA competition.