The All-Star festivities have now come to a close. Two Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, competed in the festivities. Edwards in the Skills Challenge, Towns in the 3-Point Contest, and both Wolves competed in the All-Star Game.
For players not competing in the All-Star Weekend, the time to rest came sooner, as the NBA's mid-season hiatus went into effect last Thursday. During the reprieve, one NBA superstar sat down for a candid discussion in an exclusive Boardroom Cover Story.
Phoenix Suns' All-Star, Kevin Durant, discussed many topics with his longtime business partner, Rich Kleiman, in an hour-long discussion. Durant discussed everything from his early playing days with the Oklahoma City Thunder to his post-career aspirations to the future of the NBA.
While discussing the future of the NBA, Durant was asked about Minnesota All-Star guard Edwards. Kleiman, who prompted the discussion, asked if Edwards truly is "different," alluding to the 22-year-old's sudden ascension to the NBA's elite.
In response, the 35-year-old future Hall-of-Famer called Edwards a "team builder." Durant went on to say his "demeanor and personality" are characteristics that organizations look to build around.
Previous to discussing Edwards' sky-high potential, Durant listed San Antonio Spurs' rookie Victor Wembanyama as one of two players, alongside Edwards, who will be among the NBA's best 10 years from now.
Durant's candid discussion of Edwards' potential is yet another example of how the stars of the NBA feel about the Wolves All-Star guard. About a month ago, the unquestioned best player in Timberwolves history, Kevin Garnett, anointed Edwards as his midseason MVP.
Prior to Garnett's comments, former teammate and current Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley has time and time again compared Edwards to many of whom consider the best player in the history of the league, Michael Jordan.
Beverley, who played with Edwards in 2021-22, said that the Minnesota guard " a chance" to be Jordan. While the demeanor, athleticism, and scoring ability appear to be similar, Edwards still has a long way to go before being held to such a high standard.
However, he is off to a torrid start to begin his career. Every season Edwards has played he's improved mightily. After averaging just 2.9 assists per game as a rookie, the fourth-year guard is now second on the team, averaging 5.3 assists per game this season.
Furthermore, the Wolves star has gone from an inefficient player to a player who's knocking down 47.1 percent of his field goals, 38.6 percent of his triples, and 84.1 percent of his free throwsβall career highs.
At 22 years old, Edwards is averaging 26.3 points per game and is coming off his second consecutive All-Star appearance. While his offense has been fantastic, his defense has also been superb. Edwards is averaging 1.2 steals per game and ranks in the top 25 in defensive rating.
Other than the on-court product, the former first-overall pick is an absolute delight to be around. His nonchalant off-the-court demeanor has led many fans to consider his interviews as a "must-see."
Edwards is as authentic as they come, likely the reason why Durant labeled him as a "team builder." Fierce on the court, and personable off it, the Timberwolves star is certainly on a steep trajectory.