Olympic gold medal will prove to be a defining moment in Anthony Edwards' career

Team USA has done it. The United States national team has officially secured their fifth consecutive gold medal at the Olympics. It was a tough journey, but Minnesota Timberwolves fans can be thrilled in knowing their franchise star was a major part of the massive accomplishment. Anthony Edwards' fingerprints are all over this gold medal for the US.

In Saturday's Gold Medal Game, Edwards added eight points and knocked down two of his three three-point attempts en route to victory. But he did not need to put up a massive stat-stuffing performance in this game or any other one to bring the kind of unique impact that he did.

Anyone paying attention understands what this US Olympic team was and what it represented. Led by LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, this year was the last ride for a group full of basketball legends and NBA veterans. These players were always going to be the top dogs on this team.

Edwards will never forget his experience at the Olympics

But that did not stop Ant from coming in with his authentic persona and declaring that he would be the top option on this team, and that the other greats would have to make room for him. In a way, I think this helped spur Edwards' teammates on to even more greatness.

Ant can always hang his hat on being one of the emotional leaders of this team. He already took incredible pride in leading the FIBA World Cup team in 2023, stating that it played a big part in his development and in making him the player he was during the 2023-24 NBA season.

If that is true of losing in the World Cup, how much more true will it be for winning the Olympic gold? Ant spent the last six weeks soaking up the words, actions and habits of certifiably legendary players. One can only imagine how much more energized he will be coming out of this life-changing experience.