Three ways Edwards can go from very good to elite – BOFA Sports

Calling the Timberwolves star the “Face of the NBA” is a stretch, but that doesn’t mean he can’t get there

In today’s sports world, not many leagues market their stars the way the NBA does. Over time, the league has made LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant (among others) its mainstays, with James holding the title “Face of the NBA” for much of his playing time. As these players enter the twilight of their careers, the media and fans are yearning for new faces, with Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards getting a big push for the title. While many would like to give this title to Edwards, it should be earned, not given, and if we judge how Minnesota has fared over the last two seasons (getting fired in the Western Conference finals in five games), the details suggest there is still a long way to go before he can be recognized as someone the rest of the league can follow. However, the assumption is that there is still plenty of time to develop, as Edwards is only 23 years old. While that works in his favor, it’s hard to see much improvement if he can’t make some aspects a bigger part of his game. With the depth of the conference, there is no guarantee of team success, but improving these things would give Edwards and the Timberwolves a better chance.

More Consistency On Defense

With Edwards’ athletic talent, he has the ability to be one of the best defenders in the NBA, and glimpses of that potential have already been seen on the court. An example of this was seen in Game 3 of the conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With Minnesota trailing 2-0 in the series, they needed a spark from their star player, and Edwards accomplished that by putting pressure on the Thunder’s ball handlers, leading to turnovers and fast breaks. The problem is that it’s inconsistent, and like many basketball players who dominate the ball, Edwards is guarding someone who isn’t the other team’s best offensive player, in an effort to get some rest on the defensive end. Although defense is more of an afterthought these days, the fact remains that it is a part of the game that should not be slacked off. If Edwards is the leader and franchise player, he has to understand that everyone on the team will follow his lead. If he doesn’t bring energy, it can (and probably will) rub off on his teammates. Setting a defensive pattern brings positive energy, and that must become more normal if the best version of Edwards is to be seen.

Middle Class, Middle Class, Middle Class

It’s understandable that analytics say three-pointers and layups are the best ways to score, but the proven product, no matter what the statistics or era of basketball say, is the mid-range game. So much offense can be done with an efficient 15- to 17-foot jumper. Edwards hasn’t really shown the ability to operate from mid-range, and therefore his game has been boom or bust. Of course, Edwards leads the NBA in three-pointers made this season (320), and has had games where he’s scored seven or eight points, but there have also been games where he’s gone 1-9 from deep (Game 2 of the WCF). If Edwards is looking for someone he can look to as an example of a cracking midrange game, the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is available. All Gilgeous-Alexander did was win league MVP this year, and everything he did came from mid-range. Simply put, players can be successful without listening to what analytics say, and not many players make the mistake of having a consistent arsenal between the three-point line and the basket.

Moving Without the Ball

So many players in today’s game dominate the ball, which means the ball has to be in their hands if they want to have maximum impact on the game. What makes Curry unique (and deadly) is that he moves just as dangerously without the ball as when he has the ball. Most of these ball-dominating players will pass the ball, only to stand in the same place when he just passed the ball, hoping to get it back. Edwards isn’t too bad, but this is an area that needs improvement. The Timberwolves have other players who can run the offense and handle the ball. While this looks good schematically, Edwards has to hand over the responsibility and trust the adjustments. While he is dynamic in getting to the spot, the teams Minnesota plays know that too, and they will have defenses designed to get the ball out of Edwards’ hands. Often, what matters most is who can be one step ahead of their opponent, and creating opportunities for their opponent by moving around would be a great solution.

Bonus: Stop Complaining!

Breaking news: People like to complain about everything, and the NBA is no different. For Edwards, this applies on two fronts. The first involved him voicing his displeasure at seeing a double team. He has to realize that he isn’t even the first player to see multiple defenders, and he won’t be the last. Great players are able to handle those coverages and figure things out. Edwards, if he wants to reach the elite level, must do the same. The second front is what everyone complains about when leading. For anyone who has watched a Timberwolves game lately, not many minutes go by without hearing Edwards complain about a “missed” call, or a call that didn’t go his way. Although this is difficult for most people to do, he should try to shift his focus away from leading, and concentrate on the things that are within his control. Being tied to the referee doesn’t benefit anyone involved, and constant complaining won’t change anything. Just put the ball in play, and the rest will take care of itself.

These four steps could help Edwards get to a position where he becomes the next face of the league, but they all take place on the field, during the game. The most important step is what happens off the field, namely changing his mindset. He has to learn to be athletic and just throwing strikes isn’t enough. What differentiates good people from elite people is their mentality, and their ability to play chess, when other people play chess. Again, all of this is said with the understanding that Edwards is only 23 years old. So there’s still time, and he’s already pretty good. Now, it’s time to take the next step, which is critical to Minnesota and its future success. Then, and only then, will talk of Edwards as a new face have substance.