Anthony Edwards contemplated the question for a moment.
With a Gatorade-sponsored towel draped over his shoulders and an official NBA training ball in the corner of the room, Edwards had jumped on the press call immediately after practicing his shooting ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ clash with the Milwaukee Bucks. It will be the latest big test for Edwards’ Timberwolves as the reigning NBA champions come to town.
Since he was drafted first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Edwards has become renowned for his incredible scoring ability punctuated by unbelievable high-flying dunks. His favourite was a stunning breakaway windmill in Philadelphia, and the former Georgia Bulldog finally decided on the next name on his dunk-list.
“Who do I want to dunk on? I would probably say Kevin Durant,” Edwards exclusively told The Mirror. “He’s my favourite player in the NBA, but unfortunately we’re not playing him anymore this season.”
Kevin Durant’s Brooklyn Nets and Edwards’ Minnesota Timberwolves are in opposing conferences and have played each other three times this season, with the Nets emerging winners on the first two occasions. The only way the two sides could match up once more this season is in the playoffs - and in the NBA Finals.
Stranger things have happened. The Nets are the eighth seed and are struggling for form as they rely heavily on the heroics of Durant and Kyrie Irving, while the Timberwolves have compiled a 41-30 record to sit seventh in the Western Conference.
Do you think Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves will reach the playoffs? Let us know in the comments section.
In D’Angelo Russell and Edwards, they have two confident quality ball-handlers while Karl-Anthony Towns - surprise winner of the three-point contest - is one of the great bigs in the league. His 60-point outing against San Antonio reminded everyone of his generational scoring talent, while also collecting 17 rebounds in the crushing win.
For Edwards, this is a team that enjoys playing together and complements each other well. Typically, the 20-year-old ensures each member of the team feels appreciated, shifting focus from the star trio.
“We’re just trying to make Minnesota a winning organisation,” Edwards said. “Everyone has been great, including the fans. We’ve been trying to be locked in every game, and guys like Patrick Beverley and Taurean Prince do a great job of maintaining that each day.
“Our biggest strength is just how talented we are. We have got so much skill, so we just come out, compete and play hard - and that will solve everything else.”
When considering what he brings to the team, Edwards was clear: “My confidence is through the roof. I feel like it helps other guys believe in themselves at a high level too. I think it’s one of my best abilities.”
Edwards’ notable confidence exudes through the screen, both on the call and on the court. How could he not be confident? In November 2021, he went off for a career-high 48 points against Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors, becoming the fifth-youngest player to score over 45 points in an NBA match - just 17 days younger than LeBron James when the King scored the same total for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005.
The electric Edwards, who was born and raised in Atlanta, is one of the headline names among a crowded next generation of basketball stars waiting to take the baton from the old guard. The likes of James, Durant and Curry are all in their mid-to-late 30s, and the new era has arrived eager to impress.
Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball and Edwards are all superstar players aged 23 or younger. The NBA has never quite been so rich and deep in talent across the board, particularly in young stars with such enormous and exciting potential.
When asked if the future of the NBA is in good hands, Edwards naturally responded with unwavering belief: “Yeah, for sure.
“I mean, [the next generation] don’t back down from nobody. That’s what I like about guys like Ja and Luka; they don’t care who they’re going up against. It’s just like me, I don’t care who you are. I think the NBA is in great hands.”
The future of professional basketball at the highest level feels as secure as it has ever been, but Edwards isn’t set to become complacent anytime soon. The crown is currently worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, and they don’t appear to be going anywhere.
Ahead of their clash tonight, Edwards refused to be drawn into complementing the Greek Freak - not due to a lack of respect or acknowledgement, but it’s the Timberwolves star's mentality. It's time to lock in.
“I don’t have too much to say to pat him on his back,” Edwards added. “I go against Giannis tomorrow, so ask me about him after we play!
“I’m not going to praise him before I play him. After I played him last time, I congratulated him and I’ll do it again after the game this weekend, but he’s a really great player.
“One of the best, for sure.”
Edwards has a way to go before he can stand alongside a player like Giannis in terms of accolades. He simply needs to continue the sensational upwards trajectory of his career and the Timberwolves will be in fine fettle - but with such infectious confidence, don’t be surprised if Edwards is soon dunking on the best at the pinnacle of the NBA.
Watch NBA Saturdays and NBA Sundays presented by NBA2K22 in U.K. Primetime every weekend. On Saturday 19 th March the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Milwaukee Bucks live on Sky Sports Arena and NBA League Pass starting at 9pm.
