When Anthony Edwards addressed the media following a team practice at the Mendenhall Center on the UNLV campus, he had a message for those in attendance.
“I’m still the number one option,” Edwards stated. “You all might look at it differently.”
On a loaded national squad that has been compared to the fabled 1992 Dream squad, Edwards’ confidence and self-belief remain intact.
“I just go out there and be myself,” Edwards explained. “I go out there, shoot my shots, and play defense.”
The 6-4 Minnesota Timberwolves guard is coming off a great season in which he averaged a career-high in points (25.9), assists (5.1), and field goal percentage (46.1%), helping his team defeat the 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The Timberwolves made their first conference finals trip in 20 years.
“I love that (Edwards) feels that way,” head coach Steve Kerr stated. “As (the team) goes, they’ll realize that mentality and aggressiveness is good for each other.”
Edwards is the team’s youngest player.
At 22 years old, he plays the same way every time he gets on the court.
Before the first game of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, there were worries about who would step up on a young United States lineup. As the games began, it became evident that Edwards was the driving force behind the team. He finally led the group in points (18.9) and minutes (25.9) per game, with the team finishing fourth in the competition.
The team struggled to score early in the United States’ first pre-Olympic scrimmage against Canada this summer. However, Edwards entered the game with the second unit and had an impact. He tied Jayson Tatum for the lead in first-half scoring with eight points. He played aggressively alongside multiple other players to help the United States rediscover its flow.
Kerr, having coached him at the FIBA World Cup last summer, understands Edwards’ impact on a game. Whether he starts or comes off the bench to give everyone an energy boost, Edwards will make things happen when the time comes.
“There’s a sense that he’s one of the guys waiting to take over the league once LeBron [James], Steph [Curry] and Kevin [Durant] kind of move on,” Kerr told reporters. “I think there’s an awareness that he’s part of that next group, but he’s ready for that to happen now.”
Edwards scored in double digits in all five Showcase games, including 11 points on 4-of-6 in his Olympic debut against Serbia.
While Edwards exudes confidence on and off the court, many of the squad’s players have known him since childhood.
When James was drafted in 2003, Edwards was about to turn two years old. Durant was Edwards’ favorite player growing up.
“This is a dream come true,” Edwards explained. “I think everybody here knows Kevin Durant is my favorite player, so when he committed, I didn’t have a choice but to commit.”
Edwards stated that Durant had become his favorite player since the first NBA game he witnessed when Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder visited his hometown, Atlanta, to face the Hawks.
“I’m ready to see the Olympic (Durant),” Edwards said in preparation for the opening. Durant, of course, put on a 23-point performance against Serbia.
Nonetheless, on a team stacked with NBA all-stars, MVPs, and No. 1 options, Edwards understands his time is coming.
After the USA-Canada exhibition game at T-Mobile Arena, Edwards was again asked if he “felt like a No. 1 option.”
Looking Ahead.
As Team USA continues to prepare, Anthony Edwards’ self-belief will be a crucial component of their strategy. The youthful star will likely play an essential part in their pursuit of Olympic gold, as his confidence and skills are prepared to shine on the global stage.
In conclusion, Anthony Edwards’ confidence and exceptional performance during Team USA’s Olympic preparations show his importance to the group. His scoring ability, leadership, and defensive prowess are critical as the team strives for victory in Paris. With Edwards leading the charge, Team USA is well-prepared to meet the difficulties of the Olympic event and compete for gold.
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