Anthony Edwards: 'We're going to be a problem in the playoffs'
Anthony Edwards' confidence in himself has always been evident but he's also confident about the Wolves' chance of actually competing for a title this season.
"Since I was a kid, I've always been confident in everything I do," Edwards told ESPN's Malika Andrews as part of ESPN's "Timberwolves: All Access day on Friday. "I don't think it's going to change."
Edwards, drafted first overall by the Wolves in 2020, is in the midst of a career year averaging 26.3 points and averaging 5.3 assists per game, both career highs. The young superstar has also taken his accuracy to career highs, shooting 47% from the field, 38% from 3 and 84% from the free-throw line for the first place Timberwolves.
The 22-year-old said he is "super confident" in the Wolves' ability to transfer their regular season success into the postseason and compete for the championship this year.
"If everybody stays healthy I think we're going to be a problem in the playoffs, for sure," he said.
When asked who stands in the way of the Wolves making the Finals, Edwards simply said "ourselves," but more specifically, himself.
"I think I'm a big impact on being in the way if I'm trying to hunt shots and play iso-ball the entire night and not get my teammates involved," said Edwards. "So I think ourselves, we're in our own way."
While Edwards admits he sometimes gets in the way of wins, outsiders have been comparing the young star to one of the greatest of all time in Michael Jordan. Edwards is quick to note that he hasn't "done anything on his level yet" but that he does "love" the comparisons.
"They not wrong," Edwards said about the MJ comp.
While Jordan comparisons have been sprouting up at increasing rates throughout the season, Edwards is still a dark horse to win the MVP award, with DraftKings listing him as a +3000 underdog.
If the Wolves keep up their winning ways over the final 27 games, Edwards may start to creep closer to the favorites category in the MVP race. One thing that may help his cause is the NBA's new 65-game rule. Starting this season, in an effort to battle a rash of superstars sitting too many games, to be considered for a league award players have to compete in at least 65 games during the season.
"I like the 65-game rule," Edwards said. "I like that. What are we here for? We're here to play 40 games out of 82? I don't think that should be rewarded. I think the 65-game rule is important because it makes you understand you're here to play basketball. You're not here to play every once in a while and rest. So I like it."
Jordan played 82 games in eight of his 15 seasons, including his final season at age 39.
Maybe there is more to those comparisons than originally thought.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Jan. 29, 2024.
Alonzo Adams / USA TODAY Sports
