Anthony Edwards has been one of the brightest young stars in the NBA since he was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020. His talent, confidence, and swagger have made him a fan favorite, and he’s quickly become the face of the franchise. But with the Timberwolves hungry for playoff success, the big question is: Can Edwards truly lead this team to where they want to go?

Edward’s rise to stardom

In just a few seasons, “Ant” has developed into a legitimate star. His scoring ability is explosive, he can attack the rim with ferocity, perform tough jumpers, and stretch the floor with his improving three-point shot. On any given night, he’s capable of putting up 30 points and taking over a game. But being the guy to lead a team isn’t just about scoring. It’s about leadership, consistency, and making the players around you better for the greater good.

So, is Anthony Edwards ready for that? In many ways, yes. He’s shown flashes of leadership, particularly in the 2023 playoffs, where he often carried the Timberwolves at times and embraced the pressure. His fearless attitude is exactly what Minnesota needs in a leader. He’s got the confidence to take the last shot and the personality that teammates gravitate toward.

Consistency is key

However, there are areas where Edwards is still growing. Like any young player, consistency can be an issue. Some nights, he looks unstoppable; other nights, he struggles to impact the game, especially in some Playoff scenarios. If Edwards wants to truly lead the Timberwolves to success, he’ll need to find that next gear; being the player who shows up every night, on both ends of the floor, regardless of who they’re playing.

The Timberwolves also have a solid core around him, with Rudy Gobert providing veteran presence and support, and the recent addition of Julius Randle and Dante DiVincenzo. But for Minnesota to take the next step in the Western Conference, it will be Edwards who needs to rise to the occasion. His playmaking, defensive effort, and ability to elevate his teammates will determine how far this team can go.

At just 23 years old, Anthony Edwards is still on the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his potential. He’s got all the tools to lead the Timberwolves, and if he continues to grow in that role, Minnesota’s future looks bright. The talent is there; now it’s time to see if Edwards can fully embrace being the leader this team needs.

text sources: nba.com