Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has established himself as a superstar in the NBA. While embracing his role as a leader over the last season, Edwards has aspired to greater achievements for the 2025-26 season, beginning with some individual silverware.
While discussing his goals for the upcoming season with Zone Coverage’s Andrew Dukowitz, Anthony Edwards immediately ruled himself out of the Defensive Player of the Year race, but set his sights on more prestigious accolades instead. He said:
“I don’t really think I’m going to be able to win Defensive Player of the year, I got two of the best defenders on my team, so it’s gonna be hard for me to win. I don’t want to take it away from those guys.”
“But as long as my impact is there every night, I should be okay. As long as I make the All-Defensive Team, that means something. MVP and championship, that’s the goal.”
A reporter continued by asking Edwards about his desire to be a more active defensive contributor, which the reporter claimed seemed “more serious now”. The star responded by saying, “We’re trying to get back to the No. 1 defense in the league, and I know it starts with me, especially my pressure on the ball. I can’t guard one game and not guard the next game just because we’re not playing somebody who’s up to par. I’ve got to be ready every night and take pride in that.”
Anthony Edwards’ willingness to be held accountable for his performance can be considered promising, especially from a young player who has grown into the role of a franchise cornerstone.
At 24, Edwards still has a long way to go before he reaches his prime, but considering what he has accomplished already and his sustained efforts to improve, there is enough evidence to indicate that he can be rated as one of the best in the league already.
Anthony Edwards has seen a gradual increase in production over his five-year career. In this regard, the 2024-25 season was undoubtedly his best individual performance.
In 79 games, the 24-year-old averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, shooting 44.7% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range. Apart from earning his third consecutive All-Star selection and leading the league in three-pointers made, he was also named to the All-NBA second team and finished seventh in MVP voting.
After leading the Wolves to their second consecutive Western Conference Finals appearance, even after being ranked sixth in the West, it is safe to assume that Anthony Edwards could compete for the MVP award if he helps Minnesota secure a better record next season.
Given the team’s goal of reclaiming its status as the No. 1 defense in the league, Anthony Edwards and the Wolves could be on track to accomplish this feat. But considering the sheer competition in the West next season, Minnesota will need to see multiple key players step up to the plate if they intend to win it all.
