Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has never been accused of lacking confidence, and his belief in his abilities was on display during a conversation with former U.S. President Barack Obama. Edwards was seen boldly telling Obama he’s the “truth” in Netflix’s Court of Gold docuseries, and he was asked about that interaction on GQ Sports’ Actually Me.
“We was all just chopping it up and I think he was just curious,” Edwards said. “He just said something like, ‘What’s up with this young fella?’ I mean, he don’t know me. I ain’t won no championships. I ain’t got no chance to meet him. So, that’s his first time meeting me, so it was a great introduction.”
That was quite an introduction. Edwards certainly appeared to have made quite an impression on Obama that day. This first meeting took place before the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the 63-year-old spoke glowingly of the Timberwolves star a few months later on the Young Man and The Three podcast.
“Anthony Edwards, I enjoy,” Obama said. “Because he’s just got a charisma on the court, and you can just tell he’s just having fun out there. He likes the smack-talking and the challenge. And he’s so young that he hasn’t figured it out to that next level, right?
“A guy like Luka [Doncic], who’s been playing pro ball since he was 15, he’s seeing the court in a different kind of way than Anthony Edwards is,” Obama continued. “But over the next few years, what he’s going to be doing…”
Well, Obama hasn’t had to wait a few years, has he? Edwards has been dominating in this first-round series against Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers. The 23-year-old is averaging 29.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game against the Lakers thus far.
Edwards has been the best player in this series, outplaying not just Doncic but LeBron James as well. He has shone on both ends of the court and is the biggest reason why the Timberwolves are leading 3-1.
Fans usually are somewhat put off by players who come across as a bit cocky. When you back up the talk by producing the way Edwards has on the court, though, no one can really take issue with you for running your mouth. He is just that good, and he knows it.
Edwards’ play on the court and his infectious personality have led to many touting him to be the next face of the NBA. The three-time All-Star isn’t interested in being the face, though, and had an interesting explanation for why that’s the case.
“Man, there’s a lot of s*** that comes with that face of the league, all that,” Edwards said. “You know what I’m saying? I try, but I just—my people know—I just want to play ball, and go to the crib, and play my game. I’m not really into all the other stuff, but they be wanting me to get into it.”
Edwards isn’t interested in everything else that comes with holding that title. He just wants to play basketball, but if he keeps performing this well on the big stage, he will start being seen as the face.
Edwards will be in action next when the Timberwolves take on the Lakers in Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday at 10 PM ET.
