Anthony Edwards is sharpening his game for the next level. According to Shams Charania, the Timberwolves star has spent his offseason locked in on developing a post-up and midrange package, studying Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan to add fadeaways and scoring from every angle on the floor.
“This offseason, Ant’s number 1 focus is a new area of development: the post-up game, mid-post, high-post, low-post, establishing a midrange game, and the fadeaway shot from the post,” Charania said on NBA Today. “He’s been watching a lot of tape of Kobe and MJ, studying their game and how they were able to get the shot off from the post-up game. Minnesota believes this part of his game will become a go-to element, especially as games stagnate down the stretch and get slower, particularly come playoff time.”
The Timberwolves have been teetering on the edge of history for the past few years now, but all it’ll take is another leap from Edwards to reach their maximum potential. With averages of 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last season, Ant was already one of the best, and he believes there’s another level for him to reach.
“Anthony Edwards has understood that he needs to take the next step in his game if this team is going to take the next step. That’s why he’s been in that Timberwolves facility since June. That midrange shot, that post-up game, that fadeaway from the post like MJ and Kobe, that could be a big part of his repertoire this season.”
Offensively, Edwards has very few holes in his game, but it’s no secret that he struggled against double teams. Back in January, he complained publicly about being doubled and later declared his intentions to address the issue. This summer, he made good on that promise and is preparing to add more to his offensive arsenal.
Specifically, Edwards wants to master post-play, much in the same way that Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan did during their careers. Being able to make shots with your back to the basket helped them stay effective against good defense. When they were doubled, they could just turn around and shoot over the defenders rather than being forced to pass out or take an ill-advised shot.
At 6’4″ and 225 pounds, Edwards isn’t particularly big for the shooting guard position, but he can still use his strength and athleticism to make even the toughest shot attempts. If he adds that ability to his game, it will open a whole new world of possibilities for the young superstar.
At the very least, learning from some of the GOATs at his position will serve Edwards well in his quest for greatness. Just five years into his journey, most of Ant’s story has yet to be written, but the Timberwolves are growing increasingly confident that a true breakout season is on the horizon.
If Anthony Edwards really masters the post and midrange game, Minnesota could be staring at its best chance to contend in decades. Edwards has the athleticism, the mindset, and now the hunger to add the final pieces to his scoring arsenal. If he starts punishing defenses like Kobe and MJ once did, the Timberwolves will instantly become a legitimate powerhouse in the West.
