The Minnesota Timberwolves have shown a lot of promise and potential over the past couple of seasons. Their back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Finals, along with the excitement in their play, can directly be traced to their franchise player and global superstar, Anthony Edwards.
As the new season approaches, the Timberwolves’ GM, Matt Lloyd, is perhaps somewhat intimidating the opposition with high praise for his young superstar.
Advertisement
“So, um, we cannot guarantee much in life, but I can guarantee he’s going to have a great year,” Timberwolves GM said on FOX 9 during a recent interview at the Minnesota State Fair.
Edwards, who is entering his sixth season in the NBA, is on track to become the face of the league, which would surely mean fighting for the MVP title and eventually the Larry O’Brien trophy.
New face of the NBA?
In his five years in the NBA, Edwards has been named an All-Star the last three seasons. After finishing second in “The Rookie of the Year” voting to LaMelo Ball, his improvement has been on full display. He went from averaging 19.3 points per game as a rookie to 21.3 in his sophomore year.
Advertisement
Fast-forward to last season, he bumped that up to 27.6 points per game, good enough for the fourth-highest average in the NBA. Ant-Man’s year-to-year improvement was best explained by Minnesota’s GM Matt Lloyd.
“Yeah, I think one of his best attributes is that he’s so significantly self-aware. So, his ability to identify, like, the ways that I can grow and get better. Last year, he decided he had to up his volume of three-point shooting and led the league in three-point shooting,” Lloyd praised the unrelenting will from Edwards.
“So, whatever he puts his mind to and whoever he decides to be, he’s going to be because he just wills it.”
Advertisement
That combination of willpower and personality will only help him reach the heights his front office and the whole city of Minnesota expect him to reach.
Willing himself to greatness
Even though he is only 24 years old, Edwards is rarely satisfied and wants to solidify his legacy for when his playing days are over. GM Lloyd also mentioned Ant-Man’s remarkable work ethic during the summer, which he believes will catapult him in front of the competition.
Advertisement
“And there is some comfort knowing that right now, in the off-season, he’s now 3.5% body fat. He’s ready for the season. Uh, we track all the shooting in the practice facility, and he’s taken 3,600 shots since July 1— the second most on the team. He has set a standard and set a bar for everyone else to meet, and he’s the best player on the team,” Lloyd added.
Ever since joining the league, Edwards has returned to the court sharper, stronger and more complete after each off-season.
GM Lloyd’s claims are not just some sort of front office optimism; rather, they are exactly what fans, players, and coaches around the league are already noticing – a young star turning into a superstar.
Advertisement
The Timberwolves are looking to make a run for the title with Ant leading the way. If Edwards delivers this year as claimed by Lloyd, he will have the kind of season that defines careers and reshapes franchises.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.