Anthony Edwards is adding to his arsenal this offseason, and he’s reportedly leaning on some all-time greats to do so.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on NBA Today that the Minnesota Timberwolves star has been watching videos of NBA legends Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan to improve his mid-range game.
“This offseason, Anthony Edwards’ No. 1 focus, a new area of development, and that’s the post-up game,” Charania said. “The mid post, the high post, low post, establishing a midrange game and the fadeaway shot from the post ala Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. I’m told he’s been watching a lot of tape of Kobe and MJ.”
Edwards has turned into an elite scorer over the past few seasons, putting up 27.6 points per game last season. He led the NBA in three pointers made (320) and is an elite finisher around the rim.
But hitting shots from deep and driving towards the basket becomes harder late in the game once fatigue sets in, which led him to develop his mid-range game.
“My understanding is Minnesota believes this part of his game potentially will become a go-to element, especially as the game stagnates down the stretch, get slower, particularly come playoff time,” Charania said. “Anthony Edwards has understood he needs to take the next step in his game if this team is going to take the next step.”
Behind the outstanding play of Edwards, the Timberwolves have reached back-to-back Western Conference Finals after not having won a playoff series since 2004. The next step is competing for a title, and it appears Edwards is serious about doing whatever it takes to get to that level.
Adding even more to his game could result in both success for the Timberwolves and MVP consideration for Edwards.