Javair Gillett, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Vice President of Sport Science, has explained how superstar Anthony Edwards could easily play another spot at the highest level.
Anthony Edwards is the talk of the town in the NBA world. He just led the Minnesota Timberwolves past LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs.
Edwards recently opened up on his mentality, something that sets him apart from many of his peers. It’s the reason Anthony’s being touted as the potential next face of the NBA.
There doesn’t seem to be anything the 23-year-old can’t do. Standing at 6’4 and weighing 225 pounds, Ant is widely regarded as one of the most complete NBA guards.
And while he’s on his way to becoming one of the greatest basketball players ever, some believe he could be capable of dominating in other sports as well.
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Antman’s explosive athletic ability has led to some highlight dunks and spectacular blocks. If he weren’t a basketball player, he would still be an athlete.
Edwards played football as a youngster in Georgia. And Javair Gillett, the Timberwolves’ Vice President of Sports Science and Performance, thinks he is still capable of doing it.
“I like to use what I call a transfer strength index. This is multiple variables that then transfer onto the court. Anthony is above and beyond at the top,” Gillett said on an episode of Year 5.
“He jokes around that he could play football, but I believe if he trained specifically for that sport, he could. He has good hips, his step back, his ability to decelerate on a dime, and create separation.
“That’s a function of strength, the ability to do that without knee pain. That’s the work in the weight room, and then his explosiveness, modifying things in season, all of a sudden, now you know you’re heading in the playoffs and you’re maximizing your explosiveness.”
Growing up in Georgia, Edwards played football from the age of four. He was immensely skilled as a child, playing as a quarterback, running back, and cornerback.
However, by the time he got to high school, Edwards had shifted his focus to basketball. Speaking on Sonya Curry’s Raising Fame podcast, his brother revealed why.
“He started playing football at the age of 4. He played quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, like every skill position. Like he was doing it with ease,” Antoine Edwards said.
In 10th grade, Ant got hurt during a game, and that was that. “He thought his leg was messed up,” Antoine revealed.
“He came walking to my room and said, ‘Not playing football anymore.’ I was like ok.”
It’s hard to imagine a transition to the NFL for Edwards; the era of two-sport athletes is long gone. If there’s someone who could do it, Ant’s name would be right at the top of the list.