Anthony Edwards

Edwards is one of the most explosive scorers in the NBA, entering the league as the first overall pick in 2020 and developing into a four-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA Second Team honoree, and Olympic gold medalist. Known for his athleticism, shot creation, and competitive intensity, he has anchored Minnesota's offense since his arrival and emerged as the face of the franchise. His combination of power, speed, and perimeter shooting has made him one of the most difficult assignments in the league.

Born Anthony DeVante Edwards on August 5, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia, he grew up in the Oakland City neighborhood. His father gave him the nickname Ant-Man when he was three years old. For much of his childhood, Edwards excelled in football, playing running back, quarterback, and cornerback for the Atlanta Vikings youth program. He became one of the best Pop Warner running backs in the country by age 10 but switched to basketball after watching his brothers play and deciding it looked more fun. He often played with his brothers at their grandmother's house.

Edwards began training with Justin Holland, a former Liberty college player and Atlanta-based trainer, upon entering high school. He started at Therrell High School before transferring to Holy Spirit Preparatory School in January 2017 to improve his academics in a smaller classroom environment. In March 2018, he helped Holy Spirit win the Georgia Independent School Association Class AAA state championship. After reclassifying back to the 2019 class, he emerged as the No. 1 recruit in the 247Sports Top247. He averaged 29 points, nine rebounds, and two assists as a senior and earned McDonald's All-American and USA Today All-USA first team recognition.

By consensus among 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals, Edwards was rated a five-star recruit, a top-five player, and the top shooting guard in the 2019 class. On February 11, 2019, he committed to the University of Georgia, becoming the highest-rated recruit in the program's modern recruiting history. He chose Georgia over Florida State, Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina. He was drawn to the program because two of his favorite players, Dwyane Wade and Victor Oladipo, were coached in college by Tom Crean, Georgia's head coach at the time.

As a freshman with the Bulldogs, Edwards averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists and was named SEC Freshman of the Year. After one collegiate season, he declared for the 2020 NBA draft, where the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him with the first overall pick. He joined a rebuilding franchise and immediately became the offensive centerpiece. He earned All-Rookie Second Team honors and saw his scoring and efficiency improve in each successive season. He made his first All-Star team in 2023 and repeated the honor in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, he won Olympic gold with Team USA in Paris, playing a prominent role in the backcourt.

Edwards is a powerful shooting guard with elite burst, vertical athleticism, and shot-making from all three levels. He attacks the rim with force, absorbs contact, and finishes through defenders with either hand. His three-point range extends well beyond the arc, and he has developed a reliable step-back and pull-up mid-range game. Defensively, he uses his frame and lateral quickness to guard both guards and some forwards, though consistency remains an area of refinement. His competitive fire and willingness to take over late in games have drawn comparisons to the league's most accomplished closers.

Edwards enters the 2025–26 season as a four-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA Second Team selection, an Olympic gold medalist, and the unquestioned offensive leader of the Minnesota Timberwolves. His résumé spans Pop Warner football stardom in Atlanta, a celebrated high school career at Holy Spirit Prep, a record-setting Georgia recruiting class, a No. 1 overall draft selection, rapid NBA development, and international success with USA Basketball.