Anthony Edwards defense is the biggest talking point for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season, now that LaMelo Ball has arrived in a blockbuster trade and will run the offense.
Edwards spent the past couple of seasons bringing the ball up the floor and carrying the scoring load. He said that left him too tired to defend the way he wanted.
Why Edwards says his defense will improve
At media day on Sept. 29, Edwards said Ball’s arrival changes how he can spend his energy. “I can go to the corner for three, four plays in a row and just guard the best players,” he said.
Coach Chris Finch said Ball lets Edwards return to a more natural off-ball role with fresher legs for key defensive possessions. Edwards also joked that Finch “harps on me passing the ball,” and added, “now we got LaMelo, so I’m happy,” as reported by NBA.com.
The numbers behind the Anthony Edwards defense push
Edwards averaged 28.8 points per game last season while shooting 48 percent from the field in 61 games. He has never made an All-Defensive team, and his defensive box plus-minus slipped from 0.5 in 2023-24 to minus-0.1 last season.
Team president Tim Connelly has said Edwards must become an elite two-way player to reach his full potential.
What changed in Minnesota’s roster
Minnesota landed Ball on June 25 in a four-team deal that sent Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets, along with draft picks. Ball averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 72 games for Charlotte last season. The Timberwolves also re-signed guard Ayo Dosunmu.
Edwards, entering his seventh NBA season, said he will miss Reid, calling him “my brother,” but believes the new mix of personalities will fit. Center Rudy Gobert, who turned 34 this summer, remains the anchor of the defense, a topic we covered in our report on Gobert trade interest.
What’s next
Training camp opened Sept. 30. Whether Edwards’ words become habits on the court will show up quickly. For more on the star guard, read our look at Edwards’ leadership and behavior.
