Anthony Edwards was arguably the NBA’s biggest breakout star last season. He enthralled fans and foes with thunderous, highlight-reel slams, impressive scoring performances, and clutch shotmaking. However, his talents on the court were only part of what made him stand out.
According to Taurean Prince , a former teammate of Edwards on the Minnesota Timberwolves, it was not just his abilities but also his willingness to learn and be coached that set him apart. In an interview with former NBA player Theo Pinson on the “Run Your Race” podcast, Prince cited Ant’s coachability as his best attribute.
Always willing to learn
Let’s face it: some young studs enter the league and immediately believe they’re hot stuff. Whether it’s because they’ve been coddled since their high school days or simply because of their natural ego, some players are not open to taking advice and instruction from coaches. Edwards, always open to receiving instructions or guidance, was a breath of fresh air for Prince and the rest of the Timberwolves organization.
Prince, an eight-year veteran, said this sets the former Georgia standout above the league’s crop of young stars.
“Ant's best talent is he's coachable, you know what I'm saying? Once I saw that in him, I'm like, 'Oh, he listens?’ It's a different ball game when somebody that talented listens and doesn't think they got it all figured out,” Prince shared .
Taurean joined the Timberwolves in August 2021 and soon saw how much work the explosive 6-foot-4 guard put into his craft. From putting shots up after practice to hitting the weight room to ensuring his body was getting proper treatment, “Ant-Man” took no shortcuts on his path to NBA success.
“He's always in the gym, whether it's shootaround day or practice day, always the last one in the gym. He's been working on the back-to-the-basket stuff, bank shots, and he's just now pulling it out this season. It's crazy to see from afar, knowing what he was doing on the daily,” the versatile wing, who recently signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, stated.
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Unwavering confidence
One thing Edwards never lacks is confidence. While it may come off as cocky for others, his unwavering belief in himself comes from the countless hours he has spent in the gym, preparing for those crucial moments in games.
“He truly thinks he's the best player in the world,” Taurean stated. “I remember we were in a series against Denver my last year there. I think we lost the first two, and I forgot who said it, but they were like, 'Man, we should try this or that.' Ant said, 'Man, just give me the ball and get the f**k out of the way. Let's go get it.”
Prince said that while statements like that may sound brash to some, the team understood it was Ant’s competitiveness speaking. They knew he had the skills and drive to back it up. And most importantly, they trusted him to deliver on his word.
“We won the next game, and he had like 30-something points. It's not like he's saying that in a selfish way. It's like he has the confidence that he can really do this and help us win. He believes in himself, and everyone around him respects that,” he expressed.
With Ant leading the way, the Timberwolves made it to the Western Conference Finals last season. Edwards never seems to rest on his laurels and continues to improve each day, so it's no surprise that they have high hopes for their upcoming season.
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