Among the young NBA talents representing Team USA at the 2024 Olympics, Anthony Edwards has distinguished himself with a blend of confidence and captivating performance. Draymond Green has observed a compelling dynamic where the team's veterans and established leaders, such as LeBron James , Kevin Durant , and Stephen Curry , actively nurture Edwards' development.
"Ant-Man especially he continues to grow and I think what I love most is the way Bron, Steph, and KD are embracing him to like be that next young guy up and kind of giving him the keys to the team in a sense like there If you're watching these games, he's running the show whenever he's on the floor."
"It's his show He was half joking when he said now they're gonna have to learn how to fit around me. But I said half joking, cause he was definitely serious and he meant it, but he says it and does it and go about it in a way where he's confident as hell and very close to cocky."
"But if you understand anything about greatness, you gotta be very close to cocky in order to be great at anything. And so having that belief, being a little cocky, is actually what separates them."
The Minnesota Timberwolves star has not only been a reliable offensive force, but his impact on defense has motivated coach Steve Kerr to utilize him in a more defined role. Notably, the confidence in Edwards extends beyond the coaching staff. In contrast to Devin Booker and Jayson Tatum's fluctuating roles in the starting lineup, Edwards has maintained a consistent presence as a bench player.
Playing 17.6 minutes across the three group-stage games, Edwards has averaged 16.6 points on a remarkable 61.4% shooting from the field while tallying six steals. His productivity has surpassed that of Stephen Curry offensively and even Joel Embiid defensively. Consequently, Green believes Edwards enhances the team's rhythm every time he steps on the court, which is why veterans are encouraged to give him command of the team and make the 22-year-old the catalyst.
While it would have been challenging for any player to assert themselves on the court alongside Durant, LeBron, and Curry, Edwards' confidence remained undeterred after proclaiming himself as the team's 'No. 1' option . The 22-year-old has found motivation to perform more efficiently, embracing the role of a leader.
Given his relatively modest resume compared to other team members, if the Georgia native maintains his current level of play, he is poised to emerge as the face of Team USA by the end of this international campaign.
The combination of his raw talent, confidence, and the mentorship of NBA greats like LeBron, Durant, and Curry could propel Edwards to new heights, solidifying his place as a future star in the league and a leader for Team USA.
Related: Draymond Green Would Take 2024 Team USA Over The Dream Team 'Seven Days A Week'
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