Analyst makes surprising pick for 2024-25 NBA MVP

Anthony Edwards has rapidly emerged as one of the NBA's premier young talents. Last season, he cemented himself as a future superstar of the league by spearheading the Minnesota Timberwolves' run to the NBA Finals. He has quickly taken over from Karl-Anthony Towns as the franchise's cornerstone and has drawn comparisons to some of the NBA's greatest competitors.

During a recent episode of ESPN's "NBA Today," former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins picked the 23-year-old as a front-runner in the MVP race.

"The young man that knocked off the defending champs out of the postseason," Perkins said. "His name is Anthony Edwards...Look, I think right now, from watching what I saw last year, especically in the Olympics, Edwards is out to get his. He wants to win, but this year, I wouldn't be surprised if leads the league in scoring. He's not waiting on anyone. I know he wants to win a championship, he has said that time and time again, but [he] also wants to stack up those individual accolades."

Edwards has been in the NBA for four seasons, earning an All-Star selection in each of his last two campaigns with the Timberwolves. He also finished seventh in MVP voting in 2024 and earned a spot on the All-NBA second team. Making such a big splash at his young age is incredibly encouraging for Minnesota fans, who will undoubtedly be hoping Edwards can help lead the franchise to a championship in the future.

Nevertheless, Perkins comments are somewhat perplexing. He recently accused Jayson Tatum of being selfish for stating he would like to win an MVP award, noting how the All-NBA forward should be more focused on winning a second championship.

"It's simple. Selfish. Selfish. He's selfish,” Perkins said. “I'm not being negative right now, but seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others. I have no problem with a player being somewhat selfish and wanting to accomplish things on an individual basis."

In truth, it doesn't matter whether anyone has their eye on winning an MVP award. To be considered in the voting process, players must be dominant for teams with a winning record. Edwards can easily make a case for himself, especially if he continues to develop and embraces his role as a primary option on Minnesota's roster.

Still, Edwards will face stiff competition from more experienced players such as Tatum, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. The upcoming season may be too soon for Edwards to crown himself as the best player in the NBA, but in truth, it won't be long until he's firmly in that conversation and challenging for the award on a yearly basis.