Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly told NBA reporter Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic that he believes Anthony Edwards is “primed to have a monster year.”
“He’s just a great guy,” Connelly said about Edwards. “And the people around him are great. He loves the city, he loves the organization. He and (coach Chris Finch) have a special bond. He’s a positive teammate, which in this day and age is not always the rule. Sometimes it’s the exception. He’s an uplifter of this entire team, and we couldn’t be more lucky to have him. And I think he’s going to he’s primed to have a monster year.”
The Timberwolves drafted Edwards with the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The Atlanta native is averaging 21.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists in the NBA. Edwards put up a career-high 24.6 points per game last season. He made the All-Star team and helped the Timberwolves make the playoffs for the second year in a row.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Edwards, Tim Connelly, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Minnesota and Edwards agreed to a five-year maximum contract extension that could be worth up to $260 million this summer. Edwards would have become a restricted free agent next offseason if the Timberwolves didn’t sign him to an extension. The franchise was never going to let that happen.
“His work ethic has been insane this offseason,” Connelly added about Edwards. “I mean, the guy’s in the best shape of his life. He’s so excited to take the next step, excited with the guys on this team and what they can do as they grow together. But I think with him, anything that’s not sincere or not kind of true to who he is, I think he smells it out quickly. So him forging his path, I think is the challenge that we’ve given him. And how can we help ensure he’s doing it in a way that’s reflective of who he is?”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Edwards, Tim Connelly, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Edwards has quickly established himself as one of the best players in the NBA. After signing his new contract, the Georgia native will likely be under pressure to lead the Timberwolves past the second round of the playoffs.
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