As many might know, Anthony Edwards is one of the most competitive youngsters in the league. So much so that the 23-year-old has drawn comparisons to the great Michael Jordan. However, that would be the case when the star is on the court. Edwards’ competitiveness has crossed all barriers recently! During the Olympics, Steph Curry sparked a friendly competition between the table tennis team and ANT. Now, Edwards being himself was quite confident that he’d at least score against the professionals.

Though when it came to witnessing their performance, the Wolf quite literally had second thoughts. But there was this one time when ANT’s competitiveness almost took the wrong turn. During his rookie season, Edwards came to know about Alex Rodriguez’s recent career in baseball. His teammate Karl-Anthony Towns recently recalled a conversation in which ANT questioned who A-Rod was. “He say he would be like the best baseball player and A-Rod was right there and they said ‘So you’re better than A-Rod?’. He says, ‘Whos’ A-Rod?'”, KAT recalled.

There was an interview in which ANT admitted that he could play any sport. From baseball to ‘trash can ball’, he believes he could do it all. But on the other hand, not knowing about his team’s owner who was formerly a pro athlete wouldn’t suit his competitive nature. Besides, A-Rod is competing to acquire an additional 40% of the Wolves to bag a majority stake. In fact, Rodriguez and Marc Lore reached an agreement with owner Glen Taylor to purchase the Wolves and WNBA’s Lynx for $1.5 billion back in 2021.

But why hasn’t there been any progression? The simple answer would be the increase in the franchise’s valuation. While Taylor did agree to sell the Wolves for the said amount, he announced that the Lynx and the Timberwolves would be no longer for sale earlier this year. Currently, the Wolves were valued at nearly $3 billion ($2.94Bn) in 2023, ranking 28th in the league in terms of valuation. Even though they were one of the least valuable franchises, the Wolves were valued at $1.67 billion in 2022.

The sudden rise in increase says it all. Not to mention, ANT recently led the Wolves to their first Conference Finals appearance in the last 20 years. This goes on to tell that the franchise will only up the charts in valuation in the coming years. Still, Rodriguez and Lore are determined to bag the majority stake in the Timberwolves. But how can this be beneficial for someone like Anthony Edwards?

A-Rod is a big fan of Anthony Edwards

Being a former athlete, Rodriguez has an idea of how valuable ANT is to the franchise. Moreover, the former Yankee had nothing but respect for the youngster. Additionally, A-Rod believes that people tend to undervalue ANT’s potential. “As good as Anthony Edwards is I think people undervalue him in two ways. Number one, they don’t realize that he is the fastest, strongest, most competitive, highest jumper, he has all of that in spades and I think people do know that. But what I think they underestimate him is how savant he is about learning things so quickly”, said Rodriguez.

There is no doubt that the Wolves have become a serious contender in the West. However, they still might need the right pieces to complete their quest for their first-ever title. With ANT being the new protagonist of the franchise, it is up to the front office when it comes to structuring the teams around the youngster. And yes, this would include the owners as well. It will be interesting to see A-Rod finally get the majority stake in the franchise if he ever gets the chance.

What are your thoughts on Anthony Edwards as the face of the Wolves? Do you think a championship is coming his way in the near future? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.