The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the NBA’s most talented rosters and are capable of deep playoff runs, making it to two consecutive conference finals despite making major trades between campaigns. Through it all, Anthony Edwards has emerged as a real-deal superstar with dazzling bursts of offense, and fans hope that he can evolve into a player capable of carrying the team in crunch time.

However, one of those trades might be limiting ANT’s ability in ways we may not realize. Trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle has altered the team’s spacing and offensive identity, and have left limited opportunities for Edwards to devel0p one particular scoring ability.

League insider Zach Lowe highlighted recently that Edwards’ post-up development has been slower than usual. “Three years ago…Anthony Edwards was in my most intriguing players column at ESPN, and he and I talked on the phone about developing a post-up game…Since then, essentially nothing has happened,” Lowe said, bringing attention to the point that this is a critical skill for Edwards to learn that would help him become a fully versatile scorer. Lowe emphasized that Edwards’ midrange pullup efficiency hovered around 39%, highlighting the need for him to diversify his scoring beyond drives and pullups.

The current Timberwolves roster is constructed in a way that complicates Edward’s ability to expand his game in the post. Lowe highlighted that Randle’s interior-heavy style and inconsistent shooting has reduced Ant’s touches in the post, whereas KAT’s spacing gave him lanes to increase his post touches if needed. He specified, “If it’s Randle and Reid or Reid and Gobert, you have a little more space to work with,” indicating backup forward-center Naz Reid’s ability to provide similar spacing to Towns. Lowe also added, “He needs to get better at hitting pull-up twos off the dribble. That’s the playmaking dimension I’m talking about.”

Edwards has already shown an ability to develop his scoring skills, going from shooting 35.7% on 6.7 attempts in 2023-24 to 37.5% on 10.3 attempts last seasons from beyond the arc, which has made his stalled post game even more puzzling, averaging just 0.5 post-ups last year. However, unlocking this skill could help transform the team. Adjustments, like running inverted pick-and-rolls on smaller defenders and lineups which prioritize spacing by running Reid, would help create the post touches he need needs to develop his skills. This would add a new dimension to Ant’s scoring, moving him closer to top-tier status, as well as maximizing his impact in high stakes moments.

That takes further importance when we consider how ANT is often seen to have similarities with Michael Jordan. Jordan was one of the most dynamic post scorers and would often convert difficult shots despite being covered by multiple defenders at a time. That era did not demand increased focus on three-point shooting, something ANT has undoubtedly worked towards. However, his interior threat becomes one of the final pieces of the puzzle that can help Edwards become one of the most complete scorers in the league.

Anthony Edwards chasing Michael Jordan’s greatness

Anthony Edwards, after the 2023-24 playoffs, drew a lot of comparisons to Michael Jordan, and it wasn’t as outlandish as you might thing. Many former and current players have pointed to similarities. Legend Kevin Garnett, who played against Jordan, noted that, “I saw that same fire,” and even his Timberwolves teammate, Mike Conley, said, “They have a lot of the same mannerisms… that same kind of work ethic, that same kind of ‘I don’t sleep at all at night because I’m ready to play, I’m ready to hoop.” Even the man himself, Jordan, said that, “I see similarities between Anthony Edwards’ game and mine.” These endorsements showcase the combination of his electric mix of talent and determination that has observers awestruck.

Despite their similarities, Edwards’ game differs in many key areas. Jordan’s career was defined by automatic mid-ranges, elite post-ups, and an unparalleled defensive intensity, earning nine All-Defensive First Team selections along with a Defensive Player of the Year award. Edwards is still early in his career, and his mid-range and post game are far from Jordan, though he draws a lot of similarity to a younger Mike, with elite athleticism and insane scoring bursts. Even then, there is still quite a gap between their abilities.

Some perspectives from media have gone against the popular opinion. Charles Barkley was one major voice, saying, “America, please… stop comparing him to Michael Jordan,” citing the high bar Edwards is being compared to. Edwards himself has shown a desire to forge his own identity, while acknowledging that the comparisons are flattering. Edwards certainly has the potential to carve out his own legacy, even though it will take more consistent success.