Official Anthony Edwards Thread

[theGreatRC]

Here's a thought to ponder, how good would Edwards season have been if he had a typical off-season to prepare? Most years rookies have 3 months to work with the coaching staff, play in summer league, and adjust to NBA life. This season there was only a couple of weeks. If Edwards had been better prepared, the time he struggled (first couple of months) might have been significantly reduced. Imagine if Edwards had hit his stride after 10 games instead of 35.

This plus imagine him having KAT healthy and finding his stride alongside a winning team playing defense like they want to be in the playoffs. Ants class also gets 10 less games to break rookie records and develop their game for next season.

Imagine Finch being the head coach from the get go(Like Rosas wanted), KAT, DLO & Beas healthy and a full training camp + proper off season for Ant and everyone?

That'll be next season (Hopefully) and hopefully we have a top 3 pick, even if we don't..im super optimistic about next year

[packforfreedom]

Edwards is just so good. not in my wildest dreams, i've imagined him to be this good this fast. I am at a point now where I think, he's the one untouchable player on the roster. Life has been good to us finallly and I fully agree, even without our pick, I could see this team making some noise next year.

[winforlose]

Here's a thought to ponder, how good would Edwards season have been if he had a typical off-season to prepare? Most years rookies have 3 months to work with the coaching staff, play in summer league, and adjust to NBA life. This season there was only a couple of weeks. If Edwards had been better prepared, the time he struggled (first couple of months) might have been significantly reduced. Imagine if Edwards had hit his stride after 10 games instead of 35.

This plus imagine him having KAT healthy and finding his stride alongside a winning team playing defense like they want to be in the playoffs. Ants class also gets 10 less games to break rookie records and develop their game for next season.

Imagine Finch being the head coach from the get go(Like Rosas wanted), KAT, DLO & Beas healthy and a full training camp + proper off season for Ant and everyone?

That'll be next season (Hopefully) and hopefully we have a top 3 pick, even if we don't..im super optimistic about next year

I believe I made this exact point on at least one or two threads (maybe even this one,) earlier in the year. Finch scared the crap out of me when he talked about using less sets and more (I am paraphrasing as I cannot remember the exact term,) controlled chaos, or something like that. I have been very pleasantly surprised. In fact I recently saw a tweet (possibly on this site,) showing the wolves true shooting percentage under Finch, and almost everyone had a nice increase. I believe Finch will elevate Ant if Ant lets him.

[Calinks]

Read on Twitter

[winforlose]

Read on Twitter

This is what I am talking about. Ant is a 32.6% 3 point shooter, and his long 2 shooting percentage isn’t elite, but his dribble penetration and ability to hang in the air and sometimes finish through contact (not to mention hit his free throws,) are where he will make his name and hopefully cement his legend.

[_AIJ_]

Read on Twitter

This is what I am talking about. Ant is a 32.6% 3 point shooter, and his long 2 shooting percentage isn’t elite, but his dribble penetration and ability to hang in the air and sometimes finish through contact (not to mention hit his free throws,) are where he will make his name and hopefully cement his legend.

I dont mind him taking those 3 point shots. Look at Donovan Mitchell, he takes a lot of 3s with bad percentages but he is still a threat.

[winforlose]

Read on Twitter

This is what I am talking about. Ant is a 32.6% 3 point shooter, and his long 2 shooting percentage isn’t elite, but his dribble penetration and ability to hang in the air and sometimes finish through contact (not to mention hit his free throws,) are where he will make his name and hopefully cement his legend.

I dont mind him taking those 3 point shots. Look at Donovan Mitchell, he takes a lot of 3s with bad percentages but he is still a threat.

Mitchell is a career 36.2% from 3 with a season percentage of 38.6%. Last I checked the average was around 35-36% for the league. I don’t mind Ant taking a few 3s here or there or jacking them when he has the hot hand (I am a big believer in feeding the hot hand, and support anyone from any team shooting them on those special nights. Even guys like JO and Vando should jack them if they are on fire,) what I mind is taking them early in the clock especially if the ball wasn’t moved and without trying to find a better shot. A great example of when Ant should take them is on a kick out from KAT or Dlo when he open for a catch and shoot. I also want him to limit his long 2s as they are inefficient. Guys like Dlo take them because they are high percentage and they struggle off the dribble. Guys like Ant can get to the basket and hopefully to the line. Mark my words, Ant may do well from distance, but will thrive off the attack.

[shrink]

Here's a thought to ponder, how good would Edwards season have been if he had a typical off-season to prepare? Most years rookies have 3 months to work with the coaching staff, play in summer league, and adjust to NBA life. This season there was only a couple of weeks. If Edwards had been better prepared, the time he struggled (first couple of months) might have been significantly reduced. Imagine if Edwards had hit his stride after 10 games instead of 35.

Yes, and he’s not just 18, but in those 18 years, he got less true basketball prep than most.

It is downright shocking how good he is this early.

[theGreatRC]

Here's a thought to ponder, how good would Edwards season have been if he had a typical off-season to prepare? Most years rookies have 3 months to work with the coaching staff, play in summer league, and adjust to NBA life. This season there was only a couple of weeks. If Edwards had been better prepared, the time he struggled (first couple of months) might have been significantly reduced. Imagine if Edwards had hit his stride after 10 games instead of 35.

Yes, and he’s not just 18, but in those 18 years, he got less true basketball prep than most.

It is downright shocking how good he is this early.

You're the trade guru around these parts, where you would say Ant's value is at around the league?

[shrink]

Here's a thought to ponder, how good would Edwards season have been if he had a typical off-season to prepare? Most years rookies have 3 months to work with the coaching staff, play in summer league, and adjust to NBA life. This season there was only a couple of weeks. If Edwards had been better prepared, the time he struggled (first couple of months) might have been significantly reduced. Imagine if Edwards had hit his stride after 10 games instead of 35.

Yes, and he’s not just 18, but in those 18 years, he got less true basketball prep than most.

It is downright shocking how good he is this early.

You're the trade guru around these parts, where you would say Ant's value is at around the league?

It’s not that he doesn’t have flaws (like defensive effort and losing his man), but most rookies have those issues. The u believable part is that he has a couple nearly unstoppable moves — at 19! — that may make him a superstar. His trajectory from “oh none of these top three picks are legitimate #1’s six months ago to, “we can’t stop him!” now is ridiculous.

Over on the Trade Board, he still suffers from those draft-time projections for a few people. They followed him as a prospect, and as soon as he wasn’t going to their team, they stopped paying attention. Some of them cling to some bad reads, like he will put in Wiggins-level effort, or he will be a limited passer. However, the vast majority understand what he can be. We don’t have anyone making trades offering a couple of low level starters for him from a rebuilding team. We are hearing from some that he is too valuable for the Wolves to trade. I’m in that camp - we need to see what we’ve got.

In real life, I heard a whisper that an opposing front office values him more than Towns! That’s incredible.

[Baseline81]

Mitchell is a career 36.2% from 3 with a season percentage of 38.6%. Last I checked the average was around 35-36% for the league. I don’t mind Ant taking a few 3s here or there or jacking them when he has the hot hand (I am a big believer in feeding the hot hand, and support anyone from any team shooting them on those special nights. Even guys like JO and Vando should jack them if they are on fire,) what I mind is taking them early in the clock especially if the ball wasn’t moved and without trying to find a better shot. A great example of when Ant should take them is on a kick out from KAT or Dlo when he open for a catch and shoot. I also want him to limit his long 2s as they are inefficient. Guys like Dlo take them because they are high percentage and they struggle off the dribble. Guys like Ant can get to the basket and hopefully to the line. Mark my words, Ant may do well from distance, but will thrive off the attack.

Mitchell's rookie season (21 years old)
3P: 2.4
3PA: 7.0
3P%: 34.0%

Edwards (19 years old)
3P: 2.3
3PA: 7.2
3P%: 32.6%

[shrink]

Anthony Edwards since the All Star Game

31 GM, .44.9 FG%, 34.8 3P%, 28.8% USG%, 5.5 RB, 3.2 AST, 23.7 PPG

I included the usage because it’s important. This production at this usage means Edwards is driving the offense, and isn’t just making easier kick outs. It’s also been great to see that Edwards game can coexist with Russell now that he’s back.

[gandlogo]

In real life, I heard a whisper that an opposing front office values him more than Towns! That’s incredible.

This actually does not surprise me. A lot of the question marks on Edwards heading into the draft were motor and passion for the game related - neither are questioned now. His combo of shear explosiveness and body is matched only by Zion - with better handles and off hand. The improvements in his game shows he’s coachable. At this rate he has a good chance of being the franchise’s most impactful player since KG.

Speaking of KG, Edwards was three months younger than Garnett when they entered the league - and is two months younger than Suggs in real life.

[winforlose]

Mitchell is a career 36.2% from 3 with a season percentage of 38.6%. Last I checked the average was around 35-36% for the league. I don’t mind Ant taking a few 3s here or there or jacking them when he has the hot hand (I am a big believer in feeding the hot hand, and support anyone from any team shooting them on those special nights. Even guys like JO and Vando should jack them if they are on fire,) what I mind is taking them early in the clock especially if the ball wasn’t moved and without trying to find a better shot. A great example of when Ant should take them is on a kick out from KAT or Dlo when he open for a catch and shoot. I also want him to limit his long 2s as they are inefficient. Guys like Dlo take them because they are high percentage and they struggle off the dribble. Guys like Ant can get to the basket and hopefully to the line. Mark my words, Ant may do well from distance, but will thrive off the attack.

Mitchell's rookie season (21 years old)
3P: 2.4
3PA: 7.0
3P%: 34.0%

Edwards (19 years old)
3P: 2.3
3PA: 7.2
3P%: 32.6%

This is a good point. I wasn’t comparing rookie seasons. I do think there are differences in their games, but I didn’t watch a lot of Mitchell’s games so it’s hard to compare them overall. My question (since I don’t know the answer,) is how many of those 3PA were off the dribble vs catch and shoot, and how many self initiated (dribble down and shoot,) vs team initiated (the ball was passed around and Mitchell took the shot?)

[TheZachAttack]

Anthony Edwards since the All Star Game

31 GM, .44.9 FG%, 34.8 3P%, 28.8% USG%, 5.5 RB, 3.2 AST, 23.7 PPG

I included the usage because it’s important. This production at this usage means Edwards is driving the offense, and isn’t just making easier kick outs. It’s also been great to see that Edwards game can coexist with Russell now that he’s back.

Just a question, why use FG% and 3pt FG% instead of 2 PT FG% and 3 PT FG% and/or TS%? I’m just looking to understand why people like to use FG% as a way to understand player performance.

[TheZachAttack]

Mitchell is a career 36.2% from 3 with a season percentage of 38.6%. Last I checked the average was around 35-36% for the league. I don’t mind Ant taking a few 3s here or there or jacking them when he has the hot hand (I am a big believer in feeding the hot hand, and support anyone from any team shooting them on those special nights. Even guys like JO and Vando should jack them if they are on fire,) what I mind is taking them early in the clock especially if the ball wasn’t moved and without trying to find a better shot. A great example of when Ant should take them is on a kick out from KAT or Dlo when he open for a catch and shoot. I also want him to limit his long 2s as they are inefficient. Guys like Dlo take them because they are high percentage and they struggle off the dribble. Guys like Ant can get to the basket and hopefully to the line. Mark my words, Ant may do well from distance, but will thrive off the attack.

Mitchell's rookie season (21 years old)
3P: 2.4
3PA: 7.0
3P%: 34.0%

Edwards (19 years old)
3P: 2.3
3PA: 7.2
3P%: 32.6%

This is a good point. I wasn’t comparing rookie seasons. I do think there are differences in their games, but I didn’t watch a lot of Mitchell’s games so it’s hard to compare them overall. My question (since I don’t know the answer,) is how many of those 3PA were off the dribble vs catch and shoot, and how many self initiated (dribble down and shoot,) vs team initiated (the ball was passed around and Mitchell took the shot?)

His 3 point shot profile is/was very similar to Ant’s. Just a couple more, Booker was 34% on sub 4 attempts his rookie year and was 31.6% on 7 attempts in year 4. Doncic was 32-33% on 7 attempts as rookie and sub 32% on 9 attempts in year 2. Ant’s percentages for Heavy iso, volume 3 point shooting wings who are among the best scorers in the league are pretty comparable to other top guys.

Those guys have taken jumps, but it’s really more similar to Ant’s 35% type 3 point shooting on volume in the second half. Seeing other scoring wings 3 point shooting numbers puts things in perspective for me when I hear some Wolves fans (wrongly) mad that Ant shoots a lot of 3’s.

[winforlose]

Mitchell's rookie season (21 years old)
3P: 2.4
3PA: 7.0
3P%: 34.0%

Edwards (19 years old)
3P: 2.3
3PA: 7.2
3P%: 32.6%

This is a good point. I wasn’t comparing rookie seasons. I do think there are differences in their games, but I didn’t watch a lot of Mitchell’s games so it’s hard to compare them overall. My question (since I don’t know the answer,) is how many of those 3PA were off the dribble vs catch and shoot, and how many self initiated (dribble down and shoot,) vs team initiated (the ball was passed around and Mitchell took the shot?)

His 3 point shot profile is/was very similar to Ant’s. Just a couple more, Booker was 34% on sub 4 attempts his rookie year and was 31.6% on 7 attempts in year 4. Doncic was 32-33% on 7 attempts as rookie and sub 32% on 9 attempts in year 2. Ant’s percentages for Heavy iso, volume 3 point shooting wings who are among the best scorers in the league are pretty comparable to other top guys.

Those guys have taken jumps, but it’s really more similar to Ant’s 35% type 3 point shooting on volume in the second half. Seeing other scoring wings 3 point shooting numbers puts things in perspective for me when I hear some Wolves fans (wrongly) mad that Ant shoots a lot of 3’s.

Every NBA player should improve their 3 point shooting as their rookie year progresses because they get used to the distance change from college. It makes sense Ant’s percentage improved as the season went on. My issue is more with shot selection then volume. People say Dlo is too quick to shoot without passing, (I am one of them,) and they say he chucks them (I am one of them,) but they don’t have the same issue when Ant does it. I am a big believer in running the offense and finding the best available shot. If Ant drives and kicks to KAT for an open 3 or if KAT draws a double and kicks to an open Ant either shot is better than the respective player dribbling down and popping it.

I had an argument with Jed I believe in this thread earlier this season where he said Ant is a lost cause and I said I think he has potential. I stand by my side of the argument and I think he is proving me right under Finch. That said, I agree with Finch that Ant’s greatest value is off the attack rather than the pull up. Ant can get opposing bigs in foul trouble and create opportunities for open shots for other players. The best wings break down the opposing D and make them scramble to cover, often failing and someone either dunking or getting a corner 3. It has happened to us enough times this season. I don’t think this opinion is controversial or radical in any way. I don’t get why it gets so much push back.

[TheZachAttack]

This is a good point. I wasn’t comparing rookie seasons. I do think there are differences in their games, but I didn’t watch a lot of Mitchell’s games so it’s hard to compare them overall. My question (since I don’t know the answer,) is how many of those 3PA were off the dribble vs catch and shoot, and how many self initiated (dribble down and shoot,) vs team initiated (the ball was passed around and Mitchell took the shot?)

His 3 point shot profile is/was very similar to Ant’s. Just a couple more, Booker was 34% on sub 4 attempts his rookie year and was 31.6% on 7 attempts in year 4. Doncic was 32-33% on 7 attempts as rookie and sub 32% on 9 attempts in year 2. Ant’s percentages for Heavy iso, volume 3 point shooting wings who are among the best scorers in the league are pretty comparable to other top guys.

Those guys have taken jumps, but it’s really more similar to Ant’s 35% type 3 point shooting on volume in the second half. Seeing other scoring wings 3 point shooting numbers puts things in perspective for me when I hear some Wolves fans (wrongly) mad that Ant shoots a lot of 3’s.

Every NBA player should improve their 3 point shooting as their rookie year progresses because they get used to the distance change from college. It makes sense Ant’s percentage improved as the season went on. My issue is more with shot selection then volume. People say Dlo is too quick to shoot without passing, (I am one of them,) and they say he chucks them (I am one of them,) but they don’t have the same issue when Ant does it. I am a big believer in running the offense and finding the best available shot. If Ant drives and kicks to KAT for an open 3 or if KAT draws a double and kicks to an open Ant either shot is better than the respective player dribbling down and popping it.

I had an argument with Jed I believe in this thread earlier this season where he said Ant is a lost cause and I said I think he has potential. I stand by my side of the argument and I think he is proving me right under Finch. That said, I agree with Finch that Ant’s greatest value is off the attack rather than the pull up. Ant can get opposing bigs in foul trouble and create opportunities for open shots for other players. The best wings break down the opposing D and make them scramble to cover, often failing and someone either dunking or getting a corner 3. It has happened to us enough times this season. I don’t think this opinion is controversial or radical in any way. I don’t get why it gets so much push back.

I guess I disagree. I think Ant does take some heat checks and some tough step backs, but the majority of his threes off the dribble come from when teams go under screens or sag way off of him. If he wants to reach his ceiling he has to take and make those shots.

[shrink]

Anthony Edwards since the All Star Game

31 GM, .44.9 FG%, 34.8 3P%, 28.8% USG%, 5.5 RB, 3.2 AST, 23.7 PPG

I included the usage because it’s important. This production at this usage means Edwards is driving the offense, and isn’t just making easier kick outs. It’s also been great to see that Edwards game can coexist with Russell now that he’s back.

Just a question, why use FG% and 3pt FG% instead of 2 PT FG% and 3 PT FG% and/or TS%? I’m just looking to understand why people like to use FG% as a way to understand player performance.

You’re probably right, and when I compared those numbers to other players personally, I looked at similar usage and TS%.

If you’re looking for a reason, I came into this as an elite fantasy sports guy, particularly in roto, so it’s probably a leftover habit.

[Playmaker17]

This is what I am talking about. Ant is a 32.6% 3 point shooter, and his long 2 shooting percentage isn’t elite, but his dribble penetration and ability to hang in the air and sometimes finish through contact (not to mention hit his free throws,) are where he will make his name and hopefully cement his legend.

I dont mind him taking those 3 point shots. Look at Donovan Mitchell, he takes a lot of 3s with bad percentages but he is still a threat.

Mitchell is a career 36.2% from 3 with a season percentage of 38.6%. Last I checked the average was around 35-36% for the league. I don’t mind Ant taking a few 3s here or there or jacking them when he has the hot hand (I am a big believer in feeding the hot hand, and support anyone from any team shooting them on those special nights. Even guys like JO and Vando should jack them if they are on fire,) what I mind is taking them early in the clock especially if the ball wasn’t moved and without trying to find a better shot. A great example of when Ant should take them is on a kick out from KAT or Dlo when he open for a catch and shoot. I also want him to limit his long 2s as they are inefficient. Guys like Dlo take them because they are high percentage and they struggle off the dribble. Guys like Ant can get to the basket and hopefully to the line. Mark my words, Ant may do well from distance, but will thrive off the attack.

Ant shoots well enough from 3. And in order to improve he needs in game reps. He is a far more dangerous threat when he shoots 3 point shots, and his % will only improve. But to my point, his 3 point shot doesn’t hurt the team at all. In 14 of his last 28 games he has exceeded 40% from deep. Just let the young man develop every possible aspect of his game to make him an offensive nightmare for opponents