Anthony Edwards as Kermit Wilts: History behind the name and his connection with "Bo Cruz" Juancho Hernangomez

Anthony Edwards, the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, is projected to become a big star in the league. No one probably expected him to have a brilliant future in acting.

Edwards played the perfect foil as "Kermit Wilts" to Juancho Hernangomez’s "Bo Cruz" in the 2022 movie “Hustle.” The former Georgia superstar, although a late addition to the film, had several scene-stealing moments in the film that gave it grit and more realism.

Bo Cruz and Kermit Wilts squashed their beef 😅 https://t.co/gJ6jhypwLC

Portraying an emerging player with a great future ahead of him wasn’t something new for Edwards. He walked the talk and lived up to the hype in his real-life basketball career. Bringing that background to the screen with his trademark vibe and energy just made Wilts even more striking and believable.

Adam Sandler, who played the role of "Stanley Sugerman," an international scout for the Philadelphia 76ers, couldn’t have made a better choice with the “Ant-Man.” Sandler had several NBA players on his mind but eventually chose Edwards for his easygoing manner that is still laced with an edge.

Wilts came to life as the impeccable antagonist, with the game backing up his talk to the hot-tempered Bo Cruz.

It didn’t hurt that there was also undeniable chemistry between Anthony Edwards and Juancho Hernangomez when they interacted on screen. They pulled it off almost seamlessly as the two were teammates with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2020-21 season.

Huge congrats to @adamsandler on his nomination for an amazing performance in Hustle! 👏🏾

@makespringhill | @netflix https://t.co/mXsvbDla44

Anthony Edwards may not have been nominated for anything for his role as Kermit Wilts, but Hollywood will not easily forget him. "Wilts" played a secondary role to "Bo Cruz" but there’s no denying that he had the magnetism and charisma to hold his own.

Anthony Edwards leads the Minnesota Timberwolves past Juancho Hernangomez and the Toronto Raptors

Anthony Edwards played a crucial role in the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 win over the Toronto Raptors tonight. [photo: Dunking with Wolves]

Tonight’s game between the Toronto Raptors and the Minnesota Timberwolves marked the first meeting between “Kermit Wilts” and “Bo Cruz” since “Hustle” came out. Anthony Edwards’ Wilts' character shone throughout the Timberwolves' 128-126 win over the Raptors.

Edwards was feisty and never wilted in the pressure-packed game. He claimed last season that he would be in the Defensive Player of the Year award contention for the next several years.

Tonight, “Ant-Man” played that role, particularly against Pascal Siakam in the fourth quarter. He stifled the Toronto Raptors forward and nearly every player he defended in the last 12 minutes of the game. Edwards finished the game with 23 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals.

“I feel like I’m the best defender in the NBA.”

Ant Edwards joined @ZachLowe_NBA @Rjeff24 and me and started his 2023 DPOY campaign. And yes, he plans to have his accolades stitched onto his Versace robe… 😂 https://t.co/mEBSSLiJjC

The Minnesota Timberwolves were without Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert heading into the game. They also trailed the Raptors by 14 points with a little over six minutes left in the game. De’Angelo Russell came to life with 16 markers in the final period while Anthony Edwards provided the defense and grit.

“Ant” came through when he was needed most both in defense with his job on Pascal Siakam and in offense with clutch baskets. He was only 4-12 entering the fourth quarter but nailed a huge three-pointer to knot the score at 124.

Anthony Edwards was an absolute terror at the point of attack in the 4th quarter vs. the Toronto Raptors, using his length + strength to defend much larger players like Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes.

Ant is such a versatile defender, so fun to watch him defend opposing stars. https://t.co/UoDxGmfJSS

Juancho Hernangomez, meanwhile, came off the bench to play 12 minutes and contributed two points, four rebounds and a steal.