"What you think": Anthony Edwards has swagger-filled response when asked if he was No. 1 option for Team USA
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards isn't shying away from the spotlight. In Team USA's 86-72 exhibition game victory against Canada, the 6-foot-4 guard put in an energetic performance off the bench. Edwards led the scoring charts for Team USA with 13 points while shooting 60% from the field.
When asked by reporters on Thursday if he viewed himself as the go-to guy against Canada, Edwards' response was filled with swagger:
"What you think?"
Nicknamed "Ant-Man" for his explosiveness on the court, the 22-year-old quickly became a force in the NBA. He's a two-time NBA All-Star and a recent All-NBA Second Team selection, leading the Timberwolves to their best playoff run in franchise history last season.
It might be a bit far-fetched to say Edwards is the key player on Team USA, given that they have star power like Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Steph Curry on the roster. That said, Edwards exudes a different energy, as a fierce finisher who excels at getting to the rim and generating offense for himself or his teammates.
Anthony Edwards calls Kevin Durant the alpha in clutch moments
In February this year, Anthony Edwards said Kevin Durant was the best basketball player ever. He told ESPN's Malika Andrews:
"I have been a fan since I was a little boy," Edwards said. "(KD is) the first seven-footer I've seen put the ball on the floor and hit a pull-up."
Just a few months after their clash in the 2023 postseason, Anthony Edwards will be playing alongside Kevin Durant as teammates. Team USA kicks off its Olympic schedule against Serbia on July 28, and as for who would be the alpha with the game on the line, Edwards said:
“When the game is on the line who’s our alpha? I think Kevin Durant, he better be. … that’s who I came to see. Who I look to for advice? Of course KD. That’s my favorite player of all time, anything I wanna ask, I go straight to him.”
These comments from Edwards show team-first thinking. He knows that although he may not take the last shot every time, his quickness and knack for scoring puts pressure on defenses to create opportunities late in games, be it by himself or someone like Durant.