Anthony Edwards was once seen as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. After being selected first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards quickly showcased his immense talent, scoring ability, and athleticism, drawing comparisons to some of the league’s greats. His potential seemed limitless, and many were excited to see him continue to grow into one of the league’s top players.
However, recently, Edwards has hit a rough patch. His performance has taken a noticeable dip, sparking discussions among analysts, fans, and NBA insiders. On Inside the NBA, the crew of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson dove into the regression of the Timberwolves star, analyzing what might be going wrong for Edwards and what it means for his future in the league.
A Star in the Making—But Now Facing Challenges
When Anthony Edwards first entered the league, he immediately looked like a future superstar. His scoring ability was off the charts, and his physical tools—standing 6’4″ with elite athleticism—made him an instant mismatch for defenders. During his second season in the league, Edwards made significant strides, averaging 21.3 points per game and becoming a key player in the Timberwolves’ rotation.
However, the expectations for Edwards were sky-high coming into this season. Many analysts believed he would take the next step—elevating his game to an All-Star level and becoming the leader the Timberwolves needed to compete in the stacked Western Conference. But instead, he has struggled with consistency, particularly with his shooting, and hasn’t been able to maintain the level of play he displayed last season.
This regression has been a source of frustration for fans in Minnesota and around the league. On Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley pointed out that, while Edwards still has all the physical tools to be great, the mental aspect of his game seems to be holding him back.
The Shooting Struggles
One of the most noticeable aspects of Edwards’ regression has been his shooting. After shooting 41% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range last season, Edwards’ shooting percentages have dipped significantly this year. His struggles from beyond the arc, in particular, have been concerning, as he is now shooting well below league average from three-point range. For a player with Edwards’ skillset, this is a critical part of his game that he needs to improve.
On Inside the NBA, Kenny Smith discussed how shooting inconsistencies are common for young players, but Edwards’ drop-off has been more pronounced. “He’s not shooting the ball with the same confidence,” Kenny said. “When you’re as talented as Edwards, it can be tough when your shot isn’t falling—especially when you start questioning your form or your decision-making.”
Edwards’ tendency to rely on his athleticism and explosive drives to the rim has kept him effective at times, but his inability to consistently stretch the floor or hit open shots has hurt the Timberwolves’ offensive flow. In a league where shooting is so critical, Edwards’ struggles have become a major talking point.
Decision-Making and Shot Selection
In addition to his shooting struggles, Edwards’ decision-making has come under scrutiny. While he has shown flashes of brilliance as a scorer, his shot selection and playmaking have not been as polished as expected. Edwards often forces difficult shots or takes ill-advised attempts that lower his overall efficiency.
Charles Barkley made a pointed remark about this on Inside the NBA, saying, “You can’t just rely on athleticism to get by. You’ve got to get smarter with your shot selection. He’s a great talent, but right now he’s taking too many tough shots that aren’t helping his team.”
The young guard has the tools to be a complete player, but the need for better decision-making is evident. For Edwards to reach his full potential, he will need to develop more patience and a better understanding of when to take over and when to trust his teammates.
The Timberwolves’ Expectations and Pressure
The Minnesota Timberwolves had high expectations for this season, especially after trading for Rudy Gobert to pair with Karl-Anthony Towns. This move was supposed to create a more balanced and competitive team, with Edwards as the focal point of their offense. But as the season has progressed, the Timberwolves have found themselves struggling to find consistency, and Edwards’ regression has only added to the team’s challenges.
Shaquille O’Neal, ever the blunt analyst, noted on Inside the NBA, “The Timberwolves need Edwards to step up and be the man. But the pressure to do that can weigh on a young guy. It’s hard to balance that responsibility with growing your game.”
While Gobert and Towns have contributed, the lack of significant progress from Edwards has left the Timberwolves in an awkward position. They need Edwards to be a consistent leader on both ends of the floor, but right now, he’s far from meeting that demand. The team’s struggles reflect the growing pains of a young player trying to navigate the expectations that come with being the franchise’s face.
Does Edwards Have the Mentality to Bounce Back?
While Edwards’ regression is concerning, the big question is whether he has the mental toughness to bounce back. Throughout his young career, Edwards has shown moments of maturity, and his confidence has been a key part of his rise. But the challenge now is whether he can regain that confidence after a tough stretch of games and improve on the aspects of his game that have held him back.
On Inside the NBA, Ernie Johnson spoke about the importance of a player’s mentality during times of struggle, noting, “The great ones don’t let their slumps define them. They find ways to work through it, learn, and come out stronger.”
For Edwards, this will be a defining moment in his career. The league is full of young players who experience growing pains, but the ability to adjust and adapt is what separates future stars from those who fade into mediocrity. Edwards has the potential to overcome these challenges, but it will require significant self-reflection and a commitment to improving his game.
The Timberwolves’ Future With Edwards
Despite his struggles, the Timberwolves are not giving up on Edwards. The franchise still believes in his potential and sees him as the cornerstone of their future. The key now is how the team can support Edwards in his development. The addition of Gobert has helped shore up the Timberwolves’ defense, but offensively, the team will need to create a system that allows Edwards to thrive without putting too much pressure on him to be the primary scorer every night.
The Timberwolves may also need to adjust their expectations. Edwards’ progression may not follow the linear path that many hoped for, and instead of rushing him into a leadership role, the team should focus on developing his skills and allowing him to mature at his own pace. The Timberwolves’ front office and coaching staff will need to be patient as Edwards works through his regression, ensuring he has the right environment to succeed in the long term.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards’ regression has been one of the most talked-about storylines of the season, with many wondering what happened to the young star who showed so much promise. From his shooting struggles to inconsistent decision-making, Edwards’ growth has hit a bump in the road.
However, as Inside the NBA analysts pointed out, this is not the end of the road for Edwards. He’s a supremely talented player, and with the right mindset and support, he can bounce back. The key will be his ability to adjust his game, improve his shooting, and make smarter decisions on the court. The Timberwolves’ future is closely tied to Edwards’ development, and how he responds to this adversity could determine whether he becomes the superstar the team hoped for or whether he falls short of his potential.
For now, the basketball world will be watching closely as Anthony Edwards works to get back on track. The clock is ticking, but the potential for greatness is still very much within reach.
