Anthony Edwards is Watching Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s Tapes to Improve His Game

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards could not lead his team past the Western Conference Finals in 2 straight years.

Anthony Edwards is Watching Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s Tapes to Improve His Game

Anthony Edwards watching Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant tapes (Image via FirstSportz)

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The name Anthony Edwards generally brings an excitement that is rare in today’s NBA. Amidst the lack of true superstars, the Atlanta native’s swagger and personality have made him a player every fan wants to see succeed.

In the last two seasons, the 24-year-old has led his Minnesota Timberwolves to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances. Impressively, he did that playing alongside two different players who occupied the power forward position.

Last season, the trade for Julius Randle saw the team struggle initially. Then, led by Edwards’ improved 3-point shooting, the Wolves surged to finish 6th in the table. After impressively dispatching LeBron James and his 3rd seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the 1st round, Edwards continued his ‘legend killer’ moniker, tossing out the Golden State Warriors in the 2nd.

Both series were 4–1 wins, leaving the Georgia Bulldog and his teammates enough time to rest and recover. Despite that advantage over the Oklahoma City Thunder, they still struggled.

Edwards looked lost in the West Finals, scoring more than 20 points just twice. They also lost the first of those high-scoring games, proving that Anthony Edwards’ game was not good enough to help his Wolves win against championship contenders. This season, he hopes that will change.

This offseason, Ant’s number 1 focus a new area of development: the post-up game, mid-post, high post, low post, establishing a midrange game, and the fadeaway shot from the post. He’s been watching a lot of tape of Kobe and MJ.

Shams Charania revealed on NBA Today

After working on his 3-point shot last season, the 6′ 4″ guard is now studying tapes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, hoping to use their post-up game to take the next step.

Anthony Edwards to use post-up game in playoffs

When Anthony Edwards developed his 3-point shot, he used it to lead the league in made threes as well as those attempted. However, in the postseason, those numbers did not help them advance past the West Finals.

Minnesota believes this part of his game potentially would become a go-to element, especially as games stagnate down the stretch, get slower, particularly come playoffs.

Shams Charania revealed

This could indicate that both the star guard and his team are looking at the playoffs differently. After two failed attempts at reaching the NBA Finals, they might have looked into how to deploy a different tactic late in the postseason.

That dual approach works well, especially when the physicality and pace of the game alters down the stretch. Players have to be capable of adjusting to the needs of the hour, something Edwards and his Wolves could not do against the Thunder.

Anthony Edwards has been quietly working on his game for past 4 months

During the Western Conference Finals, Anthony Edwards was initially dismissive about his lackluster performances. Once they were booted out for the 2nd straight year, his demeanor changed, claiming that he would be the hardest-working player in the offseason.

Anthony Edwards struggled in the West Finals
Anthony Edwards struggled in the West Finals (Image via LHoops/X)

Anthony Edwards has understood, he needs to take the next step in his game. That’s why he has been in the Minnesota Timberwolves facility since June.

Shams Charania said

The Insider believes Ant-Man has finally understood that he cannot escape the results, which is why he has spent the last 4 months in the Wolves’ facilities, working on his game. It is impressive how the 3-time All-Star has managed to stay focused despite his off-court distractions, while also traveling back to Georgia to spend time with relatives. Maybe his dedication will reveal itself in the 2025-26 season.

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