LaMelo Ball Will Help Anthony Edwards Take Next Step, Explains Wolves HC

LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards have already started working out together before the Timberwolves' training camp opens late next month.

LaMelo Ball Will Help Anthony Edwards Take Next Step, Explains Wolves HC

LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards will be explosive (Image via Kyle Ingram/X)

Basketball fans have been waiting for Anthony Edwards to finally break the mold and become the ‘Face of the NBA.’ Many believe he is the rightful heir to LeBron James, but not winning the championship has kept the crown out of his reach.

That moniker is not something that is passed on just about to anyone. A player has to have the character to show themselves as the league’s face, and the Georgia native has no shortage of it.

He is even one of the best players in the league, but has not consistently found himself either in the race for end-of-season awards or even fighting for a championship.

Edwards has worked on his game and has consistently elevated his scoring and defense. But last season, many noticed that he had moved away from what made him a superstar: attacking the paint.

Part of that could be attributed to the fact that the Minnesota Timberwolves did not have a decent playmaker at their disposal. Now, though, that has changed with the arrival of LaMelo Ball.

It’s about making your best players better. We probably did Anthony a disservice last year at times playing him point guard. It caught up to us… In the playoffs, it was just double-team after double-team… We didn’t create enough catch-and-shoot threes for him, and when you look at the numbers with LaMelo on the floor with his teammates and the efficiency and the production.

Chris Finch said

Chris Finch was basically suggesting that they brought Ball in with two things in mind. Free up Anthony Edwards, and lean into the point guard’s explosive outside shooting. Together, the head coach believes the trajectory will change.

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Wolves HC addresses Anthony Edwards’ Spurs high-five controversy

After talking about how the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to help Anthony Edwards take the next step, Road Trippin’ show host Richard Jefferson asked Chris Finch about the controversial moment when the young star high-fived the San Antonio Spurs eight minutes before the end of the game.

I think it’s probably one of the more misunderstood things that actually has happened… I saw him walk down there, and then when he came back, I said, “You’re not going to the locker room, are you?” Because that would have been a bad look. He goes, “Hell no, coach. I’m staying out here for my guys.”

Finch said

The 56-year-old basically suggested that the media and fans should not have taken that situation out of context. He added that Edwards had been playing through pain. Once he understood his team had no chance of extending the series, he wanted to be done with it.

At the time, Finch thought his star player wanted to leave the court and head to the locker room, which is something he has done before. But this time, Edwards just wanted to stop playing, as he knew there was no chance they would win that game.

Anthony Edwards and retooled Wolves will be a threat

While most of the attention has been about the arrival of LaMelo Ball and how he and Anthony Edwards could possibly become the league’s best young backcourt duo, the team is likely to improve in other areas.

Chris Finch and Edwards
Chris Finch and Edwards (Image via NBA Base/X)

Bringing in a proper point guard in Ball will allow other players to benefit as well. Rudy Gobert‘s contributions on offense have long been a major topic of discussion, with many trolling the Frenchman for earning more than he produces.

Finch revealed that the four-time Defensive Player of the Year can be used as a lob threat, which could improve the team’s overall production. Along with that, the other starters will have to create less and focus on finishing.

These aspects combined can help the Timberwolves take the next step. The likes of Kendrick Perkins believe that the team will surprise many. Given how the Western Conference looks a lot different than it was two months ago, the Wolves may ruffle some feathers.

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