Anthony Edwards Biography, Age, Career & Height
Anthony Edwards is a standout name in the NBA, known for his amazing skills and bright future. He’s already racked up four 40-point games, putting him just behind LeBron James for the most before hitting 21. This dynamic shooting guard is famous for his jaw-dropping dunks, sharp shooting, and determination. In 2024, he played a key role in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the conference finals for the first time in two decades.
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Anthony Edwards Early Life and Education
Born on August 5, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia, Anthony Edwards earned the nickname “Ant-Man” from his dad when he was just three years old. While he would later shine in basketball, his first passion was actually football. As a kid, he played various positions like cornerback, quarterback, and running back, showing off his athletic skills from a young age.
By the time he was nine, he was already recognized as one of the best Pop Warner running backs in the nation, signaling a bright future in sports. However, he switched his focus to basketball during middle school. At 13, he faced a heartbreaking loss when both his mother and grandmother passed away from cancer, leading to his older brother (18) and sister (21) taking him in.
Edwards started off at Therrell High School in Atlanta, quickly making a name for himself as one of the best players in the nation. He put in some serious work with a tough training routine. Later on, he moved to Holy Spirit Prep and switched to the 2020 class.
His high school journey was nothing short of impressive, averaging 29 points, nine rebounds, and two assists per game in his last season. His stellar play earned him five-star recruit status and recognition as the top player in the country when he reclassified back to the 2019 class. He finished his high school days as a McDonald’s All-American.
When it came time for college, Edwards chose the University of Georgia and kept up his impressive performance. He was the leading scorer among freshmen, averaging 19.5 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game.
His efforts earned him the SEC Freshman of the Year award, paving the way for his future in the NBA. However, he did have some struggles, racking up 87 turnovers over 32 games and shooting only 40 percent overall, with a disappointing 29 percent from beyond the arc. After the NCAA tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Edwards decided to leave Georgia and pursue a career in the NBA.
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NBA Career
Edwards entered the 2020 NBA draft as a bit of a mystery, but the Minnesota Timberwolves took a chance and picked him first overall. ESPN highlighted his skills, saying he had a great shooting range, could score while driving, and had a knack for getting to the basket, which made up for his inconsistent college season.
In his second year, Edwards kept turning heads, putting up an average of 21 points, four assists, and five rebounds each game. He made history as the youngest player to sink 10 three-pointers in a single game and even dropped a career-high 49 points against the Spurs. His standout performances were crucial in leading the Timberwolves to the playoffs, where he averaged 25 points per game, proving he could handle the pressure.
Edwards really shined during the 2023–24 season. He put up an impressive average of 25.9 points per game and became the third youngest player in NBA history to hit 6,000 points, following in the footsteps of LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
The Timberwolves wrapped up the regular season with a solid 56–26 record, and Edwards landed in seventh place for the MVP voting. He took it up a notch in the playoffs, averaging 31 points and 8 rebounds per game during Minnesota’s first-round sweep of the Phoenix Suns, including a standout 40-point performance in the series finale.
In the Western Conference semifinals, Edwards kept the momentum going with nearly 28 points per game as the Timberwolves took down the reigning champion Denver Nuggets in an exciting seven-game showdown.
After the Nuggets were eliminated, Edwards made headlines during a post-game chat with TNT’s Charles Barkley. When Barkley mentioned he hadn’t been to Minnesota in about 20 years, Edwards shot back with, “Bring ya ass.” That line quickly caught on and became a hit slogan around the state.
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Acting Career
Edwards had talents that went beyond just playing basketball. In 2022, he appeared in the Netflix film Hustle, where Adam Sandler played an NBA scout. Edwards took on the role of Kermit Wilts, who relentlessly mocks the main character, Bo Cruz (played by Juancho Hernangómez). His performance received positive feedback from critics, and in a review for The New York Times, Amy Nicholson noted that he “shines in the toughest role as a trash-talking antagonist who really deserves a sock in the mouth.”
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Breakthrough and Recognition
In his second season, Edwards really established himself as a key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He put up an average of 21 points with a shooting percentage of 44%, along with four assists, five rebounds, and two steals each game. His knack for scoring from all over the court, combined with his solid defense, made him a serious threat and a headache for rival teams.
A highlight of his sophomore year was the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 15, 2021, where he became the youngest player in NBA history to hit ten three-pointers in a single game. This performance not only showcased his shooting skills but also his calmness in tough situations. Such achievements reflect his development and potential as a future NBA star.
Edwards also made waves during the 2022 NBA Playoffs, even though the Timberwolves didn’t go far. He averaged 25 points per game, shooting a solid 46% from the field and 40% from three-point range. His ability to step up in crucial moments shows he could be a clutch player for years to come.
At just 20, Edwards has already shown leadership and a strong grasp of the game. He has big dreams, aiming to be the face of the league, snag multiple MVP awards, and win an NBA championship. With the way he’s progressing, those goals seem totally achievable.
Conclusion
Anthony Edwards’ ascent in the basketball scene showcases his incredible skill and unwavering drive. He’s faced personal hardships but has still managed to shine in the NBA, creating a story of victory and strength. With his sights firmly on achieving greatness, Edwards is fully prepared to tackle the challenges and chances that come his way, setting the stage for a legendary career in the league.