Anthony Edwards is one of the best players in the NBA. His offensive skill set has evolved with each season. He is a terrific athlete and can produce some of the most scintillating dunks. But apart from that, he has developed an array of shooting moves, keeping the defense guessing at every turn. He can pass well too and plays with a high motor. Therefore, his journey is one of the most exciting ones in the league. 

As he flips his jersey number back to his college days, the dynamic scorer shares a tragic tale.

Anthony Edwards changes his jersey number

The Forward will enter his fourth season when the 2023-2024 NBA kicks off on 24 October. He used number 1 for three straight seasons. However, he has now switched to number 5. Renowned insider Shams Charania who only weeks ago earned praise of the NBA world for his technical shooting display sat down with the amazing player to discuss the change in number.

The Forward states, ” Five have always been my number, in high school, college, AAU. It has always been a number, a number to me that I always wanted. I tried to get it when I got drafted, I couldn’t, my teammate had it. Opportunity presented itself this year, and I took it”.

Answering Charania’s “what sparked this moment”, the Minnesota Timberwolves wing continues, ”We were just waiting for the right time. This year, I think KAT, KAT likes number 1 anyway so I am gonna take five.”.

The insider then asks, if he will be a “better number five than number one”, the Forward replies,”For sure, sure, whole different player”. He believes that after his switch to number five, the Timberwolves fans will see the “real me”. Shams also asked the new Wolves’ number five what are his goals. The scintillating youngster wishes to win 50 games and ensure that teammate Karl Anthony-Towns makes it to the All-Star game.

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Seven years ago, when he was just 14, a heart-shattering moment led to him choosing number five.

Edwards’ heart-rending reason for picking number five

Talking to The Athletic, Edwards’ manager Justin Holland gave the reasons for the All-Star to pick up the number. When he was just 14, the Ant-Man lost his mother and grandmother to cancer in the same year. Both these women died in May, which means it was the fifth month of the year. Therefore, the number five serves as a tribute to his mom and grandma. Apart from that, Edwards’ birthday falls on the fifth of August. 

While Anthony Edwards hasn’t delved into the subject, those who know him are aware as to why he chose number five. To honor the memories of those who raised him, the young player is trying to get back to his roots.

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Will these rites of passage result in something special for the Wolves? Do share in the comments below.