In a brief period, Anthony Edwards has established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the NBA. Drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2020 NBA Draft, Edwards came into the league with a big pedigree and even bigger expectations. Until now, Edwards has not only fulfilled his expectations but surpassed them. Edwards? outstanding performances for the Timberwolves have made him a household name and one of the stars of the NBA.
But his journey to the pinnacle of basketball hasn?t been smooth sailing. Anthony held back his tears as he revealed his tough upbringing in Atlanta.
Edwards? Tough Childhood
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Anthony Edwards has quickly made a name for himself with his explosive athleticism and scoring ability in the NBA. His stellar performance has earned him a five-year contract extension with the Timberwolves worth $260 million. This has helped him amass a net worth of approximately $40 million in a brief span of time.
But his journey to the NBA hasn?t been easy, as he had a very tough upbringing in dangerous neighborhoods of southwest Atlanta. Edwards grew up in Oakland City with three other siblings and maternal grandmother Shirley.
Both Yvette (Edwards? mother) and Shirley had a tremendous impact on Ant Edwards? upbringing. They never let the four kids anywhere near illegal activities. They enrolled the kids in church camps and other extracurricular activities like sports.
Antoinette, the older sister of Edwards, commended their mother and grandmother for their approach to parenting. She said, ?You?ve got to work for what you want. They just raised us the correct way. And that?s why we act the way we do. We know how to act around people?.
However, in 2015, both Yvette and Shirley passed away from cancer within an eight-month period. Antoinette, just 20 years old at that point in time, took care of her three younger brothers. Ant credited her sister by saying, ?Me and my two brothers were like sheets of paper and she was the staple. She kept everything together.?
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City of Atlanta Honors the Edwards Family
Adidas organized an event at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Center to introduce Anthony Edwards? first signature shoe. His first signature shoe is an ode to his mother and grandmother, as the first colorway of his signature shoe (AE1) is peach, Shirley?s favorite color. On the back, the Adidas logo is pink, Yvette?s favorite.
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Present at the event, a representative of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens proclaimed that 5th August (his birthday) will be remembered as the Anthony Edwards Day. But the standout moment of the event came when Adidas basketball?s global general manager Eric Wise unveiled a vast mural of Anthony, Yvette, and Shirley. The event served as a celebration of Anthony?s basketball accomplishments and a tribute to the Edwards family.
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