Minnesota fans, do you remember the days Kevin Garnett patrolled the paint, and the fans used to chant “MVP! MVP!”?. While the same level hasn’t been reached since then, Anthony Edwards doesn’t look too far off. The Ant-Man, aged 22, has taken the NBA world by storm as he leads the Wolves on newer terrains. With the instance stirring people to consider him the possible new face of the NBA, former players JJ Reddick and Richard Jefferson have more to substantiate.

On an episode of the Road Trippin podcast, the two NBA champions spoke about the confidence and unmatched energy that Anthony Edwards has brought to the Timberwolves. These comments have highlighted the transformative impact Edwards is having on the franchise.

Anthony Edwards: the catalyst for confidence

Having played 4 seasons in the NBA, Edwards has established himself as a prominent figure in the dressing room. The defensive prowess, as an explosive athlete, averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 79 games has undoubtedly been a crucial presence in helping the Wolves to their first semifinals since 2003-04.  With numbers to back, Jefferson acknowledged the aspect, elevating Edwards to an elite status for the franchise.

“I think the confidence that they are playing with is in an organization. They truly believe that they have a young superstar, a young Michael Jordan.” Edwards has performed match-winning performances on numerous occasions, just like Michael Jordan. The swagger that Edwards brings to the game is unmatched.

Jefferson further called out Edwards as the Savior of the team. Jefferson said, “They (Timberwolves) believe that they have a savior. They believe that they have a savior on their team.” Since Edwards joined the Timberwolves, they have reached the playoffs for the 3rd time in 4 seasons. This year they have broken the shackles of getting eliminated in the 1st round, and they are favorites to win the NBA championship.

The 22-year-old leader for Timberwolves

JJ Reddick commented about Edwards’ hidden talent, which may surprise some. Reddick mentioned the maturity that Edwards brings to the game. Reddick said, “There is maturity with Anthony Edwards um that you don’t often see uh just in terms of the way that he carries himself there’s maturity in his game and I just the attitude that he approaches these games with that to me feeds down the system.” Edwards leads the team by example through his work ethic and match-winning performances.

Even though the Timberwolves have experienced players like Mike Conley & Kyle Anderson famous for leading their team on the court, the 22-year-old youngster’s leadership speaks volumes. His game-high 43 points against the Nuggets in Game 1, helped the team take an early lead in the series. His 27-point, seven assist, and two rebound performance next game, wasn’t less of a showcase of his essentiality.

The most (66) 30+ scorer of the Wolves has made the Wolves no longer just a team with potential, but a team that believes they can win, and that belief starts with Anthony Edwards. Add Rudy Gobert & Karl-Anthony Towns to the list and ring look just in reach for the team with no Championships.