Anthony Edwards announced his arrival as basketball’s next megastar with a dominant first-round playoff performance against the Lakers on their home ground. The Timberwolves phenom averaged 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in the series, capped by a 15-point, 11-rebound, 8-assist closer in Game 5. His combination of explosive scoring, clutch playmaking, and defensive intensity overwhelmed Los Angeles, proving he belongs among the league’s elite.

Despite his heroics, Edwards playfully rejected MVP chatter. These MVP chants have followed Edwards all season, but his response never wavers. “Nah, not really. That’s what they got Wemby for,” he told reporters, deflecting praise to Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama. Analyst Shannon Sharpe backed Edwards’ stance, arguing stars shouldn’t be forced into roles they don’t want. Yet Edwards’ 26.8/8.4/6.2 playoff line makes the case for him regardless. His humility makes the push even more compelling. Ant’s rejection and recommendation for this title were also ignored by an Ex-star.

You’re right. Chandler Parsons nailed it on Run It Back by saying, “He’s the face of the league…whether he wants it or not.” Lou Williams immediately co-signed. They marveled at Edwards’ rare gift, dominating with Jordan-esque fire while flashing a kid’s joy. The harder he tries to deflect the spotlight, the brighter it shines. Basketball can’t resist a superstar who plays with that smile.

Lou added to Anthony Edwards‘ tendency to have a contagious smile by saying, “It’s healthy for the game.” Then came the walk. From Crypto.com Arena to the Ritz-Carlton. Lou Williams framed it perfectly: “That’s Ant-Man’s walk. His victory lap.” That comment captured everything: the swagger, the showmanship, the new energy fueling these playoffs. The game’s thriving. And Edwards? He’s not just winning. He’s making basketball must-see TV again.

“This is everything we needed, he’s competitive, trash-talking, electric,” as Lou Williams put it. The playoffs have silenced doubters about declining interest, said Lou: “The year that we said that the fans weren’t interested or the game was a lil’ stagnant. That proves to not be true in these playoffs.” Much of that renewed energy stems from Anthony Edwards’ infectious brand of basketball.

Anthony Edwards—The Scale to Measure Jalen Green’s Potential

Fred VanVleet just framed Anthony Edwards as the NBA’s new gold standard for young shooting guards. The Rockets veteran didn’t mince words. While hyping teammate Jalen Green’s potential, he admitted only Edwards sits in a tier above. “I don’t know if you can get another 2-guard with more upside than Jalen… maybe Ant in Minnesota,” VanVleet stated. The comparison isn’t just about stats. It’s about trajectory. Edwards’ third-year leap from raw athlete to playoff alpha is now the blueprint Green must follow.

The parallels are undeniable. Both entered the league as explosive scorers with defensive questions. But Edwards’ transformation into a two-way force while maintaining that electric scoring punch sets the bar. VanVleet knows Green has the tools: “He has the talent. There’s no reason he can’t reach that level.” Yet the Rockets guard’s playoff inconsistencies (38 points one game, 24 total the next three) highlight the gap between potential and proof. Where Edwards embraces the moment, Green is still learning to own it.

VanVleet smartly name-dropped Devin Booker, too—another star who turned early struggles into stardom. But Edwards hits different. It’s not just about scoring. It’s about imposing will. Ant’s demolition of the Laker versus Green’s playoff growing pains shows the maturity gap. As VanVleet noted, “Potential can get intoxicating.”

Here’s the truth: Edwards isn’t just Green’s ceiling. He’s the entire measuring stick. VanVleet’s message is clear Green has the athleticism to match Ant’s highlights, but must now chase his mindset. Until then, Edwards remains the scale that measures every young guard’s potential. And the weight? It’s heavier than it looks.