The 2025-26 season came to a disappointing end for Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the Wolves managed to scrape their way past the Denver Nuggets in the first round with a shorthanded roster, Minnesota eventually came up short in the second, marking the end of another campaign.
Needless to say, the franchise entered the offseason with several questions about its roster. In a sudden turn of events, however, the team triggered some major moves, parting with key players like Julius Randle and Naz Reid to retool around Anthony Edwards. Among the most prominent additions they made during this process was acquiring LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets.
With Edwards being paired with Ball, the Timberwolves now boast a unique, star-studded backcourt. While many are excited about seeing the two play together, during the Fanatics Fest in New York, Edwards opened up about the new partnership, stating:
“It’s definitely going to be ups and downs. First year together, maybe a lot of downs. We’ll celebrate both of them. Celebrate the ups, celebrate the downs, and just go with it.”
On paper, the duo of Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball has the potential to be one of the best in the league. However, Edwards’ mature response may help manage expectations while also compensating for the inevitable growing pains the team will face.
Regardless, the Wolves will certainly be exciting to watch. With a playmaker like Ball effectively freeing up Edwards to do what he does best, Minnesota has every reason to look forward to seeing its superstar unleashed.
Anthony Edwards On Being The Face Of The League
At just 24, Anthony Edwards is regarded as one of the best players in the NBA. As one of the torchbearers for the next generation of superstars in the league, Edwards is undoubtedly among those capable of becoming the face of the NBA. However, in alignment with previous comments, the Wolves’ guard remains hesitant to embrace such a title.
During his interview, Anthony Edwards was asked about his status as one of the faces of the league. Although he has outright rejected the title in the past, the 24-year-old provided a more detailed rationale this time, stating:
“I think the face of the league comes with a lot of responsibilities, and I think one of those is winning a championship. I haven’t done that yet. Maybe Jalen Brunson or one of those guys.”
Given that the event was in New York City, mentioning Jalen Brunson as the face of the league, especially after Brunson and the Knicks ended the city’s 53-year-long title drought, was bound to elicit a positive reaction. For all intents and purposes, this reasoning also seems valid.
Although Anthony Edwards is one of the most gifted players in the NBA and has repeatedly proven himself as a superstar, the lack of silverware is glaring. Given that players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who are roughly in the same generation, have already achieved title glory, Edwards makes a solid case for others to be considered the face of the league before him.
To some, this may be viewed as reluctance. But for others, this could also be perceived as masked motivation. Edwards isn’t necessarily shying away from being the face of the league; it seems like he wants to be deserving of it.
Given how demanding the task at hand is, Edwards’ mental fortitude and desire to win will certainly be put to the test next season. But with another capable star next to him, the 24-year-old finds himself in a favorable position to contend.