Anthony Edwards Makes Timberwolves’ Mindset Clear Heading Into New NBA Season

The Minnesota Timberwolves are entering a season where there are heightened expectations surrounding the organization. The expectations stem from acquiring LaMelo Ball via trade with the Charlotte Hornets. 

One of the biggest team needs for the Timberwolves was finding a reliable second option for star player Anthony Edwards, and Ball has the ability to be the player that can take some pressure of Edwards. 

LaMelo Ball's playmaking adds a different dynamic to this Timberwolves offense that has not been seen since Edwards' time with the franchise. Ball averages over 7 assists per game in his career, and has been able to get his teammates involved since entering the NBA. 

Not only does this move help Edwards, but it helps the rest of the team and certain players on this roster could be in for career years. With Ball being a player who can elevate an entire roster, there is external pressure on the Timberwolves to compete for a championship. 

Anthony Edwards was asked about the prospect of hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy this next season, but he has his mind focus on other things surrounding the team. 

"It would mean a lot [to win a championship]... But right now, I don't think we're thinking about winning the championship," Edwards said. "It's step by step. We got LaMelo, a new player, and a bunch of new pieces. So, we are just trying to build it together and I think we're trying to gel it all together.”

Aside from Josh Green, nobody on this Timberwolves roster has played alongside LaMelo Ball in their careers, and there could be growing pains when they try and build their chemistry as the season progresses. 

The hope is that the pairing of LaMelo and Edwards allows both players to play at their ceiling, and it is very possible that can happen. Anthony Edwards is a player who frequently sees double teams in the perimeter, but LaMelo Ball's presence would make it hard for teams to commit to doing so, considering he's also a threat on offense. 

Another player who has gone under the radar since the move was made is Ayo Dosunmu. Dosunmu is a player who can create for himself as well and has the ability to score and take charge of the offense. While he may not be asked to do so, his offensive talent makes him a player teams will have to keep an eye on. 

If Minnesota can figure out how to get every player in the rotation on the same page as LaMelo, they could be a team that makes their way to the Finals.