Even though the United States had failed badly at the World Cup, Anthony Edwards had earned the status of “superstar of tomorrow”. As proof, he is the only one, with Tyrese Haliburton, to have saved his place in the 2024 Olympic Games squad, and at only 22 years old, the Wolves guard impresses with his charisma. With a smile on his face, he is a great client for journalists, but also, at the same time, a killer for his opponents.
“He plays with joy”, summarizes Steve Kerr. “He never seems to be under any tension or stress.” However, the person concerned had spoken of “butterflies in his stomach” at the idea of finding himself on the court with LeBron James, and soon with one of his role models, Kevin Durant.
“I was really nervous, and I’m not going to lie,” Edwards explained after the victory against Australia in the preparation match. “I told LeBron I've never been nervous like that. This is my first time in the Olympics. I was really nervous. I don't know what made me nervous. I just was.”
Never in conflict with his teammates
Perhaps the person who best sums up Edwards' personality is the Wolves' announcer. “He has that killer instinct, but his reputation with his teammates is different than Kobe and Michael, who almost scared their teammates.”analyzes Mike Grady. “Everyone loves Ant. He values his teammates without confronting them. He puts his teammates forward.”
“He always wants us to succeed” Jaden McDaniels had testified in the playoffs. Mike Conley echoed the same sentiment: ” When you get to know him, you realize how much he cares about other people. That's rare in players early in their careers.”
This personality, both generous and relaxed, was born from two tragedies: the deaths, from cancer, of his grandmother and then his mother when he was 14 years old. “I never think the world is going to end. I'm always positive, I'm always happy, I've been through the worst, so the sky will never fall on my head.” he explained during the playoffs.
This positive spirit drives him, but also rubs off on others. But he doesn't calculate. He simply enjoys the moment. “I remember seeing these guys [Durant, Curry et James] playing against each other in the final. I was in front of my television cheering them on. And now I'm here with them. It's an honour for me. I'm just happy to be here.”
