Anthony Edwards took the leadership of Team USA during the preparation and confirmed its good performance in the first two World Cup matches even if everything was not perfect.
The back of Wolves especially marked the spirits by slamming 34 points in a friendly success against Germany who led by 16 points in the third quarter. A performance that did not go unnoticed, especially in the eyes of Paul George who appreciates witnessing the emergence of a future superstar in power. As a reminder, Anthony Edwards has only just celebrated his 22nd birthday!
“It’s pretty special to see what he’s becoming. To be ready at this age, at this stage”, did he declare in his “Podcast P with Paul George”. “You put him among all these young stars that he’s going to fight with for the next 10-15 years, and he’s becoming the alpha male of the group. That’s why I was a big fan of him, because I saw star potential in him, I saw the star, the superstar on and off the pitch. The game against Germany was special. He practically put Team USA on his back. It’s hard to do that at this age. International basketball is not easy.
Elegance and versatility
Paul George also said he appreciated his response to Steve Kerr when the latter was considering bringing him off the bench. Kerr saw him in a Dwyane Wade role, Anthony Edwards then pointed out to him that there was no Kobe Bryant in this Team USA team.
But beyond this strength of character which has also contributed to making him the player he is today, PG also noted the versatility and elegance of his offensive game, which is a bit of “Ant -man” the back of the future.
“He is flexible. He knows how to use his athletic side in the right way. That’s what I like about him. He’s a fine player. “I don’t need to bump into you, I’m just going to miss out on this Euro-step.” And you must not forget that he can go upstairs with you too. That’s what’s scary. He’s a special kid, he’s the future.” he added.
See you tomorrow against Georgia to confirm all that.
| Anthony Edwards | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2020-21 | MIN | 72 | 32 | 41.7 | 32.9 | 77.6 | 0.8 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 2.9 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 19.3 |
| 2021-22 | MIN | 72 | 34 | 44.1 | 35.7 | 78.6 | 0.9 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 21.3 |
| 2022-23 | MIN | 79 | 36 | 45.9 | 36.9 | 75.6 | 0.6 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 4.4 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 24.6 |
| Total | 223 | 34 | 44.1 | 35.2 | 77.0 | 0.8 | 4.4 | 5.1 | 3.8 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 21.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
