Steve Kerr did not lack flair in performing this editing. At the beginning of August, Team USA was beaten twice by the “Select Team”, so the coach decided to revise his starting five: Anthony Edwards was thus preferred to Cam Johnson alongside Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram and Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Warriors manager has revised his plan after initially considering, based on the sentiment (and votes) of his assistants, bringing the Wolves player off the bench. An idea he had shared with her before the start of training camp.
” Of course that didn’t suit me. If that’s what’s needed, I’m ready to do it. But no, I never agree with that. He said that Dwyane Wade came off the bench when Kobe (Bryant) was playing. I was like, ‘Okay, we don’t have Kobe, but ok.’ But it was cool », formulates the 22-year-old.
The Californian technician was referring here to the configuration of the famous “Redeem Team” at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. LeBron James (15.5 points) and Kobe Bryant (15).
The boss
Except that within the current formation, Anthony Edwards undoubtedly has the strongest offensive potential. The American preparation that followed demonstrated this, especially this match against Germany where the back made an impression with his 34 points.
A match at the end of which Steve Kerr was unequivocal: “ He is unquestionably the leader. You can see he knows it. But now the team knows it, and I think the fans see it. He sincerely thinks he is the best player on the pitch every night. »
Expected among the team’s attacking leaders, Mikal Bridges is of the same opinion: ” Yes, I think so, (thanks to) his aggressiveness and confidence. There are so many guys who can go out there and score. But in his case, his points help us a lot. So I have no problem with that term. (of leader). »
The Wolves player prefers to remain modest, claiming to have taken matters into his own hands against the Germans, but saying that another evening, ” it can be Brunson, it could be Ingram, (Tyrese) Haliburton, Bridges. It was my night, but we have a team full of great players. »
As for his explanation for the fact that Steve Kerr changed tack on his status, he retorts: ” Frankly I do not know. I am just myself. I like to play. I enjoy every time I step onto the pitch, I play with a smile. So I don’t know, it may have convinced them. »
| 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.
