In a league where load management has become the norm, Anthony Edwards stands out as a beacon of durability. Over the past three seasons, he's only missed nine games, a testament to his resilience and commitment. But this year, things have been a bit different for the Minnesota Timberwolves' star.
Edwards has already missed 10 of the team's first 56 games this season. While he's on track to meet the 65-game requirement for end-of-year awards, it's not a guarantee. His primary obstacle has been a nagging right hamstring issue, sidelining him for stretches in October, November, and December.
Despite these setbacks, Edwards has been nothing short of spectacular when on the court. In 46 games, he's averaging a career-high 29.3 points per game, with impressive shooting percentages-40.2% from beyond the arc and 55.6% inside it.
As we look ahead, the All-NBA First Team could be within reach for Edwards, though MVP honors might be a stretch without a dominant post-All-Star performance. He's currently eighth in the Kia MVP ladder, trailing some formidable talents like Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama, who also need to maintain their game appearances.
For Timberwolves fans, there's no concern about Edwards taking games off without reason. In a tightly contested Western Conference, where the Timberwolves are just 1.5 games behind the third-place Denver Nuggets, every game counts. Edwards' presence and performance are crucial as Minnesota looks to make a strong push in the latter half of the season.