Anthony Edwards is undeniably making waves in the NBA, yet his name often escapes mention when fans debate the top five players in the league. It's not about being overlooked deliberately; rather, the conversation seems stuck in past accolades and future projections.
After a standout performance at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, Edwards has reignited discussions, reminding everyone why he deserves a spot in these elite conversations.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, reigning MVP, Finals MVP, and NBA champion, holds a firm place in these debates. Nikola Jokic, with his three MVPs and championship pedigree, is often paired with Gilgeous-Alexander in discussions about the best in the world.
Following them, we find the usual suspects: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Victor Wembanyama. Each of these stars has earned their praise, and while Tatum's injury might temporarily sideline him from the conversation, the focus remains on Antetokounmpo, Doncic, and Wembanyama.
But let’s talk about Edwards. Since the 2023-24 season, he’s been proving why he should be a fixture in any top-five discussion.
Anthony Edwards: A Rising Force in the NBA
At just 24, Edwards has been an All-Star for four consecutive seasons and earned All-NBA Second Team honors in 2023-24 and 2024-25. These accolades highlight his talent, yet somehow he remains on the fringe of top-five talks.
In those seasons, Edwards led the Timberwolves to back-to-back Western Conference Finals. That’s no small achievement, especially considering only Minnesota and Indiana reached the Conference Finals in both 2023-24 and 2024-25. Although they fell to Gilgeous-Alexander's Thunder and Doncic's Mavericks, Edwards deserves immense credit for being the driving force behind these deep playoff runs.
This is particularly impressive given the Timberwolves' history, having made just one Conference Finals appearance before 2023-24 since 2003-04.
Anthony Edwards: Dominating the Game
In the 2025-26 season, Edwards has elevated his play, becoming a dominant and efficient scorer. Averaging 29.3 points per game on .493/.402/.795 shooting, he’s third in the scoring title race.
Remarkably, Edwards is the only player averaging at least 29.0 points with over 40.0 percent shooting from beyond the arc. He joins an exclusive club of players who've achieved this feat, including legends like Larry Bird, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Michael Jordan, and Damian Lillard.
Despite his regular season brilliance and postseason success, Edwards remains just outside the top-five discussions. Perhaps the narrative will shift as the 2026 NBA Playoffs approach, but for now, Edwards continues to wait for the recognition he undoubtedly deserves as a top-tier talent.