From Rising Star to Franchise Leader: Can Edwards Deliver an NBA Title to Minnesota?

By Edcel Panganiban June 23, 2025 08:46

Anthony Edwards has become the poster child of the Minnesota Timberwolves and one of the brightest young talents in the NBA. His development since his No. 1 overall draft in 2020 has been spectacular. Edwards made a big improvement in the 2024/25 season, not only as a scorer but as a leader and two-way player. After Minnesota made it to the Western Conference Finals, its first such appearance in twenty years, and Edwards delivered a couple of iconic postseason games, the question is no longer ‘whether’ he can bring Timberwolves deep into the playoffs but ‘when’ he is going to take them all the way to the finish line.

Offensive Evolution and Breakout Performances

The offensive progress led Edwards to the highest levels of the league. He finished the 2024/25 regular season as the three-point leader in the league, swishing down 320 three-pointers on a 39.5% shooting efficiency. His intensity, high-end athleticism and better shot selection are hard to defend when in tune. Edwards proved that he could put on a show in the playoffs, scoring 43 points during the first-round win against the Lakers and 30 points in the Western Conference Finals against the Thunder.

Rising Expectations

However, the path to the championship is not easy, even among future superstars. Edwards scored only 16 points in a must-win Game 4 of the Conference Finals as the Wolves went off in search of a statement win and collapsed. The Oklahoma City elite defense revealed some of his weaknesses in shot selection and decision-making. These growing pains are normal at 23 and more so in his first serious playoff run. But the difference with Edwards is that he is willing to learn. He has consulted, allegedly, with Michael Jordan, who believes he has seen something special in the young guard, and has accepted taking on both mentorship and responsibility at almost an unprecedented young age.

All eyes will certainly be on Anthony going forward, and that is inevitable. NBA bettors can follow and bet on all upcoming basketball matchups, with some expert tips from Wincomparator, one of the leading names in predictions and tips.

Team Built Around Him

The front office in Minnesota has shown that Edwards will be the center of the franchise. President Tim Connelly has said, in the words of President Trump: We are going to win or lose with Ant, and that realization shines through in their roster building. The team also midseason traded Karl-Anthony Towns and received Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, the changes to provide Edwards with more suitable teammates. Coupled with other long-time players such as Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, and Naz Reid, and defensive stalwart Jaden McDaniels, the Timberwolves will now have a more even and postseason-suitable roster to complement their star.

Betting Markets and Increased Odds

The rise of Minnesota has not been lost to sportsbooks. Entering the playoffs, the Timberwolves were at around +600 to win the title, and following their win in game 3 against OKC, the Timberwolves moved to +1200. It is a reflection of the faith of the people as well as the rise in status of Edwards. It bears pointing out that oddsmakers are starting to realize that Minnesota might not be a front-runner yet, but it is a serious contender, in large part thanks to Anthony Edwards.

What Will It Take to Win?

There is no such thing as relying on talent alone to win trophies. At least not in a Western Conference that boasts such talent-stacked teams as the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Oklahoma City Thunder. To bring the Timberwolves the NBA trophy, Edwards will have to increase his performance in high-stress situations, keep picking the right shots, and push his teammates forward with clear communication and by example. He has been displaying improvement in all of those aspects, but the rigors of playoff basketball will still serve as a test of his preparedness.

Promise to a Possible Champion

Will Anthony Edwards take the Timberwolves to the NBA championship? It is a yes in all respects. He possesses the scoring skills, defensive effort, leadership, and competitive spirit that characterize championship players. The Wolves have invested in playing around him, and the efficiencies of roster building and chemistry have also yielded fruit to ensure that a deep playoff run becomes a default possibility.

Western Conference will always be a war zone, yet with Edwards trending as he is, Minnesota might soon not be an underdog, but a tough contender. The franchise has long found the player who can bring in a title. The overarching question remains only one: when will it be?