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Transcript

My pick for MVP is Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards didn’t have just an ordinary summer. He spent his in Paris winning Gold in the Olympics. Accepting a role off the bench, Edwards was the fourth leading scorer on the squad that went 6-0. Being the youngest around all those great players, Antman was soaking up all that knowledge. He talked about learning to play off the ball from Stephen Curry. He was attached to Kevin Durant like a little brother on and off the court. As talented as he is, Ant has another level to reach, and that’s why I’m predicting that he will win MVP in the 2024-25 season.

Edwards is coming off a season where he averaged 25.9 points and 5.1 assists, both career-high averages so far. His game went to new heights in the postseason, averaging 27.6 points, seven rebounds and six and a half assists in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ run to the conference finals. Ant has shown the ability to be a dominant two-way basketball player, something that a player his age doesn’t commit to. He took on the responsibility of guarding the opposing team’s best player. It ultimately did take a toll on him, having to guard Kyrie Irving, wearing Edwards out.

Adding Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle to the team can serve well for the Wolves. Both Randle and DiVincenzo can create off their shots, as well as create for others. This will take pressure off Edwards to create offense for the whole team. As mentioned before, Edwards learned about moving off the ball more. This will add a new dimension to his game, playing off his new teammates. His offensive numbers can take another leap.

DiVincenzo also is a very capable defender, allowing Edwards to not use all his energy on defense every night. Edwards won’t have the burden of guarding the opposing team’s star and can play as a help-side defender. His steal numbers may go up, as Edwards has great anticipation as an off-the-ball defender.

The Wolves have shown that they are contenders in the west, knocking off the former defending champions, the Denver Nuggets. Adding those pieces and Antman only getting better, Minnesota is poised to win a lot of games and make another deep playoff run. Edwards, who is starting to become a likeable and marketable brand himself, will also get the push from the media. With all those things being considered, Edwards will have a very compelling argument why he should be the next MVP.

The Stop and Pop
The Stop and Pop
The Stop and Pop is an in-depth podcast about the beautiful game of basketball and the players who play it.