Anthony Edwards, also known as “Ant-Man” has rapidly emerged as one of the NBA‘s most promising figures. Recently reaching an impressive milestone of 800 three-pointers, the young star has become the face of a revitalized Minnesota Timberwolves franchise. Born on August 5, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia, Edwards was selected first overall in the 2020 Draft and has since led the Timberwolves on an electrifying journey up the Western Conference standings. With a dynamic style of play and a remarkable scoring ability, Edwards has achieved something few anticipated: positioning the Timberwolves as a serious contender.
At just 23, Edwards has accomplished what once seemed impossible for a franchise historically seen as an underdog. Minnesota, now counted among the league’s top teams, owes much of its success to Edwards, who continues to post impressive averages per game. Yet, his path to stardom was not an easy one, marked by significant challenges and personal loss from a young age.
A CHILDHOOD OF LOSS AND RESILIENCE
Edwards’ life was shaped by adversity early on. At age 14, he lost both his mother, Yvette, and his grandmother, Shirley, to cancer within just eight months of each other. Both women were his emotional pillars, attending his football games—the sport he initially loved. This tragedy forced Edwards to grow up quickly, instilling a resilience that, as he put it, “made him mature through hardship.”
While football was his first passion, basketball soon became his refuge. Though initially uninterested in the sport, his love for the game grew with time, and the number “5” he now wears on his jersey serves as a tribute to his mother and grandmother, who both passed away on the fifth day of the month.
ACHIEVING SUCCESS IN THE NBA
Edwards’ NBA career hit a significant milestone when he scored his 800th three-pointer in the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the Target Center in Minneapolis. At 23 years and 82 days, Edwards became the youngest player in NBA history to reach this milestone, accomplishing it in just 305 games. In doing so, he matched Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry as the fifth fastest player to hit the 800 mark.
Not only has Edwards established himself as a linchpin for the Timberwolves, but his style and skill have drawn comparisons to legends like Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant. This recent milestone further solidifies his impact in the league, positioning him as one of the most promising young talents with a clear trajectory toward greatness.
OLYMPIC GOLD IN PARIS 2024
Representing the United States has given Edwards a new perspective on basketball, prompting a deeper commitment to his craft. His dedication paid off when he was chosen for the star-studded roster to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. As the youngest member of the U.S. team, Edwards shared the court with icons like LeBron James. Together, they achieved a collective triumph, bringing home the gold, a victory Edwards dedicated to his mother and grandmother, who, he believes, would have been immensely proud.
A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD
At just 23, Anthony Edwards’ future is incredibly bright. His experience in the NBA’s 2024 season and his Olympic triumph have demonstrated that his potential is only beginning to unfold. Beyond his physical prowess, Edwards has earned a reputation for his confident attitude and charisma, traits that have endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
With the Timberwolves poised to make history and Edwards’ position solidified among the elite of international basketball, the “Ant-Man” is shaping up to become a legend in his own right. Though he still has much to prove, Edwards has shown he possesses the ambition and ability to etch his name among the NBA’s greats.
