As the NBA season heats up, all eyes are on the Minnesota Timberwolves and their rising star, Anthony Edwards. Coming off an impressive 2024-25 season, where he averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 79 games, Edwards has firmly established himself as the face of the franchise and a contender for the league’s MVP award. His explosive scoring ability and charismatic presence have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. However, with great talent comes great scrutiny, and Edwards is no exception.
Recently, NBA champion and Los Angeles Lakers legend Pau Gasol shared his insights on Edwards, urging the young player to address critical weaknesses if he aspires to reach superstar status. While Gasol acknowledged Edwards’ immense potential, he emphasized that becoming a true leader involves more than just scoring points.
Gasol, who played alongside the late Kobe Bryant during the Lakers’ championship runs, understands what it takes to win at the highest level. He recalled a conversation with Edwards from two years ago, during which Edwards expressed his desire to be the best. This moment highlighted the young player’s ambition but also underscored the journey ahead. “Being the best is not just about scoring. It’s about how you lead your team, how you communicate, and how you show up on both ends of the floor every night,” Gasol stated in a recent interview.
One area where Edwards needs to improve is his defensive consistency. Throughout the 2024-25 season, he averaged 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks, but his overall defensive metrics, such as defensive box plus/minus, remained average. In critical playoff moments, particularly during the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, lapses in defensive focus allowed opponents to gain momentum. Gasol pointed out that Edwards’ lack of commitment on defense, especially in transition, is a glaring weakness that must be addressed.
Gasol’s challenge to Edwards is clear: elevate his game not only during high-pressure playoff situations but also in regular-season practices and games. “You have to push yourself to be great in all facets of the game,” he advised.
Iman Shumpert, another former NBA player, echoed Gasol’s sentiments, suggesting that Edwards could benefit from developing a post-up game and learning how to navigate double teams and complex defenses. The goal is not to reinvent Edwards but to round out his skill set so that defenses cannot easily neutralize him.
With the Timberwolves making back-to-back deep playoff runs, the expectations have shifted from potential to results. If Edwards wants to solidify his place among the league’s elite and bring a championship to Minnesota, embracing Gasol’s challenge may be the pivotal moment in his evolution from star to legend.
As the new season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how Edwards responds to this challenge. With his talent and determination, the sky is the limit, but the journey to greatness requires continuous growth and unwavering commitment. The NBA landscape is ever-changing, and for Edwards, the time to elevate his game is now.