Wait… Anthony Edwards is Shooting How Many Three Pointers?

By    |  
Updated:
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves were always going to draw a significant level of intrigue this season. That only ratcheted up when Karl-Anthony Towns was dealt just weeks before the regular season started. Chris Finch needed to make sure offense still worked, and superstar Anthony Edwards has taken it upon himself to answer the call.

Anthony Edwards is going deep for the Minnesota Timberwolves

When the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns their offensive dynamic changed. Towns could hit from deep and has previously won awards for his three-point prowess. Naz Reid would have been immediately expected to fill that void, and Julius Randle could contribute as well. Reality has shown us Anthony Edwards going unhinged from deep though.

“Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards hasn’t been afraid to let it fly from 3 to start the season. He’s shooting 12.3 3s per game, leading the NBA with by far the most 3s he has averaged in his career. James Harden or Curry has led the league in that category each season since 2012-13, but Edwards looks poised to uncrown them, especially if he keeps shooting 43.2% from deep and the Wolves’ offense can be effective. Minnesota ranks 13th in points per possession to start the season.”

Jamal Collier on Anthony Edwards (ESPN)

It has been Edwards who has picked up the most substantial amount of the slack. Of course he was going to be leaned on after Towns was moved. That didn’t mean Edwards was going to immediately change the way he approached the game. While the Timberwolves star continues to drive toward the hoop, he has put in serious effort to add additional opportunity in the box score.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves (Semi)Final Ownership Battle Has Begun

Edwards is hitting 45% of his three-point attempts through the first seven games of the season. That’s a ten-percent jump on his career average, and a serious testament to the focus he put on the opportunity this offseason. The more the NBA skews towards an offensive game, the more hitting from deep becomes a necessity. The early returns for both Edwards and the Timberwolves are positive.

Related: Julius Randle Making It Clear He Wants Timberwolves Stay to be Long Term

You can probably bet on a slowdown for Edwards, but this is an exceptionally strong first step forward. He isn’t going to be Steph Curry when the dust settles, but a better Towns isn’t an egregious bar to clear.

Mentioned in this article:

More About: