Anthony Edwards deserved to make the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. The NBA announced the players selected to come off the bench February 19th’s All-Star Game in Salt Lake City. In each conference, seven players are selected by NBA coaches. Two guards, three forwards, and two players of any position will come off the bench. Minnesota Timberwolves Guard Anthony Edwards was not one of the players selected from the Western Conference.
Photo Cred: The Guardian
The 21-year-old is averaging 24.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game this season. Only two other guards in the NBA match Edwards’ numbers in each of those three statistics; Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry. Edwards has played in every one of the Timberwolves’ 55 games this season, and he leads the NBA in minutes played.
Due to injuries to Minnesota’s other stars, the organization has relied on Edwards to lead the offense on a nightly basis. Karl-Anthony Towns has missed 34 games, and Rudy Gobert has missed an additional 10. Edwards has still led the Timberwolves to a positive record at 28-27. The team currently sits in position to make the play-in tournament.
Photo Cred: CNN
All the players chosen to represent the Western Conference are having very productive. But not everyone has been able to stay on the court like Edwards. The Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. has only played in 35 games this year, while Paul George of the Clippers has appeared in 39 games. Both players are putting up All-Star caliber numbers, but the time Edwards has spent on the court for his team separates him from George and Jackson Jr. in my eyes.
I am surprised that some NBA coaches who voted did not give Edwards more merit. He is forced to step into the role of the leader in his third season. Although to a recent knee injury to Stephen Curry, Edwards could be selected to take Curry’s place. Despite not being initially chosen, Edwards continues to prove he is one of the best young scorers in the NBA.
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At just 21, the Atlanta natives should enjoy many All-Star weekends over the next two decades. Unfortunately, Edwards will probably have to watch at home. He is having such a monstrous season and has the Timberwolves in the playoff picture. Anthony Edwards has the numbers and proven durability to be an All-Star. Something apparently lost on those who cast votes for Zion Williamson and others.
