Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves sits at No. 7 in ESPN's latest NBA player rankings, a slight slip from last year. His path into the elite top five this season runs directly through a renewed commitment on defense and learning to thrive alongside new point guard LaMelo Ball. The team's current momentum, including a 132-126 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on April 13, provides a strong platform for his ascent.
Edwards is coming off a brilliant 2025-26 campaign statistically. He put up a career-best 28.8 points per game across 61 contests, shooting an efficient 48.9% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range. His efforts earned him All-Star Game MVP honors. An injury-shortened season likely cost him an All-NBA spot, as he had previously played at least 72 games in five straight years.
The playoffs were a tougher story. After helping Minnesota to a 49-33 record and a first-round series win over Denver, he suffered a left knee injury in Game 4. He missed the final two games of that series and the Wolves eventually fell to San Antonio in the second round. In 10 postseason games, his scoring dipped to 21.6 points on 42.8% shooting.
Head coach Chris Finch has made it clear. He wants Edwards to reclaim his status as a high-impact defender. Finch explained his reasoning in a September interview. "I think we are going to need him to get back to being a more high-leverage defender for us," Finch said. "His on-ball handling duties will be reduced."
This isn't an unreasonable ask. It's about Edwards returning to a level he's already shown. The players ranked above him, like Jalen Brunson at No. 6, contribute consistently on both ends. Locking in defensively would immediately put Edwards in the broader MVP conversation and catch the eyes of awards voters. It's the most direct route to moving up the list.
The Timberwolves' major offseason move addressed another area for growth. By acquiring LaMelo Ball in a July trade, they gave Edwards a dynamic playmaker to share the backcourt. Ball's arrival should free Edwards from constant ball-handling duties, allowing him to attack off the catch against scrambling defenses. This could even fuel a run at the scoring title.
However, Edwards still needs to refine his playmaking under pressure. ESPN noted his assist rate last season was his lowest since his rookie year. The league's very best players make the right pass out of double teams every single night. Sharing the court with Ball provides the perfect environment to develop that part of his game.
Team success will ultimately cement any individual rise. The Wolves have the roster for a deep playoff run, especially if Edwards is healthy and leading the charge in May. Their recent form shows promise, with three consecutive wins including that 136-132 victory in Houston on April 11 and a 124-104 rout of Indiana on April 7.
Media day kicks off the new chapter. If Edwards answers Finch's defensive challenge and gels quickly with Ball, a spot in the top five of next year's rankings is absolutely within his reach. At just 25 years old, his prime is still ahead of him.
