The draft night whispers were a muddled chorus. Anthony Edwards, the top pick out of Georgia, a physical marvel with flashes of brilliance and a healthy dose of the unknown. Tom Crean, his college coach, saw echoes of a young Dwyane Wade, that explosive downhill force with a burgeoning skillset. But the consensus, the analytical hum, leaned towards a different comparison: another Andrew Wiggins, the tantalizing athleticism never quite coalescing into consistent dominance, a gifted scorer perhaps relegated to a secondary role on a true contender. Some even conjured images of streaky gunners, the J.R. Smiths and Dion Waiters of the world, capable of scorching outbursts but lacking the all-around game to truly dictate winning.

Fast forward five whirlwind seasons, and the narrative has been emphatically rewritten in bold, underlined font. Anthony Edwards, now a three-time All-Star (2023-2025), has not just arrived; he’s staking his claim as one of the league’s elite, his burgeoning resume a testament to a relentless drive and a rapidly evolving game.

The numbers paint a compelling picture, a tapestry woven with franchise milestones and statistical anomalies that defy easy categorization. Edwards holds the Timberwolves’ single-season record for three-pointers made, a testament to the dramatic improvement in his once-questionable perimeter shot. He was the youngest player in NBA history to reach the dual milestones of 2,000 career two-pointers and 1,000 career three-pointers, a feat showcasing his multifaceted scoring prowess. And when the stakes rise, so does Edwards, owning the franchise record for most points in a playoff game, a mark etched in the annals of Timberwolves lore.

This season alone has been a highlight reel of ascending dominance. He outgunned the seemingly un-outgunnable, dethroning Steph Curry and his former teammate Malik Beasley to capture the coveted 3-Point Contest crown. At 23 years and 82 days old, he became one of the five fastest players in NBA history to reach 800 career three-pointers, tying the very Curry he’d just bested.

Then there are the statistical oddities, the lines that make even the most seasoned analysts double-take. He stands alone as the only player in NBA history to record a stat line of at least 40 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals, and 5 three-pointers in a single game – a breathtaking exhibition of all-around impact. And at 21, he became the youngest player ever to drain ten three-pointers in a contest, eclipsing a record held by Kyrie Irving, another guard whose offensive artistry was never in doubt.

But the true measure of Edwards’ ascent lies not just in the regular-season accolades, but in his playoff metamorphosis. He isn’t just a scorer; he’s a King Slayer. Over the past two postseasons, he has stared down the league’s giants and emerged victorious. He vanquished Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP and consensus best player on the planet, a triumph that sent shockwaves through the league. He orchestrated a stunning sweep of the Phoenix Suns, dismantling the star-studded duo of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. These improbable playoff runs propelled the Timberwolves to just their second Western Conference Finals appearance in franchise history, a testament to Edwards’ undeniable leadership and burgeoning two-way dominance.

This year’s opening-round matchup against LeBron James and Luka Doncic felt like a coronation for the established order. Every pundit, every betting line, favored the Lakers to advance, predicting a series that could stretch to seven games. Edwards, however, had other plans. He didn’t just compete; he seized control, leading the Timberwolves to a decisive series victory, silencing the doubters and further cementing his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure. Oh, and somewhere along the way, he also added an Olympic gold medal to his burgeoning trophy case, a testament to his standing among the global elite.

Rewind to his arrival in Minnesota, and the raw potential was undeniable. The electricity, the explosive athleticism, the infectious energy – it was all there. But the refinement, the consistent shooting touch, the nuanced understanding of the game? Those were works in progress. Credit Chris Finch and his coaching staff for their meticulous development plan, and equal credit to Edwards himself for his unwavering dedication to his craft. He has diligently honed his jumper, transforming from a streaky threat to a legitimate knockdown shooter. His defensive instincts have sharpened, his playmaking vision has expanded, and his overall feel for the game has blossomed.

Anthony Edwards is still scratching the surface of his immense potential. His ceiling remains stratospheric. But even at this relatively early stage of his career, he has already etched his name into Timberwolves history. If he continues on this trajectory, the conversation won’t just be about whether he’s the best player in franchise history; it will inevitably shift to whether he can deliver the ultimate prize, the elusive Larry O’Brien trophy, to a fanbase that has waited patiently for a true king to ascend the throne. The King Slayer has arrived, and his reign in Minnesota is just beginning.