Anthony Edwards needs to tune out the noise, says Gilbert Arenas
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has quickly become one of the NBA’s brightest young talents.
The 22-year-old guard led the Timberwolves to back-to-back Western Conference Finals and finished last season as the league leader in three-pointers.
But former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas thinks Edwards still has a major weakness to fix.
“He do have an Achilles heel… Every time he gets poppin, he sticks his head out there. You gotta get that outside noise under control,” Arenas said on a recent podcast.
Arenas, who had his own fair share of headline-grabbing moments during his playing career, believes Edwards’ habit of engaging with media drama and trash talk could hurt him in the long run.
Former NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin agrees. He warned that Edwards’ outspoken nature might become even more pronounced if he wins an NBA championship.
Edwards has never been one to shy away from the spotlight. Whether it’s his confidence on the court or making headlines off it, he’s comfortable being the center of attention.
In 2023, he made news when reports surfaced that he paid over $1 million upfront in child support – a move that got people talking.
But the numbers don’t lie about his talent. Edwards has 19 career 40-point games before turning 24, more than double his closest competitors Cam Thomas and Jalen Green (9 each).
Despite all the chatter, Edwards continues to shine where it matters most – on the basketball court.
He’s heading into the second year of his massive five-year, $244 million contract with Minnesota. The Timberwolves, under new ownership, are clearly committed to winning, keeping key players like Julius Randle and Naz Reid, though they did lose Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the Hawks.
As Minnesota tries to build on two straight deep playoff runs, the big question is whether Edwards can grow not just as a player, but as a true franchise leader.
He’s already got the talent and drive. Now, staying focused amid his rising fame might be the final piece in his journey to superstardom.
