Anthony Edwards Blames Himself, Deep Talent Pool for All-Star Snub

Anthony Edwards has undoubtedly been one of the best players in the Western Conference this season. Yet, the young superstar was not recognized as an All-Star when the reserves were announced on Thursday.

A Minnesota Timberwolves player being passed on for any accolade, in favor of less productive veterans who fans remember fondly and coaches respect in greater fashion, is nothing new. And Ant made one thing clear even before the selections were made.

He doesn’t care. In fact, Edwards wouldn’t even admit he was snubbed. Instead, he pointed to his slow start this season and a deep Western Conference talent pool, as to why he didn’t make the cut.

Here is some of what #Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards told a few of us this morning about not being an All-Star: pic.twitter.com/rG0TPLsPNn

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) February 3, 2023

Just talked to Anthony Edwards. He's unbothered by the snub. "As long as we make the playoffs, that's all I care about."

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 3, 2023

Anthony Edwards on All-Star: "I didn’t even watch it. I knew I wasn’t going to get in. I was more surprised De’Aaron Fox didn’t get in."

Said he thought his slow start to the season was what kept him out.

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 3, 2023

Edwards has only one thing on his mind and it isn’t scheduled two weeks from now. Ant just wants another taste of the NBA playoffs. So on Friday, when he was asked about his All-Star snub, the former #1 overall pick told media members that he never expected to make the roster.

Anthony Edwards WAS snubbed.

Contrary to what Anthony Edwards is telling reporters today, he should be an All-Star. He’s averaging 24.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game (all career highs) to go with a 46% FG%, 37% 3PT% and 54% eFG% (also career highs).

Ant ranks near the top of the conference in multiple important statistical categories, including 1st in steals (6th SPG), 1st in minutes played (1st MPG), 3rd in points (8th PPG), 5th in defensive win shares and 10th in usage %. Not only does he put up huge numbers, he’s always available. Something that has been pointed out by those offended by his snub.

That’ll teach Anthony Edwards to play every game. He needs to load manage his way to the All Star Game.

— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) February 3, 2023

Oh, and he has single-handedly dragged the Minnesota Timberwolves to an above-.500 record beyond the midway point of a season that would have died months ago without him. Instead, the Wolves are well within reach of a top-6 playoff spot come April.

Perfect Attitude

Ant played this situation perfectly. Unlike other stars who play or have played in a Wolves uniform **[cough] KAT [cough] Kevin Love [cough] Stephon Marbury [cough]**, Edwards turned the finger on himself before pointing it to a team goal as his only real concern.

You know Anthony Edwards wants to be an NBA All-Star. Deep down, I’d expect this snub to drive him into an even more dominant 2nd-half of the season. That’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.

Anthony Edwards with a complete takeover in the second half. Just cooked anyone and everyone in front of him. Dude's been a Kawhi-level one man army this year. Looking like the second coming of Wade more and more each game pic.twitter.com/X6QZyQL5i9

— Key Sang (@Phantele_) January 29, 2023

Combined with the increasing comfortability of Rudy Gobert and the eventual return of Karl-Anthony Towns, that should lift the Timberwolves beyond the play-in tournament.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan