Anthony Edwards Flirting with Suspension

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Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves are back in action Monday night, now a full week after the NBA All-Star break. This became Anthony Edwards’ team, even before Karl-Anthony Towns left. But the Wolves have struggled to find their identity since he was traded for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.

While Edwards continues to elevate and develop his game in a lot of meaningful and positive ways, Ant is still his own worst enemy during games far too often, especially when it comes to riding referees. Speaking of KAT, this may be a learned behavior via the Big Meow.

Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Every professional athlete has a problem with those who officiate and enforce the rules of their respective sports. But the great ones rarely let it get them off their game. For Anthony Edwards, and previously Karl-Anthony Towns, that’s exactly what happens far too often.

Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards stacking technical fouls

After yet another technical foul on Sunday, his 14th of the season, Anthony Edwards only needs two more before he suspended for reaching the maximum amount of techs for one player in a season (15). The Minnesota Timberwolves still have 24 games to go.

For his 14th technical foul, Edwards gets to pay a $4,000 fine. If he lands a 16th technical, he’ll serve a one-game suspension and will not be given a game check. With a $42,176,400 salary this season, that missed game check equates to $514,346.34.

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After 16, ever two technical fouls after that will result in an additional $5,000 fine, and another one-game suspension. No NBA player has been called for more technical fouls this season than Anthony Edwards. His 14 is even more than notorious cheap shot artist Draymond Green (11) and equally notorious Dillon Brooks (11).

At the rate he is going (a technical every 4.14 games), Edwards is still projected for at least a few more techs before the regular season is over. We’ll see if he can hold himself back… Already without guard Donte DiVincenzo, the Timberwolves can’t afford to lose more of their starting backcourt.

Maturity must win out for MN Timberwolves’ Edwards

Anthony Edwards is 23 years old and having a strong season, averaging a career-high 27.7 points on 43.8% shooting. His 10.3 three-point attempts per game are easily a new career high, and he is hitting them at a career-best 40.9% clip.

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But Ant wants the refs to treat him like the superstar he is. That said, arguing with officials hasn’t gone all that well for him. Head coach Chris Finch needs his superstar on the floor. The more that Edwards can stay off the officials, at this point in his career, the more calls he will probably get.

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