NBA Analyst: Timberwolves Edwards needs key improvements to get to the next level

NBA analyst Tim Legler expressed his opinion on the key improvement Anthony Edwards needs after losing to the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards received high praise from ESPN analyst Tim Legler after being eliminated in the Western Conference Finals, and also received sharp criticism. The Timberwolves lost 94-124 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5, their second straight season losing in the Western Conference Finals.

23-year-old Edwards scored 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block in the knockout stage, shooting 7 of 18 shots and only 1 of 7 three-pointers. The game was one of the All-Star guard's performances in a generally downturn late in the series. In the last two games of the series, he averaged 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, shooting 38.7% from the field and 14.3% from three-pointers.

After the Timberwolves lost, Legler pointed out on the Dan Patrick show that if the Minnesota Timberwolves hope to go further, both the lineup building and Edwards' mentality must be changed.

"They need to solve the position of the main defender," Legler said. "I love Mike Conley, who has been one of my favorite NBA players throughout his career, and I'm a big fan of him. He's a leader, he's tough and has performed great in Memphis, but he's at a low point in his career and can't create any offensive opportunities for the team. I think Anthony Edwards should improve on that."

37-year-old Conley averaged 8.2 points, 4.5 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game in his 17th season in the NBA, shooting 40% from the field and 41% from three-pointers. In the playoffs, his average data fell to 6 points and 3.3 assists, with a shooting percentage of 30.2%.

Tim Legler said that Anthony Edwards must show his killer instinct to help the Timberwolves upgrade.

Leigler also encouraged Edwards to improve his game style so that he can reach the level of an all-time superstar.

"I think Anthony Edwards needs to understand that he can't only understand the rhythm he has figured out in the game. He needs to feel the rhythm of the game. This is not what he needs to do, he needs to show the style like Jordan and Kobe. I think he has enough athleticism, explosiveness and comprehensive scoring ability to do this."

Edwards ushered in his career's best performance in his fifth season in the NBA. In 79 regular season games, he averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals, with a shooting percentage of 44.7%, and a career-high 39.5%. In the playoffs, he averaged 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, while continuing to shoulder the important offensive responsibility.

Although the Minnesota Timberwolves have gone far in the playoffs for two consecutive years, they failed to advance to the NBA Finals, raising questions about how the team can support the cornerstone of its emerging team. With both veterans and new stars in the team's roster, the focus is now shifting to the offseason — and whether the Timberwolves will make the necessary adjustments to help Edwards advance to the next level.