Anthony Edwards has never hidden which role he feels most comfortable playingand LaMelo Ball’s arrival could finally allow him to return to it full-time. After a season in which Minnesota asked him to take on more playmaking responsibility, the trade for the former Charlotte guard changes the Timberwolves’ offensive balance.
Minnesota explored several possibilities to add a true playmaker, checking in on big names such as James Harden, Darius Garland and Ja Morantbefore ultimately turning to LaMelo. It is a move that significantly changes the team’s identity, sacrificing some of the old roster’s physicality in exchange for creativity, spacing and speed in transition.
Edwards appears to be one of the players happiest with the new setup. During Media Day, he made it very clear how much he prefers playing away from primary ball-handling duties:
I feel like I’m a natural shooting guard. I never thought I could develop point guard skills. I know coach Finch stresses a lot that I need to pass the ball more, but we have LaMelo, so I’m happy
Anthony Edwards
The need became even more obvious after the departure of Rob Dillinghamwho was traded to the Bulls in the deal that brought Ayo Dosunmu to Minnesota. The young point guard had failed to establish himself as a reliable starting option, leaving the Timberwolves to rely mainly on Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo for much of the ball-handling.
With Ball, the picture changes. LaMelo can take on more of the creation duties, push the pace and find Edwards in situations where No. 5 can focus primarily on what he does best: attacking the defense and putting points on the board.
The offensive fit between the two will inevitably be one of the biggest storylines of the new season. After coming close to making the final leap in recent years, the Timberwolves have changed the formula: handing the playmaking duties to LaMelo and allowing Edwards to return more fully to his natural role could be one of the keys to finally going all the way.