Anthony Edwards didn’t take a playoff loss and hide from it. He used it as a push to get better, faster. That’s what makes this story fun to follow.
This blog breaks down how a tough ending can turn into a smart offseason plan, without getting stuck in the sadness.
We will cover why Edwards wanted help from Michael Jordan, what kind of skill work he’s chasing, and why small details can change big moments.
We will also look at why people compare Edwards to Jordan, where Edwards is different, and how this mindset could shape the next season. If growth stories hit the right spot, this one will too.
Anthony Edwards Calls Michael Jordan for Advice
After a thrilling playoff run, the Timberwolves fell to the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Instead of sulking, 23-year-old Anthony Edwards turned the loss into fuel.
Through a mutual friend, he opened a direct line to Michael Jordan. Edwards wants help mastering tough pull-ups, getting to his spots, and finishing possessions like a champion when the game slows down.
- Reached out after elimination, choosing growth over frustration and turning heartbreak into a blueprint today.
- Used a mutual connection to start talks with Jordan, seeking real, detailed shooting guidance fast.
- Focused on getting to favorite spots, rising up, and shooting cleanly over defenders under pressure.
- Sees this moment as a turning point, aiming for superstar consistency in big playoff games.
If Edwards absorbs Jordan’s lessons and sharpens his midrange pull-up, the next postseason could end differently, with Minnesota’s leader closer to greatness than ever before.
What Michael Jordan Actually Taught Anthony Edwards
When Jordan talked to Edwards, he didn’t give generic advice like “work harder” or “believe in yourself.” Instead, MJ got technical. Really technical.
Jordan focused on the little details that separate good scorers from great ones:
- How to create separation from defenders
- Maintaining perfect balance while shooting
- Getting elevation over taller defenders
- Reading the defense mid-move
These aren’t things you can learn from watching YouTube highlights. These are secrets that only come from someone who spent 15 seasons making defenders look silly.
Edwards wanted to know how to pull up and shoot over anyone, anywhere on the court. Jordan showed him exactly how it’s done.
The Post-Play Detail Most Fans Missed
Here’s where things get really interesting. Jordan gave Edwards a specific tip about post play that sounds simple but changes everything: lean with your upper back instead of your hips.
Wait, what does that even mean?
When most players back down a defender, they lean with their whole body or push with their hips. That works sometimes, but it also makes you lose balance and control.
Jordan taught Edwards to use his upper back to create space while keeping his lower body stable and ready to make a move.
Why does this matter? Because when you finish through contact in the paint, balance is everything. If your hips are out of position, your shot becomes a prayer.
But if your upper back creates the space while your lower body stays balanced, you can finish strong even when defenders are draped all over you.
This one tip could boost Edwards’ efficiency in the paint significantly. He’s already explosive and athletic, but adding this kind of technical skill makes him nearly impossible to stop.
Why Anthony Edwards and Michael Jordan Are Compared
Let’s be real, people don’t compare every young guard to Michael Jordan. The Anthony Edwards – Michael Jordan comparisons happen for specific reasons:
| What They Share | How It Shows Up |
|---|---|
| Explosiveness | First step that defenders can’t react to |
| Mid-air control | Ability to adjust shots while flying through the air |
| Aggressive scoring | Attack-first mentality, especially in big moments |
| Two-way potential | Elite offense AND elite defense capabilities |
| Confidence | Never afraid to take the big shot |
Edwards plays with the same kind of fearless energy that made Jordan special. He attacks the rim like he owns it. He talks trash. He backs it up with performances that leave fans speechless.
Differences that Make Edwards His Own Star
But here’s the thing, Edwards isn’t trying to be Jordan 2.0, and that’s perfect. The game has changed, and Edwards has adapted:
- Three-point volume: Edwards shoots way more threes than Jordan ever did because that’s what modern basketball requires
- Offensive spacing: Today’s NBA spreads the floor differently, giving Edwards different opportunities
- Leadership style: Edwards leads with energy and emotion in his own unique way
The comparisons are flattering, but Edwards is building his own legacy. The Jordan mentorship just helps him do it better.
Anthony Edwards’ Clutch Struggles and Why MJ’s Advice Matters
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Against Oklahoma City in the playoffs, Edwards struggled when it mattered most. He shot 11-for-39 from three-point range in that series. Those aren’t MVP numbers.
Edwards knows it, too. He didn’t make excuses. Instead, he admitted exactly what needs to improve:
- Clutch moment execution: Making smarter decisions when the game is on the line
- Attacking the rim more: Using his athleticism instead of settling for tough jumpers
- Reading defenses better: Knowing when to shoot and when to pass
This is where Jordan’s late-game mentality becomes pure gold. Nobody in basketball history was better in clutch moments than MJ. He thrived when the pressure was highest. He wanted the ball when everything was on the line.
If Edwards can absorb even a fraction of Jordan’s clutch-time mindset, the entire league should be nervous.
Timberwolves Chemistry and Edwards’ Leadership Growth
Good news for Wolves fans, the team is staying together. Seven of their top eight scorers are returning next season. That continuity matters way more than people realize.
Edwards hasn’t been sitting around during the offseason either. He’s been:
- Running summer workouts in Minnesota with teammates
- Going one-on-one with Julius Randle to build chemistry
- Studying film obsessively
- Working on his conditioning
“We’re building chemistry before the season even starts,” Edwards said about the offseason work. That’s leadership. That’s growth. That’s what championship teams do.
The Anthony Edwards – MJ connection adds another layer to his development. He’s not just working harder—he’s working smarter by learning from the absolute best.
Coaches See MVP DNA in Anthony Edwards
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has watched Edwards transform right before his eyes. According to Finch, the changes go way beyond just scoring more points:
Edwards’ Growth Areas:
- Film study obsession (watches tape like a veteran)
- Physical conditioning improvements (stronger, faster, more durable)
- Better floor manipulation (knowing where to go and when)
- Advanced playmaking skills (creating for teammates, not just himself)
Finch sees something special brewing. The kind of special that wins MVP awards.
What Edwards Needs to Do to Enter MVP Conversations
The MVP race in today’s NBA is brutal. You’re competing against Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and other generational talents. But Edwards can get there by focusing on:
- Scoring consistency: Putting up 28-30 points per game on good efficiency
- Playmaking execution: Averaging 6-7 assists while limiting turnovers
- Team success: Leading the Wolves to a top-3 seed in the West
The tools are all there. Now it’s about putting everything together night after night.
What This Means for Anthony Edwards’ 2025-26 Season
Jordan’s mentorship could be the missing ingredient that launches Edwards into superstardom this season. Think about it, he’s already one of the most talented players in the league.
Now add championship wisdom from the GOAT? The Western Conference won’t know what hit them.
But let’s keep it real, the competition is fierce:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Young, hungry, and getting better
- Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic plus improved shooters
- Dallas Mavericks: Luka and Kyrie are a nightmare duo
Edwards and the Wolves will need to bring their A-game every single night. The good news? Edwards’ mindset shift matters more than any stat line.
Players who seek out wisdom from legends and actually apply it tend to make massive jumps.
At the End
Anthony Edwards is stepping into the next chapter with a sharper purpose. The goal isn’t just to score more, but to score smarter when the pressure gets heavy.
Learning tiny details, like balance, spacing, and timing, can turn tough shots into clean looks and close games into wins. That kind of work also lifts everyone around him, because better decisions create better team basketball.
The biggest takeaway is simple: real stars don’t wait for change, they chase it. If these lessons stick, the next big moment won’t feel like a wall, it’ll feel like a door.
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