Following the victory over the Bulls, Rudy Gobert exposes Anthony Edwards’ significant development.
Following the Minnesota Timberwolves’ hard-fought victory over the Chicago Bulls, Rudy Gobert shed light on a critical factor in the team’s recent success: the significant development of young star Anthony Edwards. Gobert, who joined the Timberwolves last season and quickly became one of their defensive anchors, has observed a marked improvement in Edwards’ overall game, which he believes has been crucial to their strong start this season.
In the post-game press conference, Gobert highlighted Edwards’ growth in his approach, emphasizing that he’s now playing with an advanced sense of maturity and awareness on the court. “Anthony has always had that natural ability, that athleticism that makes him a unique player,” Gobert said. “But now he’s learning how to harness it. He’s becoming smarter with his decisions, and it’s making a big difference for us.”
A major aspect of Edwards’ development has been his refined decision-making on offense. Known for his explosive scoring ability and fearless attitude, Edwards is now blending his offensive skills with a more calculated playmaking mindset. Gobert pointed out that Edwards has improved in knowing when to drive aggressively to the basket and when to distribute the ball to his teammates. This has transformed him from a pure scorer into a more complete offensive threat.
Against the Bulls, Edwards showcased this evolution, scoring efficiently while also involving his teammates at key moments. His shot selection has improved, and he’s shown a greater willingness to pass out of double-teams, keeping the defense off-balance and allowing the Timberwolves to capitalize on open shots. Gobert was quick to emphasize how Edwards’ better understanding of the game has impacted team chemistry and opened up opportunities for everyone. “He’s not forcing it anymore; he’s trusting us, trusting the team,” Gobert noted. “When he plays like that, we’re a lot tougher to guard.”
Perhaps even more striking is Edwards’ development on the defensive end, where Gobert himself has served as a mentor. While Edwards has always had the athletic tools to be a strong defender, he’s now embracing a team-first mentality, helping out on rotations, closing out on shooters, and showing greater commitment to his defensive assignments. Gobert commented on this growth, stating, “Defense is about heart and understanding, and Anthony has both now. He’s buying into the team’s defensive identity, and that’s huge for us.”
Gobert’s praise of Edwards’ defensive commitment reflects a newfound level of trust in his teammate. As Edwards grows into a more well-rounded player, he’s also stepping up as a leader, helping to establish a culture that values both ends of the court. This added dimension has made the Timberwolves one of the league’s most exciting young teams, with aspirations that extend well beyond the regular season.
Edwards, for his part, acknowledges the value of Gobert’s experience and mentorship, saying that he’s learned a lot about the subtleties of the game from his veteran teammate. “Rudy’s been great. He knows what it takes to win, and he’s helped me see things differently on both ends,” Edwards said after the game. “I want to be a player who can help this team in every way, not just scoring.”
With Gobert’s support and Edwards’ rapid improvement, the Timberwolves are making a statement in the Western Conference. If Edwards continues to develop at this rate, the Timberwolves could be a serious contender, with Edwards positioned as the face of the franchise.
In Gobert’s words, “Anthony is becoming the kind of player who can lead a team. He’s understanding what it takes to win in this league.” This endorsement from a defensive stalwart like Gobert speaks volumes about Edwards’ progression and hints at a promising future for both Edwards and the Timberwolves.