Growing up, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards idolized Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant, especially when he played in the Olympics. Now that they’re teammates, the young guard shared one dream of his that came true when he joined Team USA.
Edwards is set to make his Olympic debut for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Games. Despite the presence of established NBA superstars like Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry on the roster, the 22-year-old is not shying away from the spotlight.
The Timberwolves boldly declared himself the number one option on a loaded Team USA squad, stating that the other players will have to fit in around him. This confident mindset comes on the heels of a sensational playoff run in 2024, where Edwards averaged 27.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists while shooting 40% from three-point range.
The young guard has already been named an All-Star twice and made the All-NBA Second Team in 2024. While the Team USA roster features numerous NBA champions and MVPs, Edwards’ self-assurance is undeterred.
This brash attitude from Edwards underscores his rapid rise to stardom and his belief that he can be the driving force behind Team USA’s quest for gold in Paris. His willingness to challenge the team’s established hierarchy highlights the boundless confidence of the Timberwolves’ rising superstar.
Anthony Edwards Shares Kevin Durant-Related Wish During His Stint With Team USA
Along with his declaration of being the number one option, Edwards also shared how inspired he was growing up to see Durant play in the Olympics. In a video shared by ClutchPoints on X, the Timberwolves guard shed some light on the matter.
“Playing alongside [Kevin Durant]… I want to see the Olympic KD. I’ve been watching on TV. When he makes all the shots in the Olympics. It’s time for me to see. I want to watch it from the bench now.”
— Anthony Edwards 🗣️
(via @YahooSports)pic.twitter.com/X6gcpKQVs9
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 9, 2024
Durant has enjoyed a storied international basketball career, winning four gold medals with the United States national team. He set the Olympic record for total points scored in 2012 and led the team to gold again in 2016 and 2020, earning tournament MVP honors in the latter. The Suns star is Team USA men’s basketball all-time leader in several Olympic categories, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest American players of his era.
Within a couple of weeks, Edwards and Durant will take the court in their bid to bring home the gold from Paris. During that period, expect the Minnesota guard to enjoy his time watching the two-time NBA champion go to work on the global stage.
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