Every offseason brings talk about players adding new moves or spending extra time in the gym. Anthony Edwards has heard those stories before. This summer, Chris Finch believes something deeper has changed. The Minnesota Timberwolves coach says Edwards is approaching the game with a level of focus he has not seen before, a development that could shape Minnesota’s next chapter after a big offseason.
Anthony Edwards Is Doing 1 Thing Chris Finch Has Never Seen Before
Finch Notices Edwards’ New Mindset
Edwards has already established himself as one of the NBA’s best young scorers. His talent has never been the question inside the Timberwolves organization. Finch believes the biggest difference this offseason is the way Edwards is preparing for the year ahead. Rather than simply improving his skills, the 24-year-old appears more invested in every part of becoming a franchise leader.
Speaking with Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune, Finch described a player who is approaching the offseason differently than at any previous point in his career.
“He’s engaged in a way like I’ve not seen, and I think it’s a combination of factors,” he said. “Obviously, [there’s] excitement of playing alongside LaMelo… I think it’s also a maturation and recognizing what the team needs, where the team’s at. He’s far more like, I think, just engaged in the overall sport.”
Those comments point to a change in mindset rather than a change in talent. Minnesota believes that type of growth could have a bigger effect than adding another move to Edwards’ offense.
Growth Means More Than Statistics
Players often measure progress through points, rebounds or assists. Coaches usually judge it another way. They look at preparation, decision-making and how a player responds to new challenges. Finch’s comments suggest he believes Edwards has grown in those areas before the new season has even started.
That matters because Minnesota no longer needs Edwards to prove he can score. He averaged 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season while shooting 48.9% from the field and 39.9% from 3-point range. Those numbers already place him among the league’s elite offensive players. The next step is helping everyone around him improve, something closely tied to the Timberwolves’ biggest problem.
LaMelo Ball Brings New Possibilities
The Timberwolves changed their direction this summer by trading for LaMelo Ball. His arrival gives Minnesota another player who can create offense, push the pace and find teammates in scoring positions. That should allow Edwards to spend more time attacking defenses instead of starting every possession himself. It also gives the Timberwolves another ball handler who can keep the offense moving when defenses load up on Edwards.
The new partnership also gives Finch some fresh offensive options. During the same interview, he admitted the roster change has renewed his own excitement.
“It’s reinvigorated me in a lot of ways,” Finch told the Star Tribune. “It does have the feel of we’re all walking into a new landscape. I intend to assert myself more back into the processes. We have a lot of great coaches who do a great job, but I want to be a little more hands-on this season.”
Minnesota is not simply adding another talented player. The coaching staff also plans to adjust the offense to get the most out of its new backcourt.
Chris Finch Likes The Fit
Finch also explained why Ball stood out as an ideal addition to the roster. His passing has consistently made teammates more effective throughout his career. That ability could make life easier for every scorer in Minnesota’s lineup, especially Edwards. Better spacing and quicker ball movement should create cleaner looks.
Finch believes Ball’s basketball instincts are part of what makes him valuable, adding, “[Ball is] almost ideal in the sense that he’s got such a high IQ and so much connectivity, and you just have to look at the numbers when he’s on the floor, how much better people shoot.”
Those qualities help explain why the Timberwolves were willing to reshape their roster to acquire him. If Ball delivers that level of playmaking, Edwards may have more freedom to attack defenses rather than carry the offense on every possession.
Bigger Expectations Await
The Timberwolves have reached the playoffs in recent years, but they are still chasing a breakthrough that ends with a championship. Adding Ball raised expectations because the organization believes its core is ready for another step forward. That goal depends as much on internal growth as it does on new talent. The biggest improvement may come from the franchise player already wearing a Timberwolves jersey.
Finch’s comments point toward a player who understands that responsibility. Edwards is entering the season with proven scoring ability, more experience and a teammate capable of sharing the offensive load. If the coach’s early impressions carry into the regular season, Minnesota may see the most complete version of Edwards since he entered the NBA. That would give the Timberwolves a stronger chance to compete with the best teams in the Western Conference.
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