The 2024-25 NBA MVP race delivered one of the most dramatic conclusions in recent memory. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claiming the crown and Victor Wembanyama reshaping basketball’s future, the spotlight seemed fully occupied. However, one rising superstar’s trajectory points toward joining that exclusive MVP club soon. That player is Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, and according to a former NBA champion, he needs just one crucial adjustment to get there.
What Crucial Adjustment Must Anthony Edwards Make?
During a recent episode of the “All In” podcast, two-time NBA champion Mario Chalmers and 2016 NBA champion Iman Shumpert discussed Edwards’ trajectory toward MVP contention. Both former champions agreed that Edwards possesses all the necessary tools to claim an MVP trophy within the next three years.
However, Shumpert offered one specific advice that Edwards must fully embrace: developing his back-to-the-basket game.
“I like it too, I just need him to learn to play with his back to the basket. He don’t understand how important that is…”
“But it’s that double team that bothered him. If he sees it coming and knows how to attack it, where you got your feet offset when you’re chasing in this position, as opposed to being able to slide, oh my lord. He’s going to be so dangerous,” said Shumpert during the podcast.
That prediction found strong evidence on April 13 during Minnesota’s 116-105 victory over the Utah Jazz. Edwards erupted for a career-high 43 points in that contest, showcasing exactly why he’s considered the Timberwolves’ franchise cornerstone.
One sequence stood out particularly. Midway through the third quarter, Edwards posted up Jazz center Kyle Filipowski on the low block. Using patient footwork, he deployed a pump fake to draw the help defender, then spun baseline in one fluid motion before elevating for a controlled two-foot finish.
Edwards finished that game shooting 15-of-31 from the field, including seven three-pointers. This performance demonstrated that his offensive arsenal extends well beyond explosive drives and perimeter shooting.
As Shumpert suggested, adding consistent back-to-the-basket mastery would transform those occasional flashes of brilliance into a reliable weapon that opposing defenses couldn’t easily counter.
How Is Anthony Edwards Already Preparing for MVP-Level Success?
Edwards isn’t avoiding the necessary work to reach the next level. Last season, he reportedly asked Michael Jordan for advice on handling defensive schemes that had frustrated him.
“I was told by someone in his circle that three weeks ago, Ant reached out to Michael Jordan on advice on how to handle some of the double teams and traps that he’s seeing. He’s been extremely frustrated up until late,” said ESPN’s Mark Jones during a game broadcast.
It appears thatAnthony Edwards reached out to Michael Jordan a few weeks ago. Great since that is the one people are keep comparing him to. #NBAonESPN #NuggetsvsWolves pic.twitter.com/lcd1J13FWp
— Tia (Queen of Receipts) (@expressrealism) January 25, 2025
That hunger to learn from the greatest players in basketball history speaks volumes about Edwards’ commitment to greatness. The results became clear throughout the 2024-25 season as Edwards delivered career-best numbers.
Edwards averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while guiding the Timberwolves to a 49-33 record. His efforts culminated in a thrilling run to the Western Conference Finals, where Minnesota ultimately fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
THREE DOWN, ONE TO GO ✌️
OKC ELIMINATES MINNESOTA AND ADVANCES TO THE NBA FINALS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kqZl1PtF4P
— ESPN (@espn) May 29, 2025
If Edwards implements Shumpert’s advice and develops a consistent back-to-the-basket attack, his timeline for MVP consideration could accelerate dramatically. The foundation is already there. The work ethic is proven. Now it’s about adding that final piece to make him truly unstoppable.
