Anthony Edwards was drafted No. 1 overall in 2020 by the Minnesota Timberwolves and, in just six seasons, has become one of the league’s most thrilling and popular talents. However, the superstar guard isn’t racing to claim the title of face of the league… at least, not yet.
During a recent appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York’s Javits Center, the 24-year-old candidly dismissed talk of being the NBA’s poster boy. Rather than riding the hype wave, the four-time All-Star offered a grounded perspective on what truly makes a player the face of the league.
Anthony Edwards Defines What It Takes to Be the Face of the NBA
When the host asked the 2026 All-Star MVP if he sees himself as one of the faces of the NBA, Edwards didn’t hesitate to push back, insisting that he still needs to check one major box to earn that title.
“Um, no, not really,” Edwards replied. “I think the face of the league comes with a lot of responsibilities, and I think one of those is winning a championship. I haven’t did that yet. Maybe Jalen Brunson or one of those guys.”
Anthony Edwards doesn’t believe he is one of the faces of the league:
“I think the face of the league comes with a lot of responsibilities and I think one of those is winning a championship. I haven’t did that yet. Maybe Jalen Brunson or one of those guys”
(Via @Fanatics) pic.twitter.com/LdiaJwgcFf
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) July 20, 2026
While openly acknowledging that winning a ring is the true measure of a superstar, Edwards has set a championship standard for himself, inspired by Jalen Brunson’s recent legacy-defining run. Brunson captained the New York Knicks to the 2026 NBA championship, shattering the franchise’s 53-year title drought.
That level of self-awareness speaks volumes for the Timberwolves superstar who consistently proves to be a menace on the court. Edwards dominated the 2025–26 campaign, averaging a career-high 28.8 points per game, the third-best in the league. He also averaged 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals, while shooting 48.9% from the field and 39.9% from 3-point range across 61 games. His stellar play powered the Timberwolves to a 49-33 record and the Western Conference’s sixth seed.
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Although the Wolves hoped for a deep playoff run, their postseason journey ended with a six-game loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Conference Semifinals. With the 2026–27 NBA season approaching, the front office has wasted no time in making some bold changes.
In a blockbuster four-team deal involving the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, and Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Hornets, sending out Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and significant draft capital in return.
The front office didn’t stop there. They also made a run at free agent LeBron James, but it appears he has narrowed down his options and Minnesota reportedly isn’t a finalist.
While the Timberwolves may not command the same attention as some of the league’s powerhouses, their recent moves underscore a firm commitment to building a championship contender roster around Edwards.
