He has also lapsed into demonstrative complaining to the officials, sometimes keeping him from getting back on defense — one of the faults that turned many Wolves fans against Towns.
He has been less than exceptional in late-game situations, and his assist-per-game are at their lowest rate since his rookie season. Perhaps, as the franchise player, he should be working harder to get good shots for his new teammates.
If he wants to play like Michael Jordan, Edwards should know that Jordan in his prime often spent the early portions of games getting his teammates involved before taking over as was necessary.
Yes, as every announcer marvels during every nationally televised game, Edwards is “only 23!” That phrase should be retired.
Edwards is playing in his fifth NBA season, has been to the Western Conference Finals and the Olympics, has made enough money to fund a Caribbean island for a year, and has been catered to and kissed up to by a bunch of very smart basketball people. If Suni Lee can win a gold medal at 18 in her first Olympics, Edwards can, or should be able to, handle the rigors or stardom at 23.
He needs to find a way to lead if this team is going to match or exceed the standard it set last season.