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Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns previously called teammate Anthony Edwards the Rookie of the Year and the two-time All-Star recently doubled down on that statement.
With the season winding down, many have started to look ahead to the awards races with the Rookie of the Year debate beginning to heat up. Unlike last year, when Ja Morant almost won unanimously, the race this season isn’t nearly as cut and dry.
Of course, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball was once viewed as the favorite to win.
However, Ball’s absence after missing 21 games with a wrist injury likely opened the door up for Edwards, who has been on a complete tear as of late.
Since the All-Star break, Edwards leads all rookies with 23.7 points per game, while he is also averaging 5.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.5 steals in 31 games. Included in that span is a career-high-tying 42 points on Wednesday to join LeBron James as the only two teenagers in history with multiple 40-point games.
On Friday, Edwards recorded 25 points in a loss to the Miami Heat, his 17th game of the season with at least 25 points. No other rookie has more than five such games.
Based on his play this season, Towns believes Edwards is the clear-cut choice for Rookie of the Year.
I’ve said it from Day 1: We made the right pick. I don’t think there is any question on who should have been the No. 1 pick in this draft. I don’t want it to be missed. I don’t want it to be looked over. There is a reason he was double-teamed (versus the Heat). They should double-team him. No other rookie has earned that respect in this league.
There ain’t no other rookie in this league getting double-teamed. There ain’t no other rookie putting up the numbers Ant is. There ain’t no other rookie causing the havoc and mayhem before the game even starts with the scouting reports like Anthony is. I don’t want to hear nothing about no other people who are rookies. I don’t want to hear that. I don’t go by hype, I go by stats.
Ball played much like the choice for Rookie of the Year to begin the season, but Edwards’ emergence since the All-Star break has certainly given the voters a reason to think again when casting their ballot.
In any case, Edwards has shown precisely why the Timberwolves chose him with the No. 1 overall pick and why he should have a bright future ahead in the league.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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