Ant Edwards Cements Himself As The Timberwolves' Leader

With a huge postseason series against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Timberwolves need to lock in. It is arguably the most competitive series out of all eight matchups in the Playoffs, considering their regular season records are only separated by one game. 

Most people are going for the Lakers due to their superstars, Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The latter is considered one of the greatest leaders in the game. Edwards might not be at that level of notoriety yet, but he is the perfect leader for the Timberwolves today and in the long run.

The Timberwolves Appreciate Edwards' Growth As A Leader

Heading into a series against the Lakers, Edwards will get targeted. He will need to rely on his teammates to step up because he might get suffocated by the opponents' defense.

Of course, Ant will keep pushing the envelope because he is an assertive player. However, asking for help from his teammates is a good sign that he trusts them as their superstar and leader.

Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is one of the players who must step up because he will be playing heavy minutes as a defender and a rotational point guard. 

"You can tell he's really imposing his leadership and getting guys involved. Very vocal and giving us confidence for what to expect," Alexander-Walker said after practice on Wednesday. "He's kinda humbly taken that step back to say, 'Listen, this might not be the Ant series because I'm gonna need you guys because of how they're gonna play me.' Making sure everyone is right there with him. Like kinda, all of us as one, getting to that goal, that finish line together."

The Timberwolves Have A Strong Collective

The spotlight will be on Edwards, which he has rightfully earned. However, the Timberwolves' supporting cast has become underrated. Rudy Gobert is still one of the league's most intimidating defenders, while Julius Randle has become a fantastic second option in his first season in Minnesota.

Players like Alexander-Walker, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo are fantastic role players who come off the bench. The Timberwolves are much better than what people give them credit for. In this upcoming series against the Lakers, they are the underdogs, but it should not be surprising if they can compete and even win the matchup.

Edwards will always be the face of the Timberwolves, but his leadership has opened doors for his teammates to step up and take charge. Coach Chris Finch has a strong system that gets the most out of his players, which is encouraged due to Ant's leadership as the star player.