Anthony Edwards is already recognized as one of the NBA’s brightest young talents, but a two-time NBA champion coach has highlighted a vital area Edwards must develop to reach the legendary status of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. With comparisons to those greats setting sky-high expectations, Edwards has made significant strides, yet a key offensive weapon remains underutilized.
On Byron Scott’s Fast Break podcast, former NBA head coach David Fizdale analyzed Edwards’ game and identified the missing element holding him back from the all-time great echelon. Since being the No. 1 overall pick in 2020, Edwards has transformed into a four-time All-Star (2023–2026) and earned two All-NBA selections. He also became one of the youngest players in league history to surpass 10,000 points.
Edwards’ three-point shooting has surged, achieving nearly 40% accuracy during some stretches, and he made history as the youngest player to reach 1,000 career three-pointers. Additionally, he joined Kobe Bryant and Kyrie Irving as the only players under 25 to score 55 or more points with nine or more three-pointers in a single game.
Despite these accomplishments, Fizdale emphasized that Edwards has yet to fully exploit his potential in attacking from the mid-post and elbow areas on the court. This dimension could be the next breakthrough that propels him into the elite company of NBA legends.
I think there’s still a lot there that he can tap into,
Fizdale explained.
I’m a D Wade, Bron, Joe Johnson… that was my little group I used to work with. They haven’t gotten Ant live ball catches at the elbow or the post yet. What happens with that first step and he’s two steps from the rim?
Fizdale pointed out that Edwards already possesses a reliable fadeaway shot, so the issue lies not in ability but in integrating this part of his game more consistently. The potential to draw more fouls and create high-percentage scoring opportunities through post footwork and fakes remains largely untapped.
He’s just not getting it there (post) and putting footwork and fakes together. Think about how much fouls he would draw. He’s already crazy talented, but that part of his game, oh my god. We would be looking at one of them next guys.
Drawing Inspiration from NBA Greats’ Mid-Post Mastery
Fizdale’s “next guys” category includes elite scorers like Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James, all players known for their dominance in the mid-post and ability to control quarter-end possessions. The coach recalled how LeBron James drastically improved his career by enhancing his post moves, seeking guidance from Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon to sharpen his footwork and scoring versatility.
Think about what changed Bron, he went to see the Dream… When Bron got that (post game) everything changed.
This adjustment helped LeBron become more efficient and dominant in the playoffs, allowing him to punish smaller defenders consistently. Similarly, Bryant and Jordan’s polished mid-post skills enabled them to remain unstoppable even as their athleticism declined with age. Edwards, with his explosive athleticism, lethal step-back jumper, and advancing playmaking, stands poised to benefit from enhancing his post-game and elbow plays.
Fizdale expressed strong enthusiasm for working with Edwards to unlock this skill set.
I would love to be in the gym with Ant.
Anthony Edwards’ Current Rise and Potential for Greater Impact
Edwards is already averaging nearly 30 points per game and consistently ranks among the NBA’s top scorers. He recently secured his third Western Conference Player of the Week award while guiding the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 3-0 winning streak. The Timberwolves now have a solid hold on a playoff spot in the Western Conference, largely due to Edwards’ steady scoring bursts.
His influence goes beyond the hardwood. Edwards received widespread attention for a compassionate video message to a young fan recovering from cancer, whom he referred to as having received a God’s gift. Edwards promised to wear the fan’s orange wristband for his entire career, reflecting his leadership and connection with supporters.
This combination of charisma, scoring ability, and leadership fuels confidence in Edwards’ potential to ascend to basketball’s highest levels. Although MVP consideration is warranted, Fizdale sees something more profound: the chance for Edwards to build a lasting legacy.
Unlike most high-volume scorers, legends like Jordan and Bryant imposed control through mid-post dominance. They regularly positioned themselves at the free-throw line, used intricate footwork to outmaneuver defenders, and turned critical plays into nearly automatic points in crucial moments.
If Edwards continues to work on catching passes at the elbow, refining his footwork, and incorporating layered counters from the post, defenders will face unparalleled challenges. Double-teaming Edwards could lead to easy scoring opportunities for his teammates, while single defenders guarding him risk foul trouble. This evolution could transition Edwards from an explosive scorer into an unavoidable offensive force.
According to Fizdale, reaching that level of impact is how Edwards can firmly join the conversation alongside Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Former NBA coach David Fizdale on what Anthony Edwards needs to work on to enter Kobe, Wade, MJ, and LeBron level:
“I think there’s still a lot there that he can tap into. I’m a D Wade, Bron, Joe Johnson, that was my little group I used to work with. They haven’t gotten Ant live… pic.twitter.com/deWGqQMOof
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 3, 2026
