Gilbert Arenas LOVES Anthony Edwards' New Mentality

Anthony Edwards ignored coach Chris Finch's request to pass the ball in a critical moment against the Clippers, instead taking and making a game-winning shot. The panel, including Gilbert Arenas, expressed strong respect for this decision, framing it as a 'Kobe-like' or 'Jordan-like' mentality where a star player trusts their own ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Arenas noted that if the shot is made, the coach accepts it, highlighting the importance of a strong coach-player relationship and the player's willingness to take responsibility for the outcome.

Edwards ignored Finch's request to pass and put the team on his back in the win against the Clippers. Mr. B compared his mentality to Kobe and Jordan. Gilbert Arenas stated, 'usually star players... will ignore that suggestion' if they 'feel they got it.'

Gilbert Arenas explained his past strategy for handling double teams, learned from his coach Eddie Jordan. Instead of always forcing a shot, Arenas learned to occasionally pass the ball to keep defenders honest. This tactic makes opponents hesitant to double-team later, creating more favorable one-on-one matchups when the star truly needs to score. This 'chess' approach sets up future scoring opportunities by manipulating defensive reactions.

Gilbert Arenas recounted his coach's advice: 'If you keep the defense honest by passing the ball here and there, when they do decide to double... they'll be hesitant to come double. And that little hesitation... that's your shot.'

The panel observed that Anthony Edwards consistently improves his game by addressing critics' feedback each offseason. He has refined his scoring, shooting percentages, and decision-making. At 24, Edwards is seen as a 'baby' in his career, with significant potential for further growth and skill diversification, drawing comparisons to Kobe Bryant's continuous evolution of his game (post-work, mid-range, shooting over double teams).

Gilbert Arenas stated, 'if you nickpick at his game, he goes into the summer, he works on that.' Cemetery Larry added, 'Anthony Edwards can actually do other things similar to how Kobe changed his game every summer. Postwork, mid work, two dribble, pull up... shooting over double teams.'

While acknowledging Anthony Edwards' talent, the panel expressed mixed faith in the Timberwolves' ability to reach the Western Conference Finals or win a championship. Concerns were raised about the team's overall roster strength, particularly the consistency of role players like D'Angelo Russell, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert. The hosts emphasized that playoff success often hinges on these 'intangible pieces' stepping up, and the Timberwolves' current record against top teams like Denver, Lakers, and Suns suggests a difficult path.

Mr. B stated, 'I got a lot of faith in Ant-Man. I don't know about the team... if they meet up a team like Denver right now... I don't see them getting past Denver.' Cemetery Larry added, 'it's not really about your star player. It's about the intangible pieces, the role players... what are the other guys?'