Anthony Edwards says he will be back in rhythm for season opener

Anthony Edwards last played competitive basketball on a consistent basis nearly 10 months ago. The long layover, coupled with the shortened training camp period, has created a difficult transition to the NBA but the No. 1 overall pick feels as though he is close to returning to his former self.

Edwards on Wednesday admitted that he is still working to find his way on the court with the Minnesota Timberwolves and that his first two games are not indicative of things to come. The team has only participated in practice not even two weeks and Edwards simply just needs more time to knock off some of the rust.

Through his first two preseason games, Edwards is averaging 8.5 points, four rebounds, 1.5 assists and one steal in 26.1 minutes per game. He has struggled with his shot, converting on just 26.1% from the field and 16.7% from 3-point range.

The shooting, Edwards said, will come soon enough.

“A lot of shots that I am missing, I normally make in games,” Edwards said. “I feel like I haven’t played basketball in a long, long time. Anybody can shoot when there is nobody out there. So, playing 5-on-5, you’ve got to get used to that and I feel like it takes more than two games. I feel like the next game I play [on Thursday] I should make more shots and be more comfortable. By the time Dec. 23 [comes] when we play Detroit, I feel like everything will back into rhythm.”

Edwards has felt more comfortable each time he has stepped onto the court and feels strongly that he will be comfortable again for the regular-season opener against the Pistons. He wants to work on attacking in transition more and will focus on that area of his game on Thursday in the preseason finale versus the Washington Wizards.

The transition for Edwards, and the rest of the rookie class, will certainly be a work in progress given the circumstances but it bodes well that the top pick feels as though he will be ready soon.

Related

Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards scores first double-digit performance

Watch: No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards makes NBA preseason debut

C.J. McCollum reacts to Anthony Edwards' claim that Damian Lillard can't rap

List

NBA 2K21: Complete rookie ratings for each first-round draftee