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As the Minnesota Timberwolves close in on their second straight trip to the Western Conference Finals, Anthony Edwards is making headlines not just for his stats, but for the way he's carrying himself on the court.
His poise, fearlessness, and leadership are drawing serious comparisons to one of the most iconic players in NBA history.
Julius Randle praises Anthony Edwards
Julius Randle, a former teammate of the late Kobe Bryant, recently weighed in on Edwards' postseason dominance and the intangible qualities setting him apart.
In an interview with ESPN, Randle praised Edwards' mental approach to the game, calling it "Kobe-like."
"I have been around a lot of great players," Randle said.
"He is as confident in his belief in himself as... it's Kobe-like. And I was around Kobe. He's not scared of any moment and he wants those moments. His belief and confidence in who he is as a player is the highest I've ever seen or been around, for anybody."
Edwards has been the driving force behind Minnesota's 3-1 series lead over Golden State.
The 23-year-old is averaging 27.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals across nine postseason games, including back-to-back 30-point outings.
But while his athletic ability is undeniable, it's his evolving mindset that's catching the attention of seasoned veterans.
His growth shows in how he balances aggression with smart decision-making.
"Every three possessions, I'm going to shoot one out of three," Edwards said, highlighting his willingness to trust teammates rather than dominate every play.
"Especially down the stretch."
That shift in approach reflects a more mature version of the All-Star guard.
"My first couple of times in the playoffs down the stretch, I always just wanted to win the game myself," he itted.
"Because growing up, when you watch the games, you always think like, 'Oh, they always hit the big shots!' But sometimes they make the extra , the right play."
As Game 5 looms, Edwards appears locked in, not just to win, but to elevate everyone around him.
If he keeps playing at this level, both mentally and physically, the Timberwolves may be preparing for a deep playoff run, and Edwards may be stepping into a legacy conversation of his own.