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Anthony Edwards has quickly become one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. Known for his incredible athleticism, explosive playstyle, and jaw-dropping dunks, fans have come to expect highlight-reel plays from Edwards on a nightly basis. However, in a surprising revelation from the Netflix documentary 'Starting 5', Edwards admitted something that left many fans shocked—he actually dislikes dunking.
"I don't like to dunk at all, to be honest. Because it hurts. I like to dunk on people. I want the fans to just be like, 'oh, f**k, we couldn't stop him tonight.'"
In the documentary, which follows the journeys of five prominent NBA players, including Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, and Domantas Sabonis, Edwards opened up about his distaste for one of the most exciting aspects of his game. For a player who has made a name for himself with countless iconic dunks, this confession was unexpected.
From the moment Edwards entered the league, his high-flying dunks became synonymous with his game. One of his most memorable plays came early in his career when he posterized Yuta Watanabe during a 2021 game, sending shockwaves through the basketball world. This dunk, along with others like his soaring slam over Gabe Vincent, helped solidify Edwards’ reputation as one of the best in-game dunkers in the league. His ability to elevate above defenders with such force and finesse has earned him admiration from fans and analysts alike.
Despite these unforgettable moments, Edwards revealed that the physical toll dunking takes on his body, particularly his hands, makes it less enjoyable than it may appear. Dunking, especially with the force that Edwards uses, can be hard on the hands, wrists, and body overall. The jarring impact on the rim and the constant contact with defenders may contribute to the discomfort he experiences.
However, even though Edwards doesn’t love dunking in general, he did admit there’s one exception—he enjoys dunking on people. It’s clear that, while the physical act of dunking might not be his favorite, the emotional and psychological impact of throwing down a posterizing dunk on a defender is something that Edwards relishes.
Indeed, one of Edwards’ signature traits is his ability to use his dunks to make a statement. His ferocious slam over John Collins during the 2023-24 season was a prime example of how he uses his athleticism to send a message to his opponents. Edwards has an uncanny knack for controlling his body, ensuring that he lands softly even after some of the most aggressive dunks, allowing him to minimize the strain on his body.
For Timberwolves fans, the idea that Edwards doesn’t particularly enjoy dunking may come as a surprise, given how much they’ve come to love his high-flying exploits. But they can take comfort in knowing that while dunking may cause him some discomfort, Edwards still enjoys the thrill of putting opponents on posters and elevating his game in the eyes of the crowd.
At the end of the day, Anthony Edwards continues to be one of the league’s most exciting and dynamic players. Even if dunking isn’t his favorite part of the game, his passion for competing and his desire to leave a lasting impact on the court remain as strong as ever. Fans can be sure that Edwards will continue to deliver spectacular moments, whether through his incredible athleticism or his growing all-around skill set.
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TODAY'S BEST
Knicks Reportedly Out Of Ben Simmons Sweepstakes
Three-time All-Star Ben Simmons has been one of the major names mentioned in the free agency market recently. Having garnered attention from several teams, including the New York Knicks, the outlook appears solid for the 30-year-old. But recent reports suggest that, of the teams pursuing him, the Knicks may be at the bottom of Simmons' list of preferences. NBA insider Sean Deveney recently spoke to an anonymous GM on the matter. The GM said: "Of the places he [Simmons] could land, they’d [Knicks] be at the bottom of the list. They’re the long shot." "He does not want the scrutiny. And they want to have room to use the whole roster, that’s one reason they got rid of (coach Tom Thibodeau). If you’re bringing in a veteran who is hurt half the season, it’s going to prevent you from seeing what you’ve got with your young guys." The GM raises some interesting points, highlighting how the situation may not suit Simmons, who has struggled in high-pressure environments, while also pointing out how the Knicks could be negatively impacted by signing him. What the 30-year-old brings to the table cannot be overlooked. His scoring output may be minimal, but his defensive versatility and playmaking make him an elite role player when healthy. Last season, the guard played in 51 games and averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. When considering that he has played in a total of 108 games over the last three seasons, Simmons' unavailability remains his biggest shortcoming. The Knicks are poised to be a contender in the East next season, and with a new head coach in Mike Brown, the team will be under immense pressure to succeed. Considering his experiences in New York, having played for the Brooklyn Nets, the former star is unlikely to show interest in returning to the city. Thus, signing with the Knicks would prove to be counterintuitive. In many ways, signing with the Knicks wouldn't be in Simmons' best interest, nor would it help the Knicks fulfill their goals for the upcoming season. At the current juncture, the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns are still in the race. Recent reports suggest that the guard is expected to decide in the upcoming week. The Celtics have been speculated as the most likely landing spot, given their roster limitations and the possibility of missing the playoffs next season. When considering their need for size and depth off the bench, Boston could be viewed as the most likely landing spot.
Stephanie White Puts Indiana Fever Players on Notice Despite Win Against Aces
The Indiana Fever’s starters turned in a strong all-around effort in Thursday’s 80-70 win over the Las Vegas Aces. The starting unit scored at least 13 points each, save for Aari McDonald, who registered nine points in 22 minutes of action. Indiana’s starters combined for 76 out of the team’s 80 points on the evening, which only means that the four other players who came off the bench accounted for just four points in the game. All that came from Sydney Colson, who went 2-of-5 in 18 minutes of playing time. Lexie Hull, Makayla Timpson and Damiris Dantas all failed to score in the win. Stephanie White Calls Out Fever's Bench Be that as it may, offense wasn’t even the biggest concern for head coach Stephanie White. In her postgame press conference, the veteran shot-caller called out Indiana’s bench for their lack of intensity on the defensive end, particularly in the first half. “Our bench has to be ready,” she said. “I felt like our bench in the second half was really good defensively. In the first half, I didn't feel that way. You got to be ready to come in and you got to be ready to guard your matchup and execute the game plan. "We have depth for a reason. We've got quality depth and we've got to be able to use it. So if fatigue is a factor in execution, then they just need to ask for a sub and I'll get them out and get them back in." It has been a bit of a busy stretch for the Fever at the midway point of the season. Thursday’s matchup against the Aces was their second game in three nights, and they will be back in action again on Sunday in a rivalry showdown against the Chicago Sky. White, however, isn’t accepting fatigue as an excuse. This is regardless of the fact that Caitlin Clark remains out with a re-aggravated groin injury. White is adamant that this roster has been built for adversity, and she didn’t hesitate to put her bench on notice after Thursday’s showing.
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit into the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .217/.288/.408 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability, and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts, and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Cowboys make questionable move amid Micah Parsons stalemate
The Dallas Cowboys extended one of their stars Sunday, just not the one fans wanted them to pay. At Cowboys training camp Saturday, Dallas fans serenaded owner Jerry Jones with "Pay Micah [Parsons]" chants. The EDGE, of course, is set to play on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract this season. Jones must not have been listening. He gave tight end Jake Ferguson a new contract instead. Dallas and the 26-year-old pass-catcher agreed to a four-year, $52M contract extension, via NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. This move seems head-scratching. Parsons has won the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned two first-team All-Pro nods since the Cowboys took him with pick No. 12 in the 2021 NFL Draft. The 26-year-old EDGE also finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Ferguson, meanwhile, is solid but not elite. In three seasons with the Cowboys, the 2022 fourth-round pick has made one Pro Bowl and has never finished with more than 761 receiving yards in a season. An extension for Parsons will devour future cap space. The Cowboys may be worried about that after giving quarterback Dak Prescott (four years, $240M) and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (four years, $136M) long-term deals in 2024. Pittsburgh Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt signed a lucrative three-year, $123M extension on July 17, making him the league's highest-paid non-QB. Parsons could command a similar contract. If cap space is Dallas' primary concern, however, why would it extend Ferguson? He's now set to be the NFL's seventh-highest-paid TE. The Cowboys waited to extend Lamb and Prescott just before the start of the 2024 season. They may be doing the same with Parsons. The star defender has said, "Ownership is always gonna make [contract negotiations] drag out." Regardless, the Cowboys should've paid Parsons before Ferguson. That's a much bigger priority for the team.
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