Anthony Edwards praises ‘incredible’ Minnesota Timberwolves teammate who was drafted in the second round

Anthony Edwards praised Minnesota Timberwolves second-round pick Jaylen Clark

Jaylen Clark was drafted 53rd in the 2023 NBA Draft. He averaged 4 points per game last season, but did shoot a red-hot 41% from three on the year. 

Against the Portland Trail Blazers, Clark didn’t exactly light up the box score. He logged 2 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 16 minutes of play. But Edwards said after the game that the value he brings to the team doesn’t show up in the stat sheet. 

He explained, “He’s incredible. On the ball, in the gaps, playing the passing lanes, just everything he does elevates the team on the defensive end. Just tried to fight with that type of energy.”

Despite the star power of Edwards, this Timberwolves team is structured around defence. With Rudy Gobert guarding the rim, McDaniels locking down the perimeter, and Julius Randle providing some physicality, they are one of the few teams in the NBA with no real weakness on that end. 

Having a second-round pick dedicated to the defensive end demonstrates just how committed this team is to keeping the ball out of the hoop.

Minnesota Timberwolves excited by young cast

All the noise coming out of Minnesota this summer has been about how happy they are with the development of their players. And that comes from the top down.

Rudy Gobert said Edwards has made significant improvements by developing his playmaking ability. Mike Conley was impressed by rookie Joan Beringer this offseason, who was one of the most intriguing prospects of the draft. 

Meanwhile, Head Coach Chris Finch said Shannon Jr. was exactly what the Timberwolves needed with his ability to get his teammates involved on offense. 

They have their fair share of veterans on the side, including Conley and Gobert, which makes for a well-balanced roster with experience and youth.

After making the Western Conference Finals two seasons in a row, it looks like the Wolves have developed their pieces enough to make the next step this year.