Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards. Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Edwards should start at the 2024 Olympics

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Jun 5, 2024 4:23 PM ET

Anthony Edwards shined this season, establishing himself as one of the NBA's hottest young talents. He was key in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals. He'll join Team USA in Paris this summer, aiming for gold under coach Steve Kerr.

According to Kendrick Perkins, who spoke with Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson on the "Scoop B Radio Podcast," Edwards should be given a starting role for Team USA. Devin Booker would be the likely casualty, with the Phoenix Suns star slipping into a bench role.

"When it comes down to the Olympics, it’s a different type of physicality," Perkins said. "Outside of Jrue Holiday, Anthony Edwards just might be your best on-ball defender because he plays both sides of the ball and he just swept D-Book and them. Yeah!"

Edwards plays with infectious enthusiasm and swagger. His physicality and fearlessness will be crucial as Team USA advances in the Olympics. Having proven himself capable of making big shots in critical moments, he will thrive on a talented roster.

Nevertheless, Edwards must accept his spot within Team USA's pecking order. He will be on a roster that boasts LeBron James, Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum.

Booker would likely be a wise choice off the bench. His playmaking and scoring would provide balance to the second unit. It would also allow Edwards to continue his development by sharing the court with some of the greatest players in the world.

Edwards is a rising star and will soon be a primary option for Team USA. For now, he must embrace his role, stay open to learning and adapt to the tournament's physicality. If he can do this, he'll return next season as a better player and possibly an Olympic gold medalist.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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