
In todayās NBA, star power isnāt just about scoring 30 a night or posterizing defendersāitās about connection, chemistry, and leadership. One player whoās been catching the attention of both fans and fellow athletes for these exact reasons is Minnesota Timberwolvesā rising superstar, Anthony Edwards. And among those giving him props is none other than New York Knicksā forward Julius Randle, who recently took to social media to shout out Edwards’ underrated ability: his connection with his teammates.
Respect from a Veteran
@juliusrandle30, a seasoned vet and two-time NBA All-Star, doesnāt just hand out compliments lightly. Heās battled against some of the best in the league and knows what makes a player special. So when he posted on X (formerly Twitter), āMan @theanthonyedwards_ really in-tune with his squad. That chemistry different. You love to see it š£ļøš„,ā the basketball world took notice.
Randleās words werenāt just hypeāthey were recognition of something deeper in Edwardsā game. The 22-year-old guard, known for his explosive athleticism and charismatic interviews, is rapidly growing into a true leader. And itās his ability to be present, aware, and aligned with his teammates thatās transforming the Timberwolves into a serious Western Conference contender.
Chemistry That Canāt Be Coached
When you watch Edwards play, you see more than just buckets. You see a player constantly communicating, reading the floor, and encouraging others. Whether itās feeding Karl-Anthony Towns in the post, celebrating a Naz Reid block, or firing up Jaden McDaniels after a big three, Edwards thrives on the energy of his teammates. That emotional intelligenceāknowing when to lead, when to listen, and when to energizeāis rare for someone so young.
āAnt isnāt just about highlights,ā Randle said in a follow-up interview. āHeās really tapped in with his guys. Thatās leadership right there.ā
That type of chemistry isnāt something you can draw up on a clipboard. It comes from trust, shared goals, and hours of building relationships off the court. Edwards has embraced that process, and the Timberwolves are reaping the benefits.
On-Court Impact
Edwardsā connection with his teammates is translating into wins. In the 2024-25 season, the Timberwolves have shown improved cohesion, especially in close games. Late in the fourth quarter, Edwards often becomes the emotional and strategic engineācalling out switches, helping players stay focused, and taking over when necessary. But more importantly, he trusts his teammates to make plays.
This season, heās averaging a career-high in assists, a sign of his commitment to involving everyone. Whether it’s a no-look dime to Mike Conley or a quick kick-out to an open shooter, Edwards understands the value of team basketball.
Analysts have noted how his decision-making has matured. āHis feel for the game has jumped,ā said ESPNās Doris Burke. āYou can see him thinking like a floor general now. He wants everyone to eat.ā
Off-Court Brotherhood
Itās not just about the in-game moments either. Edwardsā bond with his teammates extends off the hardwood. From team dinners to locker room jokes to supporting each otherās families, the Timberwolves have built a culture that feels authenticāand Edwards is at the center of it.
āHeās like our little brother and our big brother at the same time,ā said Towns in a recent podcast. āHe brings that energy, but he also holds us accountable.ā
Julius Randleās praise reflects a growing league-wide recognition that Edwards is more than just a scorerāheās a connector. And in a league that increasingly values chemistry and selfless play, thatās golden.
Setting the Tone for the Future
What makes Edwards’ growth even more impressive is how naturally itās come. Heās not forcing leadershipāheās embodying it. From Day 1, heās been unapologetically himself, and that authenticity has made it easier for his teammates to buy in. His swagger is infectious, but itās his empathy and attention to others that are starting to define his legacy.
Thatās why a veteran like Randle felt compelled to speak out. As someone whoās navigated tough locker rooms and learned to lead through experience, Randle recognizes the spark in Edwards that separates the good from the great.
āItās that awareness, man,ā Randle said. āBeing in-tune with your teammates, knowing how they feel, what they needāthatās next-level stuff. And Antās already doing that at 22? Scary.ā
A Star Shining Brighter Together
Anthony Edwards is evolving into a different kind of superstar. Not just one who dazzles with step-back threes and gravity-defying dunks, but one who uplifts those around him, sets a tone of unity, and creates a culture of trust. Julius Randleās shoutout wasnāt just fanfareāit was an acknowledgment of a rare trait.
In a league thatās often driven by individual stats, Edwards is showing that the real highlight is connection. And when a player like @juliusrandle30 takes notice, you know itās real.
As the Timberwolves continue their climb in the West, donāt just watch the points. Watch the handshakes, the assists, the sideline celebrations. Because what makes Anthony Edwards special isnāt just what he doesāitās what he brings out in everyone around him.