Timberwolves Coach Says Defense Crucial for Anthony Edwards' MVP Aspirations

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch told the *MinnPost* that the primary obstacle to Anthony Edwards reaching true MVP contention is his defensive impact. Finch said Edwards must become a “high-leverage defender” and that reducing his on-ball handling duties will free him to focus more on that side of the game.

Newsweek

Anthony Edwards entered the 2025-26 season after posting a career-high 28.8 points per game across 61 regular-season contests. In each of the two prior seasons he finished seventh in NBA MVP voting. The team entered the campaign with a new-look roster, having added LaMelo Ball in a blockbuster offseason trade. Ball’s presence as an additional primary ball-handler is expected to lessen the offensive load on Edwards, allowing him to concentrate on defensive responsibilities.

Newsweek

• Scoring: 28.8 points per game (career high) through 61 games.

Newsweek

• MVP Voting: Seventh place in each of the two previous seasons.

Newsweek

Finch emphasized that Edwards’ path to an MVP season hinges on adding a stronger defensive component. He noted that the reduction in on-court ball-handling duties—previously the most taxing aspect of Edwards’ role—should enable the guard to devote more energy to high-leverage defensive assignments.

Newsweek

• “I think we are going to need him to get back to being a more high-leverage defender for us. His on-ball handling duties (on offense) will be reduced, which was probably the most taxing thing for him last year. I also feel that for him to have an MVP season, he has to have more of a defensive component,” — Chris Finch, timberwolves head coach

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