Anthony Edwards promises a “Larry Bird impression” at NBA All-Star Game

Anthony Edwards draws inspiration from Larry Bird, promising to play the NBA All-Star Game left-handedYouTube: Official Minnesota Timberwolves; YouTube: Official NBA

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is making the most of his second NBA All-Star appearance, even promising to do his best Larry Bird impression by playing left-handed.

Anthony Edwards entered the NBA with substantial buzz, as his exciting style of play at Georgia drew basketball fans in immediately. He eventually became the top overall selection in 2020 and has since become a superstar for Minnesota.

Edwards is best known for his scoring prowess on the court and his unique personality off it. His points per game total has risen in each of his four years in the league, with this season’s 26.3 average ranking in the top 12 overall.

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The 22-year-old is prone to offensive outbursts, scoring over 30 points in nearly half of his games during the 2023-24 regular season. However, a vast majority of those buckets came from Edwards’ right hand.

Anthony Edwards promises Larry Bird impression at NBA All-Star Game

At the upcoming All-Star Game, Edwards promised to use only his left hand when possessing the basketball. Long-time NBA fans will remember that legendary Celtic Larry Bird famously did this once during his playing days, citing “boredom” as the reason. He dropped 47 points on the Portland Trail Blazers that night and jawed at their bench the entire time.

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When asked about his goals for the All-Star Game, Edwards detailed his exact plans to Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes. “I’m gonna try my left hand the whole game,” Edwards confidently said while trying to disguise a smile.

Haynes then brought up how this strategy could negatively impact Edwards’ field goal percentage, and the fourth-year player laughed and responded, “It’s an All-Star game; there ain’t no field goal percentage!”

According to Edwards himself, he will do his best Larry Bird impression on Sunday night, albeit with a lower points total in mind. His goal is to score at least 15 points believing that the All-Star Game MVP award will be his if that promise comes to fruition.

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Edwards has admitted to having a larger-than-life persona, and he’s been showing it off to fans, peers, and reporters alike during the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities. Tune into the action on February 18 to see if the TWolves star makes good on his guarantee.