Imagine being just 24 years old and already joining the ranks of NBA legends like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. That’s exactly what Anthony Edwards did when he became the third-youngest player in NBA history to score 10,000 career points. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: Edwards hit this milestone with a smooth 13-foot fadeaway jumper during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 131-122 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. And this is the part most people miss—he’s not just young; he’s part of an elite group of only seven players who’ve reached this mark before turning 25, alongside names like Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic, and Carmelo Anthony.
Edwards, at 24 years and 156 days old, trails only LeBron James (23 years, 59 days) and Kevin Durant (24 years, 33 days). After the game, he kept it real: ‘It’s cool, but I know I’ve got a lot more to go, so it’s really nothing, for real,’ he said. Here’s the controversial part: Edwards even joked about passing Kobe Bryant on the list, saying, ‘I’m kind of sick that I got in front of Kobe. I wish I would’ve waited like 100 days or something.’* Bold statement, right? But it’s clear he’s not just about personal milestones—he’s focused on the bigger picture.
In that game, Edwards dropped 25 points, dished out nine assists, and grabbed seven rebounds, helping the Timberwolves set season highs in field goal shooting (57%) and 3-point shooting (53%). His coach, Chris Finch, reflected on Edwards’ natural scoring ability, recalling his first 40-point game as a rookie in Phoenix. ‘The scoring comes natural to him in a lot of ways,’ Finch said. ‘At that point, you knew there was something special inside him.’
Edwards, the 2020 first overall draft pick, made his NBA debut at just 19 years old. He reached 10,000 points in 412 games, the 28th-fastest in NBA history and the seventh-fastest among active players. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With only two other Timberwolves players—Kevin Garnett and Karl-Anthony Towns—hitting this milestone, is Edwards on track to become the franchise’s greatest scorer ever? Let us know what you think in the comments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, Edwards’ journey is one to watch—and it’s only just beginning.
