Kevin Garnett's midseason pick for MVP: Anthony Edwards

Former Timberwolves star says Minnesota is taking on Edwards' demeanor.

The greatest player in Timberwolves franchise history has pretty high praise for current Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.

Kevin Garnett and his former Boston Celtics teammate Paul Pierce were discussing on their podcast their current picks for midseason NBA MVP. Pierce picked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and cited what he’s been able to do to make the Oklahoma City Thunder exceed anyone’s expectations for the young squad, which is currently No. 2 in the Western Conference standings.

Garnett, meanwhile, picked Edwards as his early MVP.

“You got a closer. You got a closer. You got a (expletive) who ain’t running from no pressure,” Garnett said. “He want the shot and he can get ya’ll into fouls early. He can make plays. He can play off; he can play on. Bro, you need a (expletive) like Anthony Edwards.”

Garnett said the Timberwolves have been following Edwards’ lead. He said Karl-Anthony Towns has excelled since Minnesota drafted Edwards and insinuated the Wolves being No. 1 in defense has been driven by Edwards’ play.

“T-Wolves don’t even look the same,” Garnett said. “They are taking on his demeanor whether you like it or not. And Minnesota’s a tough place to get a win right now. So, Anthony Edwards is my pick for MVP.” 

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts to a foul called against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Target Center in Minneapolis on Jan. 20, 2024 :: Jesse Johnson / USA TODAY Sports