Anthony Edwards Names His Favorite NBA Player Without Hesitation

When Anthony Edwards went down with a hyperextended left knee in Game 4 of the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, Jaden McDaniels stepped up in a big way.

McDaniels recorded 32 points and 10 rebounds in a closeout Game 6 against the Nuggets, all while locking down Denver guard Jamal Murray on the defensive side of the ball.

On Monday night, the Timberwolves continued their positive momentum with a Game 1 victory over the No. 2 seed Spurs in San Antonio.

Edwards returned under a minutes restriction, contributing an efficient 18 points in the 104-102 win. McDaniels finished the game with 16 points.

After the game, Edwards was asked about McDaniels’ contributions throughout the postseason thus far.

“He’s my favorite player in the NBA,” Edwards said. “What he does on a nightly basis for us is incredible. I love to watch him play. His maturity has grown so much over the last year and a half - the way he sees the game, the way he reads the game, how he takes his time getting to his spots. He knows when to be aggressive.

“He’s just my favorite player. I love Jaden McDaniels.”

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Edwards and McDaniels joined the Timberwolves in the same 2020 rookie class. Edwards was selected with the No. 1 overall pick, and McDaniels was acquired on draft night in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers after he was taken with the No. 28 overall pick.

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Game 2 of the Timberwolves-Spurs series will tipoff at 9:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 1:06 PM.