Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has already reached back-to-back Western Conference Finals.
Despite losing both games, Anthony Edwards has established himself as one of the NBA’s top stars.
In fact, Edwards is being touted to be the best American player in the league sooner rather than later. But for that to happen, winning the NBA MVP award will be an important accomplishment.
The last American-born player to receive this honor was James Harden in 2018, but Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce believes Ant will soon end the international player monopoly.
Whether it’s Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo, European stars are quickly becoming top names in the NBA these days.
OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won MVP again in the 2024-25 season. That being said, Pierce ultimately chose Edwards to end this reign.
“I like Ant-Man. I think he has a chance to start getting his name recognized in that conversation. He has that ability,” Pearce said on KG Certified.
He added: “If you were to talk about the American player this season, today, I think he’s a unique player.”
Right now, Edwards is focused on winning an NBA championship. After all, he hasn’t been able to break through the WCF in consecutive seasons.
Edwards was Pierce’s first choice, but when asked if there were any other players, the Celtics legend named two more.
“Cade Cunningham, he could probably be in the conversation eventually. Maybe a guy like Jalen Brunson? It depends on the Knicks and how they’re doing,” Pierce said.
Cade Cunningham certainly took a leap forward last season, but the Detroit Pistons star is still far from a perennial MVP candidate.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson is likely less likely to win the honor as he shares the court with Karl-Anthony Towns.