ANTHONY EDWARDS – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Ant Edwards’ Path to World’s Best Demands Elite Defense

Posted on October 18, 2026October 18, 2026 by David Shama

Anthony Edwards, 25, starts his seventh NBA regular season Wednesday night in Miami against the Heat. He remains the focal point of the Timberwolves, despite a roster shakeup that has two new starters in the lineup.

It’s an annual story now, waiting to see what improvement the Wolves superstar guard might make to elevate his status among the NBA’s best players. Authorities agree he’s one of the league’s 10 best players, but his raw talent teases with the potential to climb higher among his contemporaries and the greats of the past.

Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves player — Anthony Edwards photo courtesy of Minnesota Timberwolves

In its annual ranking of the top 100 NBA players last month ESPN.com listed Edwards at No. 7 and said in part: “Edwards averaged a career-high 28.8 points per game and again made 40% of his 3s on high volume (as he did in 2024-25) while enjoying his most efficient season overall. And while Edwards missed out on an All-NBA nod because he appeared in only 61 games, he is generally one of the sturdiest stars around, having appeared in at least 72 games in each of his previous five campaigns.”

Edwards might average 30 points or more per game this season with the addition of play maker extraordinaire LaMelo Ball (new to the lineup along with 24-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga). One of the league’s best point guards, Ball’s passing benefited Edwards in preseason when the two quickly developed chemistry with one another.

Edwards has twice been named second-team All-NBA. Playing on a Western Conference or NBA champion team would elevate the esteem with which the 6-foot-4 scoring whiz is regarded. But probably even more of a factor is whether Edwards can become a consistent elite defender.

Wolves’ basketball executive Tim Connelly saw it that way last month when meeting with the media. “I think Ant’s best chance to be the best player in the world (is) he has to (first) be the best two-way player in the world. I think he’d be the first to tell you at times last year (that was not up to standard). Part of it was our fault. We put him in positions where he had to (do) so much offensively.

“A lot of the ballhandling stuff will be out of his hands now with a more traditional point guard next to him. But you gotta be a two-way player. He’s gotta be a leader on both ends. He’s shown the ability to be, I think, maybe the best on ball perimeter defender in the league. … He’s so strong. He’s got great instincts. He’s so competitive.

“Do we think it’s gotta be 48 minutes of elite play on both ends? Is that unrealistic? Probably, but do we think in the biggest moments that he’d be the most impactful perimeter defender in the league? Absolutely.”

What about Edwards’ playmaking? Last season he averaged 3.7 assists, the lowest since his rookie year average of 2.9.

“We’re not concerned about his playmaking and we expect our offense to be a bit more free flowing with the addition of LaMelo,” Connelly said.

No question Ball’s availability will be tied to Edwards’ success this season and beyond. The concern is availability. Since being drafted by the Hornets in 2020 (he went No. 3 overall and Edwards No. 1), he has missed a lot of games. Last season he played a near career high of 72 out of 82 games but in previous seasons the totals were 47, 22, 36, 75 and 51.

Ankle injuries have been troublesome. That’s a worrisome history for a 25-year-old, with logic suggesting lower body injuries can become more frequent and last longer as an athlete ages.

Connelly is banking on Ball continuing the trend of the 2025-2026 season. Playing most of the season, he averaged 20.2 points per game and 7.1 assists. The 6-7 veteran also averaged nearly 5 rebounds per game.

Connelly was asked if he saw a ceiling on minutes per game for Ball. “I’d hope 48. I don’t know if that’s reasonable. Everything is nuanced. …There’s nothing chronic (regarding his health).

“He’s been healthy all summer. He’s really taken his body seriously this offseason… I think our expectation of him is to play as much as possible. …When healthy he is going to make a huge impact and right now he looks fantastic.”

Worth Noting

The Golden Gophers men’s basketball team is ranked No. 42 in the KenPom preseason rankings, two spots behind the Badgers and one ahead of the Hawkeyes. https://kenpom.com/index.php

That’s the good news. The bad news is the ranking is likely based on Cade Tyson being on the roster. Word is litigation for Tyson and other athletes involved in an appeal to gain a fifth year of college competition is unlikely to be settled in their favor. Tyson led all Gopher scorers last season averaging 19.6 points per game.

Sports Headliners reader and longtime season tickets buyer Kirk Detlefsen was asked via email what the fans he knows are thinking regarding the Twins who surprised with a better-than-expected record of 77-85.

“…I do know that the attitude with many Twins fans is much different today than it was at this time last year. The few people that I talk to would still like to see the team sold, but the hatred towards the Pohlads that existed a year ago I don’t see. There definitely is a little excitement out there for the Twins’ future with some of our young talent. …

“My personal thoughts, I like Tom Pohlad. The change in leadership within the Pohlad family was the best thing that happened this year. I like what he says, and so far, he does what he says.

“With the addition of three minority partners this past year, I would really be surprised if the Pohlads were to sell the team any time soon. But as the old saying goes, ‘Everything is for sale, it’s just a matter of price.’ “

Among the Twins’ most intriguing prospects because of his youth and skills is 17-year-old Venezuelan shortstop Enmanuel Merlo who signed a reported $1.5 million contract last January. He hit .311 in the Dominican Summer League this year.

Expectations will be high regarding the 2027 performance of new Twins pitching coach Brian Reith because he comes from the Rays organization with an envied reputation for being among the most intelligent and innovative in developing pitchers. Reith, 48, was the pitching coach last season for the Triple-A Durham club.

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Vikings Cutting QB J.J. McCarthy Today? Fuhgeddaboudit

Posted on August 30, 2026August 30, 2026 by David Shama

Enjoy a Sunday notes column.

NFL rosters must be reduced to 53 men tonight (Sunday) by 5 p.m. Minneapolis time. Any speculation the Vikings will cut disappointing third year quarterback J.J. McCarthy from their roster is ludicrous.

McCarthy, who has won six regular-season games as the team’s starter and lost the No. 1 job to Kyler Murray in training camp this summer, could be traded over the weekend or later. Dismiss any speculation, though, the Vikings will give him up for a late round future draft choice, or cut him for the roster with nothing in return.

J.J. McCarthy, Vikings QB, image by David Shama — J.J. McCarthy

The likely scenario is the Vikings won’t receive trade offers that entice them, and it makes sense that decision makers Kevin O’Connell (head coach) and Nolan Teasley (general manager) aren’t giving up so soon on Minnesota’s 2024 first round draft choice. Even if the 23-year-old is going to be replaced for now by Carson Wentz as backup quarterback, it doesn’t mean McCarthy can’t follow a path where he emerges as at least a serviceable NFL starter.

Other predictions about today’s cutdown include a nod here to rookie Brett Thorson winning the punting job from veteran Johnny Hekker, and linebacker Ivan Pace and offensive tackle Walter Rouse, both veterans, being cut. Bubble RB Zavier Scott makes the team but second-year former Golden Gopher QB Max Brosmer does not.

It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Vikings add a player or two from the Seahawks roster after they make their cuts, partly because Teasley, as a former Seattle executive, worked for the organization for 13 seasons.

Promising Vikings rookie defensive lineman Domonique Orange has potential to have one of the better nicknames in franchise history. Known as “Big Citrus,” he is listed by the team at 6-2 and 322 pounds. If he becomes a mainstay his handle can be up there with “Harry the Hitman” (Harrison Smith), “All Day” Adrian Peterson, Randy “The Freak” Moss, and “Benchwarmer” Bob Lurtsema.

BTW, a source said word inside the Vikings organization is that it’s “highly doubtful” the 37-year-old Smith decides to play another season.

Former Twins general manager Thad Levine talks weekly with prominent sports newsmakers on his podcast Rosters to Rings. It’s the kind of in-depth content you’d expect from the cerebral Levine.

The presumptive sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion this summer is a startling contrast to the historical purchase prices of the NBA franchise, per A.I. The Detroit Gems were purchased for $15,000 and moved to Minneapolis in 1947. Bob Short bought the club for $150,000 in 1957, moved the team to L.A. in 1960 and sold it for about $5 million in 1965.

With the addition of 23-year-old power forward Jonathan Kuminga, the Timberwolves now have a starting lineup that averages a youthful 26.4 years. Point guard LaMelo Ball, shooting guard Anthony Edwards and small forward Jaden McDaniels are all 25, and center Rudy Gobert is 34. Remove Gobert, and the Wolves have a foursome averaging 24.5 years.

With that youth, the Wolves may be positioned for a long time to compete against two other dominant and youthful teams in the Spurs and Thunder. Those franchises are wagering favorites to win the 2027 NBA title with the Wolves a top 10 bet.

Possibility that the NHL will add an expansion team in Texas (Houston or Austin) could prompt speculation the new team will play in the Western Conference’s Central Division and allow the Wild to join a less competitive division. Minnesota might jump at the chance to escape the Avalanche and Stars.

A big storyline to follow when the Wild heads into training camp and preseason next month will be who establishes himself as the team’s No. 1 goalie. Filip Gustavsson, 28, has the edge in experience but the NHL Network recently gave Jesper Wallstedt, 23, the No. 9 spot on its list of top 10 league goalies.

The Avalanche’s Cale Makar’s new contract extension is expected to prompt a new deal for the Wild’s Quinn Hughes. It’s believed the Hughes camp has been waiting for the Makar signing to set the market for defensemen as they are two of the best in the world.

Makar’s new compensation is reportedly at $20. 4 million in annual average value. Hughes may become the Wild’s highest compensated player, exceeding the $17 million annual average value reported deal of teammate Kirill Kaprizov.

Fordy Leipold, son of Craig Leipold, is director of marketing of his dad’s new Minnesota Forge pro volleyball team based in St. Paul.

New gameday food items will be available at Huntington Bank Stadium for Golden Gophers football and include Papa Pete’s Mini Donuts (Section 121), Cold Stone Creamery (Sections 131, 121), Sushi Flip Pops (Section 143), Salads & Sides (Section 127) and Original Fried Chicken Tenders in the West Plaza. Mini Sloppy Joe’s will be featured at the Game Day Cart (Section 143).

New Spam-inspired offerings include Spam Corn Dogs at Curds & Cakes (Section 123), the Spam Stadium Dog at the Sizzle Stand (Section 135) and Spam Fries in Club Cambria. Dominos Pizza, BBQ Cabin, Maui Wowi, Minnesota’s Original Brat Dog, The Lotus Vietnamese and Parlour Burger locations return this season. Proceeds from Parlour Burger benefit Dinkytown Athletes.

Gophers starting center Ashton Beers attended a media gathering for food sampling at the stadium. Asked what’s the best food option in small town Slinger, Wisconsin, he replied: “Culver’s.”

Linemate Tony Nelson, the right guard who was raised on a family farm near Tracy, got married recently to Amber Findlay.

University of Minnesota athletics lost two extraordinary boosters with the deaths this summer of Kay McReavy and Lee Sundet, both of whom passed away in their 90s. Condolences to friends and family.

Probably safe to say there will be more than a little grumbling among Gopher football fans that want to watch the opener in their homes Thursday night against Eastern Illinois; they need the Peacock platform.

The Gophers are the only Big Ten football program returning their head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators, and starting quarterback.

Pickle ball sources say former Gopher basketball player Andre Hollins, 2011-2015, is outstanding at the game.

No details announced yet, but big names are expected for signings at the Minnesota Card Show September 17-20 at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Over 600 vendor tables will feature sports cards and other memorabilia.

Quarterback Anthony Policare, the first- year starter who threw the winning touchdown pass in the last minute of the St. Thomas 15-9 season opening win against Winona State last week, is a transfer from Buffalo University where he spent three years.

A certain online sports columnist celebrates 20 years this month!

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Call Me “Doubtful Dave,” But No LeBron to Minneapolis

Posted on July 10, 2026July 10, 2026 by David Shama

LeBron James playing for the Timberwolves next season?

Chances are slim and none.

And slim just left the building at 600 First Avenue North.

James, the greatest age 40-plus player in NBA history, is looking for a new home after playing his last eight seasons with the Lakers. Reportedly 27 of 30 league teams have contacted James’ agent about his availability after averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games last season.

Rich Paul, James’ agent, revealed a shorter list of possibilities earlier this month that included the Timberwolves. Local fans are hopeful the 41-year-old will fill the team’s glaring need for a power forward and join a four-some of Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert in a lineup that could propel the Wolves into a top five NBA team.

Fuhgeddaboudit.

If I am wrong I will push a basketball with my nose on the sidewalk outside Target Center before the start of next season.

ESPN insider Shams Charania said recently the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers are the top three choices for landing spots. I would throw in the Golden State Warriors for a top four of possibilities.

All of the above, except perhaps the Warriors, make so much more sense than the Wolves. An Akron, Ohio native, James could close the circle of his career by joining the Cavs, the team that drafted him in 2003. He’s never severed his northeast Ohio ties and besides the emotional connection the Cavs have a talented roster.

In Miami, James would experience another homecoming. He played for Heat front office legend Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra. They are still running the show in south Florida and James could form a Herculean front line with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. The Heat, with that threesome, would join the top five gang, too.

Nobody is blowing smoke to speculate James would elevate the 76ers to elite title contenders. A starting lineup of stars would include guards Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey, center Joel Embiid and James. The offensive might of that group probably moves the 76ers ahead of the World Champion New York Knicks as Eastern Conference favorites in 2027.

A title would be much more difficult to attain if James goes to San Francisco and joins the Warriors. Coach Steve Kerr’s team has a big need for James, and he could be part of a dynamic duo with superstar guard Steph Curry, his former Olympic teammate. Then, too, forward Draymond Green is one of James’ best friends. James has a passion for golf and some of the world’s best are in the Bay Area, but Warrior fans are probably whistling on the water about getting the “King.”

Regardless of who James signs a deal with, his compensation will be drastically reduced from past earnings. That’s because of the NBA salary cap, with estimates he can earn between $3.9 million and about $16 million next season. The Wolves could offer only $3.9 million, per a story today by ESPN.com’s Bobby Marks and Brian Windhorst.

Your nose-pushing basketball writer believes in storybook endings and thinks James will choose a return to Ohio where he has a mansion and all kinds of favorite things including Ohio State football.

Timberwolves owner Alex Rodrgiuez — Alex Rodriguez

Sorry, the Wolves connections to James run a wee bit less. Owner Alex Rodriguez has a relationship with Paul and his Klutch Sports Group.

It’s a tantalizing treat, though, to think of James in a Wolves uniform. His ability to run the floor, outlet pass to teammates, power his way to the basket with brute strength, deliver thunderous dunks and float three-point shots into the basket would have brought the house down at the old gym on First Avenue.

It would be the “ShowTime Wolves” with the jaw dropping passes from James and newly acquired point guard Ball. And imagine, too, the acrobatic show of Edwards swooping to the rim or cross over dribbling, the two-way athleticism of McDaniels and the in your face defense of Gobert.

The James impact on team leadership and decision-making would have been less subtle but just as valued. Known as a team that self-inflicts problems, the unselfish James would make the Wolves far more consistent and intelligent in their play.

Alas, at what might have been.

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