Unveiling Edwards' offseason grind: studying Kobe and Jordan footage to master fadeaways, develop post-up and mid-range shooting skills

On September 24th Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Shams, Timberwolves star Edwards is fully dedicated to refining his skills to boost his on-court dominance. During the offseason, he focused on developing his post-up moves and mid-range scoring, learning fadeaway jump shots by analyzing game footage of Kobe and Jordan, aiming to score effectively from all angles on the court.

“This offseason, Edwards prioritized expanding into new areas: post-up scoring—including mid-post, high-post, and low-post moves—while also enhancing his mid-range shooting and fadeaway jumpers from the post,” Shams stated on the show. “He has watched extensive footage of Kobe and Jordan, studying their offensive techniques, especially how they create scoring chances while posting up. The Timberwolves believe this skill set will become his ‘signature weapon,’ particularly in tight games and slower-paced moments, especially during the playoffs.”

In recent years, the Timberwolves have hovered on the brink of achieving their best-ever results, and if Edwards can make another personal breakthrough, the team’s full potential could be unleashed. Last season, Edwards delivered impressive averages of 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, ranking among the league’s elite, yet he firmly believes there is room for further improvement.

Shams added, “Edwards clearly understands that to help the team reach the next level, he must elevate his own performance first. That’s why he has been spending countless hours in the Timberwolves’ training facility since June. Mid-range shooting, post-up moves, and fadeaway jumpers like those of Jordan and Kobe could become key parts of his arsenal this season.”

From an offensive standpoint, Edwards has very few technical weaknesses, but his struggles against double teams are a well-known challenge. In January, he openly discussed his difficulties facing double teams and pledged to address the issue. This summer, he has followed through on that promise by adding more tools to his offensive repertoire.

Specifically, Edwards aims to master post-up techniques like those Kobe and Jordan used throughout their careers. Being able to score immediately after receiving the ball with his back to the basket helped Kobe and Jordan remain highly efficient under intense defense—when double-teamed, they didn’t have to pass prematurely or take forced shots; instead, they could simply turn and shoot over defenders.

Standing 1.93 meters tall and weighing 102 kilograms, Edwards isn’t the most physically imposing shooting guard, but he can still execute highly difficult shots through strength and athleticism. If he integrates post-up and mid-range skills into his game, this young star’s possibilities on the court will expand dramatically.

At the very least, learning from the “greatest player” in his position’s history will strongly support Edwards on his path toward greatness. His NBA career has only just begun five years ago, with much of his story yet to be written, but the Timberwolves’ confidence in his impending “breakout season” continues to grow.

If Edwards truly masters post-up scoring and mid-range offense, the Timberwolves may have their best chance in decades to contend for a championship. With his elite athleticism and competitive mindset, he is now more eager than ever to complete the final pieces of his scoring arsenal. Once he can “punish defenses” like Kobe and Jordan did, the Timberwolves will instantly become a genuine powerhouse in the Western Conference.