WATCH: Anthony Edwards swaggers when asked about Team USA's top option

Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves standout, isn't afraid to step into the spotlight. The 6-foot-4 guard had an enthusiastic performance off the bench in Team USA's 86-72 exhibition victory against Canada. Edwards led Team USA in scoring with 13 points and a 60% field-goal percentage. When asked by reporters on Thursday if he saw himself as the go-to player versus Canada, Edwards responded with confidence.

The 22-year-old, nicknamed "Ant-Man" due to his explosiveness on the floor, immediately rose to prominence in the NBA. He is a two-time NBA All-Star and a recent All-NBA Second Team selection, having led the Timberwolves to their most successful playoff run in team history last season.

Given the roster's star power, including Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry, it may be a stretch to claim Edwards is the most important player on Team USA. However, Edwards emanates a distinct intensity as a strong finisher who excels at getting to the rim and creating offence for himself or his teammates.

Anthony Edwards deems Kevin Durant the alpha in key situations. Anthony Edwards stated in February of this year that Kevin Durant was the greatest basketball player of all time. He informed ESPN's Malika Andrews. As per Sportskeeda, "I have been a fan since I was a little boy," Edwards said. "(KD is) the first seven-footer I've seen put the ball on the floor and hit a pull-up."

Watch here the video:

Kay Adams: "What is the last thing Anthony Edwards asked you?"



Kevin Durant: "Ant doesn't really ask anything, he just makes statements, makes declarations...I like being around him."



KD on USAB "No.1 Option" Anthony Edwards 🗣️



(via @UpAndAdamsShow)pic.twitter.com/qrp6l8TkSL

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 12, 2024

Anthony Edwards will link up with Kevin Durant only a few months after their showdown in the 2023 postseason. Team USA's Olympic schedule begins on July 28 versus Serbia, and when asked who would be the alpha with the game on the line, Edwards said.

'I think Kevin Durant. That’s my favorite player of all time' - Anthony Edwards

“When the game is on the line who’s our alpha? I think Kevin Durant, he better be. … that’s who I came to see. Who do I look to for advice? Of course KD. That’s my favorite player of all time, anything I wanna ask, I go straight to him.”

These statements by Edwards demonstrate a team-first mindset. He understands that, while he may not always take the final shot, his agility and scoring ability put pressure on defences to produce late-game opportunities, whether by himself or someone like Durant.