Anthony Edwards has been making a lot of noise recently in the FIBA World Cup playing for Team USA. The 22-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves star is getting praised all over the basketball community for his plays on the court and has also secured his long-term future at the club with a recent deal. Edwards will be changing his jersey number from 1 to 5 soon for the upcoming season, and the reason behind it is heart-wrenching.
Edwards has established himself as the leader of the World Cup squad playing alongside top-level talents like Austin Reaves, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jalen Brunson. Team USA dominated the Philippines in the FIBA World Cup to secure their third straight win after crushing Jordan.
NBA insider explains Anthony Edwards’s number selection
An NBA insider explained to the fans the real reason behind Anthony Edwards’s number change. The NBA insider said, “(Anthony Edwards) is playing for something larger this season, number 5 signifies: his grandmother passed away on the 5th of the month, his mother also passed away on on the 5th of the month, and he was born on the 5th of the month.”
“(Anthony Edwards) is playing for something larger this season…No. 5 signifies: his grandmother passed away on the 5th of the month, his mother also passed away on on the 5th of the month, and he was born on the 5th of the month.”
Insider @ShamsCharania on Edwards' rise. pic.twitter.com/Nk1QM7uNen
— The Rally (@TheRally) August 30, 2023
Edwards lost his mother and his grandmother at a very young age. He adored both of them and these circumstances were enough to crush any man and he had to endure it as a child. The Timberwolves star’s decision to honor his beloved is truly a message of love.
Anthony has become more fierce than ever and even though the matchups ahead look difficult, it seems very likely he’ll pull through with the rest of the Team USA.
Edwards lost both his mother and grandmother within 8 months
In 2015, Anthony Edward lost both his mother, Yvette, and grandmother, Shirley, to cancer. Anthony was just an eighth grader at that time, he has spoken clearly about them on many occasions. He said that he misses them every day and that they were his biggest supporters. Anthony believes that the death of his loved ones had a key role to play in the person he has become now.
The passing away of his mother and grandmother motivated him to work harder and achieve his dreams. When he was drafted by the Timberwolves in 2020 he said that he wanted to make his play in the NBA and make his mother and grandmother proud. He once talked about his mother saying that his mom was his best friend. She was always there for him, no matter what and he miss her so much, Edward’s story is an inspiration to all.
What do you think of Anthony Edward’s homage to his mother and grandmother? How do you feel about his story? We are eager to know your thoughts here, so drop down in the comments and let us know.
