Anthony Edwards is having an amazing time at the Olympics.
The 22-year-old NBA star is enjoying his first Olympics with the U.S. men’s basketball team. He’s playing with his idol Kevin Durant, watching table tennis in Paris during his free time, and making a mark with performances like his 26-point game in the U.S. win over Puerto Rico.
This experience has energized him to achieve what he couldn’t in last year’s World Cup and to make the most of his time on the international stage by aiming for a gold medal. Durant is impressed with Edwards’ performance on the court.
“It was incredible to watch him go to work,” Durant said. “He made shots, drove to the rim easily, and just played his game. … He really got the crowd and our team excited.”
As the youngest player on the U.S. team, Edwards is bringing a lot of energy to a squad where the most experienced players—Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James—are all over 35 years old.
When Edwards has the chance, especially with plays like his windmill dunk against Puerto Rico, the ball often goes to him.
“When we see him with a chance to take on the defense, we give him the ball,” Durant said. “It’s fun playing with him.”
Edwards mentioned that the dunk was something he had planned.
“I told K after the timeout, ‘If I get a break, I’m going to windmill it,’” Edwards said. “I wanted to go between the legs, but I hadn’t tried it in a while, so I didn’t want to mess up.”
He said being able to play with Durant and LeBron James is “everything I ever dreamed of.”
“Those two are the best,” Edwards said. “They’re team players who always want to see their teammates succeed. I’m the same way, so it’s perfect.”
