Edwards names Wembanyama as primary competitive driver after playoff exit
The Minnesota Timberwolves star acknowledges the physical disparity with the San Antonio Spurs centre, stating he must rely on mental acuity to overcome the 7'5" player.
Anthony Edwards has identified San Antonio Spurs centre Victor Wembanyama as the competitor who currently brings out the best in him, following a decisive shift in the Western Conference hierarchy. The comments, reported by The Sporting News, come after the Minnesota Timberwolves were eliminated by the Spurs in the 2026 Western Conference Playoffs.
The defeat prevented the Timberwolves from securing a third consecutive appearance in the Western Conference Finals. For Edwards, who is 25 years old and has reached the conference finals twice in his six NBA seasons, the loss underscored the rising dominance of the Spurs.
Edwards acknowledged the significant physical advantage held by Wembanyama, who stands at 7'5". In addressing the challenge posed by the Spurs centre, Edwards stated that he must find ways to get around the taller player and outthink him.
"As of right now, probably Wemby. I mean he’s 7’5”, so I just gotta find ways to get around him. You know, I got to try and outthink him because he’s so much taller than me," Edwards said.
The rivalry is set against a backdrop of a league increasingly defined by dominant big men. While players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic are considered superior at the moment, Wembanyama’s rise has been characterised as undeniable, with many viewing him as the primary star to build around.
This dynamic suggests a sustained competitive tension between the two franchises. With both teams demonstrating success in recent years and projected strength moving forward, the Spurs and Timberwolves are poised to remain central figures in the Western Conference landscape.
