The Minnesota Timberwolves are officially out of the NBA Playoffs after being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.
Anthony Edwards has looked superb throughout the postseason, knocking out both the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors on his way to the conference finals. However, he struggled down the stretch in their series against the Thunder.
During an appearance on the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal gave an honest assessment of Edwards' performance and mindset throughout the series.
"When he is aggressive, he is a great player, "O'Neal said. He made a comment the other day that 'I made the right pay.' The right play is that you have to be aggressive and make the right play if you want to move on."
Shaq added that he understands the learning process, but there is a fine line between making the right play and shying away from the moment.
"When you say it's a learning process. A guy like me says it is an excuse when you have the ability to do something; you do it now."
Edwards proved he is a superstar, having led the Timberwolves to the Conference Finals for the second consecutive year. However, his production dipped in the series when the Timberwolves alive.
He finished game 3 with 16 points on 5-13 shooting. He faired better in Game 4, dropping 19 points and grabbing six rebounds, but it wasn't enough to keep the Timberwolves alive.
Shaq believes that growth is a necessary learning step for a star of Edwards's caliber.