Ant: 'I'm still the No. 1 option' on Team USA
Despite playing on a roster filled with veteran talent, youngster Anthony Edwards is staking his claim as Team USA's best offensive weapon.
"I'm still the No. 1 option," Edwards said at Olympic training camp, according to The Washington Post's Ben Golliver. "Y'all might look at it differently, but I don't look at it that different."
Edwards added: "I just go out there and be myself. Shoot my shots, play defense. They’ve got to fit in and play around me. That's how I feel."
The 22-year-old served as Team USA's top scoring threat at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, averaging 18.9 points on 15.3 field-goal attempts. No other player averaged more than 14 points per game.
Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton are the only two remaining players from that squad. The Americans placed fourth at the World Cup after losing to Canada in the bronze-medal game.
Edwards averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, leading them to the Western Conference finals.
The T-Wolves guard will have stiff competition for Team USA's top offensive option alongside veteran scorers like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid.
Team USA faces Canada on Wednesday for an exhibition matchup before the Olympics later in July.