Edwards Tabs Cody Williams as Timberwolves Training Camp Standout
The short version
- Anthony Edwards named Cody Williams the Timberwolves player who has most caught his attention at camp
- Williams, 21, was drafted 10th overall in 2024 and came to Minnesota in a summer trade from the Utah Jazz
- Edwards praised his defensive instincts but said his "care factor" must become more visible
- Williams averaged 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists for Utah last season, rising to 13.6 points after the All-Star break
- Minnesota also added LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga after last season's run to the Western Conference semifinals
Anthony Edwards says trade addition Cody Williams has most caught his eye at Minnesota's camp, praising the 21-year-old's defense while pushing for more visible fire.
Anthony Edwards has identified Cody Williams as the Minnesota Timberwolves teammate who has most caught his eye at training camp this year. At the center of the assessment sits what the 21-year-old does on the defensive end of the floor, together with the daily energy he brings to the building.
Williams reached Minnesota through a summer trade with the Utah Jazz, the franchise that took him 10th overall in the 2024 draft and kept him for the two seasons that opened his NBA career. Still at the start of that career, he arrived at camp vying for a reserve spot on a reworked roster.
In remarks shared October 4 by Andrew Dukowitz on social media, Edwards offered a direct assessment of his new teammate. "Cody Williams, I just love his defensive instincts. I think he could be really good in the NBA," Edwards said.
The compliment came with a critique attached. Williams' "care factor has to go up a little more, just showing it, like everybody knows he cares but just showing it. Like you get a stop, let somebody know about it… other than that he brings intensity every day, his defense is incredible," Edwards said. In essence, he wants Williams to let that investment show, reacting visibly whenever he comes up with a stop.
The endorsement lands at a pivotal stage of the young wing's development. Across his final season in Utah, Williams posted averages of 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Once the All-Star break passed, his scoring climbed to 13.6 points per game.
Defense is where Williams could make his mark in Minnesota. The Timberwolves already count Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels among the pillars of their defensive setup, and a wing capable of guarding several positions would hand the unit another option.
Nor is Williams the only fresh face on the roster. The organization also landed LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga during an offseason of sweeping change, moves designed to help the club move beyond a season that finished in the Western Conference semifinals.
Edwards has spoken warmly about the turnover around him: Ball's presence returns him to his natural spot at shooting guard, and he says chemistry within the group is already building. Minnesota's hope is that the remade roster takes the club further than last season's playoff exit. For Williams, the task is more immediate — winning rotation minutes — and the backing of the team's biggest name suggests his defensive work has registered.
Minnesota's next appearance comes Monday, October 5, when the Timberwolves travel to face the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM EDT.
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