The next time you’re out and about and happen to run into Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, don’t dare refer to him as an All-Star. Even though he is indeed a one-time All-Star “selection,” he won’t acknowledge this fact. He doesn’t count it since he wasn’t a first-choice selection to the team.

“That All-Star Game [selection] didn’t count. Somebody got hurt, and I was the fallback guy… I don’t even like when people call me an All-Star.” – Anthony Edwards

We rarely, if ever, see players denounce their All-Star selections, regardless of the circumstances. Those All-Star appearances are one of the essential criteria when it comes to players acquiring bigger paydays. Edwards is already one of the best scorers in the NBA and should have no problem with contracts. But accolades like All-Star, All-NBA, All-Defense and other honors certainly add up and contribute to making more money as a player’s career develops.

While his comments probably aren’t something his agent would endorse, Edwards certainly got his point across. Regardless of his feelings about being second banana, it says All-Star on his resume. Whatever the case, this attitude seems to have motivated Edwards, with him leading the way in Minnesota and the franchise off to its best start in years.

It’s still early in the season, but the Timberwolves lead the Western Conference with a 15-4 record and a two-game edge over the Thunder and Nuggets. Edwards is averaging 26 points per game, leading the team with Karl-Anthony Towns clearly in the sidekick role. Last year, it felt like there was still some confusion about who would take the lead on this team, and it looks like they’ve finally figured it out. If the Wolves stay on track, Edwards will be an All-Star, but “for real” this time, as he won’t have to worry about filling in due to an injury. He’s now definitely the guy in Minnesota.