Ah! Another hamstring injury! Even the NBA top pick can't withstand it.

In only the third game of the season, Edwards endured a right hamstring strain. After more than a week of recovery, he hurriedly returned (initially supposed to rest for two weeks). Against the Knicks, he made 5 of 13 shots, posted 15 points, 2 boards, 5 assists, and 2 steals, with a -25 plus-minus.Immediately following, the Timberwolves declared that due to the right hamstring strain, he might remain out for upcoming games...

Since the season had just begun without any pressure on results, Edwards had no reason to rush back. He could have waited until fully healed; forcing an early return not only affects performance but also risks worsening the injury. In short, it’s a lose-lose situation.

So far this season, Edwards has played four games, averaging 26.4 minutes per game, contributing 23 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.3 turnovers. His shooting percentage stands at 49.2%, and he averages three made three-pointers per game at a 46.2% clip. In recent years, he has developed a consistent and explosively effective long-range shot, which greatly boosts his ceiling and steadily moves him toward becoming a new NBA star.

Speaking of this season, the NBA has ramped up its pace dramatically. The faster tempo and increased offensive possessions have pushed most teams’ scoring averages higher. Currently, the Timberwolves rank 18th in the league with 116.5 points per game, while the top three are the Rockets with 124.7, Nuggets with 124.6, and 76ers with 123.3 points. However, this has also caused injuries to occur earlier and more intensely than usual.

For example, as mentioned, Edwards couldn’t hold up. In just eight games, he has suffered two injury reports. Before this season, this 2020 top pick had played an average of 79 regular-season games over three straight seasons, earning a reputation as one of the NBA’s iron men.

It’s especially worth noting that,recently the Timberwolves have been caught up in trade rumors, reportedly planning to acquire Morant, who is currently at odds with the Grizzlies, to form a super duo with Edwards—or rather a trio, since the former would effectively carry two guns.

So far this season, Morant averages 20 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1 steal per game, with shooting percentages of 38.3%, 14%, and 95.8%. His current contract runs through the summer of 2028, with total earnings of about $127 million over the last three seasons.