LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards become first-time teammates in Minnesota

When LaMelo Ball learned of his trade to Minnesota, his immediate instinct was to dial Anthony Edwards—calling multiple times while the guard was asleep. Edwards woke up to three or four missed calls, eventually returning the ring to hear the news directly from his new teammate. Though they enter this season as first-time teammates, the two guards share a history dating back to the 2020 Draft class, where Ball edged out Edwards for the Rookie of the Year award.

Early Rivalry and Mutual Respect Before Minnesota

Media narratives frequently framed Ball and Edwards as direct antagonists vying for supremacy in their draft class. Yet, both players rejected that outside framing from the start. Edwards recalled that after their very first matchup on the professional floor, he realized Ball was simply his kind of player. That mutual admiration actually began well before they entered the league, with each following the other’s exploits on the high school circuit. Edwards notably remembered Ball erupting for 92 points during a high school encounter, a performance that left a lasting impression on the future first pick of the Draft.

I’ve always been a fan of his game, of his rythme, of his capacity to be a great playmaker and to put the ball in the basket, Edwards said. Ball echoed that sentiment, noting that basketball circles are small and that their respective reputations preceded them long before they shared an NBA floor.

Off-Season Activities Build Team Chemistry

The foundation for their current partnership expanded away from the hardwood during an off-season trip to Paris. The pair spent considerable time together in the French capital before returning to Minnesota to participate in extensive five-on-five scrimmages, individual duels, and team-building exercises. Additional activities, such as a competitive fantasy football league and an active group chat, helped integrate new arrivals like Bones Hyland into the fold.

Edwards emphasized that these intangible details matter immensely when building a championship contender. Comparing the modern NBA locker room to an adult version of Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, Edwards suggested that the tightest-knit groups ultimately win. Both players stressed that ego has been completely checked at the door, allowing their on-court chemistry to develop organically with every training session.

Entering this new campaign, both Ball and Edwards view their established personal rapport as a shortcut to tactical fluency. Ball noted that daily repetitions have made reading each other’s tendencies progressively easier. Edwards pointed out that recent champions share a common thread of genuine camaraderie both inside and outside the arena. With their competitive drives aligned toward securing a title, the Minnesota backcourt enters the upcoming fixtures prepared to lean on years of mutual admiration translated into everyday execution.