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Ant: The Incredible Journey of NBA Rising Star Anthony Edwards
The first in-depth look at the Minnesota Timberwolves rising star, from his backstory to his mindset, and the relationships that fueled his drive to greatness.
From his jaw-dropping dunks to his charismatic personality, Anthony Edwards draws comparisons to the greatest shooting guards of all time like Kobe and Jordan. A portrait in the education of a budding NBA superstar, Ant chronicles Edward’s meteoric rise. The number-one pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, a two-time All-Star, Edwards has, in just a few seasons, become a household name and the face of the Minnesota Timberwolves. And he’s only twenty-three years old.
With locker room access, original interviews, and fresh reporting by Chris Hine, the Minnesota Star Tribune’s beat writer covering the Wolves, Ant delves into Edwards’ early life in Atlanta, the challenges and family tragedy he overcame, and the relentless determination that has propelled him to stardom.
Ant includes 16 to 20 color photos.
From his jaw-dropping dunks to his charismatic personality, Anthony Edwards draws comparisons to the greatest shooting guards of all time like Kobe and Jordan. A portrait in the education of a budding NBA superstar, Ant chronicles Edward’s meteoric rise. The number-one pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, a two-time All-Star, Edwards has, in just a few seasons, become a household name and the face of the Minnesota Timberwolves. And he’s only twenty-three years old.
With locker room access, original interviews, and fresh reporting by Chris Hine, the Minnesota Star Tribune’s beat writer covering the Wolves, Ant delves into Edwards’ early life in Atlanta, the challenges and family tragedy he overcame, and the relentless determination that has propelled him to stardom.
Ant includes 16 to 20 color photos.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
55 people are currently reading
1829 people want to read
About the author
Chris Hine
1 book7 followersI've been a sports writer for over 15 years of experience working at both the Chicago Tribune and Minnesota Star Tribune. "Ant," a biography of Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards, is my first book and I'm so excited to get it out to the world. I hope people connect to Edwards's story on a human level, not just a basketball level, and what he had to overcome to make it to the NBA.
In my spare time, I'm a very amateur piano player and songwriter who looks up to Carole King. You might also catch me at bar trivia once in a while.
In my spare time, I'm a very amateur piano player and songwriter who looks up to Carole King. You might also catch me at bar trivia once in a while.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
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June 25, 2025I read this mainly to support the author who is an amazing sports journalist who covers the Timberwolves. I love following his coverage of the team, and I think we need to give our money and attention to genuine writers. I'm not giving this a rating because I just don't feel the need to.
Reading this was complicated because Ant and the 2024 Timberwolves team were pretty much the catalyst of me falling in love with the sport of basketball. It's just one of those things where you had to be there. The Game 7 win over Denver made me understand why people are so attached to sports. However, the issues in Ant's personal life are hard to separate with his basketball and on-the-court persona. It's hard to reconcile that this guy who has brought me so much joy as a fan can be making so many poor decisions in real life. I guess you have to "separate the art from the artist", but it still feels a little weird. I love him as a player for all the awesome moments, smiles, and laughs he has given to Wolves fans, but it feels hard to express that love when he has struggled to keep a good reputation outside of basketball. I did appreciate that Hine brought up some of these controversies, so the book isn't a straight puff piece.
Besides all that, I really appreciate the amount of research Hine put into the book. He talked to so many people in Ant's life. If this book taught me anything, it really wasn't much about Ant himself, but how a strong community around someone can lift them up. Another reason it is so hard for me to root against Ant despite his failings is because of all the tragedy he has experienced that is detailed in this book. Reading about the deaths of the people who raised him, his mother and grandmother, really hurt. Especially with the stories of how close he was with his mother and how much she would support him at all of his games. It just makes you sad knowing that she isn't here to see her son make it to the NBA, and I wonder how things may have been different if she and his grandmother hadn't passed when he was young. It was heartwarming to see how many people stepped up for him to keep him on track after he lost them. Again, the sense of community in this book is very inspiring.
I also learned that school counselors are the best, lol.
I enjoyed the second half of the book following his career so far, but not as much as the parts about his childhood/teen years. I thought it was interesting learning about his relationship with current Wolves coach Chris Finch over the years. It was fun reading about the 2024 season and getting to hear from other Wolves fans about their experiences in the playoffs. The best part was definitely every thing to do with his relationship with KAT (the trade still hurts, idc). They were a special duo and their post game conferences during the 2024 playoffs are some of my favorite videos to go back to when I'm feeling down. Nonetheless, the sections going through his NBA seasons lacked as much interest for me personally.
Overall, glad I bought this to support Christopher Hine and I definitely learned new things about Ant and the Wolves as a team which is awesome. 2026 champs! (a girl can dream)
Reading this was complicated because Ant and the 2024 Timberwolves team were pretty much the catalyst of me falling in love with the sport of basketball. It's just one of those things where you had to be there. The Game 7 win over Denver made me understand why people are so attached to sports. However, the issues in Ant's personal life are hard to separate with his basketball and on-the-court persona. It's hard to reconcile that this guy who has brought me so much joy as a fan can be making so many poor decisions in real life. I guess you have to "separate the art from the artist", but it still feels a little weird. I love him as a player for all the awesome moments, smiles, and laughs he has given to Wolves fans, but it feels hard to express that love when he has struggled to keep a good reputation outside of basketball. I did appreciate that Hine brought up some of these controversies, so the book isn't a straight puff piece.
Besides all that, I really appreciate the amount of research Hine put into the book. He talked to so many people in Ant's life. If this book taught me anything, it really wasn't much about Ant himself, but how a strong community around someone can lift them up. Another reason it is so hard for me to root against Ant despite his failings is because of all the tragedy he has experienced that is detailed in this book. Reading about the deaths of the people who raised him, his mother and grandmother, really hurt. Especially with the stories of how close he was with his mother and how much she would support him at all of his games. It just makes you sad knowing that she isn't here to see her son make it to the NBA, and I wonder how things may have been different if she and his grandmother hadn't passed when he was young. It was heartwarming to see how many people stepped up for him to keep him on track after he lost them. Again, the sense of community in this book is very inspiring.
I also learned that school counselors are the best, lol.
I enjoyed the second half of the book following his career so far, but not as much as the parts about his childhood/teen years. I thought it was interesting learning about his relationship with current Wolves coach Chris Finch over the years. It was fun reading about the 2024 season and getting to hear from other Wolves fans about their experiences in the playoffs. The best part was definitely every thing to do with his relationship with KAT (the trade still hurts, idc). They were a special duo and their post game conferences during the 2024 playoffs are some of my favorite videos to go back to when I'm feeling down. Nonetheless, the sections going through his NBA seasons lacked as much interest for me personally.
Overall, glad I bought this to support Christopher Hine and I definitely learned new things about Ant and the Wolves as a team which is awesome. 2026 champs! (a girl can dream)
November 6, 2025
Love a local author! Fantastic journalism by Hines about the rising stardom of Anthony Edwards. As a timbies fan, I loved learning more about #5 and the building of our now WCF x2 team! What I loved hearing about was the people that have surrounded and supported Ant during his success. It takes a village. Go wolves 🐺!
June 9, 2025
A fun read filled with never before heard stories of one of today’s most captivating athletes. A must read for any Timberwolves fan or for anyone interested in what makes elite athletes tick the way they do. A great debut book for Hine.
July 11, 2025
Perfect summer read. 5 stars bc we Stan Chris Hine always
October 10, 2025
This had lots of cool anecdotes and was a great warm up for the season!
September 3, 2025
I don’t really know who this book is for. If you’re an avid NBA fan you pretty much know everything in the book already. If you’re a casual fan you probably don’t care enough about Edwards to read the book. Ultimately this is a puff piece book that works hard to build up a man of mediocre character. Examples of his poor character being hand waved or explained away:
- it’s okay he was a terrible student because he was charming, he barely graduated high school
- It’s okay that he prioritizes video games over his family because he had a tough childhood
- Calling Edwards mature and an old soul is a blatant lie
- Makes excuses for him being a homophobe and tries to bend it into him being a hero for the gay community
- Hand waves his several pregnancies of various women and irresponsibility as “growing up”
- Excuses his vulgar language in interviews as “he tells it like it is”
- it’s okay he was a terrible student because he was charming, he barely graduated high school
- It’s okay that he prioritizes video games over his family because he had a tough childhood
- Calling Edwards mature and an old soul is a blatant lie
- Makes excuses for him being a homophobe and tries to bend it into him being a hero for the gay community
- Hand waves his several pregnancies of various women and irresponsibility as “growing up”
- Excuses his vulgar language in interviews as “he tells it like it is”
August 26, 2025
3.5! 🐺 As a Wolves fan, this was a mostly fun read - especially reliving the last couple years of Ant’s career since I started watching! It was great to have all his big moments/quotes all in one place. I was bummed that Ant didn’t sit down for an interview for the book - you can definitely feel the distance in the storytelling because of that, and the early chapters before his NBA days weren’t as engaging. But Chris Hine clearly put in the work, pulling from other media interviews along with insights from many of Ant’s close friends, coaches, and teammates. Overall I’d say it’s worth the read for fans who just love Ant and want to see how far he’s come. #nazreid
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October 25, 2025this was such a fun read (or listen — i switched between both) as a biased ant fan. if you follow him closely then you probably already know most of what is in this book (getting drafted, the playoff runs, 2024 olympics, devin booker beef - a personal favorite) but Hine weaves in anecdotes from his inner circle (quite a number from nickeil 3). it was fun to get to know him in that way.
i’m excited to see how the rest of his career plays out, TRUST I’LL BE THERE.
that being said, i watched luka put BTA on my wolves IN PERSON the same night i finished this book but it’s okay, i got to see one of my favorite basketball players and it made it all worth it <3
also the klay-jaden-rudy-draymond fight getting a shoutout in this book made me chuckle.
i’m excited to see how the rest of his career plays out, TRUST I’LL BE THERE.
that being said, i watched luka put BTA on my wolves IN PERSON the same night i finished this book but it’s okay, i got to see one of my favorite basketball players and it made it all worth it <3
also the klay-jaden-rudy-draymond fight getting a shoutout in this book made me chuckle.
July 17, 2025
I’m an Anthony Edwards fan and a Timberwolves fan, so I’m just destined to enjoy this.
“His realness is one of the things that draws people to him.”
“His realness is one of the things that draws people to him.”
July 29, 2025
Decent bio
June 9, 2025
I love Ant, and this book is a great perspective into what makes him who he is. I think it could have been edited much better. Too often does it get repetitive and feels bloated. There are also so many names of people close to Ant that are mentioned by full name and relation once and then brought up randomly throughout by only the first or last name and it gets confusing really quickly. It can’t assume that you can keep straight the 20+ people who are close to Ant and remember that throughout the book (especially the people who aren’t basketball players). Overall, I enjoyed the read
July 1, 2025
Anthony Edwards has propelled both himself and his team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, into levels of fame and prosperity that neither had ever occupied before. However, for Edwards, his personality and approach to relationships with people and how he handles them have not changed drastically since he was a young boy. This book by Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine takes an in-depth look at Edwards’ path to where he is today.
The first section of the book focuses primarily on Edwards’ outstanding performance in a different sport, football. While he eventually switched to basketball, the lessons learned in football on how to handle adversity, how to interact properly with coaches, teammates and other people in general, and who he can trust and not trust. The latter especially came into good use as Edwards’ star took off in basketball during his high school days. It should also be noted that he was often described by people who knew him well and were interviewed by Hine as one who was an “old soul” (a term used several time) because he would be asking inquisitive questions and say statements that just were not expected to be spoken by someone at a young age.
When writing about Edwards’ college and professional career (all 4 seasons in the book with the Timberwolves), Hine followed the same pattern of writing about Edwards’ interactions with people, whether coaches, teammates, his “inner circle” or other similar people important in his life. Even well after they passed away, his mother and grandmother were still important influences in his life. While many, including myself, may remember the pictures of those two women next to him when the Timberwolves made Edwards the #1 pick of the 2020 NBA draft, it is noteworthy to see how much he still values their wisdom and guidance.
While there is some writing about the action on the court, especially during the Timberwolves’ 2024 run to the Western Conference Finals (the last season the book covers), this book focuses much more on Edwards the person instead of Edwards the basketball player and as a result, readers should learn a lot about the young man who is becoming one of the iconic faces of the NBA today. This is true no matter how closely the reader follows the Timberwolves, the NBA or basketball in general.
I wish to thank Harper for providing a copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
The first section of the book focuses primarily on Edwards’ outstanding performance in a different sport, football. While he eventually switched to basketball, the lessons learned in football on how to handle adversity, how to interact properly with coaches, teammates and other people in general, and who he can trust and not trust. The latter especially came into good use as Edwards’ star took off in basketball during his high school days. It should also be noted that he was often described by people who knew him well and were interviewed by Hine as one who was an “old soul” (a term used several time) because he would be asking inquisitive questions and say statements that just were not expected to be spoken by someone at a young age.
When writing about Edwards’ college and professional career (all 4 seasons in the book with the Timberwolves), Hine followed the same pattern of writing about Edwards’ interactions with people, whether coaches, teammates, his “inner circle” or other similar people important in his life. Even well after they passed away, his mother and grandmother were still important influences in his life. While many, including myself, may remember the pictures of those two women next to him when the Timberwolves made Edwards the #1 pick of the 2020 NBA draft, it is noteworthy to see how much he still values their wisdom and guidance.
While there is some writing about the action on the court, especially during the Timberwolves’ 2024 run to the Western Conference Finals (the last season the book covers), this book focuses much more on Edwards the person instead of Edwards the basketball player and as a result, readers should learn a lot about the young man who is becoming one of the iconic faces of the NBA today. This is true no matter how closely the reader follows the Timberwolves, the NBA or basketball in general.
I wish to thank Harper for providing a copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
October 8, 2025
Good biography, grateful to my FIL for sending me a copy.
Hine does a commendable job in detailing the journey of Anthony Edwards from the suburbs of Atlanta to NBA superstar and face of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The writing brings light to the pain and tragedy that Edwards faced from a young age upon losing his single mother and grandmother; however, Edwards’s resiliency is on full display as he navigates bouncing between houses of family friends and living on his own all while developing into a class-leading talent as a basketball player.
Though Hine was unable to interview Anthony Edwards, the attention to detail in interviewing family, friends, and close confidants paints a cohesive picture of who Anthony Edwards is as a person. In particular, Hine excels in illustrating Edwards’s charm, a gift that he regularly deploys in press conferences to the delight of reporters. Lastly, Hine provides an even-keeled account of Edwards’s shortcomings both on and especially off the court depicting Edwards as a talented, charming, and ultimately imperfect person.
I enjoyed this biography as a fan of the NBA; however, I would not necessarily recommend it to anyone without any interest in the NBA, the Timberwolves, or Anthony Edwards himself.
Hine does a commendable job in detailing the journey of Anthony Edwards from the suburbs of Atlanta to NBA superstar and face of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The writing brings light to the pain and tragedy that Edwards faced from a young age upon losing his single mother and grandmother; however, Edwards’s resiliency is on full display as he navigates bouncing between houses of family friends and living on his own all while developing into a class-leading talent as a basketball player.
Though Hine was unable to interview Anthony Edwards, the attention to detail in interviewing family, friends, and close confidants paints a cohesive picture of who Anthony Edwards is as a person. In particular, Hine excels in illustrating Edwards’s charm, a gift that he regularly deploys in press conferences to the delight of reporters. Lastly, Hine provides an even-keeled account of Edwards’s shortcomings both on and especially off the court depicting Edwards as a talented, charming, and ultimately imperfect person.
I enjoyed this biography as a fan of the NBA; however, I would not necessarily recommend it to anyone without any interest in the NBA, the Timberwolves, or Anthony Edwards himself.
June 4, 2025
4.5 Stars.
The 2025 season just ended for the Minnesota Timberwolves with a loss in the Western Conference finals and Chris Hine’s book comes out on “the incredible journey of NBA rising star Anthony Edwards”.
Great timing! Feeling good about a successful season but disappointed by a loss, it was a great read to learn how Ant and the Timberwolves have gotten to this point. Filled with insights gleaned from a beat writer who has covered the Timberwolves since 2018 and who I read on a regular basis, I found it to be a fascinating story, filled with anecdotes, life lessons, and a respect for the game and the players who people it.
As the author concludes, “Who knows how high he’ll leap in the future?”
The 2025 season just ended for the Minnesota Timberwolves with a loss in the Western Conference finals and Chris Hine’s book comes out on “the incredible journey of NBA rising star Anthony Edwards”.
Great timing! Feeling good about a successful season but disappointed by a loss, it was a great read to learn how Ant and the Timberwolves have gotten to this point. Filled with insights gleaned from a beat writer who has covered the Timberwolves since 2018 and who I read on a regular basis, I found it to be a fascinating story, filled with anecdotes, life lessons, and a respect for the game and the players who people it.
As the author concludes, “Who knows how high he’ll leap in the future?”
June 10, 2025
As a Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards fan, Chris Hine's "Ant: The Incredible Journey of NBA Rising Star Anthony Edwards" was a highly anticipated read, and it largely delivered. This book offers a fantastic deep dive into Ant's life, from his challenging Atlanta roots to his rise as the charismatic face of the Timberwolves.
Hine's access and insight as the Wolves beat writer are evident, providing a rich, human portrait through anecdotes from his family, coaches, and teammates. His high school experience and the relationship with Rachel Little, in particular, were incredibly interesting and shed light on crucial developmental aspects of his journey.
My only minor critique, leading to a four-star rating instead of five, is a desire for a bit more direct voice from Ant himself. However, this doesn't detract significantly from the thorough and engaging storytelling. For any Timberwolves or Anthony Edwards admirer, or simply a fan of the NBA, this book is a strong recommendation.
Hine's access and insight as the Wolves beat writer are evident, providing a rich, human portrait through anecdotes from his family, coaches, and teammates. His high school experience and the relationship with Rachel Little, in particular, were incredibly interesting and shed light on crucial developmental aspects of his journey.
My only minor critique, leading to a four-star rating instead of five, is a desire for a bit more direct voice from Ant himself. However, this doesn't detract significantly from the thorough and engaging storytelling. For any Timberwolves or Anthony Edwards admirer, or simply a fan of the NBA, this book is a strong recommendation.
October 26, 2025
Love Ant and absolutely loved this book! I really enjoyed getting to learn about his childhood, teenage, and college years that led to him eventually becoming one of the best in the NBA. He definitely did not walk an easy road to get to where he is and it gave me an appreciation for how much it took for him to become a pro. I loved getting to hear from different people in his life. There is for sure a consistent theme of Ant having that charismatic, joyful, determined, and confident attitude that endears him to so many of us. If you are an Ant fan, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy this!
June 23, 2025
I thought this was really well done. The book relied heavily on primary sources who have known Ant over the years, and there were a lot of sources! I've read other books that profile athletes which add a lot of filler with the authors opinions and narrative, and this book does a good job of weaving together those accounts into a story rather than running too far with the material ("show, don't tell"). I enjoyed the book.
June 26, 2025
As someone who has long followed Hine’s career, I am delighted that his debut book brings the cheese. His next-level deep dive on Ant’s background really stands out. One can almost envision him in his room toiling away, buried in stacks and stacks of research, artfully crafting this biography with the same finesse required of a perfectly executed chip pass in FIFA. All the pieces matter, and I appreciate Hine’s attention to detail.
I look forward to reading his future projects!
I look forward to reading his future projects!
November 11, 2025
Superb level of detail and never before heard stories about an exciting figure in American sports. I enjoyed nearly every chapter and frequently caught myself chuckling, shaking my head, or even feeling tugs at the heart strings at the improbable chapters in Anthony Edwards life. The journalism effort here is A+ work, but the narrative writing left me wanting just a bit. Overall, a really enjoyable read and a strong first book from Chris Hine.
June 4, 2025
This year’s season coming to an end recently is still very fresh but it was a lot of fun getting to know more about Ant through this book. There’s no doubt he’s one of a kind and I look forward to watching him continue to mature and evolve, on and off the court. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review - it’s out now!
July 21, 2025
The Minnesota Star Tribune always has the greatest Sports Writer's in the world. For decades. They got another one now in Chris Hine. I knew this from reading the paper everyday, and this book shows just how tremendous of a writer Chris Hine is. Magnificent book from a magnificent writer about a magnificent athlete and person.
September 2, 2025
Chris Hine is an amazing sports journalist and brings a diverse perspective that more sportswriting needs. Amazing book despite the fact that he does not sit down with Ant, instead relying on characterizations from past reporting, peers, and family. A quick, informative read. Highly recommended to Timberwolves fans and NBA fans who don’t know his story.
August 25, 2025
Cool read. I’m really excited to see how Ant’s career plays out. He’s really the little brother of the NBA lol. I loved the Netflix doc, but I’d really like to read a book about the basketball tournament at the 24 Olympics
September 10, 2025
Really liked it! So cool to see what it was like for Ant growing up and really interesting perspective on the COVID draft process. Super fun and easy read, nothing too crazy but a nice time for sure. Excited to hopefully read more from Hine in the future.
June 9, 2025
I hope Ant is right in becoming the best shooting guard in NBA history.
June 13, 2025
Unreal.
June 16, 2025
I love Anthony Edwards, I love this book.
June 18, 2025
It was cool to hear some behind the scenes stories about Ant. Well written.
June 19, 2025
Fantastic well researched book. Lots of interesting stories and background that leaves the reader with a much clearer picture of who this athlete is. Well done. Highly recommend.
June 28, 2025
Bring yo a$$ to this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews