Minnesota Timberwolves star guard Anthony Edwards has continued to level up every single season that he's been in the NBA, whether it be improving as a defender, adapting to a playmaking role when needed or taking a huge leap in his three point shooting to become one of the best scorers in the league.

But Edwards hasn't only taken a leap on the court. Now 25-years-old and a six season veteran of the NBA, there's no doubt that Edwards is the franchise player of the Timberwolves and he's put in the time to be a true leader on the court.

His skills as a scorer have always been something that the Timberwolves can count on, but this new development as a leader so far this season has been the development that head coach Chris Finch is the most encouraged by.

"It's been one of the transformations of our team, is his leadership," Finch said (via Nadine Babu). "He's a guy that people just naturally gravitate to. He's got a really infectious relationship with his teammates, and now he's learning like how to put it all together with the messaging and the the approach and the lead by example."

Edwards' personality has always been a major draw to him and part of why he's both a fan-favorite and why his teammates have such an easy time getting along with him. But as unserious and joking as he may be in his day-to-day life, Edwards has shown that when it comes to what he does on the court, he's all business.

That maturity from him is crucial considering that he's the biggest non-monetary draw for any player looking to suit up for the Timberwolves and the fact that he's able to lead his teammates, especially the new ones that guard LaMelo Ball, speaks volumes for Minnesota's already-resplendent chemistry and for the ceiling they could have as a team.

Edwards has been a star from the jump, but he's not a kid anymore. He's grown up, matured and become ready to handle the torch as Minnesota's chosen representative with the team's best chance at a NBA Finals in a very long time weighing on his shoulders.

Bur everything that he's shown so far this season has indicated that he's a player that's prepared to take that challenge head on and bring his teammates with him.

One what's so encouraging about Edwards' leap toward leadership is that it hasn't come at the expense of his personality. He's still the fiery, trash-talking jokester that has made him so beloved in the first place, but he knows how and when to turn that mode off and be the steady presence that the Timberwolves need.

It's been no secret that Edwards is the heartbeat of the Timberwolves, but now more than ever he's ready to lead the team and not just power it.