Let’s create an alternate reality.

This is Anthony Edwards, the face of a franchise, the spirit of a city. Drafted No. 1, dubbed the next great two-way wing. Electric. Explosive. Effortless.

But what if something’s missing?

By year 5, he’s an All-Star. He’s a 26-a-night scorer. He makes the All-NBA 3rd Team. The Wolves are must-watch TV. The aura is there: but where’s the outcome?

What if he gets trapped in a cycle of high seeds, first-round exits, and moments instead of memories? What if his peak is a 2nd-round loss in 7 games… to a team that was never supposed to be there?

What if the rosters never quite fit? What if Gobert declines, KAT fades, and help never comes? What if Edwards enters his prime as a lone star, dragging a team to 44 wins?

The highlights stay viral. The fans stay loyal. But the resume? Empty. No MVPs. No Finals. No signature series.

What if 12 years pass… and his career playoff record is 17–31? What if he retires with 4 All-Star appearances, 2 All-NBA nods… and a legacy shaped more by what could’ve been?

Would we still call him “the next D-Wade”? Or would he join a long list of stars with no storybook?

Hopefully it won’t end up like this for Ant… but it did for Vince Carter.

Credit to “nbaville” on TikTok for the idea