Youngest member of U.S. Olympic basketball team says he’s ‘No. 1 option’ in Paris

The U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team is loaded with many of the best players in the world.

But the team’s youngest member hasn’t been shy about proclaiming that he stands above the rest of his superstar peers.

Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, 22, was asked earlier this week about his role with Team USA at the Paris Games, where he’ll play alongside longtime NBA icons LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant

“I’m still the No. 1 option,” Edwards said. “Y’all might look at it differently, but I don’t.”

That’s a bold statement, but the confidence shouldn’t be surprising. Edwards has been one of, if not the best, player on the court for much of his career.

A McDonald’s All-American, he was a unanimous 5-star recruit in the 2019 class.

After starring at Georgia, he led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals in his fourth NBA season, averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists.

“I just go out there and be myself. ... Shoot my shots, play defense. They’ve got to fit in to play around me. That’s how I feel,” Edwards said.

Curry, Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embid and Tyrese Haliburton are all also making their Olympics debuts.

In Paris, the U.S. will play fellow world power Serbia, South Sudan and Puerto Rico in the group stage.

Having previously hosted in 1900 and 1924, Paris will join London as the only three-time host of the summer games.