The Heart-Warming Reason Anthony Edwards Wears an Orange Band on His Left Wrist

Even if he doesn't actively seek out being the face of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Anthony Edwards keeps making a strong case for himself. With his adidas Basketball partnership helping him become more visible in Asia and a recent MVP award during All-Star Weekend, the Minnesota Timberwolves star is on top of the world. His unapologetic personality also shines through in every forum—from banter picked up from the sidelines to social media posts.

"Ant-Man" has gained a reputation of irreverence, but the 24-year-old's recent NBA All-Star Game MVP accolade has reminded the world that he's much more than the cheeky, confident competitor he often presents himself as. Edwards is thoughtful, considerate, and grateful, as pointed out by X user @StepbackAe.

In early January 2025, the Timberwolves star met Luca Wright, a 6-year-old fan who was fighting leukemia. Wright gifted Edwards an orange "Love Like Luca" wristband, which the Atlanta-native promised to wear for the rest of his career. Edwards invited Wright to meet the rest of his teammates, with the 6-year-old handing out wristbands to all.

Though (understandly) shy amongst Edwards and company, Wright left enough of an impression on the Timberwolves to still form part of their story. Edwards promised the young fan that he'd wear his orange gift for the rest of his career. As the NBA All-Star lifted his MVP achievement in Inglewood, Calif., Wright and all those informed of the story behind the wristband could celebrate upon seeing Edwards still donning it on his left wrist.

In a link-up between the adidas AE 2 signature athlete and Wright, the 6-year-old told Edwards that the number five was special to him because it was the age at which he was diagnosed with cancer. Edwards has been championing the same number since he was in the eighth grade in honor of his mother and grandmother, both of whom passed away on the 5th of the month due to cancer.

"That means everything...I love Luca," shared Edwards in a press conference when asked about what it meant to share a moment with the young fan.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, Facebook Lacey Ranae posted the following message to the "Love Like Luca" Facebook Group: "Today is the day!!! Luca beat cancer!!!!" Subsequent updates on the community hub show the leukemia-survivor celebrating with loved ones.

Edwards did not seem to be in attendance, but, as evidenced by his use of the orange wristband, he's always tapped in. Believe that!