Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has called out Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards for what he believes is a repeated violation during free throws.
Speaking on the Road Trippin’ podcast, Cuban said Edwards steps over the line before the ball reaches the rim. “Watch Anthony Edwards when he takes a free throw shot. Watch when he shoots his free throws. Every single time he steps over the line – every time,” Cuban said, via HoopsHype.
He compared the situation to his past complaints about Shaquille O’Neal’s free throw routine. “We sent in the Shaq and they started calling it, and he had to fix his free throws,” Cuban explained. “Anthony Edwards, we had a game against them, where they were up like 93–92, with a few seconds left. He goes two feet; you know, he steps over the line and then the ball crosses… goes into the basket. I’m like, this is the easiest call for a referee. Just watch to see if he steps over the line, and they refused to call it.”
Edwards has become the face of Minnesota’s franchise and one of the league’s rising stars. The 24-year-old guard averaged 27.6 points this season, making a career-best 320 three-pointers, the seventh-highest single-season total in NBA history.
He also made history as the youngest player to reach 1,000 career three-pointers and finished third in the 2025 NBA Clutch Player of the Year voting. In the playoffs, Edwards led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year, recording three consecutive 40-point games along the way.
While Cuban’s remarks spotlight a technical detail, Edwards’ offensive production and consistency have made him one of the most dynamic scorers in the league. His aggressive style has earned comparisons to some of the NBA’s elite guards, and his development continues to shape Minnesota’s postseason ambitions.
Free throw infractions, such as stepping over the line too early, are rarely called in today’s game, but Cuban’s public challenge could put more attention on how referees enforce the rule.
