When NBA fans ask who is Anthony Edwards dad, they’re really trying to understand the family story behind one of basketball’s biggest young stars. Edwards has become a household name with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his path to stardom was shaped by far more than just his talents on the court. Today, we explore verified, up-to-date details about his father, his upbringing, and the personal journey that helped forge the player he is now.
If you’re curious how Anthony’s early family dynamics influenced his rise to NBA stardom — especially the role his dad did and didn’t play — read on for the full story and share your thoughts below.
We want to hear what you think about Edwards’ journey — let us know in the comments!
Early Life in Atlanta: Roots and Family Structure
Anthony DeVante Edwards was born on August 5, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia. From a young age, those around him recognized his athletic potential, and family played a big part in his early development. His mother, Chrisha Yvette Edwards, and maternal grandmother, Shirley Edwards, were his primary caregivers during his childhood. They supported him at every game and helped nurture his love for sports. However, when fans ask who is Anthony Edwards dad, the answer is not straightforward.
Edwards’ father is named Roger Caruth, and he is acknowledged as his dad in public records. Caruth gave his son the nickname “Ant-Man” when young Anthony was just three years old, a moniker that has stayed with him throughout his career. Yet Caruth was largely absent from Edwards’ life after those early years. While some in the Atlanta community spoke highly of his potential as a basketball player himself, he did not raise Anthony or play a central role in his upbringing. As a result, Anthony’s formative years were largely shaped by his mother and grandmother, not by his father.
Growing up, Edwards balanced sports with academic life. He played youth football and was known for his skills before eventually turning his focus to basketball. The support and encouragement from his mother and grandmother were central to his development as a young athlete and helped set the foundation for his future success in basketball.
Tragedy and Resilience: Loss and Responsibility
Tragedy struck Edwards at a young age. When he was just 14, both his mother and his grandmother passed away from cancer within months of each other. These losses had a profound effect on him. With his primary caregivers gone, his older brother and sister became his guardians, taking responsibility for his welfare and helping him continue his path in sports.
This period forged Edwards’ resilience at a formative stage in life. Instead of turning away from adversity, he used these heartbreaking experiences as fuel. He continued to pursue athletic excellence, channeling his emotions and motivation into his training and performance on the court.
Family Influence and Career Beginnings
While his father was not a central figure in his upbringing, that early influence in giving him a nickname and those community stories about his abilities left a mark. Edwards has spoken in past interviews about hearing stories of his dad’s own basketball talent from people around his neighborhood — memories that gave him a sense of connection and heritage even if his dad was not actively present.
But it was the presence of his mother and grandmother that shaped his day-to-day life, attending games, practices, and weekend tournaments. They were the ones present for the groundbreaking moments of his youth athletic career, and their absence was something he has openly said continues to inspire him to give his all on the court.
NBA Ascent and Life in the League
Edwards’ rise through high school and college basketball marked him as a premier talent. He became a five-star recruit and eventually was selected first overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Today, he is one of the most exciting players in the league, known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and competitive spirit.
Off the court, his personal life has also drawn attention. Edwards has navigated fatherhood in recent years, with multiple children from different relationships. In March 2024, he welcomed a daughter named Aislynn with his longtime partner Shannon. In addition, court documents and public reports indicate that Edwards has additional children with other women and has been involved in legal actions to establish paternity and support obligations. These matters have been publicly contested in court and on social media, with at least one of his ex-partners openly addressing misinformation concerning support arrangements and their public perception.
Despite the complexities of his personal life, Edwards continues to focus on his NBA career and his evolving role as a parent.
Public Perception and Personal Identity
When the question who is Anthony Edwards dad pops up online, it often leads to discussions about absent fathers, social media rumors, and community perceptions. Edwards has been the subject of various false claims and jokes, including those linking him to other celebrities, but the factual narrative is clear: his father, Roger Caruth, gave him a nickname and was part of his early life, but Edwards was largely raised by other family members.
His personal identity and drive are rooted more deeply in the influence of his mother, grandmother, and siblings — a support network that, despite unbelievable loss, lifted him into the spotlight of professional basketball.
Legacy and Impact Beyond the Court
Today, Edwards is not just an NBA All-Star; he’s a symbol of resilience for young athletes who have faced hardship. His personal story resonates with fans who see beyond the dunks and 3-pointers to the human story underneath — a story of loss, endurance, family commitment, and self-reinvention.
His journey shows that success in the NBA can come from more than talent alone. It can come from overcoming personal adversity, finding strength through community, and creating one’s own path when early life lacks stability.
Looking Ahead: Who Anthony Edwards Is Becoming
As he continues to grow both as a player and a parent, Edwards’ trajectory remains one of high interest both on and off the court. His game continues to elevate, and he remains a central figure in Minnesota’s ambitions to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, how he navigates fatherhood and personal challenges in the public eye will continue to shape his broader legacy.
We’d love to know — what part of Anthony Edwards’ personal story resonates with you most? Drop your thoughts below!