Minnesota Timberwolves' rising star Anthony Edwards has quickly become one of the most compelling figures in the NBA. At just 23 years old, Edwards not only captures attention with his electrifying performances on the court but also with his candid and, at times, controversial commentary off it.
Recently, Edwards stirred up a storm with his comments on the skill level of past basketball generations. "I didn’t watch it back in the day so I can’t speak on it," Edwards admitted, addressing the differences between the modern NBA and earlier eras. He didn't stop there, though, going on to declare, "They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don’t think anybody had skill back then. [Jordan] was the only one that really had skill, you know what I mean? So that’s why when they saw Kobe [Bryant], they were like, 'Oh, my God.' But now everybody has skill."
Such remarks have not gone unnoticed. Among those echoing through the NBA community are those of Isiah Thomas, a 12-time All-Star and a hall of famer, who had fierce battles with Michael Jordan during the late '80s and early '90s. Thomas, succinctly responding to the ongoing debate, noted, "Propaganda works, so be careful what you choose to believe."
Michael Jordan famously lauded Thomas in the docuseries "The Last Dance," ranking him as the best point guard of all time behind Magic Johnson. It’s a nod that underscores the caliber of players from previous generations, further complicating Edwards’ claims of a lack of skill in yesteryears.
Despite his provocative statements regarding past players, Edwards has also shown immense respect for Jordan. In fact, last season, a series of relentless comparisons began to emerge, likening Edwards to the Chicago Bulls legend. The young Timberwolves star quickly moved to quell such comparisons, saying, "I want it to stop. He's the greatest of all time. I can’t be compared to him."
The comparisons and contrasts between Edwards and Jordan underscore a broader conversation about the evolution of talent and style in the NBA. The league has undoubtedly grown more skilled and versatile, yet the prowess and influence of legends like Jordan, Thomas, and Bryant remain ever significant.
Anthony Edwards' comments and his insistence that he cannot be compared to Jordan paint a picture of a humble yet confident player conscious of the giants whose shoulders he stands upon. As he continues to develop and make his mark in the NBA, Edwards' blend of admiration and self-assuredness promises to keep fans and analysts engrossed in his journey.
While the debates about skill levels across eras persist, one thing remains clear: the NBA's history is rich with iconic talent, and its future, with players like Edwards, seems just as promising.