In a recent interview with Lane Florsheim from the Wall Street Journal, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards made a bold claim regarding the skill level of NBA players from previous eras. When asked about his thoughts on the differences between past and present NBA play, Edwards asserted that Michael Jordan was the only player with true skill during the earlier days of the league.
“I didn’t watch it back in the day, so I can’t speak on it. They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don’t think anybody had skill back then. Michael Jordan was the only one that really had skill, you know what I mean? So that’s why when they saw Kobe, they were like, ‘Oh, my God.’ But now everybody has skill.”
Edwards’ statement has stirred the pot among basketball fans and analysts, particularly those who hold the players from previous generations in high regard. The 22-year-old guard seemed to suggest that the game has evolved significantly in terms of skill level, with today’s players exhibiting a broader range of abilities compared to their predecessors.
The mention of Kobe Bryant in Edwards’ comments highlights his belief that the skill gap between Jordan and other players was so vast that when a player with similar skills, like Bryant, emerged, it was seen as extraordinary. Edwards seems to suggest that what made Jordan special in his era is now more commonplace among current NBA players.
While Edwards’ perspective reflects the confidence and modern mindset of today’s athletes, it also downplays the talents of many Hall of Famers who played alongside and against Jordan. Legends like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Hakeem Olajuwon, and others are widely regarded as skilled players who helped shape the game. However, Edwards’ remarks offer a glimpse into how some of today’s younger stars view the evolution of basketball skills over the decades.
This Is A Blasphemous Statement
Anthony Edwards’ recent statement that Michael Jordan was the only skilled player “back in the day” is not just misguided—it’s outright blasphemous. When Edwards refers to “back in the day,” he’s talking about the 1980s and 1990s, a golden era of basketball filled with some of the most iconic and skilled players the sport has ever seen.
Let’s break it down. Edwards seems to disregard the fact that the NBA during this period was home to legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, and many more. These players were not just skilled; they redefined what it meant to be great in basketball.
Take Hakeem Olajuwon, for instance. His footwork in the post was so advanced that even today’s top centers study his moves. There’s arguably no player in today’s game who can replicate the finesse and precision that Olajuwon displayed on a nightly basis.
Then there’s Magic Johnson, whose basketball IQ and court vision were unparalleled, except perhaps by LeBron James. Magic’s ability to see plays develop before anyone else did, combined with his incredible passing, made him one of the most skilled players in history.
Larry Bird’s confidence and clutch shooting are legendary. Who today can match Bird’s combination of shooting prowess, mental toughness, and competitive drive? Stephen Curry might be the closest comparison, but even then, Bird’s ability to perform under pressure was second to none.
And let’s not forget Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose skyhook remains the most unstoppable move in basketball history. No one in today’s NBA has a signature move as deadly and unguardable as Kareem’s skyhook.
While I agree that today’s NBA players benefit from advanced training, nutrition, and medical care, to say that no one had skill besides Jordan is not just an oversimplification—it’s disrespectful to the legends who paved the way.
As a journalist and analyst, I vehemently disagree with Anthony Edwards‘ statement. The players of the past weren’t just skilled; they were transformative, and their influence is still felt in today’s game. To dismiss their contributions and talents is, quite frankly, an insult to the history of basketball.
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