Magic Johnson hasn’t taken Anthony Edwards‘ recent comments about Michael Jordan being the only skilled player from older generations well. The five-time champion fired shots at Edwards at a live show with Stephen A. Smith, saying he doesn’t value Edwards’ comments because the 22-year-old is yet to win a championship.
“I never respond to a guy who’s never won a championship. There’s not nothing to really say. He didn’t win a college championship, I don’t even know if he won a high school championship.”
"I never respond to a guy who's never won a championship… He didn't win a college championship, I don't even know if he won a high school championship."
Magic Johnson didn't hold back while responding to Anthony Edwards' comments 👀😳
(via https://t.co/gnCFAy8D5B / IG) pic.twitter.com/8KUrvm4vZw
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 25, 2024
Johnson is one of the many legends that Edwards dissed with his comments about the older generations. Everyone knows that Magic is regarded as one of the most skilled players of all time by becoming the first ‘big’ point guard in the NBA, as he ran the point despite having the build of a 6’9″ power forward.
His nickname of Magic wouldn’t have existed if he didn’t have skill, as Johnson was a pioneer of fast-break passing in the NBA. He would show off his passing skill by trying increasingly difficult dimes on the open floor, which led to the run-and-gun Lakers in the ’80s getting the nickname ‘Showtime.’
Magic averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 11.2 assists over his career, winning five NBA Championships, three Finals MVPs, and three MVPs.
What Did Anthony Edwards Say?
Edwards recently gave an interview to the Wall Street Journal where he asserted that the older generation of the NBA wasn’t as competitive or challenging as it is now, with Jordan being the only skilled player of the old gen while the modern NBA is packed with skillful players.
“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 who 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.”
There may have been a lower overall skill level in the league in that era than now, but saying nobody outside Jordan was skilled makes no sense. There’s no factual basis for that argument. These comments are incredibly out-of-touch, but Edwards admitted he hasn’t watched much basketball from that era so we have to dismiss his opinion on their skill levels.
Another skillful legend who made their feelings about Edwards’ comments known was Isiah Thomas, sending a simple message to the youngster.
“Propaganda works, so be careful what you choose to believe.”
Edwards is a rising star in the NBA after breaking out into superstardom last season, averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals. He will have a lot of legends rooting against him next season for what he said, as it’s clear even the biggest names of the older eras are hurt by what he said.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
