Stephen A. Smith called up Michael Jordan to ask him his thoughts after watching Anthony Edwards‘ sensational performance in Game 1 against the Phoenix Suns. Jordan reportedly is a fan of Edwards, with Smith sharing exactly what the six-time champion had to say about the 23-year-old Wolves’ guard.
“I called the GOAT. Me and Wilbon called him, the GOAT, Michael Jordan. We’re like, ‘Yo, you seeing this?’ Michael Jordan was like, ‘That brother is special, no question about it.'”
.@stephenasmith says the Suns should be concerned about the Timberwolves 😯
"If [Devin Booker] doesn't bring his A-game, Phoenix has no chance." pic.twitter.com/S4zHlKdB0q
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 22, 2024
Edwards put up 33 points and nine rebounds in the Timberwolves Game 1 win over the Phoenix Suns, blowing out the superstar-led Suns squad by 25 points. Ant’s performance was the difference-maker, as he elevated to the level of the postseason and went toe-to-toe with his childhood idol, Kevin Durant.
Edwards and Jordan have been incessantly compared in recent seasons, with Edwards looking to be the closest thing to a superstar two-guard like Jordan in the modern era. He’s not only the spiritual successor to Jordan, he might be the same for Kobe Bryant as well.
He averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season and is expected to be named to an All-NBA team.
Anthony Edwards Is No Stranger To Michael Jordan Comparisons
It all started with a scout who started proclaiming similarities between Michael Jordan and Anthony Edwards. While obviously, Ant has a more modern game, his ability to attack inside and score from the mid-range creates obvious parallels, though Edwards isn’t even close to as efficient a scorer as Jordan.
The biggest name to make this comparison openly was Kevin Garnett, who compared Edwards in his fourth season to the impact a rookie Jordan had.
“He like a young ’84 (Michael) Jordan, boy. You’re not watching the game! I said ’84, n***a. I’m watching how he coming through the lane. If (Karl-Anthony Towns) wasn’t on his team, he would average thirty-something. You hear what I’m saying to you?”
Edwards even responded to Garnett making the comparisons, claiming it’s fair for him to be compared to rookie Jordan as compared to his prime version.
“That’s OG, man. Whatever he says, goes. If anybody wants to argue with him, you gotta take it up with Michael Jordan. I think he’s right. He didn’t say ’96 or ’97, he said ’84. He’s just finding himself, so I agree with that.”
This isn’t the first time Jordan has commented on Edwards’ ability through a media member, as Chris Broussard had previously stated that Jordan was aware of the comparisons and similarities between him and Edwards.
Given the Timberwolves were one of the best teams in the NBA all season long, Edwards has a chance to make a deep run and continue shocking fans. They have to eliminate the challenging Suns before they can look ahead, but this is the brightest spot this franchise has been in since the Kevin Garnett days.
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