Anthony Edwards once again put up over 40 points in Sunday’s Western Conference semifinal game against the reigning champions, sparking comparisons to Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest NBA player of all time. However, many experts are cautioning against these comparisons as they may not be beneficial.
Undoubtedly, the Minnesota forward has elevated his game during the NBA playoffs, grabbing the attention of everyone, including Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzweski, also known as Coach K.
The renowned coach, known for his work with basketball legends at Duke University and Team USA, understands what it takes for a young athlete to become a superstar.
Speaking about former Georgia Bulldog, Anthony Edwards, Coach K remarked, “The emergence of Anthony Edwards, everyone knew he was really good, but the playoffs give opportunities for players to get to another level, if they can get to another level. That’s what has happened with Edwards. He shined. Not just shined but he has been amazing.”
However, Coach K believes it’s premature to compare the 2020 NBA Draft’s top pick to the six-time NBA champion. “People should just slow down comparisons,” he said. “Jordan is as good as anyone who has ever played, Anthony Edwards is 23 years old. Michael Jordan did it his entire career.”
“Jordan is bigger and a little bit longer. But in this day and age, Edwards has a chance to be that perimeter superstar,” the coach insisted. “We are in a climate in which people want to give lists and comparisons. When you do it over a period of time is when you show just how great a player you are. I think Anthony Edwards will do that, but let’s give him some time to do it.”
Coach K also commended Wolves president Tim Connelly for the team built around Edwards. “He put together this team where there are two big guys, (Karl-Anthony) Towns and (Rudy) Gobert. That’s unusual in a league that has gone without centers,” Krzyzewski expressed. “They have to be considered the favorites there.”
Edwards recently expressed his desire to establish his own style without comparisons to Michael Jordan
While acknowledging his gratitude for the comparisons, the Minnesota star hopes they will cease. “I want people to be like, ‘This Anthony Edwards kid, he’s got his own style. He’s maybe got a mix of Michael Jordan in him,'” Edwards stated.
“But I’ve got a trey ball, I can shoot the three. So, I think that makes me a little different than Michael Jordan,” he added, emphasizing his three-point shooting ability, contrasting it to Jordan’s reputation as a mid-range shooter.
Ant said he wanted the Michael Jordan comparisons to stop, then he went straight out there and did the MJ shrug 😂 pic.twitter.com/dSMGPtxbjC
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) May 7, 2024
Charles Barkley also joined in asking NBA fans to ease up on the comparisons. “Please, America, please stop the Michael Jordan stuff,” he urged on air. “This guy’s had one good playoff run. I think he’s gonna be a great player, he’s a really nice kid, we root for him, we want him to be…”
His co-host Shaquille O’Neal interjected, questioning Chuck’s assertion that Ant isn’t close to MJ, to which he responded with a resounding “hell no.” The Lakers legend then suggested that both players aren’t too far apart considering Jordan’s accomplishments at 23 years of age. “I love Anthony Edwards,” Barkley reiterated. “Do not do that.”
