"He's the greatest of all time. I can't be compared to him" - Anthony Edwards wants the MJ comparisons to stop
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There have been a lot of supposed successors to the throne left behind by “Air Jordan,” Michael Jordan. From Grant Hill to Kobe Bryant to Harold Miner and LeBron James, many have tried to fill the big shoes left behind by the Chicago Bulls icon but to no avail.
Lately, rising star Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves, has emerged as a dynamic two-way wingman, being likened to MJ as his successor. His explosive dunks, reminiscent of Jordan’s thunderous slams, and his ability to score from anywhere on the court have drawn comparisons to the hoops legend.
From his awe-inspiring athleticism to his unyielding confidence to his relentless drive to succeed on the court, Edwards’ potential for greatness is undeniable. Despite the numerous comparisons drawn by experts and fellow players, the two-time All-Star has made it clear that he doesn’t want to be compared to Michael Jordan.
In fact, he believes that MJ is simply incomparable and should be considered the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) without any competition.
Class of his own
Ant’s hype train has been chugging along for a minute now and has picked up lots of momentum in the NBA Playoffs, where he’s averaging a remarkable 33.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game in Minnesota’s stellar run through the postseason. Now up 2-0 on the defending champions Denver Nuggets, the hype surrounding the native of Atlanta, Georgia, figures to intensify following his 27-point, seven-assist performance in Game 2.
Before all the noise gets too loud, ‘Ant-Man’ recently put his foot down on the comparisons to ‘His Airness,’ saying:
“I want it to stop,” Edwards told Melissa Rohin of Fox Sports.
It’s understandable why a young player like Edwards would not want to have anything to do with living up to the massive shadow cast by the six-time NBA champion and five-time MVP. However, Anthony clarified that it’s not about the pressure of living up to expectations; rather, it’s all about facts. MJ is the GOAT. No ifs and buts about it.
“He’s the greatest of all time. I can’t be compared to him,” Ant continued.
The confidence and the competitive drive
Timberwolves guard Mike Conley has played in the NBA for a long time and has seen his fair share of competitors with supreme confidence. However, he admitted he has not encountered someone with the same competitive fire and will to succeed as his teammate.
“Obviously, they have a lot of the same mannerisms. The moves, the fadeaways, the athleticism, the poster dunks, the blocks, the defensive stuff that he does. But really, just his drive is kinda the main thing. That same kind of work ethic, that same kind of ‘I don’t sleep at all at night because I’m ready to play, I’m ready to hoop,’” Conley explained.
Talent and skill at this level are one thing, especially since anyone still playing deep in the playoffs arguably has those. However, the unwavering belief in his abilities sets Ant apart from the rest.
“I think more than anything with him has been his mentality. I’ve never met a guy or been a teammate with a guy who believes more in himself than Anthony Edwards. I think he thinks he’s the best player ever to play the game, to walk on earth. You can’t tell him any different,” Mike continued.
As a player wanting to blaze his own trail, it’s perfectly understandable why ‘Ant-Man’ wants the comparisons to the all-time great to cease. Make no mistake: being compared to MJ is an honor not bestowed on many players in the NBA, which Edwards relishes and appreciates.