After Voicing Michael Jordan’s Text, Stephen A. Smith Puts America On Notice Over Anthony Edwards’ Status

Among the intimate field of players currently making waves during the ongoing NBA tournament, very few have been as prominent as Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. Currently playing in his fourth season with the prestigious league, the 22-year-old took the responsibility of leading the offensive effort for his franchise this year. As a result, the Timberwolves established a remarkable win record during the regular season, won four consecutive games during the playoffs, and have now qualified for the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004. His on-court prowess and leadership skills have left many in awe, including a sportscaster who is not that easily impressed.

A few hours ago, renowned ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith and former NFL legend Shannon Sharpe hosted another segment of ‘First Take’. During the same, Smith proceeded to give his flowers to the Ant-Man by designating him with the ‘Superstar’ title. If that wasn’t enough, he even went as far as to compare him to some of the greatest players to ever walk the NBA court.

“There was MJ, there was Kobe, and now there is Anthony Edwards,” said Smith. “Ladies and gentlemen, a superstar has officially arrived in the NBA”. The sportscaster claimed to form his opinion based on the player’s willingness to play, defend, and “infuse whatever he has available to him”.

Anthony Edwards appeared in 79 games during the regular season, averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. He recorded his career high 51 points during a clash against the Washington Wizards back in April. His average only increased during the playoffs, going up to 31 points, 8 rebounds and 6.3 assists. By scoring 30 or above in three of the four games, and by including his performances during previous playoff games, Ant-Man surpassed Kevin Garnett to hold the record for the most 30+ point games in Timberwolves history. If that isn’t worthy enough to place him amongst the same rank as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, than what is?

Smith’s praise of Anthony Edwards comes barely a week after he highlighted the praise coming from another individual. Someone who Smith has never shied away from calling the GOAT: Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan himself.

Michael Jordan on Anthony Edwards: “That Brother Is Special”

When it comes to their athleticism, scoring prowess and the passion to win, Anthony Edwards and Michael Jordan have often been placed on the same pedestal. Some people have even gone as far as to call the Timberwolves star the ‘son’ and heir of the Bulls legend. Being a private individual, not many people knew what MJ himself thought of Edwards. That was until a few days ago.

During a previous segment of ‘First Take’ Stephen A. Smith discussed the Timberwolves win in Game 1 of the Playoffs series. Despite the fact that the Ant-Man scored only 2 more points more than his rival Kevin Durant, his overall athleticism with fadeaway jump shots and rebounds is what captured the attention of the sportscaster. He was so impressed with the performance that he had to call up an old friend and discuss the same.

“I called the GOAT, Michael Jordan, and I’m like ‘Yo, you seeing this?’” Smith recalled. “And Michael Jordan is like ‘That Brother is special. No question about it’”. If one of the greatest basketball players of all time praises you, then you know that you have made it.

Do you think that Anthony Edwards’ prowess will continue during the Western Conference Finals as well? Let us know in the comments down below.