“Them getting a silver medal would be terrible,” said Barack Obama, when discussing the Team USA squad in the newly released series ‘Court of Gold’. After the embarrassment of the loss at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the 2024 Paris Olympics provided the USA the chance to show that their men’s basketball roster remains on top. Amidst the rise of strong international teams like Serbia, Canada, and France, the birthplace of Basketball had to set an example. Therefore, the USA Olympics roster was made up of some of the best players that the modern NBA has to offer, including 23-year-old Anthony Edwards. More than his on-court prowess, his self-confidence made the Timberwolves star stand out. Even his childhood heroes knew it and did not disagree with the young star’s assessment.

‘Court of Gold’ highlighted the 44th US President meeting up with the Team USA squad before they headed off to Paris. Behind-the-scenes footage highlighted Obama chatting it up with the players, including Anthony Edwards and Joel Embiid. The former president asked Embiid whether the 23-year-old could “hoop a little bit”, to which Edwards was quick to reply “Man, y’all better stand down. I’m the truth”. As the others let out a chuckle, the young star continued “These boys know”. Obama took up that challenge and invited LeBron James to attest to the claim. Meanwhile, Embiid called Kevin Durant. Embiid’s action proved useful, as the veteran did not waste time in hyping up his junior.

“It’s nothing wrong with that”, said Kevin Durant. “He ain’t lying”. Despite LeBron James making fun of Durant’s “He ain’t lying” with a high-pitched voice, even the NBA All-Time Scorer agreed with the assessment. After all, he stated “That man the truth”. Though Edwards won only 3 out of the last 10 games played against LeBron James before the Olympics, the prowess in those matchups would be enough to convince the 4x Champion of what the young player is made of.

Barack Obama is not someone to be impressed easily, especially when it comes to basketball. After all, the man is good friends with Michael Jordan, another competitive spirit with huge amounts of self-confidence. The bond they share was displayed when the Chicago Bulls legend received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. The former president himself has given ‘His Airness’ the ultimate praise by stating “There are only a handful of athletes in history — Ruth, Robinson, Ali — that can claim a comparable impact. Michael Jordan shares that rare air”. Therefore, Obama would not just go out and praise any basketball player. However, Anthony Edwards is not just any player.

The shooting guard placing himself on a high pedestal isn’t anything new. In fact, before Team USA’s Olympic run, the player went viral for claiming that “I’m still the No. 1 option. Y’all might look at it differently, but I don’t.” He placed himself atop on a roster that comprised of NBA legends like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. However, the player isn’t just one to speak, as he often converts his prowess from words into action. This is probably why the Phoenix Suns star holds the 23-year-old in high regard.

After Anthony Edwards ‘butterfly’ claim, Kevin Durant stated the shooting guard brings out the best in him

If there is one NBA player who Anthony Edwards holds in high regard, then it is Kevin Durant. Growing up, he idolized the ‘Slim Reaper’. The first NBA game Edwards attended was between Durant’s Oklahoma City Thunder and the Atlanta Hawks. The young guy wore No. 35 at the game to honor Durant. He even bought Durant’s signature shoes. Therefore, when discussing playing alongside the veteran during the Olympics, Edwards openly stated “I can’t wait to play alongside him. I definitely still got butterflies there waiting for that to happen”. Therefore, it would have made the Minnesota Timberwolves star’s day when he got to know that Durant also similarly thought of him.

Back in January 2025, a Fox Sports reporter asked Kevin Durant a question: Who in the NBA brings out the best in you? In such situations, there are too many choices to pick from. After all, Durant has been in the NBA since 2007. Therefore, he has tangled with several legends who continue to be big names. However, to the surprise of probably many, the ‘Slim Reaper’ said “I’d say Ant. Just because of his energy every day. The pace that he plays at. The pace that he works out at. The s–t that he talks. He gives everybody energy.”

Anthony Edwards averaged 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in the Paris Olympics. Therefore, one might hope that if Barack Obama earlier questioned his prowess, then he would have had his doubts answered.