In only 4 years, Anthony Edwards has developed a standing that has made people put him on the same pedestal as a young Michael Jordan. In fact, in the words of ‘His Airness’- “That Brother (Edwards) is special. No question about it.” However, amidst these daunting comparisons and gutsy showcases of talent, Ant’s latest praise about the Bulls legend put him in seriously hot water, as he claimed that MJ was “the only one that really had skill” in his era. Days later, the community continues to retaliate.

NBA analyst Aaron Torres criticized the Timberwolves’ young gun for not only criticizing the previous era but also that he did so without any context. “The skill across the board is a little bit better now than 30 years ago, that’s a different conversation,” he said.

“I still think the context matters, the game was taught differently back then, there were different values back then, the back to the basket center more back then. But it doesn’t change the fact, yes, the league across the board is probably more skilled. But to say that Michael Jordan was the only skilled one. ‘Oh, by the way, I didn’t actually watch. I have no context,’ but I’m gonna say it anyways. It’s just absurd!” Torres continued on The Odd Couple pod.

This radio host wasn’t the only one upset. After Edwards’s remarks went viral, his former teammate Ron Harper went on to state, “Stop feeding into nonsense and respect your peers who played before you. This is like saying, what have my mom and dad done for me?”

After the release of ‘The Last Dance’, the same topic was under fire, however from the former Bulls players, because it reportedly placed too much emphasis on Michael Jordan when it should have been collectively about each one of them. Therefore, while it may not have been Anthony Edwards’ intentions, his statement has triggered many.

According to a report by ‘The Charge’, the NBA of the 90s was mostly focused on low-scoring games and a higher physical style of gameplay, as seen by the Bad Boys, Detroit Pistons’ bruising defense. However, the modern playing style has players focusing on a faster pace, more three-point shooting, and spacing. The NBA themselves have played a role in the drastic change, introducing new rules that focused on more scoring and extra safety of the players whilst doing so.

Examples of these include the ‘hand-checking’ ban and the enforcement of ‘defensive three seconds.’ If such guidelines were present in the ’80s and ’90s, maybe things would have been different in regards to the skill and efficiency of the players when it came to scoring.

Believe it or not, Edwards himself unknowingly highlighted the difference in the playing style when passing a critique about Jordan himself! In an interview with Malika Andrews in May, he stated that his style may have a mix of MJ’s, with the difference that “I got a trey ball. My trey ball. I can shoot the three so that makes me a little different from Michael Jordan.”

The Bulls legend recorded an average of 32.7% from 3-p, whilst averaging only 1.7 attempts. While Edwards’s average is slightly higher, at 35.3%, he has made use of over 7.4 attempts per game.

The different sets of rules can be an example to use when justifying why Anthony Edwards was both right and wrong, in his recent remarks. However, no matter the reasons, it will take some time for the NBA universe, especially those of the 90s, to adjust to the critique. After all, Ron Harper was not the only star of the 90s who took offense at what was said.

Isiah Thomas takes a shot at Anthony Edwards

Barely a few hours after the Wall Street Journal article carrying Anthony Edwards’s words went public, Isiah Thomas was quick to respond. The former NBA player represented one of the most dominating and hated franchises of the 90s: the Detroit Pistons. Carrying the ‘Bad Boys’ group name, Thomas and co were known for their ‘roughhouse’ style of play, reportedly engaging in throwing forearms, elbows, and fits when defending against or undermining their rivals. Therefore, the former player may believe that any of his rivals who may have endured that much, and still given their fullest, should not be diminished.

“Propaganda works, so be careful what you choose to believe,” wrote Thomas on his official X account.

The ‘Bad Boys’ Pistons, especially Isiah Thomas, were despised the most by Michael Jordan and his Bulls roster. If there was any team that could stand between ‘His Airness’ and the Larry O’Brien trophy, it was them. Despite this, MJ still respected Isiah Thomas’s basketball skills, describing him as the best point guard of all time behind Magic Johnson. Therefore, even if Edwards chooses to place Jordan as the only viable player in the ’90s, the latter himself had players from the era who he deeply respected for their prowess.

The 90s or the modern era? What would you choose? Let us know in the comments down below.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.