Anthony Edwards’ popularity lies, for a major part, in his confidence. The candor and honesty that the 22-year-old Minnesota superstar shows are like a breath of fresh air for many. Yet, for many others, it is one reason that makes him so similar to ‘His Airness’ Michael Jordan. The Bulls legend had no qualms about letting anyone know what was on his mind. Of course, most of the time, they have led to downright mean comments, but no one will contest that the man had a natural charisma about him.

Despite the many common factors between the ANT and Jordan, Stephen A. Smith seems to have taken offense with Anthony at the very same attribute, which makes the 6x champion unapologetically himself. The Georgia product created waves with his new admission of wanting the MJ comparison to stop. When Smith joined Malika Andrews as part of the NBA Countdown crew, the veteran analyst had some harsh words for the Ant-Man.

“I’m getting sick and tired … We know you’re Anthony Edwards. We know you’re not Michael Jordan. You don’t have six rings! You don’t have five rings, you don’t have one! We know you’re not that,” he said.

Smith further explains that when people compare Edwards to the 6x champion, they are, in essence, referring to the 22-year-old’s potential. “We appreciate whatever elements of similarities we’re able to peel from time to time,” the outspoken podcaster clarified. As far as Stephen A. is concerned, Anthony Edwards will never be Michael Jordan.

But that wasn’t all. The 56-year-old had yet another area of difference.

Stephen A. Smith delivered a reality check to Anthony Edwards

Another factor that the First Take analyst pointed out is the widespread popularity that the NBA has right now. Smith said, “It’s greatness like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant that help facilitate it”. The idea of turning oneself into a brand could very well be credited to the global cultural icon that Jordan has become. His success with Nike and other endorsements paved the way for every athlete that came after him.

Sonny Vaccaro, the Nike executive who signed Jordan in 1984, said, “Michael opened every marketing dollar in the world for every future athlete.” To understand the impressive reach of brand power Jordan held, let’s take a look at his NBA salary and the profits he received in the early 1990s. From the Chicago Bulls, he earned $2.5 million a season.

But the income the 14x All-Star received from his various endorsement deals in the said period came up to approximately $30 million! That is around 10-15 times more than his basketball wages. So, when Stephen A. Smith delivered a reality check to Edwards, he also meant to say that everyone who compares him to the billionaire legend sees the same potential in ANT.

That said, to each his own, we suppose. MJ was a big believer in creating one’s own identity. So can we really put Edwards down for wanting the same? What do you think? Talk to us.