Anthony Edwards Takes Cheeky Dig at Michael Jordan, Reminds NBA Why He Is Different: “I Want People To Be Like…”

It’s fair to say that the Minnesota Timberwolves have surprised everyone this season. No one, in their wildest imagination, ever thought that the T-Wolves would be up 2-0 against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals. However, here we are in early May and that’s exactly how things have transpired. One of the primary reasons behind the T-Wolves’ resurgence is Anthony Edwards. The 22-year-old guard has emerged as a talismanic figure for Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards’ stellar displays in the postseason has even led to comparisons with Michael Jordan. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith even stated that Michael Jordan himself called Edwards “special.” However, during a recent interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Ant stated that he doesn’t want to be compared to MJ. When asked how he wants people to talk about him, Edwards said, “As Anthony Edwards. Like the first Anthony Edwards, not the next Michael Jordan. I want people to be like, ‘This Anthony Edwards kid, he got his own style. He maybe got a mix of Michael Jordan in him.’”

Further on in the interview, Anthony Edwards even took a cheeky dig at Michael Jordan and his shooting prowess from range. He said, “I got a Trey-ball. I can shoot the three. So, I think that makes me a little different than Michael Jordan.” The level of confidence displayed by Edwards is precisely what has endeared him to fans. And Ant Edwards has backed that up with stellar performances, both during the regular seasons as well as the postseason.

Anthony Edwards averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 79 regular season games this season. Furthermore, he has even shown the ability to step up when the lights are the brightest, averaging 32.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 6 games in the 2024 playoffs.

Can Anthony Edwards lead the T-Wolves to their first NBA championship?

Recently, the Athletic conducted a player poll where they asked anonymously who they would choose to start a franchise from scratch. About 10.3% out of 136 voters said they would go with Anthony Edwards. Only Victor Wembanyama (with 27.9%) and Nikola Jokic (with 27.2%) garnered more votes. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the future of the T-Wolves organization is in safe hands.

However, the Timberwolves have a very good chance of winning their first NBA title in franchise history this season. They have won both their away games at the Ball Arena. And now, the Nuggets face an uphill battle to level the series, as the next two games will be held at Minnesota’s Target Center. The Timberwolves have the fifth best home record in the league, winning 30 out of 48 regular season games.

Minnesota Timberwolves’ suffocating defense has stifled Nikola Jokić’s offensive brilliance. He has averaged 24.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 8.5 assists in 2 games versus the Timberwolves in the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals. With Jokic neutralized, the Nuggets have struggled to put points on the board, managing only 99 points in Game 1 and a mere 80 points in Game 2. The next installment of this intriguing matchup will take place tonight at the Target Center.