Team USA bagged their first victory in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, defeating New Zealand in their opening match. The 22-year-old rising star Anthony Edwards showed glimpses of greatness during the match in his 14-point performance. Edwards has already impressed Team USA assistant coach Erik Spoelstra with his basketball skills. The Miami Heat head coach compared the young shooting guard to Heat legend, Dwyane Wade. Stephen Curry also sang high praises of Edwards a few weeks ago.

With Edwards continuing to showcase his talent through his elite performances, Lakers legend Shaquille O?Neal has also jumped on the bandwagon and shared his opinion with his 32 million followers.

Shaquille O?Neal thinks Anthony Edwards is the New Face of the NBA

Following Team USA?s victory in the World Cup, 4-time Champion Shaquille O?Neal shared a post on his Instagram story agreeing with NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins. ?I think we may have found the Face of the NBA.? Perkins said about Anthony Edwards. With Edwards? quick rise to superstardom, many believe that he is going to be the new face of the league.

The 22-year-old made his first All-Star team last season, averaging 24.6 points and 5.8 rebounds. The Timberwolves lost in the first round to the eventual champions, Denver Nuggets. However, Ant showed signs of greatness, averaging 31.6 points in the series. Minnesota realized Edwards? potential and signed him to a 5-year $260 million Supermax extension, making him the pillar of their organization.

Anthony Edwards has a long way to go

Anthony Edwards has the potential to be a superstar in the league, and as the 4-time champion Stephen Curry said, he is destined for greatness. But there is still time before he can be called the Face of The League. With veteran players like LeBron and Steph still going strong, and current superstars Giannis, Jokic, and Embiid in the middle of their prime, it is not certain Anthony Edwards will be crowned the Face of The League so soon.

Read More: Anthony Edwards Makes Bizarre Michael Jordan Reference To Silence Haters: ?I Feel Like Black Jesus?

However, the Timberwolves guard?s career trajectory is on the right path as he continues to improve his game and deliver elite performances.

With high praises coming from everyone in the league, Anthony Edwards has a chance to prove his fans right by leading Team USA to a gold medal in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He was elite during the Tune-Up games and continued that momentum into their opener against New Zealand. The NBA world is excited to see how Anthony Edwards plays in the rest of the tournament. Do you agree with Shaquille O’Neal approving Anthony Edwards as the New Face of the NBA?

Watch This Story: After Adding Michael Jordan?s Signature Move, Can Anthony Edwards Live Up to the Hype in FIBA World Cup for Team USA?