“I don’t think anybody had skill back then.” Anthony Edwards’ claim about the NBA’s older generation has left the fans divided. But no response has sparked more controversy than the one given by Celtics legend Kevin Garnett, “I don’t think anybody in this generation could have played like 20 years ago.” While most people are either siding with Ant-Man or KG, veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith is having a hard time holding a firm stance on the situation.

Discussing KG’s comments on The Stephen A. Smith Show, he initially sided with The Big Ticket, “I appreciate Kevin Garnett clapping back at Ant-Man because I certainly disagree with Ant-Man.” While he understood why KG felt the need to respond and defend his era, the analyst claimed he did not agree with the part where the Celtics legend claimed today’s players couldn’t have played in the older eras. Yes, he named a few stars like Stephen Curry who could have faced issues because of his history of ankle injuries, but he believed they are talented enough to adjust to the more physical brand of basketball.

Although he has Michael Jordan as his GOAT, Stephen A. claimed LeBron James would have wreaked havoc in the league back in the day with his 6’9 250lbs frame, “He would have been hurting people because that’s how powerful and that’s how strong he is.” Then, he named several other stars like Klay Thompson, James Harden, and Kevin Durant, who would have all been great in the Jordan era. And some might even have done better then than they are doing in the current time, “Russell Westbrook would have been a monster without having to rely on the three like that.” As Stephen A. defended the players of this era and nullified Garnett’s bold claim, he also let Anthony Edwards know where he went wrong with his statement.

Stephen A. Smith gives Anthony Edwards a history lesson about the NBA

Sure enough, any legend would have felt disrespected by Ant’s comments. That’s why even Magic Johnson and Isaiah Thomas, who rarely have anything negative to say about today’s players, took a dig at the Wolves star. After letting KG know that he didn’t agree with him completely, Stephen A. even empathized with the legend, “I also get where KG’s coming from.” Then, he proceeded to give Anthony Edwards a brief history lesson, reminding him of the greatness of legends like Isaiah Thomas, Hakeem Olajuwon, and more.

“I love Ant-Man, but his statement. My brother, you’re such a young whipper snapper, you just don’t know. My condolences to you for what you do not know.” Smith added. Although Edwards is an unapologetic young athlete and doesn’t hesitate in voicing his opinions, he should have taken into consideration that the legends of the past have helped pave the way for the stars of today. Yes, the game has evolved a lot since then. But every new player picks something up from the older generation and enhances it according to the current era. “Successors come from successful predecessors.” The analyst remarked. Letting both Edwards and Garnett hear where they were wrong in their argument, Stephen A. did not completely side with either one of them. But maybe that was what was required to settle the old-generation vs. new-generation debate. What are your thoughts?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger