The emergence of the Minnesota Timberwolves as a legitimate title contender has been one of the stories of the season. No one would have believed if you suggested that the T-Wolves would be leading a Conference semifinal, that too against the Denver Nuggets. But that’s how things have transpired so far. And the primary reason behind Minnesota’s stellar showings is Anthony Edwards. The 22-year-old has stepped up big time in the playoffs, even earning comparisons to a certain Michael Jordan.

However, the crucial Game 3 didn’t go his and the T-Wolves’ way. They were completely blown out of the water by an experienced Nuggets side. Anthony Edwards could only manage to score 19 points in 37 minutes of playing time. As a result, the Timberwolves lost the game by a scoreline of 117-90. Despite his recent subpar showing, former Warriors’ HC Mark Jackson has urged Ant Edwards to maintain his confident persona.

During a recent segment on the Night Mode podcast, Jackson said, “They’re watching you. That swagged out dude with extreme confidence. That dude that been compared to Michael Jordan, rolling in extreme confidence… Be that same vocal, boisterous guy, with the same swag and the same confidence. If you show no fear, no doubt, no disappointment, then all of a sudden we gonna get 15 guys that have a mindset.”

While Mark Jackson has drawn comparisons between Ant and Michael Jordan, Edwards himself isn’t keen on being likened to MJ. In a recent interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Edwards made it clear that he’d prefer to be remembered as the first Anthony Edwards rather than the next Michael Jordan. However, comparisons with MJ will continue to follow Edwards because of his incredible abilities and contagious charisma.

Can Anthony Edwards become the next face of the NBA?

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 Edwards is regularly in the conversation for the next face of the league.

Having said that, Anthony Edwards faces stern competition from the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and especially rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. The 20-year-old Frenchman has truly captivated NBA fans with his alien-like skills and abilities. He pulls off moves on the court that other players can only dream of. In his rookie season, Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 71 games. 

With LeBron James almost touching 40, it’s becoming increasingly important to identify the next face of the league sooner rather than later. And don’t underestimate Anthony Edwards as a contender to carry the torch forward from LeBron. What are your thoughts? Could Edwards become LeBron’s heir or is it Wembanyama’s for the taking? Let us know in the comments below!