“The New MJ”: Joining the Anthony Edwards Hype Train, 2018 NBA Champion Showers a Wealth of Praise

Michael Jordan combined sheer athleticism with an unparalleled shooting skill set. His ability to get up to the basket and switch moves mid-air still is peerless. However, he made much of his killing as a mid-range maestro. There is not a move in the book that MJ didn’t master, even his low-post moves were breathtaking. These assortments of skills were taken up by Kobe Bryant, who was in many ways a carbon copy of the Bulls legend. 

Now, one emerging superstar has also followed in his footsteps; Anthony Edwards. While his resume is merely a grain of salt compared to MJ’s, his development holds a lot of promise. In this wake, a former NBA sharpshooter shares his thoughts.

Is Anthony Edwards the next MJ?

The MJ comparisons for Edward are not because of his resume. It is his ability to mesh an athletic style alongside a sharpshooting one. He has always been a great athlete, but it is the additions to the game recently that have caught the eye. His handles help him generate crossover opportunities.

The Timberwolves Forward has a lovely spin move. He can split defenders using both vertical and horizontal fakes. The athletic phenom is honing a lovely step back. He can turn around and hit fadeaways against multiple defenders, trying to emulate MJ. He has a great rhythm when he is shooting from outside. These are just some of the skills that have drawn parallels to MJ.

While his hang time is nowhere near His Airness, his intent and delivery seem to be the same. Age is on his side. MJ was around 22 during his rookie year, and Edwards is 22, entering his fourth season.

During the last Playoff, the Forward went off for a 41-point night against the eventual champion Nuggets. However, the lack of support resulted in a grueling first-round loss. The Forward then showcased terrific skills in the WC, scoring 35 against Lithuania in a harrowing loss. He became the first player since Kevin Durant in 2010 to crack the 30-point mark in a FIBA WC.

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He and Team USA crashed out in the Semis against Germany. In this vein, 2018 NBA Champion Nick Young shares his thoughts about the scoring phenom.

Nick Young compares Edwards to MJ

Forbes journalist Landon Buford posted a video from his Insta Live, where he stated,” You don’t see that no more, you don’t see that at all! All we see now is stepbacks, and  crossovers, and isos. You don’t see people playing like Jordan and Kobe. The league’s about to be Anthony Edwards’. This is Anthony Edwards league now, the new MJ. That boy looks like just MJ out there.”

He also alluded to the loss against Lithuania and expressed, “ They should have gave it to Anthony Edwards. They would have never lost to Lithuania.” Swaggy P also said, “Anthony Edwards is looking like a star”.

Will Edwards live up to the hype next season?

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