The debate over who will be the next face of the league is yet to settle that Monday brought with itself a fierce battle of powers. Two of the biggest stars of the current NBA era: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards met for a face-off. Set on the hardwoods of Paycom Center, the OKC Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves met. And oh, what a game it was. Neither side left without going all-out on the other. But in the end, the Wolves snarled with their fangs out. Clinching a 131-128 win against the home team. This leaves the basketball community with a lingering thought: Who is a better player, SGA or Antman?

On ESPN’s First Take, veteran analysts Stephen A. Smith, Tim Legler, and Shannon Sharpe have given their verdicts. They seem to have a favorite among the two youngsters of the league. And it’s safe to say they have snubbed Anthony Edwards. Here’s why…

ESPN veterans give their honest verdict on SGA vs. Anthony Edwards

For SAS, Legler, and Sharpe, giving out their analysis on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards is necessary. Well, that’s what analysts are for! So, when Molly Qerim asked Smith: “Would you rather build a team around Ant Edwards or SGA?” SAS knew what he exactly had to say. Surprised? Nope!

Thus, the veteran began with his monologue: “Damn! This is the only way I personally can answer this question. If you’re talking about just basketball I gotta look at Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Simply because do y’all know that he’s on pace to average? I’m talking about an average of 30 on 50% shooting this year.” Let’s make it more precise, SGA has an average of 32.4 on 52.3% shooting. Now comparing this Ant’s average of 27.5 on 43.6% seems more than unfair.

Wait, SAS was far from done. He further added, “I mean I’m just looking at him right now. There’s only one other guard in the NBA history who has done that. That would be Michael Jeffrey Jordan. That’s the kind of pace SGA is on. My MVP last year, All-NB last, All-NBA this year, the brother’s All-World.” This might be the greatest compliment for any basketball player; to be compared to God (read: Michael Jordan) himself.

Well, Stephen A. Smith isn’t just looking at talent—“damn it, box office matters.” And regarding that, “ain’t nobody coming before that brother[SGA] in my eyes right now.” Yes, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was on fire with “39 on 55% s——– and hitting 14 of his 17 free throws,” against the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Anthony Edwards struggled with 17 points on 33%. Shai’s an “All-World,” no question. But Ant? He’s special too. More importantly, he’s the box office as well.

Shannon Sharpe was all in on Anthony Edwards at first—“the way he plays above the rim, the way he’s entertaining,”—pure box office. But when it came to building a team, he switched to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, praising his deep bag—mid-range, step-back threes, and relentless free throws, even likening his trips to the line to Shaq’s dominance. Meanwhile, Tim Legler highlighted Shai’s control of the rare mid-range area—“the area to floor that he dominates”—calling it a defensive nightmare where double teams simply don’t work.

Undoubtedly. this is a snub on Antman’s hoopster skills. But then, in all honesty, he’s in direct competition with the potential MVP of the ongoing season. Besides, the 23-year-old Wolves star has a lot to work on and worry about after his public rejection of Adam Silver’s desires. Remember, Edwards might be the next face of the league.

Anthony Edwards publicly shuts down Adam Silver’s desire

“They have Wemby for that.” Anthony Edwards’ lines echo in our minds from time to time. He believes he has the potential to become the face of the NBA. He believes he could fit into LeBron, Curry, or KD’s shoes. But also feels Victor Wembanyama is more likely to take the position. Now you may wonder why Anthony Edwards would even say such a thing. Well, given his records with techs and penalties so far in the ongoing season, it’s safe to say he’s been in some muddy waters lately.

The Timberwolves guard has already paid $285K in fines. And reports from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggest the 23-year-old he heading towards $300K. Meanwhile, the Warriors legend Draymond Green suggested that stars like Antman and Wemby must do everything in their power to uphold the integrity of the league on the court and off the same. Therefore, even if Anthony Edwards rejects Adam Silver’s grand schemes, it’s safe to say he has a long way to go before he becomes the face of the league, let alone an MVP as of now.

In the battle of rising NBA superstars, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems to have the edge—for now. Analysts love his polished game, from deadly mid-range shots to clutch free throws. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards brings flash, power, and pure entertainment. But while Shai draws MVP buzz, Ant faces his battles—on the court and with the league. Still, at just 23, he’s got time to rewrite the narrative and maybe, one day, take the crown.