Imagine flipping through the pages of magazines and stumbling upon Michael Jordan as he soars from the free-throw line, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird clashing in the 1980s Finals, or LeBron James being hailed as “The Chosen One.” These covers have etched themselves in the memory of NBA fans. Fast forward to the present day, where Justin Jefferson and Anthony Edwards have recreated a beloved Sports Illustrated cover from the 2000s. They paid homage to Randy Moss with Justin holding a basketball, while Ant channels KG with a football. The brand-new cover honors Minnesota’s sports history while perfectly connecting the past and present.

The original photograph of Moss and Garnett, from the year 2000, is a tribute to the golden sports era of Minnesota. The versatility and love of each sport are what symbolized this rare crossover moment. Jefferson and Edwards recreating it, adds authenticity and emotional depth, linking past achievements with current aspirations, honoring their legacies, which were built in their primes in Minnesota without securing a championship.

“You come to my games, I come to your games. It was more the respect,” Moss told Garnet in 2017 about the significance of the 2000 SI cover. Garnett and Moss, at the height of their respective careers, then showcased their bond by swapping jerseys—Moss in Garnett’s Timberwolves jersey and Garnett in Moss’ Vikings jersey. As the excitement builds around the photo, fans admit this was “worth the wait”. The community is buzzing with excitement, let’s see what they have to say!

Fans willing to “run through a wall” as they connect Anthony Edwards x Justin Jefferson viral collab with ‘KG’s idea’

“2 Years Was Worth the Wait,” a fan wrote, reflecting their excitement and recreation of the iconic photo. This long wait highlights the impact of this nostalgic tribute, making the final reveal even more satisfying and rewarding. It captures the sense of fulfillment and enthusiasm for the return of this memorable sports moment.

Another netizen expressed their excitement, saying, “This makes me want to run through a wall,” reflecting the powerful, nostalgic energy ignited by this tribute. Another fan’s simple yet profound comment, “A four-letter word,”captured the deep emotional resonance of the recreated image. What do you think is the four-letter word?.

Photographer Tim Mantoani, of the iconic 2000s picture, once excitingly revealed that the jersey swap was the hooper’s idea. “It was Kevin’s idea for them to switch jerseys during the shoot,”Mantoani noted.“Moss and Garnett were both playing in Minnesota, and the story was about their history and their happiness working in the same city.”

Although the anticipation for the new photoshoot is so high that one fan declared, “My entry way is about to have the greatest picture of all time hanging up.” Adding to the nostalgia, another fan excitedly referenced the return of the classic “trees” logo from Garnett’s Timberwolves jerseys. This recreation not only celebrates the legendary moments of Moss and Garnett but also heralds Anthony Edwards and Justin Jefferson as the next great Minnesota sports icons, blending past glory with future promise.

We are still awaiting a reaction from the legends on this re-creation by Ant and Justin. What are your thoughts? Drop ’em below.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.