After Adding Michael Jordan’s Signature Move, Can Anthony Edwards Live Up to the Hype in FIBA World Cup for Team USA?

Michael Jordan’s scoring moves have been well-heralded and celebrated. He knew a multitude of ways to beat defenders. Therefore, his game became an ideal. Kobe Bryant followed in his footsteps and was a carbon copy of the athlete.

Anthony Edwards’ game is developing at an electric rate and that’s why people are comparing him to MJ. These MJ comparisons prove the mettle of the legend even after two decades of retiring. 

Fans are seeing glimpses of Jordan in the incredible wing. 

Is Anthony Edwards following in Michael Jordan’s footsteps?

MJ’s fadeaway is regarded as one of the best, if not the best. He is not the only one who mastered the shot at such an efficient level. However, the degree of difficulty is what mesmerized the fans. His hangtime always makes for stellar viewing.

Kobe Bryant also had one of the best fadeaways and his ability to make difficult shots is what earned him a huge fan following. These two pioneers set the standard for young players to follow. 

As someone who made his NBA debut in 2020 and as a number pick, he has surely lived up to the expectations. In the recent FIBA World Cup match-up against Germany, he was on fire. He was making sizzling dunks and running the floor brilliantly. However, it was his fadeaway that gathered the most attention. Indeed, the way he turns at baseline and creates a huge separation from the two defensive players is much like MJ. 

For someone as athletic as him, having such a move is a bonus.  Jordan himself was an athletic phenom. As per Bleacher Report, he had a vertical of 48 inches, putting him among a select few. Edwards is also a terrific leaper, having recorded a leap of 41 inches. For context, the league average hovers around 28.  

The combination of his leaping abilities and incredible shooting game has helped the sizzling Wing post average over 19 points a game for three straight seasons. Like Jordan, his initial Playoffs road has been murky, but the Guard is still nowhere close to what MJ was.  

However, he did average 31 in the Playoffs and is just 22. About the same age, when His Airness debuted in the NBA.

Will Edwards shine in the FIBA World Cup?

During the World Cup, the USA has an easy first-round draw. They are going to play against New Zealand, Greece, and Jordan. Greece is without Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest two are mid-level teams. Therefore, the USA with their current roster is going to have a field day.

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In this scenario, Edwards’ athleticism and shooting game can be too much. Can these teams handle a bursting Ant-Man? He and the USA are likely to lift the title considering their immense firepower.

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