We all know about the Michael Jordan-Isiah Thomas feud, which, as per many reports, started after the 1985 All-Star Game. Fast forward to today, Zeke took a shot at not MJ, but at his NBA “son” Anthony Edwards. Thomas sat down with Forbes for a candid interview where he discussed what it truly takes to win in the NBA. When asked about Edwards’ chances of earning a championship, Thomas acknowledged his talent but offered a reality check. This came months after Ant-Man made some claims about Thomas’ generation, which didn’t go down well.
“He’s a bad boy. But, you know, it takes more than talent to win,” he explained. “There’s a certain amount of chemistry and intellect that goes into winning. Very few people win. Very few people have championships,” the 2x NBA champion stated. Zeke also delved deeper into the mental side of the game.
“So you can have all the talent. You can jump real high and shoot and do all the things skill-wise. But mentally, can you master this game? And that’s what it takes to be a champion,” he added. Edwards, who has made three playoff appearances so far, might be a rising star, but according to Zeke, he still has a long way to go before cementing his legacy. Considering his history with MJ, some might feel this is a targeted shot at Edwards.
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Because of his dunks, his swag, and his overall game style, Edwards is often compared to a young version of His Airness. Celtics legend Kevin Garnett had once stated, “He’s like a young ’84 Jordan.” Patrick Beverley echoed the sentiment as well, even pulling Edwards aside to say, “You’ve got a chance, brother, to be Michael Jordan.”
While Edwards isn’t buying into it with comments like, “I want it to stop,” and, “He’s the greatest of all time. I can’t be compared to him,” the comparisons are part and parcel of sports. However, Zeke’s comments on the podcast didn’t come due to Edwards’ similarities with Thomas’ eternal rival, Michael Jordan.
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Anthony Edwards’ comments upset Isiah Thomas
Being an ardent Michael Jordan fan, Edwards had said, “I didn’t watch the NBA back in the day… They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don’t think anybody had skill back then. [Jordan] was the only one that really had skill.” Edwards even brought up Kobe Bryant, claiming he was a revelation because of his skill set, unlike most players in MJ’s era.
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Is Anthony Edwards right to dismiss past NBA legends, or is he missing the bigger picture?
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But Isiah Thomas wasn’t about to let that slide. Taking to X, he posted, “Propaganda works, so be careful what you choose to believe.” And many couldn’t help but notice the subtle jab at Edwards and, of course, Jordan.
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Even Magic Johnson couldn’t resist chiming in. “I never respond to a guy who’s never won a championship,” he told Stephen A. Smith during an interview. “He didn’t win a college championship; I don’t even know if he won a high school championship.” And he wasn’t the only one bothered.
Paul George also called Edwards’ remarks “immature” and “disrespectful for the game.” While he praised Edwards’ talent and future potential, George reminded him to “pay dues to those dudes that did it before us.” Thomas now is not only feuding with Michael Jordan but also with the 23-year-old star who is often labeled as His Airness‘ NBA son.
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Is Anthony Edwards right to dismiss past NBA legends, or is he missing the bigger picture?