One thing is for sure, NBA veterans and legends didn’t take kindly to Anthony Edwards‘ bold claim about Michael Jordan‘s era. Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who dominated the 80s, recently responded to Edwards with a remark, criticizing his recent season. Meanwhile, Julius Erving also weighed in. When offering his perspective to the NBA star, Dr. J didn’t seem to hold back either.

Dr. J suggested that Edwards is still very young and hasn’t witnessed the game in the 70s and 80s and made such a comment. He then listed some of his favorite players from the past, the late Jerry West, Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, and Elgin Baylor. He also proposed a hypothetical game between Edwards and the legends he mentioned. 

The Philadelphia 76ers legend seemed confident that during the game, the Timberwolves star would likely change his opinion. “If you just take those five (he mentioned four) right there or whatever, you put Anthony Edwards on the court with them or whatever, he would change his opinion,” Erving declared on The Mark Jackson Show.

All three of the former names have a championship to their name, including an MVP, finals or otherwise, to go with. Russell, the Boston Celtics celebrated, even being the one with most rings. Though a title evaded Baylor in his 14 years, Jerry West describes him as “one of the most spectacular shooters the game has ever known… I hear people talking about forwards today and I haven’t seen many that can compare with him.”

So while the Philadelphia 76ers legend did praise the Antman’s skill, admitting that he enjoys watching him play, he believes the 23-year-old hasn’t really faced competition like the past. Or really just anyone who he finds better than him, that could give him a reality check.

Edwards has had a good run through high school, making it to state championship, McDonald’s All-American, top-five recruit, and an NBA draft right in his Freshman year. So Erving believes, “Maybe he hasn’t had that experience where he played in middle school, high school, or even college, where there were guys better than him. So it’s going to be a rude awakening.” 

The Minnesota Timberwolves star might just have been in that place. Something Magic Johnson uses as well to deliver a blunt critique.

Magic Johnson calls out Anthony Edwards to pay more attention to Dallas Mavericks 

For those who aren’t aware, Anthony Edwards’ comment caused quite a stir. By claiming that Michael Jordan was the only great player of his era, Edwards’ remark was seen as disrespectful to legendary basketball players.

During his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Johnson still appeared cross. He asked Anthony to focus on his failure to win the championship title after getting defeated by the Mavericks rather than the previous era, with which he had nothing to do. In simple words, the era, that many believe he doesn’t have much knowledge about. “Concentrate, cause you got beat by the Mavericks. You didn’t make it to the championship, so I’m concentrating on that. Instead of what happened in a time you weren’t born,” Johnson suggested.

Previously, in a conversation with Stephen A. Smith, Johnson had also stated that he isn’t interested in taking Anthony Edwards’ comments seriously. Unless you have a championship, the Lakers icon isn’t listening to you. Considering the Antman’s 4-year run has resulted in to ring, he was subjected to criticism from Johnson. 

“I never respond to a guy who’s never won a championship… He didn’t win a college championship, I don’t even know if he won a high school championship,” Johnson claimed. While Michael Jordan was undeniably legendary, dismissing other NBA greats who made history wasn’t probably the right move for Edwards.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.