Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

'They both Black!' Charles Barkley grows tired of Michael Jordan – Anthony Edwards comparisons

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Nikhil Sonmali | Last updated 5/13/24

The Minnesota Timberwolves star player, Anthony Edwards , had a bittersweet Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Despite dropping 44 points on the Nuggets, he was on the losing side of the game as they are now level in the NBA playoff series, 2-2.

In recent times, such performances by Edwards have led many individuals to compare him to Michael Jordan. However, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley decided to put an end to these comparisons.

Barkley pleaded to the NBA community to stop the comparisons between Jordan and Edwards, as it is too early for him to be compared to the NBA great. Interestingly enough, the only thing that unites the two in the eyes of Barkley is that “they’re both Black.”

Please, America, please stop the Michael Jordan stuff. This guy’s had one good playoff run. I think he’s gonna be a great player, he’s a really nice kid, we root for him, we want him to be. (On Antman being close to MJ's level) Oh hell no! They both Black. He not close to Michael Jordan. Charles Barkley said on the NBA on TNT show

Chuck wants everyone to stop comparing Ant and MJ pic.twitter.com/jYPKDBxwHR
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 12, 2024

On the sports side of things, the Denver Nuggets provided a fitting reply to the Minnesota Timberwolves in game 4. Nikola Jokic was the star performer for the Nuggets, dropping 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists on the Timberwolves. With the series now getting level after Game 4, it remains to be seen who comes out on top between the two stellar sides in the remaining matchups.

Kenny Smith compares Anthony Edwards to Dwayne Wade

Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been top-notch in the regular NBA 2023-24 season as well as the NBA playoffs up till now. His consistently top performances for the Timberwolves have led many to compare him to an NBA legend like Michael Jordan. While Barkley has debunked this comparison, his co-panelist on TNT and former NBA player, Kenny Smith, compares Edwards to another NBA great.

His body type, and the way he plays, to me, reminds me more of D-Wade, young D-Wade, when he was carrying that team when he had Lamar Odom and he was going through the playoffs for the first time. Kenny Smith said on the NBA on TNT show said

Most points in a playoff game, MIN history:

44 — Anthony Edwards (tonight vs DEN)
43 — Anthony Edwards (Game 1 vs DEN)
41 — Anthony Edwards (last year vs DEN) pic.twitter.com/8YOGr6KLsy
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 13, 2024

However, Edwards has been very vocal regarding the comparisons being made regarding him. He has claimed that he wants these comparisons to stop and it is too early for any comparisons to be made with him. He also wishes to be the first “Anthony Edwards” rather than the “next” Jordan, he recently revealed to Malika Andrews of ESPN.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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