Anthony Edwards got real on Kevin Garnett claiming he plays like 1984 Michael Jordan.
"That's OG, man. Whatever he says, goes. If anybody wants to argue with him, you gotta take it up with Michael Jordan. I think he's right. He didn't say '96 or '97, he said '84. He's just finding himself, so I agree with that."
There have been comparisons with Michael Jordan floating around Edwards for the last few seasons. There are obvious stylistic similarities, though it'll be one of the greatest challenges of Edwards' career to replicate what MJ achieved. But this comparison by Garnett doesn't put that pressure on him, as it focuses on Jordan's rookie version.
“He like a young '84 (Michael) Jordan, boy. You're not watching the game! I said '84, n***a. I'm watching how he coming through the lane. If (Karl-Anthony Towns) wasn't on his team, he would average thirty-something. You hear what I'm saying to you?"
Michael Jordan was one of the greatest rookies the NBA has ever seen, averaging 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. While the Bulls were a losing franchise for a while longer before the team was united under a singular star and culture, Jordan was a star player in the NBA as a rookie with umpteen potential.
Edwards is in his fourth year in the NBA and has completed his star leap. He made his second All-Star team and is almost locked in for an All-NBA selection this season as the leading star of the Timberwolves who are competing for the No. 1 seed in the West for the first time since Kevin Garnett was on the franchise himself.
Edwards is averaging 26.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.
Anthony Edwards Doesn't Think He's Close To His Ceiling
In a recent interview with Taylor Rooks, Edwards revealed that he is only halfway through the process of realizing his potential.
"I'm like a five right now. I gotta do the work. Kevin Durant is one of my favorite players. I watch him shoot the ball, he shoots the same way every time. It takes years to get that. A lot of people think I'm super good right now but don't know how much better I can get. That's a good feeling."
Edwards is in the nascent stages of his NBA career. At the age of 24, there is so much more to come from the former No. 1 overall pick. While the world laughed at the Wolves' decision to draft Edwards over LaMelo Ball, he's quickly separated himself from his draft class peers as the best player.
He's had some strong playoff appearances already, but with a top seed, Edwards will be expected to lead the team to at least the second round of the Playoffs. The overall expectation is higher, but a first-round exit would be the worst case for this Wolves squad.
With Karl-Anthony Towns' out injured for the rest of the regular season, it's on Edwards to keep the Wolves in the fight for the No. 1 seed and possibly lead them through the playoffs as well.
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