May 12, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after making a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

ESPN Star's Bold Anthony Edwards Statement After Wolves-Thunder Game 1

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated May 21, 2025 5:22 PM ET

Over the last 10 years, the face of the NBA has been split between Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry. Unfortunately, both players are in the twilight of their careers and will likely be out of the league within the next five seasons. Therefore, the NBA media and fans will start looking for the next face of the league.

While international stars have seemingly taken over, with all three MVP finalists being from outside the United States, that means the league must look elsewhere if it wants its face of the league to be an American star. With several options to choose from, ex-New Orleans Pelicans center Kendrick Perkins believes one player can do so, if he can reach said goals.

"I feel like Anthony Edwards is a championship away, Finals MVP away, from us saying he's the face of the league."

—@KendrickPerkins on Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/P5EVr83Vbf
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 21, 2025

"I feel like Anthony Edwards is a championship away, Finals MVP away, from us saying he's the face of the league," Perkins said on ESPN's First Take. Being down 1-0 in the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, it would be an uphill battle for Edwards to pull it off this season, but far from impossible.

When relating that criteria to players like James and Curry, it's a fair standard to set, despite Curry already being viewed as a face of the league before winning his lone Finals MVP in 2022. Even though Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has accomplished both of those feats, him being out for all of next season doesn't help his case.

Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards are the only players left in the NBA playoffs from the 2024 men's USA basketball team pic.twitter.com/iqwupEjLJM
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 20, 2025

If Edwards wants to accomplish these goals set out by Perkins to become the face of the league, it'll start on Thursday night when the Timberwolves gear up for Game 2 against the Thunder. With tip-off set for 8:30 p.m. EST, Edwards and Minnesota look to avoid a 2-0 deficit and spoil Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP ceremony.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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