'I Changed My Mind': Anthony Edwards’ Michael Jordan Comparisons Retracted By Stephen A. Smith

“I changed my mind,” he said. “Talent-wise, he is. When I saw him resign himself to the circumstances in game five, it changed my mind because it reminded me of Michael Jordan.”

“Michael Jordan knew that dribbling the ball out front, top of the key, that kind of area and stuff like that made it easier for him to be guarded because he ain’t playing with his back to the basket out that far away from the basket,” he continued. “So you can guard him and you can anticipate what direction he’s going in, etc. and it wasn’t that much on you. So, what he had to do is get stronger, play with his back to the basket, and kill you with his mid-range game. And that’s what he did.”

“I see a phenomenal talent who has the potential to be the face of the league if he really, really wants it in Ant-Man. What I didn’t see was that. I didn’t see a guy who said, ‘This is what they’re doing to me. Let me figure this out. Let me come at it this way. Let me try it this way.’”

DeMarcus Cousins Explains Why Anthony Edwards Has Earned Superstar Status

Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins recently shared his thoughts on why Anthony Edwards deserves to be recognized as a true superstar in the league. Cousins emphasized that superstardom is not just about on-court performance but also about marketability and global appeal.

He pointed out that Edwards possesses a rare combination of talent and charisma, making him one of the most exciting players to watch. While Edwards may not yet have the accolades of veterans like LeBron James or Kevin Durant, Cousins believes his ability to captivate audiences and generate buzz sets him apart.

Cousins also highlighted the importance of a player’s impact beyond the United States, stating that true superstars must have a global presence. He argued that while Nikola Jokić is an incredible talent, his reserved nature makes him harder to market compared to Edwards, whose every statement and action seem to resonate with fans.

Despite the growing conversation about Edwards potentially becoming the next face of the NBA, Cousins believes the young star should focus on his game rather than external expectations. Anthony Edwards himself has expressed that he simply wants to play basketball without the pressure of being labeled as the league’s next icon.