'I Was Frustrated With Them': Anthony Edwards Name Comes Up As Noah Lyles Reopen Infamous ‘World Champion’ Diss To NBA Players

“I had been discussing my own new contract with Adidas, and what I wanted to be in there was a shoe,” Lyles said. “Because I said, ‘Anthony Edwards has a shoe, and I’m already a six-time world champion.’ And I’m prophesying that I’m going to be the Olympic champion. I believe I’ve done enough to prove that my worth is, given a signature shoe or at least having the conversation of it.”

“At the time, I was frustrated with them, still am (but) that’s another story about how they didn’t even want to have the conversation of it. And the point that I wanted to show America, leading off of that “world champions of what” is, this is the difference of how we track and field athletes are treated in the US.”

Noah Lyles made headlines when he criticized the NBA for calling its champions “world champions,” questioning the legitimacy of the title. In an August 2023 press conference, Lyles expressed frustration, stating, “World champion of what? The United States?” He argued that, unlike track and field, which features athletes from multiple countries competing for a global title, the NBA primarily consists of American teams.

His comments sparked backlash from several NBA stars, including Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Damian Lillard, who defended the league’s tradition of using the term. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo supported Lyles, agreeing that the NBA’s championship title does not necessarily represent the entire world.

Anthony Edwards Poised for Historic Greatness, Says Timberwolves President

Anthony Edwards continues to elevate his game, with the Minnesota Timberwolves setting sky-high expectations for their young star. After leading the team to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, Edwards has shown significant improvement as a shooter and leader.

Timberwolves president Tim Connelly believes Edwards has the potential to be one of the greatest players of all time, citing his competitiveness and toughness as defining traits.

“The sky is the limit,” Connelly said. “We think he’s going to be one of the best players of all time, and we think he’s on that track.”

With Anthony Edwards turning 24 in August, the Timberwolves remain confident that his best years are still ahead.