Anthony Edwards has been on a roll this past season. Showing out both in practice and at the tournaments (2022-23 season and FIBA World Cup), he has impressed many people. So much so, that there are comparisons being made between him and some of the legends of the game. Recently, on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith was asked if Edwards could be the future face of the NBA. He agreed that it is a possibility, but there are two things he needs before that happens.
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One of the comparisons being made is between ANT and perhaps the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan. Many have been pointing out how eerily similar their play styles and mentalities are. Well, Shaquille O’Neal also got in on the action, sharing a few posts on his Instagram. One of which, pretty much bestowed the Timberwolves guard with the highest honor possible, claiming “The MJ of our generation is here”.
Stephen A. Smith believes Anthony Edwards is just two steps away from becoming the face of the NBA
The 2023 Playoffs and the FIBA World Cup seem to have been a breakout party for Anthony Edwards. However, there are several debates surrounding him, and whether or not he could be the next face of the NBA.
Recently, Stephen A. Smith was asked about this on his show. One particularly big ANT fan was curious to know what the First Take analyst had to say. And, for the most part, SAS agreed. He believes that Edwards is a “stud”, and could very well be the future face of the league.
However, Smith claims there are still two things that need to be done before that happens. The first is ANT needs to develop a more consistent jump shot. And second, perhaps the most important of the two is the fact that the Minnesota Timberwolves need to start winning.
“I believe he is one of them. He’s a stud, he’s got a work on his jump shot…having a consistent jump shot. But, that brother is something special. I’ve got a lot of love for Anthony Edwards. Yes, he’s that dude! [Anthony Edwards] He’s got a lot of potential. But, Minnesota has got to win too! You can be the face, but you can’t be the face if y’all ain’t winning anything!”
To be fair to Stephen A., he is right. There are still aspects of the game that Edwards can work on. Finally, for any player to be considered one of the greats, let alone the face of the NBA, they have to be on a winning team.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch believes ANT needs to get better at manipulating the game
Stephen A. Smith may believe shooting is the part of the game Anthony Edwards needs to improve on, but Minnesota Timberwolves head coach, Chris Finch, has other ideas. Finch claims that the next step in ANT’s evolution is perhaps learning how to manipulate the game. In particular, making decisions before he gets the ball in his hands.
This includes developing his basketball IQ, reading the floor, learning how to draw fouls, creating different shots for himself, and much much more.
It will be interesting to see if Edwards is capable of taking the next step this season. He certainly has all the potential in the world. But, if he lives up to that potential is solely up to him.
