Anthony Edwards is no Michael Jordan, Says Stephen A. Smith After Game 5 Debacle

Many felt this was the season Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards would confirm he is the 2nd iteration of Michael Jordan.

Anthony Edwards is no Michael Jordan, Says Stephen A. Smith After Game 5 Debacle

Stephen A. Smith does not believe Anthony Edwards is close to Michael Jordan (Image via FirstSportz)

Anthony Edwards was touted to be the 2nd coming of Michael Jordan. He had the skills, the drive, the swagger, and the personality to enthrall basketball fans much like His Airness did back in the day. The Minnesota Timberwolves star also had the backing of members of the media and his peers.

His style of play might not be as explosive as Jordan’s was, but it was close enough for many to regard him as a future candidate to become the Face of the NBA. All he had to do was to lead his team like a true leader and at least battle for the NBA title.

This season, if the 1st two rounds were anything to go by, fans and media members felt the 23-year-old was primed to make the leap. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, all he had to do was do his part well, and his teammates would have followed.

Unfortunately, that did not happen, as the Atlanta native failed to even have a meaningful series. That led ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who had been one of his biggest supporters, to say this while on the PBD Podcast.

When I saw him resign himself to circumstances in Game 5, I changed my mind. I see a phenomenal talent who has the potential to be the face of the league if he really wants it. I didn’t see a guy who said, ‘This is what they are doing to me, let me figure this out.’

Stephen A. Smith said

The analyst believes Anthony Edwards has everything to be as great as Jordan. But he has yet to put in the work, both on and off the court. If he can figure it out, as he has promised he would, the chances of him succeeding are high.

Anthony Edwards has to figure out how to adjust like Michael Jordan did

As Stephen A. Smith mentioned earlier, Anthony Edwards has the skills and the athleticism to become a great player. He went on to explain on the PBD Podcast with an example of one of Michael Jordan’s playoff games to highlight what the Minnesota Timberwolves star needs to figure out.

Anthony Edwards failed to adjust in the West Finals
Anthony Edwards failed to adjust in the West Finals (Image via Open Source/X)

I remember when Pat Riley with the Knicks would take a 250lb forward named Anthony Mason, and he would put him on Michael Jordan. Jordan knew that dribbling the ball out front….made it easier for him to be guarded. He had to get stronger, play with his back to the basket, and kill you with his midrange game.

Stephen A. Smith recalled

The 57-year-old analyst believes figuring out and adjusting to the situation was one of the reasons Michael Jordan is one of the greatest to ever play the sport. He wants the Wolves star to become a similar student of the game. Only then can he learn how to adjust when required.

Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his lack of adjustments became his undoing as his opponents smothered him. Even though the series loss exposed a lot of problems on the team, Edwards’ inability to overcome the obstacles and play great basketball was looked at as a major issue.

Anthony Edwards said he will be the hardest-working player this offseason

Before the Western Conference Finals ended, Anthony Edwards used his cocky attitude to deflect criticism. But after his embarrassing Game 5 performance, a reporter asked how he was going to be inspired by Michael Jordan.

I’m going to work my b**t off this summer. Nobody’s gonna work harder than me this summer. I’ll try to make it happen again for Mike.

Anthony Edwards said

Stephen A. Smith, most of the NBA fans, and the Minnesota Timberwolves hope he sticks to his words and works harder than anyone this offseason. Next season, his body of work will be on full display and he should keep his words else there will be some other members of the media waiting to slander him.

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