Contradicting legendary Larry Bird’s advice, new gen star Anthony Edwards claims All-Star game is ‘always fun’

In the face of basketball legends urging competitiveness, Anthony Edwards embraces the plain joy of a casual NBA All-Star Game.

Contradicting legendary Larry Bird’s advice, new gen star Anthony Edwards claims All-Star game is ‘always fun’

Anthony Edwards, unlike Larry Bird doesn't feel the All-Star weekend is all that serious (via ESPN)

In these times, folks are scratching their heads, wondering if the NBA All-Star Game still packs that punch of rivalry it used to be famed for. Enter Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves, shaking things up with his fresh perspective. While basketball icon Larry Bird is all for dialing up the heat, Edwards views the event as a chance to loosen up amidst the season’s grind.

The All-Star Game, a beacon in the NBA calendar, has caught some flak for missing that competitive spark as of late. Even Bird came forward to push for players to go all out at the Legends Brunch in Indianapolis. This call to arms resonates with many in the NBA’s old guard and the suits upstairs, yearning for the days of fierce contests of yore.

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Anthony Edwards highlighted a generational shift in attitude towards the event, remarking:

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For me, it's an All-Star Game, so I don't think I will ever look at it like being super competitive. It's always fun. I don't know what they can do to make it more competitive.
Anthony Edwards told the reporters

Despite the rallying cries for more gusto, the 2024 All-Star Game pretty much followed the same old script—light on defense and heavy on the razzle-dazzle. Even the dunk contest was not as interesting and the best event was arguably the Steph vs Sabrina three-point contest. The NBA’s leaders, including commissioner Adam Silver, are puzzling over how to add a more competitive edge to the game. Yet, players such as Edwards and LeBron James are advocating for a balance—aiming to entertain without risking injuries.

The buzz about spicing up the All-Star Game just won’t quiet down. Everyone’s throwing ideas into the mix, from shaking up the format to offering sweeter prizes for the winners. But ultimately, it’s in the players’ hands. Their approach to the weekend will set the tone—turning it into either a clash of titans or keeping it as a celebration of the game’s heart and unity.

Both Curry and James look to Anthony Edwards, and Shai to “continue the torch” once they retire

In the ever-evolving NBA landscape, it’s like the torch of greatness is constantly in transit. As icons like Stephen Curry and LeBron James edge toward the closing scenes of their legendary journeys, they look for images of greatness in the next generation. Both have some common names in their minds: Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Both LeBron and Steph see something special in Anthony Edwards (Sports Illustrated)
Both LeBron and Steph see something special in Anthony Edwards (Sports Illustrated)

LeBron James had this to say about the young stars:

I would say Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander], Ant Man [Anthony Edwards], I feel like those are two of the guys that can continue the torch after I’m done, after Steph [Curry], the guys that have just been setting the standard for so many years.
LeBron James said

Shai’s on fire this season, sitting pretty at number 3 in the MVP race. Anthony’s not too far behind, ranked 10th on KIA’s MVP ladder. In eight of his last nine games, Shai’s scored over 30 points, and the recent loss to the Atlanta Hawks ended their five-game winning streak. Even in that game, Shai scored 24 of his 33 points in the second half alone.

Over at the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards is setting the court ablaze. Leading his team with an average of 26.3 points and 1.2 steals, his knack for clutch scoring is undeniable. These skills have catapulted the Timberwolves to the pinnacle of the Western Conference, even surpassing defending champions Denver Nuggets.

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