“He is gonna win an NBA championship in Minnesota…” Stephen A Smith draws bold comparison between Anthony Edwards and likes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

Stephen A. Smith generally does not heap such praise on young players, but Edwards' play this season has made him come to this judgement.

“He is gonna win an NBA championship in Minnesota…” Stephen A Smith draws bold comparison between Anthony Edwards and likes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

Stephen A. Smith has likened Anthony Edwards' athleticism to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. (image via Open Source, X)

Anthony Edwards has elevated his game this season. The Minnesota Timberwolves superstar has consistently led his team en route to the top of the Western Conference standings. This has drawn high praise from an esteemed analyst who ended up comparing him to some of the all-time greats.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith was talking on his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show. On the topic of Edwards, Smith went on to say; 

I think [Anthony Edwards] is gonna win an NBA championship one day in Minnesota… When I watch his athleticism, I think Vince Carter, I think Kobe, I think MJ, as in Michael Jordan.

Smith added that after recent videos of Edwards showing off his athleticism came out, he does not doubt that the player is moving up among NBA superstars. Smith added that Edwards’ elite play has been the reason for the success the Timberwolves are having this season.

FS Video
YouTube video

Stephen A. Smith said that even though he does not like cold cities, he will make an exception for Minnesota with the way Edwards is playing. According to him, Edwards will be the biggest box office athlete in the league in a couple of years.

He also adds that it might be premature to say that Edwards is in the same league as Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant currently. But his elite-level play in year 4 is certainly indicating exactly that.

Smith generally does not heap such massive praise on young players who have not showcased years of consistency. But with the Timberwolves atop the Western Conference, especially with Edwards leading the team despite having all-stars as teammates, it is worth praising the star.

Edwards is getting praise for a stellar season

Edwards’ recent highlight reel play has already made waves in the media. But his consistent production has elevated both his own season-on-season numbers as well as the Timberwolves standings. The Timberwolves finished 8th in the Western Conference last season. This year they are dominating the same Conference.

Anthony Edwards has led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the top of the Western Conference
Anthony Edwards has led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the top of the Western Conference (image via Open Source, X)

Anthony Edwards has career-high averages so far this season. Currently averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game puts him in a similar trajectory compared to Bryant and Jordan. Plus, he has played better than his all-star teammates Rudy Gobert and Karl Anthony-Towns to lead the team.

This is where Stephen A. Smith alluded that Edwards is on his way to becoming one of the greats. If Stephen A. Smith’s predictions are correct, the basketball world will cherish watching this young superstar grow into one.

In case you missed: