Rich Paul Claiming Anthony Edwards as Best Player Over Nikola Jokic Surprises Max Kellerman

Rich Paul declared Anthony Edwards is the best NBA player over Nikola Jokic.

Rich Paul Claiming Anthony Edwards as Best Player Over Nikola Jokic Surprises Max Kellerman

Rich Paul on Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokic (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a playoff victory over the Denver Nuggets, showcasing his potential as a future MVP.
  • Rich Paul claimed on his podcast that Anthony Edwards is currently the best player in the NBA, surpassing Nikola Jokic.
  • Both Edwards and Jokic are in the MVP conversation, with Edwards averaging 29.3 points this season and Jokic averaging 28.7 points.

In the 2024 NBA playoffs, Anthony Edwards announced himself as one of the top players in the league by taking out the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, in seven games in the Western Conference Semifinals. To many, Edwards is a future MVP and the face of the league.  

Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards have clashed twice this season, with Jokic coming out on top in both games. Their most recent meeting was one of the most engrossing games of the season as the Nuggets came out on top in a closely fought match against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The two stars stole the show as Edwards ended the game with 44 points to go along with six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Meanwhile, Jokic put on a historic performance, recording 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists.

Over the last few years, Nikola Jokic has elevated himself to arguably the best player in the NBA. The Nuggets center has won three league MVP awards in the last five seasons. He also helped the Nuggets win their first-ever NBA championship in 2023 and was named the Finals MVP for his historic playoff run.

Edwards has always been a student of the game. His athleticism, combined with improved three-point shooting, has propelled him to one of the best players in the league. During the offseason, the 24-year-old took advice from Michael Jordan on improving his offensive game, and the results are there for everyone to see: he is averaging a career-high 29.3 points this season.

LeBron James‘ longtime friend and agent Rich Paul has faced criticism from the NBA community for starting his own podcast. On his “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman, Paul dropped a hot take.

I think Anthony Edwards is the best player in our league today. The face of the league, you have to grow into that; that’s something different. But best player, yes, he is the best player to me. Because you can’t watch a game on any given night against anybody and look at that game and say, ‘Oh, that person is better than Anthony Edwards’ I love Jokic but no.

They are scheduled to lock horns for the final time in the regular season on March 1.

Anthony Edwards leads Team Stars to NBA All-Star glory

With all the noise surrounding the All-Star Game, it was refreshing to see Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama put on a show for the fans. The weekend was packed with action from start to finish.

Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards (Image credits – BBC)

There has been significant pressure on NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to revive the All-Star game’s competitiveness, which has declined sharply over the last few years. Hence, the NBA introduced a new format, hoping for the best. With a much-anticipated USA vs. World format, the league rolled out a three-team round-robin tournament that delivered a jolt of competitiveness and drama.

In the end, it was Team Stars anchored by Anthony Edwards. The Wolves guard walked away with the Kobe Bryant Trophy (All-Star MVP). Edwards helped lead Team Stars in the final game to a 47-21 win against Team Stripes. The Timberwolves’ star finished with eight points, four rebounds, and two assists in the final game.

Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards are in the MVP conversation

The two superstars have shown their greatness and impact this season. Nikola Jokic dropped to second after an injury layoff, while Edwards is currently at eighth place in the KIA MVP standings.

It is hard to imagine a player like Jokic improving even after everything he has achieved. With Jokic at the peak of his powers, the Nuggets will fancy their chances in a highly competitive Western Conference. The 31-year-old is currently averaging 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists in 39 appearances this season.

Anthony Edwards, who has shown significant growth this year, has kept the Wolves in the hunt for a top-six finish in the West. At present, they sit sixth in the Western Conference standings with a 34-22 record. Edwards is averaging 29.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 46 appearances.

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