When a player takes his first professional steps in basketball, the goal is always to focus on becoming the best. Referring to being the most outstanding in the NBAis to mention with first and last name Michael Jordan and in the current conference finals, Anthony Edwards is that figure who earns the reference.
The Minnesota Timberwolves point guard, who is only 22 years old, is a leader of the team, something that not even LeBron James or Stephen Curry were able to be from their early years.
Edwards was going to be an NFL player, but basketball gained more attention and he opted for the court. He now has the opportunity to lead the Timberwolves to their first NBA championship as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks, led by Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, in the Western Conference finals series.
What Edwards has in common with Jordan is a relentless mentality combined with an incredible skill set.
There is a confidence in their handling of the game and a determination to bounce back from setbacks.
Over and over again in the Netflix documentary, The Last Dance, Jordan talks about taking things personally. When things weren’t going well for him, when something or someone bothered him, he used it as motivation. It was a prospect that led him to six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s.
Things haven’t always gone Edwards’ way in this year’s play-offs. He has only made him more determined.
Two Timberwolves wins, including a 20-point comeback in game seven, changed everything. Edwards said in game six that he would go to game seven to win it and that was true.
That confidence, matched with his top-notch ability, forced the league to take notice.
With his change of direction, a silky mid-range game, and dunks that bear an uncanny similarity to the Michael Jordan brand logo, it’s easy to see how fan and media comparisons have formed.
A luxury in the NBA:
He has a way to go. He only played 22 playoff games with an average of 28.5 points – Jordan, in his first 22, had an average of 35.4 points.
Edwards is the closest to MJ, who currently plays on the court. Luka Doncic or Jason Tatum, who are image players of the Jordan brand, are great, but each one with a very different style from his majesty.
