Getty Picture / Matthew Stockman
Anthony Edwards is the breakout celebrity of the 2023-2024 NBA season. He’s established himself as a star by his first three seasons, however he’s taken the leap to superstardom on this yr’s common season and playoffs.
After Edwards had a sensation 43-point efficiency to assist Minnesota steal recreation 1 on the street towards the Denver Nuggets, he’s the discuss of the complete NBA.
That prolonged to ESPN persona Stephen A. Smith. Stephen A. heaped reward on Anthony Edwards on Sunday.
Any time that you just’re being in comparison with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant favorably, that’s fairly good.
If you happen to’re not a giant NBA fan, that may appear ridiculous. In spite of everything, what number of gamers have been in comparison with Michael Jordan solely to not come shut in any respect? However, belief me, Anthony Edwards is one of some gamers ever who combines Jordan”s insane athleticism with a ton of talent. Once more, not saying that he’ll ever come near being thought of the GOAT, however the resemblance is uncanny.
Have an @NBA buddy who coached in 16 straight playoffs, together with a pair instances towards MJ. Says Anthony Edwards is the closest factor he’s seen to MJ & Kobe in his lifetime. At 22 years outdated, he’s in that dialog.
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) Could 5, 2024
Take a look at these highlights.
A profession night time for Anthony Edwards in Recreation 1 ‼️
???? 43 PTS (playoff profession excessive)???? 17-29 FGM???? 7 REB???? 1-0 collection lead
The 2nd participant 22 years outdated or youthful to attain 40+ in back-to-back playoff video games (Kobe Bryant).#NBAPlayoffs introduced by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/viVBSNZpNt
— NBA (@NBA) Could 5, 2024
And, he’s solely 22-years-old. Thus far in these playoffs, he’s averaging 33.4 factors, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per recreation for the Minnesota Timberwolves. His capturing effectivity has been nice, and he’s a blossoming defender with spectacular measurement, as properly.
If, and this can be a massive if, the Timberwolves can discover a solution to one way or the other upset the defending champion Nuggets on this collection, Anthony Edwards will cement himself as one of many faces of the complete league.
