Timberwolves rising star Anthony Edwards has quickly earned a reputation as a trash talker among his peers. Now, Edwards’ trash talk has reached another level, and a few Hall of Famers have fired back at the 23-year-old.
Edwards recently made headlines with a bold statement about the lack of skill in players of Michael Jordan’s generation. In the digital age, it didn’t take long for Edwards’ comments to set Twitter ablaze, with analysts and fans pointing out the flaws in his argument.
The situation has since escalated, as Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson have fired back at Edwards, creating a new generational battle in NBA discussion circles.
What did Anthony Edwards say?
Edwards was asked about the differences between his generation of NBA players and previous generations in a Interview with Lane Florsheim of the Wall Street JournalHis response caused quite a stir.
“They say it was harder back then than it is now, but I don’t think anyone had any skills back then,” Edwards said.
“[Michael Jordan] was the only one who really had talent, you know what I mean? That’s why when they saw Kobe [Bryant]“They were like, ‘Oh, my God.’ But now everyone has skills.”
Edwards acknowledged the level of physicality that was present in the 1980s and 1990s, but made a huge mistake about the number of all-time greats who played during that period. It’s fitting that two generational talents from that era stepped up to the plate.
Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas fire back at Anthony Edwards
Thomas was one of the first to respond to Edwards’ claim, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to a graphic of the bold claim.
“Propaganda works,” Thomas wrote. “So be careful what you choose to believe.”
Propaganda works, so be careful what you choose to believe. https://t.co/A2fJvxDlmd
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) August 20, 2024
While Thomas took more of a mentor-like approach in his response, Johnson fought fire with fire. In an interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, the Lakers legend questioned Edwards’ winning qualities.
“I never respond to a guy who’s never won a championship,” Johnson said to cheers from the crowd. “There’s really nothing to say — he hasn’t won a college championship, I don’t even know if he’s won a high school championship.”
“I never answer a guy who’s never won a championship… He hasn’t won a college championship, I don’t even know if he’s won a high school championship.”
Magic Johnson didn’t hesitate to respond to Anthony Edwards’ comments ??
(via https://t.co/gnCFAy8D5B / IG) pic.twitter.com/8KUrvm4vZw
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 25, 2024
As for the wins, Edwards just led Minnesota to one of the most successful seasons in franchise history, but it didn’t result in an NBA title. The Timberwolves lost in the Western Conference Semifinals.
In the aforementioned Wall Street Journal interview, Edwards explained that he understands that reaching the top of the NBA is a process that doesn’t often happen in the first four seasons of a player’s career.
That said, Johnson won his first of five NBA titles as a rookie, and Thomas also won two NBA titles in his career. As it stands, Edwards has an Olympic gold medal and, perhaps to Johnson’s dismay, a bronze medal. 2018 Georgia Independent Schools Association State Championship in his name.
But until Edwards hoists the Larry O’Brien Trophy, it’s unlikely that NBA legends will let him know until the end.
