The Timberwolves had high expectations for Anthony Edwards when they selected him with the first pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The 22-year-old more than lives up to them.
Edwards earned his first All-Star selection in the 2022-23 season. He followed up his best season yet, earning his second All-Star selection with averages of 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. He led the Timberwolves to 52 wins, marking the franchise’s best record in two decades.
Edwards has proven to be not only one of the best young players in the league, but also an MVP candidate with the potential to be the face of the league. That has led to some lofty comparisons, including to Michael Jordan.
It’s not a joke either. While the Internet was amused by the comparison, several legends, some of whom played against Jordan, have spoken about the similarities in their games.
Here’s what you need to know about the comparison.
Why Anthony Edwards is compared to Michael Jordan
Like Jordan, Edwards is a score-first guard who likes to operate from mid-range and has the athleticism to shoot a basket against almost anyone. The two have a similar build, with Edwards listed as two inches shorter but nine pounds heavier than Jordan.
Timberwolves legend and Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, who faced Jordan nine times in his career, said the way Edwards attacks the basket reminds him of Jordan in his breakout rookie season. Edwards is in just his fourth season with the Timberwolves, but he’s already armed. the value of a poster dunk race.
“He’s like a young Jordan from ’84.” Garnett said of Edwards. “I’m watching him go down the lane… he turns the corner, if you’re not there, he throws you.”
Here’s an example of Edwards dunking similarly to Jordan, and no, they are not related:
Anthony Edwards?Michael Jordan
Father and son soaking in the suns pic.twitter.com/OZjmkZrTWv
– Tony Clementos (@TonyCMKE) April 29, 2024
Former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins compared Edwards to a later version of Jordan, noting not only their similarities on offense but also his ability to change the game with his defense.
“We are witnessing, right now, the ’88 version of Michael Jordan. It’s ’88 MJ.” Perkins. “Like the raw talent and what he brings to the table on both sides of the floor. Offensively, we know he’s going to get a bucket: he’s averaging almost 27 points a game and he’s not a selfish guy, he’ll let his guys do the cooking. .
Perkins went on to say that Edwards has the potential to be the face of the NBA after LeBron James.
In addition to the stylistic similarities, some have pointed out that Edwards has the same mentality as Jordan.
During the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Edwards told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt that he wanted to “kill everything that is in front of me.” That reminded Hall of Famer and TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley, who battled Jordan many times in his NBA career, both Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
“It reminded me a lot of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, they would kill you to win a game.” Barkley said of Edwards’ comment.. “There aren’t many players in the game today; everyone wants to be friends.
“Anthony Edwards is [putting] everyone on notice. ‘Yes, I’m not going to wait for them to give me anything. I’m going to take it all.” I love it.”
Edwards is only 22 years old, so comparisons to Jordan are going nowhere as he continues his rise.
What has Michael Jordan said about Anthony Edwards?
Jordan appears to be a fan of Edwards’ game.
Following Minnesota’s Game 1 victory against Phoenix in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith saying Jordan called Edwards “special” during a phone conversation.
Earlier this year, FOX Sports’ Chris Broussard saying Jordan told him that “there are similarities” in their games.
Anthony Edwards vs. Michael Jordan Stats
Here’s how Edwards compares to Jordan statistically over the first four seasons of their careers:
| statistics | Antonio Edwards | Michael Jordan |
| PPG | 22.9 | 32.7 |
| role playing game | 5.2 | 5.6 |
| APG | 4.1 | 5.3 |
| AAP | 1.4 | 2.8 |
| BPG | 0.6 | 1.3 |
| GF% | 44.6 | 50.6 |
| 3PT% | 35.3 | 16.4 |
| FOOT% | 79.3 | 84.8 |
There is a reason why Jordan is considered the greatest player of all time. In addition to being an All-Star in each of his first four seasons, he became the first player in NBA history to be named MVP and DPOY in the same season in his fourth year with the Bulls.
Edwards earned the second All-Star selection of his career in 2023-24. He is expected to make his first All-NBA team this season.
