Anthony Edwards’ Bold Take on NBA History: Generational Clash or Harsh Reality?
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has managed to capture the NBA's attention, both through his performance on the court and his outspoken nature. At just 23-years-old, Edwards is already unafraid to voice his unconventional opinions, and his recent comments on the skill level of past basketball generations have stirred considerable debate among fans and analysts alike.
Generational Comparisons
In a candid interview, Edwards was asked to compare his generation to the ones before him. His response was anything but diplomatic. "I didn’t watch it back in the day so I can’t speak on it," Edwards confessed. "They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don’t think anybody had skill back then. [Jordan] was the only one that really had skill, you know what I mean? So that’s why when they saw Kobe [Bryant], they were like, 'Oh, my God.' But now everybody has skill."
Such remarks are bound to raise eyebrows, particularly from those who hold the achievements of past NBA stars in high regard. Edwards' declaration seems to dismiss the talents of numerous greats who paved the way for the modern game, and this has not gone unnoticed.
Isiah Thomas: The Rival and the Legend
One player who might take umbrage with Edwards' perspective is Isiah Thomas, a 12-time All-Star and proud member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. As one of Michael Jordan’s fiercest rivals during the latter part of the '80s and early '90s, Thomas defined an era of gritty, highly skilled basketball.
While Edwards didn't specifically call out Thomas in his comments, the implication that previous generations lacked skill would certainly cover a player of Thomas’ caliber. In Michael Jordan’s docuseries, "The Last Dance," even Jordan, who was awarded the title of the greatest of all time by many, admitted his respect for Thomas' talent despite their intense rivalry. Jordan described Thomas as the best point guard of all time behind Magic Johnson.
Isiah Thomas himself has often been vocal about the quality of past players. In response to contemporary views like those of Edwards, Thomas once stated, "Propaganda works, so be careful what you choose to believe."
Edwards’ admiration for Jordan
What is particularly interesting about Edwards' take is his evident admiration for Michael Jordan. Despite ruffling feathers with his comments about past NBA players, Edwards does not shy away from acknowledging Jordan’s unparalleled skill. His admiration runs so deep that last season, when many started comparing Edwards to Jordan, he was quick to dismiss the comparisons, stating, "I want it to stop. He's the greatest of all time. I can’t be compared to him."
Edwards' respect for Jordan seems to isolate him from his sweeping critique of previous generations, positioning Jordan as a singular talent who defined and transcended his era.
The Discussion Continues
Edwards’ comments reflect a broader, ongoing discussion about the evolution of the game of basketball. The league has undeniably changed; the style of play, physicality, and level of athleticism continue to evolve. Today’s game is characterized by a high level of skill and athleticism across the board, a development Edwards’ seems to believe sets his generation apart.
This isn't the first time such generational debates have played out in the realm of sport, and it certainly won’t be the last. As the NBA continues to evolve, the conversation around the skill and impact of past players versus current ones will persist, fueled by opinions as bold as those of Anthony Edwards.
While some may find his views controversial, they undeniably add a fresh layer to ongoing discussions about the game's history and its future. For now, Edwards continues to make his mark on the court, as his play speaks volumes, even louder than his words.