How Michael Jordan reacts to comparisons to rising NBA stars

Michael Jordan was a different player in the 1980s, relying more on his leaping ability and athleticism than the patented fadeaway jumper he used in the second half of his career. Jordan produced highlight reels every night, postering helpless defenders, viciously blocking shots, and dunking from coast to coast. He was the most athletic pitcher anyone had ever seen.

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is a Skywalker in his own right, reminding some of the burly Jordan.

It seems that “his magnanimity” is consistent with this comparison. According to Chris Broussard of Fox Sports, Jordan sent him a text message on March 19 to confirm the barbershop conversation.

“Patrick Beverley said it, others have said it, and I reached out to the GOAT himself today via text message, and yes, Jordan, he told me that he does see similarities between his game and Anthony Edwards’ game. ,” Broussard said on “The Odd Couple” podcast.

Broussard made similar comments to FS1’s “First Things First” on March 19.

“… If Jordan says there are similarities, there are similarities.”

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Become a human wonderful machine

This comparison has been around for a while, but not since Edwards produced arguably the “Block of the Year” and “Dunk of the Year” in a recent 11-day span from March 7 to March 18, 2024 After that, the comparison only got louder.

On March 7, Edwards jumped too high, hit his head on the rim, and made a game-saving block. The game caught the attention of Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett, who compared “Ant-Man” to the 1988 version of Jordan, largely because of Edwards’ dominance on both ends. In 1988, Jordan became the first player in NBA history to win both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same year.While Edwards is unlikely to do that this year, he’s earning praise from Garnett

Then, on March 11, Edwards called John Collins a “poster” so viciously that the Jazz forward Had to withdraw from the game with a head contusion.

The general consensus is that, like a young Jordan, Edwards has a different frame.

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Similar aura and personality

According to several NBA sources, in addition to being an eccentric athlete like Jordan, Edwards also exudes Jordan’s aura and personality. Like Jordan, Edwards is a fierce competitor on and off the court.

During the 2024 All-Star break, Edwards discussed the comparisons to Jordan during an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews.

“I mean, where would I be if I denied that (comparison)?” Edwards said. “But I don’t want to be compared to a guy of his caliber. I mean, I haven’t done anything on his level yet. But I love it. I’m glad they (Kevin Garnett and others) did that to me Confident. “I mean they’re not wrong. “

Also in February, Edwards gave an interesting response when asked for his reaction to: Kevin Garnett calls him the 1984 version Jordan.

“That’s OG, man. Whatever he says, it happens,” Edwards told veteran reporter Rachel Nichols. “Anyone who wants to argue with him, you have to argue with Michael Jordan.”

“I think he’s definitely right,” Edwards added. “He said ’84 Jordan, not ’96 or ’97 Jordan. He said ’84,’ and I agree with that.”