Story of one of NBA’s best photos of the year backs up claims that Anthony Edwards is the ‘new Michael Jordan’ | Relief

Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic… They are both excellent candidates for NBA regular season MVP. However, one name didn’t make the short list but became one of the NBA’s greatest figures this season. This person is none other than Anthony Edwards.

The striker has become The surprising leader of the Minnesota Timberwolves — even more so without Karl-Anthony Towns — they remain second in the Western Conference, just half a game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. A player who can support his team in winning games against good teams like the Utah Jazz (104-114), and most importantly, his play and performance are memorable.

just because of Edwards recently left a photo of the year, blocking with both hands to seal the Wolves’ victory against the Pacers.this time “Ant-Man” (his nickname in the NBA) is behind the scenes again Signed one of the best dunk players in the American League this season.

The move drew applause from legends like Kevin Garnett and Dwyane Wade and left game announcers speechless. Edwards, who has a vertical jump of 104 centimeters, caught the ball while running and jumped slightly far before the free throw line. He doesn’t care. How little he cared that John Collins was right in front of him. Edwards gave him the lead and — aside from the personal foul — ended up blasting to the rim.

‘It gives me chills,’ Wolves player says Just saw his repeated actions at the end of the car crash. He was hesitant and proud of his actions, he promised to give the shirt to his opponent, when a kid in the stands asked him for it at the end of the game. A different player, he has confidence in himself and his possibilities, which is his main strength.

Due to his flying and outstanding moves, many began to compare him to Michael Jordan. Big talk. But not only does he have springs in his legs, he also has a personality that matches what he was when he was “23”. A player who is not afraid of anything or anyone and when he is on the pitch he thinks no one is better than him until proven otherwise.

“The league has to get ready for Anthony Edwards. This is Edwards’ league now, the new Jordan. That boy looks like Michael Jordan,” former NBA player Nick Young said in an Instagram Live on his personal account commented. He’s not the only one who decided to compare the Bulls’ mythical “23” to the young Atlanta product. Patrick Beverley, one of the most controversial figures in the NBA, also highlighted Edwards’ potential.

“If I said that, I think everyone would tell me I was crazy and I would put a lot of pressure on the boy. But, I said, ‘Man, you have a chance. A chance to be Michael Jordan’s brother. You have it, you have it”The former Philadelphia 76ers player, along with players from other teams, explained more than a year ago (March 2022) on JJ Redick’s podcast. Even ESPN reporter Tim McMahon revealed on “The Hoop Collective” that an NBA scout admitted that Edwards “will be the next Michael Jordan.”

Jordan made a special trip to Atlanta to meet with the player in person before the 2020 draft and weigh his options for selecting him with No. 3 The Charlotte Hornets’ performance that season. He didn’t “get that low.” The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t miss the opportunity and signed the talented player from Georgia with their first pick. It seems they were not wrong.

Tragedy is like gasoline

Edwards has lived up to expectations every season. He’s able to do that because of his physique, but also because of his talent and exceptional work ethic. Faced with the misfortune that had accompanied him since childhood, he turned his spirit and desire for daily progress into his personal refuge.. The nickname “Ant-Man” was given to him by his father, who was barely present in his life. In order to achieve his goal of making it to the NBA, he had to overcome many obstacles. He did it like great men do: through sweat and tears.

Edwards began pounding copper with his brothers in the backyard of his grandmother’s house in Atlanta, Georgia. There, he alternated between spirals and oval balls thrown to him by his brother and baskets he shared with his sister. They began to develop a relationship that became fundamental support for Edwards when tragedy struck his family in 2015.

Just eight months later, his mother Yvette and grandmother Shirley died of cancer, leaving teenage Anthony completely devastated., not knowing how to move on with his life.yes He was kept going by his two brothers, who allowed him to see his special talent in sports He can honor those he loves by being the best player on the court or on the grass. Edwards became a competitive beast. He chose the number 5 (in memory of his mother and grandmother who died on the 5th) He works day and night to improve his game. “Losing my mother was very painful. My grandmother was our rock. She did everything for us. When we had no money, she paid our bills and she told me to always smile no matter what,” he recalled years later .

Two figures, his mother and grandmother, were the foundation for Edwards to enter the NBA and choose basketball over football. Considered the best kid running back in the country, basketball is a job for Edwards as his true passion remains American football. In fact, he still aspires to be the first athlete to combine the NBA and NFL. “I think it’s possible,” commented one player recently with a determination that shows every time he devours the rim like he did against Utah.