Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, recognized for his outstanding profession and unyielding aggressive spirit, not too long ago responded with power to feedback made by Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. Edwards, who at 23 has already made a reputation for himself as one of many NBA’s rising abilities, discovered himself in sizzling water after making controversial statements in regards to the Nineteen Nineties period of basketball and its legendary gamers.
In a latest interview, Edwards claimed that Michael Jordan was the one participant of his time with actual ability, a comment that didn’t sit effectively with followers of the older generations of basketball, nor with the gamers who outlined that period.
Edwards’ feedback got here throughout a dialogue the place he downplayed the general ability degree of gamers within the Nineteen Nineties, suggesting that the sport has developed considerably and that right this moment’s gamers are way more expert.
Magic Johnson had this to say after Anthony Edwards stated Michael Jordan was the one expert participant of his period 😳
[via @espn] pic.twitter.com/YBIxJ1OlY8
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 26, 2024
“I didn’t watch it again within the day so I can’t communicate on it,” Edwards stated. “They are saying it was more durable again then than it’s now, however I don’t suppose anyone had ability again then. [Michael Jordan] was the one one that actually had ability, you realize what I imply? In order that’s why once they noticed Kobe [Bryant], they have been like, ‘Oh, my God.’ However now all people has ability.”
The assertion rapidly went viral, drawing criticism from followers, analysts, and gamers alike. Nevertheless, it was Magic Johnson’s sharp retort that stole the headlines.
Johnson, a five-time NBA champion and three-time league MVP, was fast to place Edwards in his place throughout an interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. Johnson, who’s extensively considered the most effective level guards within the historical past of the game, didn’t maintain again in expressing his ideas on Edwards’ take.
“I by no means reply to a man who’s by no means gained a championship,” Johnson stated. “I’ve obtained nothing to say. He didn’t win a school championship, I don’t even know if he gained a highschool championship.”
Johnson’s pointed remarks have been a stark reminder of the hole in accomplishments between himself and Edwards. Whereas Edwards has proven promise and confidence in his younger profession, together with a powerful efficiency in final season’s Western Convention Finals the place he averaged 24.6 factors, 8.8 rebounds, and seven.8 assists, his resume pales compared to that of Johnson.
Earlier than Crew USA’s Olympic run in Paris final month, the Wolves star boldly known as himself the squad’s “No. 1 choice”
The timing of Johnson’s response additionally coincides with Edwards’ latest declaration of himself because the “No. 1 choice” on Crew USA’s squad for the upcoming Paris Video games, a daring declare provided that the roster contains the likes of LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. This self-assuredness, whereas admirable, appears to have rubbed a number of the NBA’s elder statesmen the flawed method, significantly when paired with Edwards’ remarks in regards to the Nineteen Nineties period.
Edwards’ criticism of older generations has been interpreted by many as a scarcity of respect for the historical past of the sport and the legends who paved the best way for right this moment’s stars. Gamers like Johnson, Larry Hen, and Magic’s longtime rival Michael Jordan, not solely dominated their period but in addition remodeled the game into a worldwide phenomenon. Johnson’s retort highlights the satisfaction that gamers from his technology take of their contributions to the sport.
Whereas Edwards continues to construct his profession, it’s clear that he nonetheless has a lot to show. His expertise is plain, however as Johnson’s feedback recommend, there’s a major distinction between potential and legacy. Edwards could also be the way forward for the NBA, however till he matches the achievements of these he critiques, his phrases might proceed to fall on deaf ears among the many sport’s greats.
Because the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, all eyes might be on Edwards to see if he can again up his phrases together with his play. For now, nevertheless, the younger star should deal with the fact that within the eyes of many, he nonetheless has an extended technique to go earlier than he can confidently communicate on the sport’s best period and its legends.
