Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has been compared to NBA legend and Chicago Bulls alum Michael Jordan. His skills and body type are similar to Jordan’s, leading to the comparisons.
Edwards acknowledges the comparisons. In a May 6 article with FOX Sports’ Melissa Rohlin, Edwards shared his honest thoughts about being compared to Jordan.
“I want the comparisons to stop,” he informed Rohlin. “He’s the greatest of all time. I can’t be compared to him.”
Despite his talent, it's premature to compare Edwards to Jordan, given that he hasn't achieved the same success as Jordan did in his prime. Jordan won five Most Valuable Player awards and six NBA titles. However, he didn't win a championship until he was 28. Edwards, who is 22 years old, just secured his first playoff series win. However, he has plenty of time ahead of him.
Nevertheless, the comparison underscores how thrilling Edwards is as a player. Edwards recently led the Timberwolves to their first playoff series victory since 2004—their first playoff win since the prime of Kevin Garnett. Notably, they achieved an impressive playoff win over the reigning NBA Champion, the Denver Nuggets, on their home court.
If Edwards leads the Timberwolves to multiple championships, then the comparison will likely gain more traction.
Anthony Edwards Recognized as First-Round MVPs
For his performance against the Phoenix Suns, NBA.com’s Michael C. Wright named Edwards as the Most Valuable Player of the Timberwolves' first-round series.
Wright explained why he selected Edwards in a May 6 article.
“Edwards achieved a career-high scoring average of 25.9 points in the regular season with 5.1 assists and 5.4 rebounds. In the first round, the 22-year-old elevated his performance. Against the Suns, he averaged 31 points, 8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2 steals in leading Minnesota to a sweep of veteran-laden Phoenix. Along the way, we witnessed some memorable moments from a player TNT’s Charles Barkley described as “a dog” (in a positive manner).”
Wright also elaborated on why Karl-Anthony Towns was the runner-up.
“Towns had nothing but praise for his superstar teammate. Still, he also deserves acknowledgement for his 19.3 ppg effort in the series following a one-month absence (knee injury).”
Edwards lived up to expectations in Game 1 against the Nuggets. In their victory, Edwards scored 43 points on 17-for-29 shooting. A new playoff high for him.
Mike Conley on Anthony Edwards-MJ Comparison
While Edwards disapproves of the comparison, Mike Conley discussed why he's being compared to the basketball icon.
“Obviously, they share many of the same mannerisms,” Conley informed Rohlin. “The moves, the fadeaways, the athleticism, the poster dunks, the blocks, the defensive plays that he makes. But most importantly, it's his drive. That same level of work ethic, that same 'I don’t sleep at all at night because I’m ready to play, I’m ready to hoop.'”
Conley has played alongside numerous talented players over the years, including Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Donovan Mitchell, and Rudy Gobert, outside of the Timberwolves. As one of the oldest players in the NBA, Conley had not played with a player like Edwards before Minnesota acquired him in 2023.
