The basketball world loves a good comparison, anthony edwards especially when it involves Michael Jordan, the man many consider the greatest player to ever step on a court. Today, Anthony Edwards, the electrifying guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, finds himself at the center of this conversation. Fans, analysts, and even players can’t help but notice similarities between Edwards’ game and Jordan’s iconic style. With the 2024-2025 NBA season in full swing as of March 21, 2025, Edwards continues to dazzle, prompting fresh discussions about his connection to the legend. This article dives into their stories, explores the latest developments, and examines why Edwards’ name keeps popping up alongside Jordan’s.
The Rise of Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards burst onto the NBA scene when the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him as the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. At just 19 years old, the Georgia native brought a rare mix of athleticism, confidence, and raw talent to a struggling franchise. Fast forward to today, and Edwards, now 23, stands as one of the league’s brightest stars. His explosive dunks, silky jump shots, and fearless attitude draw crowds to their feet every night.
This season, Edwards averages around 26 points per game, showcasing his ability to take over games. His standout performances, like a career-high 53-point outburst against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 4, 2025, highlight his growth. Moreover, Edwards leads the Timberwolves with a swagger that echoes the confidence of a young Michael Jordan. His journey from a rookie with potential to a bona fide All-Star mirrors the early steps of Jordan’s ascent with the Chicago Bulls.
Edwards doesn’t shy away from the spotlight either. He embraces challenges, often calling himself the “No. 1 option” even when surrounded by stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant on Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics. That boldness, paired with his on-court production, fuels the Jordan comparisons. Yet, Edwards’ story remains uniquely his own, shaped by today’s game and his personal flair.
Michael Jordan: The Gold Standard
Michael Jordan needs no introduction, but his legacy deserves a quick spotlight to understand why Edwards’ name links to his. Jordan entered the NBA in 1984 as the third overall pick by the Chicago Bulls, quickly transforming the league with his scoring, defense, and competitive fire. Over his career, he claimed six championships, five MVP awards, and ten scoring titles, cementing his status as a basketball icon.
Jordan’s game featured jaw-dropping athleticism, a lethal mid-range jumper, and an unmatched ability to perform in clutch moments. He faced relentless double-teams and physical defenses, yet he adapted and thrived. His famous “Jordan Rules” battles against the Detroit Pistons in the late 1980s showcased his evolution from a one-man show to a team leader who trusted his teammates. That adaptability turned the Bulls into a dynasty and Jordan into a global superstar.
Even today, Jordan’s influence looms large. Players study his moves, wear his sneakers, and chase his records. At 61 years old, he remains a benchmark for greatness, a figure whose shadow stretches across generations. Edwards, born in 2001—two years before Jordan’s final NBA game—grew up in a world where Jordan’s legend shaped basketball culture. Now, Edwards steps into that legacy, whether he likes it or not.
Comparing Their Games
Fans love dissecting how Edwards stacks up to Jordan, and the similarities jump out immediately. Both players boast incredible athleticism, soaring for highlight-reel dunks that leave defenders helpless. Edwards’ turnaround fadeaways and mid-range pull-ups echo Jordan’s signature moves, drawing gasps from arenas across the league. Their physical builds align too—Edwards stands at 6’4” and 225 pounds, while Jordan measured 6’6” and 216 pounds in his prime.
Scoring defines both stars. Jordan won ten scoring titles, averaging 30.1 points per game over his career. Edwards, in his fifth season, trends upward, with his 26.3 points per game this year marking a career high so far. He attacks the rim with ferocity, much like Jordan did, but also stretches the floor with a modern three-point shot. Jordan, playing in an era with less emphasis on long-range shooting, still developed a deadly mid-range game that Edwards emulates.
Defensively, Jordan set the standard, earning nine All-Defensive First Team nods. Edwards, while not yet at that level, shows flashes of brilliance with his quick hands and relentless energy. Posts on X from March 2025 note Edwards’ “marauding athleticism” and “devilish scoring,” traits Jordan mastered. However, Edwards lacks Jordan’s killer instinct—that cold-blooded drive to crush opponents. That edge, analysts argue, separates the two for now.
Edwards’ Take on Jordan and the Past
Edwards doesn’t always welcome the Jordan comparisons, but he respects the legend. In an August 2024 interview with the Wall Street Journal, he stirred controversy by saying, “I don’t think anybody had skill back then. [Jordan] was the only one that really had skill.” The comment sparked backlash from fans and former players, who pointed to stars like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Hakeem Olajuwon as proof of past talent. Edwards later doubled down in October 2024, telling ESPN’s Jamal Collier, “I would’ve been the guy guarding him, scoring back on him.”
That confidence defines Edwards. He believes he belongs among the elites, past or present. Yet, he also acknowledges Jordan’s greatness. In a February 2025 press conference, he sidestepped a direct comparison, saying, “I haven’t done anything on his level yet, but I love that they got faith in me.” His outreach to Jordan in January shows he values the legend’s expertise, even if he wants to carve his own path.
Interestingly, Edwards credits other influences too. In March 2025, after a win over the Los Angeles Clippers, he told reporters he studied Luka Doncic’s film to improve against double-teams. Whether Jordan suggested that approach remains a mystery, but it highlights Edwards’ willingness to learn from multiple sources. His game evolves daily, blending old-school flair with new-school versatility
The Timberwolves’ Quest and Jordan’s Bulls Blueprint
Edwards carries the hopes of a Timberwolves franchise desperate for success. Minnesota reached the Western Conference Finals in 2024, their deepest run since 2004, thanks to Edwards’ 28.5 playoff points per game. Jordan, too, lifted the Bulls from mediocrity to glory, but it took time and the right pieces—Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and shooters like Steve Kerr.
The Timberwolves adjust their roster around Edwards. Trading Towns for Randle aims to complement his style, though spacing issues persist. Mike Conley, at 37, nears the end of his prime, pushing Edwards into a bigger playmaking role. Jordan faced similar challenges early, learning to trust teammates before dominating. Edwards, still young, anthony edwards michael jordan grows into that leadership, but the clock ticks as Minnesota chases its first title.
Jordan’s Bulls won their first championship in 1991, his seventh season. Edwards, in year five, has time, but the parallels intrigue fans. Can he replicate Jordan’s trajectory? The Timberwolves’ 2025 season, hovering around a .500 record as of March, tests his resolve. Every win brings them closer; every loss sharpens his hunger.
FAQs
Why do people compare Anthony Edwards to Michael Jordan?
People compare them because Edwards mirrors Jordan’s athleticism, scoring ability, and swagger. Both excel as shooting guards, dominate with mid-range shots, and dazzle with high-flying dunks. Edwards’ bold personality and playoff heroics, like his 31-point average against the Suns in 2024, echo Jordan’s clutch reputation.
Did Anthony Edwards really ask Michael Jordan for advice?
Yes, Edwards reached out to Jordan in early January 2025 for tips on beating double-teams. ESPN’s Mark Jones reported this during a Timberwolves-Nuggets game, noting Edwards’ frustration with defensive pressure. His improved play since suggests Jordan’s advice made an impact.
How do Edwards’ stats compare to Jordan’s at the same age?
At 23, Edwards averaged 26.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 2025, per NBA.com. Jordan, at 23 in 1986-87, posted 37.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Jordan’s scoring outpaces Edwards, but Edwards’ three-point shooting fits today’s game.
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