Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, identified for his outstanding profession and unyielding aggressive spirit, just lately 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 skills, discovered himself in scorching water after making controversial statements in regards to the Nineteen Nineties period of basketball and its legendary gamers.
In a current 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 stage of gamers within the Nineteen Nineties, suggesting that the sport has advanced considerably and that right now’s gamers are way more expert.
Magic Johnson had this to say after Anthony Edwards mentioned 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 converse on it,” Edwards mentioned. “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 understand what I imply? In order that’s why after they noticed Kobe [Bryant], they had been like, ‘Oh, my God.’ However now all people has ability.”
The assertion rapidly went viral, drawing criticism from followers, analysts, and gamers alike. Nonetheless, 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 top-of-the-line 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 received a championship,” Johnson mentioned. “I’ve obtained nothing to say. He didn’t win a university championship, I don’t even know if he received a highschool championship.”
Johnson’s pointed remarks had 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 robust 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 Group 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’ current declaration of himself because the “No. 1 choice” on Group USA’s squad for the upcoming Paris Video games, a daring declare on condition that the roster consists of 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 incorrect manner, notably when paired with Edwards’ remarks in regards to the Nineteen Nineties period.
Edwards’ criticism of older generations has been interpreted by many as an absence of respect for the historical past of the sport and the legends who paved the way in which for right now’s stars. Gamers like Johnson, Larry Chook, and Magic’s longtime rival Michael Jordan, not solely dominated their period but in addition reworked the game into a worldwide phenomenon. Johnson’s retort highlights the pleasure 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 simple, 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 shall be on Edwards to see if he can again up his phrases together with his play. For now, nonetheless, the younger star must deal with the truth that within the eyes of many, he nonetheless has an extended approach to go earlier than he can confidently converse on the sport’s best period and its legends.