Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves squandered a prime opportunity in their second round matchup with the Denver Nuggets. After taking a 2-0 series lead, they allowed Denver to even up the series on Sunday, falling 115-107. Their inability to win at least one game at home means they will need another road victory to keep their postseason alive.
Minnesota’s loss was no fault of Edwards, however, as he continued his elite postseason run. The two-time All-Star finished with 44 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. He shot 16-25 from the field, 5-8 from three-point range and 7-8 from the free-throw line. His strong play throughout the regular season and postseason has left many believing that the fourth-year guard could become the face of the league.
Rob Perez recently shared how he believes Edwards can accomplish that feat by the end of the summer. Speaking to Justin Termine of SiriusXM NBA Radio, the NBA insider stated:
You have to win a title, probably this year, and you have to get the gold medal at the Olympics the same way Jordan has, LeBron has. This is going to be as difficult of an Olympic campaign because of how much parity there is in the world with talent now.
There is no more guarantee the United States is going to be at the top of that podium. So, if Anthony Edwards beats the Denver Nuggets, if Anthony Edwards somehow keeps the Boston Celtics from winning a title in the Finals and then wins the gold medal, oh my goodness.
Edwards will have plenty of help in the Olympics as the United States will send a loaded roster to Paris this summer. While winning a gold medal may not help his case as the face of the NBA by itself, if it follows a championship run, there will be plenty of chatter that the league belongs to the young star.
Kenyon Martin does not agree with Anthony Edwards, Michael Jordan comparisons
Anthony Edwards is in the midst of an elite postseason run. He is averaging 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. The Minnesota Timberwolves star is shooting 56.0% from the field, 44.1% from three-point range and 82.7% from the free-throw line. His strong two-way play has led many to compare him to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.
Kenyon Martin recently revealed he is not a fan of the comparisons, claiming they are too soon. Speaking to Justin Termine and Eddie A. Johnson of SiriusXM NBA Radio, the former All-Star stated:
First and foremost, I hate comparisons. Everybody is different. Michael Jordan was Michael Jordan. Nobody is ever going to be Michael Jordan so let’s stop this. Anthony Edwards is a great young talent in this league and he’s making a name for himself in this NBA and he has a bright, bright future.
The competitive nature, you could probably go with that, but it’s too early. The kid’s 22 years old. Let’s take him out of the microwave society and let’s let him enjoy this success and everybody enjoy it with him. Let’s enjoy this ride. People are too quick to crown people and put titles in comparison to people. Let’s just appreciate the work that he’s doing.
While Edwards has the opportunity to become the face of the league in the future, the comparisons are likely far too soon. He is in the midst of his first trip out of the first round and has yet to earn All-NBA honors – although that will likely change when this year’s teams are announced. The two-time All-Star has had a great start to his career, however, he has a long way to go before being considered an all-time great. Edwards himself has shared that he is not a fan of the comparisons and wants them to stop.
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