Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been dominant in the 2024 NBA playoffs, and his play style has garnered comparisons to Michael Jordan.
Mychal Thompson, a former Los Angeles Laker and father of four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson, believes he might be even better.
NBA Legend Believes Anthony Edwards Is “More Explosive” Than Michael Jordan
Thompson Compares Edwards to Jordan
I swear Anthony Edwards reminds me of the 22 year old Jordan I played against…But Ants STRONGER and even MORE Explosive…SCARY aint it?
— Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) May 7, 2024
High praise from a player who witnessed Jordan’s Chicago Bulls prime firsthand.
Thompson is now a Lakers radio color commentator. The former Lakers center played against Jordan 12 times in his career. In those contests from 1984 to 1991, Thompson averaged 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Jordan, on the other hand, averaged 33.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.
Edwards’ Performance in the Playoffs
Edwards has yet to lose a game in these playoffs.
After a dominant sweep of the Phoenix Suns, the Timberwolves shocked the 2023 champion Denver Nuggets by taking both games at Ball Arena.
Edwards scored 43 points in Game 1 to lead Minnesota to a tight 107-99 victory.
Game 2 was a statement performance from the entire Timberwolves team, as they lambasted Denver 106-80 in spite of Rudy Gobert‘s absence due to the birth of his child. Edwards scored 27 points on 11-17 shooting, to go along with seven assists.
Similarities Between Edwards and Jordan
Edwards has a long ways to go to catch up to Jordan, who many feel is the greatest of all time.
The two do share some uncanny similarities however. The Timberwolves star defies gravity, with the ability to hang in the air to finish contested layups and dunk over much bigger defenders. His post game and footwork may not be as developed as Jordan’s was, but it’s already among the best in the NBA at such a young age.
His unwavering confidence and swagger are reminiscent of MJ as well, as many were quick to point out during last night’s game against Denver. The former Georgia Bulldog sank a deep three-pointer over Denver’s Justin Holiday, before responding to a fan seated court side.
ANTHONY EDWARDS JUST HIT THE “MICHAEL JORDAN SHRUG” AFTER A SIDE-STEP THREE IN GAME 2! 😳🤷♂️
Is he really MJ’s son? pic.twitter.com/oK7zQiY7LA
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 7, 2024
Edwards Shuts Down Jordan Comparisons
“Ant-Man” is not a fan of the comparisons however.
Anthony Edwards wants everyone to stop the Michael Jordan comparisons:
“I want it to stop. He’s the greatest of all time. I can’t be compared to him.”
Thoughts? 🤔
Via. @melissarohlin pic.twitter.com/78GY4bw78a
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 6, 2024
It’s easy to get caught up in your own hype, but Edwards has proved time and time again that he is as mature an athlete as one can be at 22 years of age.
Minnesota will attempt to take a commanding 3-0 lead on their home floor on Friday. If Edwards is able to sweep the defending champions and advance to the Western Conference Finals, don’t expect the Jordan comparisons to go away anytime soon.
