Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards stirred up controversy recently with his bold assertion that Michael Jordan was the only skilled player in the NBA during the 1990s. The comment, made during an interview with Lane Florsheim of the Wall Street Journal for a feature on the rising NBA superstar, has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts alike.
In the interview, Edwards, who is known for his confidence and candid nature, reflected on the differences between the NBA of the past and the present. “I didn’t watch it back in the day, so I can’t speak on it,” Edwards began. “They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don’t think anybody had skill back then. [Michael Jordan] was the only one that really had skill, you know what I mean? So that’s why when they saw Kobe [Bryant], they were like, ‘Oh, my God.’ But now everybody has skill.”
Edwards’ comments have drawn criticism from those who feel that he is overlooking the talent and skill of many legendary players from that era. While it’s true that today’s NBA players often exhibit a wider array of skills, especially on the offensive end, dismissing the talent of the 90s players is seen by many as a misstep.
The 90s were a golden age for the NBA, with superstars like Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, and many others who were known for their incredible skills. Players like Reggie Miller, who would have thrived in today’s three-point heavy game, and Allen Iverson, who revolutionized the guard position with his quickness and scoring ability, are just a few examples of the talent that existed during that decade. Imagining how they would perform under modern rules, with the increased focus on offense and less physical defense, only underscores their greatness.
Edwards’ comments reflect a broader debate about the evolution of the NBA, with some arguing that the game has become more skilled and others insisting that the physicality and competitiveness of past eras offered a different kind of challenge. While Edwards is correct that today’s players have honed skills that make them incredibly versatile, the implication that only Jordan was skilled in the 90s overlooks the contributions of many Hall of Famers who dominated the game.
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Interestingly, Edwards’ bold statement wasn’t the only eyebrow-raising comment he made during the interview. He also downplayed the importance of winning an NBA championship in the near future. “I don’t know too many guys who won a championship super young, besides Kobe,” Edwards said. “Other than him, everybody took years and years of losing to get there. I just want to keep taking the next step.”
While it’s admirable that Edwards is focused on personal growth and development, his comments may not sit well with Timberwolves fans who are eager for their team to capitalize on its current roster and compete for a title.
With a strong supporting cast around him, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, Minnesota is in a position to make a deep playoff run, and fans likely expect their young star to be fully committed to chasing a championship.
In the end, Edwards’ remarks highlight the importance of perspective when discussing different eras of the NBA. While the league has undoubtedly evolved, with players today displaying a wide range of skills, the contributions of past legends should not be underestimated.
As Edwards continues to grow as a player, he may come to appreciate the nuances of the game’s history and the legacy left by those who came before him.
