A few weeks ago, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards stirred up controversy with a bold statement comparing the current era of basketball to the era of Michael Jordan and earlier players. Edwards made the remark during an interview with the Wall Street Journal, claiming that the level of skill in past decades didn’t match today’s standards.
“They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don’t think anybody had skill back then,” Edwards said. “[Michael Jordan] was the only one who really had skill, you know what I mean? But now everybody has skill.”
This comment quickly caught the attention of NBA legends, including Magic Johnson, who didn’t appreciate Edwards’ take on the league’s history. Johnson, known for his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time, had a strong response to the young star’s remarks. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live Thursday night, Johnson addressed Edwards’ comments directly and didn’t hold back.
“Thanks a lot, Anthony,” Johnson sarcastically remarked to Kimmel. “I think he should’ve asked somebody—maybe his father or his grandfather—about players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dr. J, Isiah Thomas, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Clyde Drexler, Dominique Wilkins. We had some of the most dominant players to ever play the game.”
Johnson’s critique didn’t stop there. He also pointed out that Edwards’ achievements haven’t quite reached the level where such bold statements would carry weight. “Also, you might want to talk trash when you’ve won something. If this came from some of the guys who just won on the Celtics, OK, maybe you listen. But you haven’t won anything yet,” Johnson continued. “If I’m Anthony Edwards, I’m more concerned about the Dallas Mavericks, OKC, Boston, and all these great teams. You got beat by the Mavericks. You didn’t make it to the championship. Focus on that instead of talking about an era you weren’t even born in.”
Johnson’s comments resonated with many fans and analysts who found Edwards’ original remark dismissive of the contributions of NBA legends. The league has undoubtedly evolved over time, with the modern game featuring faster pace, advanced shooting, and more athleticism. However, Johnson emphasized that the players from his era were not only incredibly skilled but also laid the foundation for the league’s current success.
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The evolution of basketball has brought improvements in athleticism, training, and offensive strategies, but some aspects, such as defensive intensity, have declined in comparison to past decades. While Edwards’ claim about modern players having more skill may be true in some cases, Johnson’s rebuttal highlights the importance of respecting the legends who paved the way for today’s stars.
Johnson’s reaction is understandable, considering the legacy of players like himself, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Larry Bird, who all revolutionized the game. The competitive nature and high basketball IQ that defined earlier generations were as much a part of their greatness as physical skill. Johnson’s remarks serve as a reminder that while the game continues to evolve, the accomplishments of past players shouldn’t be undermined.
Edwards, who is coming off a strong performance in the Western Conference Finals despite the Timberwolves falling short to the Dallas Mavericks, has already made a name for himself as one of the league’s rising stars. He also played a key role in helping Team USA secure a gold medal in the Olympics this summer, further solidifying his position as a future face of the NBA.
As the upcoming NBA season approaches, Edwards will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself on the court and possibly back up his comments with on-court success. However, his controversial remarks about the past versus present may continue to spark debates about the ever-changing nature of basketball and how today’s stars should honor the legends who built the foundation they now stand on.
