NBA legend Magic Johnson recently responded to Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, who made controversial comments about Michael Jordan being the only skilled player of his era. Johnson, a five-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, criticized Edwards for his lack of championship experience and questioned his understanding of basketball history. Edwards, a young player with potential, has a lot to learn and grow in his career.
Johnson’s resume in basketball speaks for itself, with numerous accolades and a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Known for his passing ability and leadership, Johnson is considered one of the greatest point guards of all time, alongside LeBron James. In contrast, Edwards, at 23 years old, has achieved success as a two-time All-Star, 2024 All-NBA member, and 2020-21 All-Rookie team member. While he has potential, he still has a long way to go in his career.
Edwards caused a stir when he suggested that only Michael Jordan had skill in the 90s era of basketball, claiming ignorance of the era’s players and competition. Johnson, who revolutionized the game with his style of play, took offense to this statement, emphasizing the importance of respecting the history and legacy of the sport. Edwards, coming off a gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics, should take the opportunity to learn from the legends who paved the way for players like him.
Johnson and Larry Bird are credited with saving the NBA during a critical period, and their impact on the league is still felt today. When Johnson speaks, the basketball world listens, given his stature as a basketball icon. His critique of Edwards serves as a reminder of the value of championship experience and understanding the history of the game. While Edwards has shown promise in his young career, he still has much to learn and achieve before reaching all-time great status.
As Edwards continues to develop as a player, he should take Johnson’s words to heart and seek to broaden his understanding of basketball history. With the potential he has shown early in his career, Edwards has the opportunity to make his mark on the game in the years to come. Learning from the achievements and experiences of legends like Johnson can only benefit him as he works towards reaching his full potential in the NBA. Time will tell where Edwards ends up in the pantheon of basketball greats, but for now, his focus should be on learning and growing as a player.
