“I think he’s Jordanesque.” Stephen A. Smith has for long been one of the biggest advocates for Anthony Edwards becoming the next face of the NBA. With an eerily similar playing style, athleticism and most importantly, killer mentality to Michael Jordan, Ant-Man sure checks all the boxes to take that spot. But he still needs the accolades to solidify the claim. Now is his chance to do that as he faces the OKC Thunder in the Conference Finals. And once again, Stephen A. has high expectations from him.
As the Wolves and Thunder locked horns for Game 1 of the series, the ESPN analyst made his feelings clear about Edwards on Live TV, “I’m watching to see how assertive and aggressive he is. He understands who Oklahoma City is. He understands what’s gonna be required in order to knock them off and it starts and ends with him. And he has to accept the challenge and rise to the occasion and let everybody know, all of this noise about him wanting no less smoke was absolutely, positively true. He wants it. He’s aiming for it. He’s coming for it like a shark in blood infested water and he’s here to take it.”
Well, Ant-Man has been on fire throughout these playoffs, averaging 26.5 points and eight rebounds in the previous two series. He has already knocked out the two current faces of the league, LeBron James and Stephen Curry, both with a gentleman’s sweep. If he tops that by sending this year’s potential MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander home to make it to his first NBA Finals, it will highly likely make him the next biggest superstar in the NBA.
Obviously, it will not be that easy because Thunder have been a much better team than the Warriors and Lakers this year. They won a league high 68 games this regular season and are arguably the deepest team in the competition. So, Edwards needs to play at an elite level if he wishes to get past them. That’s what Stephen A. believes would be the next stepping stone in his young career.
Stephen A. Smith believes Anthony Edwards needs to conquer the West to make NBA “his league”
Earlier this month, Stephen A. revealed on First Take how Edwards can elevate his superstar status, “It’s not Ant Edwards’ league until he wins the West. He doesn’t necessarily have to win the championship, but he gotta win the West.” Well, the Timberwolves have never made it to the NBA Finals. The only two times they came close was when Kevin Garnett led them to the West Finals in 2004 and last year when Ant-Man did the same. If he is able to get over the hump this year, at the age of 23, it will surely elevate him as a superstar.
Jan 18, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates his three-point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
“The brother’s box office and the more you see him, the more you want to see him. If you don’t have the championship, they’re not gonna give it to you but if you come out of the West, a West that includes LeBron and Steph and SGA and Jokic and you’re the guy to come out of the West and by the way enroute to coming out of the West you beat all those people, that would be different.” Smith added. Sure enough, Edwards has no shortage of confidence despite going against the West’s top-seeded team. Last year during a quick interview, when Stephen A. asked him how he measures up against young stars like SGA and Luka, Ant responded without missing a beat, “I feel like I’m a better player. 100%.” Well, now is the time to prove it and etch his name in Wolves history. Do you think he can do it?
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